Imagine this: you’re craving a quick, warm meal, but your old microwave is on its last leg, or maybe you’re finally ready to upgrade your kitchen. You walk into an appliance store, or scroll through endless websites, and suddenly you’re faced with a wall of microwaves. Not just any microwaves, but the ones that hang above your stove – the Over-The-Counter (OTC) models. Suddenly, choosing a simple appliance feels like a giant puzzle!
Picking the right OTC microwave can be a real headache. You worry about fitting it, how much power it has, and if it will actually look good with your kitchen. You want something that works well and doesn’t break the bank, but the choices feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in all the features and specs, and you just want a microwave that makes your life easier, not harder.
Don’t worry! This post is here to guide you through the maze. We’ll break down what you really need to know about OTC microwaves, from important measurements to the best features for your cooking needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that’s perfect for your kitchen and your budget, making meal prep a breeze.
Our Top 5 Microwave Over The Counter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Over The Counter Detailed Reviews
1. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.3/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. It’s designed to make cooking easier and faster for busy families. This stainless steel microwave looks great above your stove and offers a lot of useful features.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature is amazing. It has 18 auto menus for things like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. This makes cooking simple and quick.
- Its large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10 power levels, you can heat or cook food just right.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful. It sucks up smoke and smells from your cooking. You can choose different fan speeds too.
- The bright cooktop light shines down on your stove. This helps you see clearly while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might want more advanced customization options for specific recipes.
- The touch panel is smart, but it can take a little getting used to for those who prefer physical buttons.
This Midea microwave oven is a solid choice for any kitchen. It combines convenience with powerful performance, making meal prep a breeze.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This 1.9 cubic foot powerhouse brings convenience and style to your cooking. Its 1000 watts of power and auto-cooking features make meal prep a breeze. Plus, it fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-Watt Cooking: Heats and cooks food quickly and evenly with ten power settings.
- One-Touch Auto Cook Menus: Easily prepare popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, snacks, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and frozen breakfasts with pre-programmed settings.
- Strong Ventilation System: The two-speed, 400-CFM fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright Cooktop Lighting: Illuminate your stovetop for better visibility while cooking.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu.ft. interior and 13.5-inch turntable can handle large dishes, and you can even turn the turntable off for rectangular items.
- User-Friendly Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Instructions: While English installation instructions are available online, they are not included physically with the unit.
- Venting Fan Noise: Some users might find the venting fan to be a bit loud on its higher setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for busy households that want efficient cooking and smart kitchen solutions. It offers great features for its price point.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up leftovers, cooking meals, or defrosting frozen items. This microwave boasts a powerful 1000-watt output, ensuring your food is heated quickly and evenly. Its sleek black design fits well on any countertop.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a game-changer. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power, so your food is never overcooked or undercooked.
- You get 12 auto menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, making cooking super easy.
- It has 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control over how you cook.
- The Easy Defrost feature lets you defrost food by weight or time.
- You can start cooking instantly for up to 6 minutes with just one touch.
- The Mute Function is a thoughtful addition. You can turn off the buzzer by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
- It comes with a large 12.4-inch removable glass turntable.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, it only lists 6 preset menus in the features. This could be clearer.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and convenient choice for busy households. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make cooking a breeze.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, making it easy to cook for your whole family. Its powerful 1000-watt output and smart features help you prepare meals quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits big dishes and multiple servings.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food fast.
- One-touch auto cooking menus make preparing common foods simple.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels for one cooking cycle.
- The 300 CFM vent fan effectively clears smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- The built-in light illuminates your stovetop.
- A 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit complex.
- The exterior can show fingerprints easily, requiring frequent cleaning.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition for any busy kitchen. It combines ample space with powerful performance and convenient features.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed to make your kitchen tasks quicker and simpler. This black, 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs 700 watts of power, offering 10 different power levels and six handy cooking presets. Whether you’re popping popcorn, reheating leftovers, or warming up a beverage, this microwave gets the job done efficiently. Its sleek design fits right in with any kitchen decor, and it’s built with safety and convenience in mind.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies make cooking a breeze. You can also simply press the number keys for quick minute settings.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: Ten power levels, from melting butter to rapid cooking, give you complete control.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: Easy-to-use digital display lets you set time and power. The +30 seconds button is perfect for adding a little extra time.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program your most-used settings for one-touch cooking of your favorite foods.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings, and the Lock Mode secures the control panel.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence annoying beeps with the Audio Button, perfect for quiet mornings or late nights.
- MODERN DESIGN: The compact, black finish looks great in any kitchen. Eco Mode helps save power and dims the display when not in use.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety features and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or for families with high microwave usage.
This Chefman microwave is a reliable and user-friendly addition to any kitchen. It offers a great balance of features and performance for everyday use.
Choosing the Best Microwave Over the Counter
A microwave over the counter (also called an over-the-range microwave) is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It saves valuable counter space and often comes with extra features like a vent fan and lighting. Let’s dive into what you need to know to pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an over-the-counter microwave, several features make a big difference in how you use it.
- Capacity: This is how much food you can fit inside. Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. A smaller family might be fine with 1.5 cubic feet, but larger families or those who cook bigger meals will want 2.0 cubic feet or more.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage (like 1000 watts or more) means your food cooks faster and more evenly.
- Ventilation: Most over-the-range microwaves have a built-in vent fan. Look for one with good CFM (cubic feet per minute). A higher CFM means the fan pulls more smoke and steam out of your kitchen. Some vents can be set to recirculate air or vent outside.
- Cooking Presets: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable helps your food cook evenly. Most microwaves have this, but some offer a large turntable or even the option to turn it off.
- Lighting: A light inside the microwave helps you see your food. A light under the microwave is also useful for your stovetop.
- Control Panel: Some control panels are simple and easy to use. Others have lots of buttons and digital displays. Think about what you prefer.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is very popular. It looks sleek and is durable. Some microwaves are also available in black, white, or other finishes.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to wipe clean and resist stains better.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make your microwave better or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the microwave is.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean. Spills can be wiped away quickly.
- Ventilation Effectiveness: A weak vent fan won’t do much to clear your kitchen of cooking smells. Check reviews to see how well the fan works.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave will shape what features are most important to you.
- Everyday Heating: If you just reheat leftovers or make quick snacks, a basic model with good wattage might be all you need.
- Cooking and Meal Prep: If you plan to cook full meals or use the microwave for more than just heating, you’ll want a larger capacity and helpful presets.
- Stovetop Ventilation: If you do a lot of cooking on your stovetop, a powerful vent fan is a must-have. It keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- Families: Larger families might need a bigger microwave and features that make cooking faster and easier for everyone.
- Small Kitchens: For those with limited counter space, an over-the-range model is a lifesaver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of an over-the-counter microwave?
A: The main advantage is that it saves valuable counter space, which is great for smaller kitchens.
Q: How do I know if the microwave will fit in my kitchen?
A: You need to measure the space above your stove. Check the dimensions of the microwave and compare them to your available space. Also, make sure there is enough clearance above the microwave for it to work properly.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: Are over-the-counter microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can be tricky. Many people hire a professional or have a handy friend help. You’ll need to mount it securely to the wall and connect it to your home’s electrical system and ventilation if it vents outside.
Q: How important is the vent fan?
A: The vent fan is very important if you cook a lot on your stovetop. It helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.
Q: Can I use my over-the-counter microwave as a regular microwave if it doesn’t vent outside?
A: Yes, many over-the-counter microwaves can recirculate air if they don’t have an outside vent. This means the fan pulls air through a filter and blows it back into the kitchen.
Q: What is a “turntable” in a microwave?
A: A turntable is a rotating plate inside the microwave. It spins your food so it cooks more evenly.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough messes, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes. The steam will loosen the grime, making it easier to wipe away.
Q: Do I need special cookware for an over-the-counter microwave?
A: No, you can use most microwave-safe cookware. Avoid metal, as it can cause sparks. Always check if your dishes are labeled “microwave safe.”
Q: How long do over-the-counter microwaves typically last?
A: With good care, an over-the-counter microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding overuse will help it last longer.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!