Ever stare up at your kitchen ceiling and wonder if that big box above your stove could do more than just reheat leftovers? For many of us, the over-the-range microwave is a kitchen staple, but choosing the *right* one can feel like a culinary quest with no clear end. It’s a spot where convenience meets cooking, and if you pick the wrong one, you might end up with more frustration than flavor.
The truth is, these aren’t just simple boxes. They’re packed with features, from powerful ventilation to advanced cooking modes, and navigating the jargon can leave you feeling lost. You want a microwave that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking style, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Will it be too small? Too noisy? Will it actually clear the smoke from your stovetop?
That’s where we come in. This guide is designed to cut through the confusion and help you find the perfect over-the-range microwave for your kitchen. We’ll break down what really matters, explain the different features in plain English, and offer tips to make your decision a breeze. Get ready to transform that overhead appliance from a simple reheat station into a true kitchen workhorse!
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its large 1.9 cu.ft capacity fits plenty of food. The sleek design looks great above your stove, and it helps clear out cooking smells with its strong fan.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed auto menus for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 1000-watt power heats food quickly.
- A two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors.
- The LED cooktop lighting provides good visibility for cooking on your stovetop.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is great for cooking larger dishes.
- It includes useful features like a clock, kitchen timer, and a 30-second express cook button.
- A child lock adds safety for households with young children.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more customizable cooking options.
- The installation instructions are only available online, which might be inconvenient for some.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great combination of power and convenience for any kitchen. It’s a solid choice for making meal prep easier.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet stainless steel microwave is a powerful and convenient addition, perfect for busy households. It offers ample space for your cooking needs and a strong ventilation system to keep your kitchen fresh.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits big dishes and meals, with a 12.4-inch turntable to ensure even cooking.
- It has 10 different cooking levels and 6 quick-touch menus for popular items like popcorn, beverages, and defrosting.
- Speedy cooking options let you heat food for 1 to 3 minutes at full power with just one button press.
- Multi-stage cooking allows you to set different power levels and times in one go, saving you time and effort.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong and has two speeds to clear smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- An under-microwave light provides good lighting for your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1000-watt power level a bit too strong for delicate foods if not adjusted properly.
- The vent fan, while powerful, can be a bit noisy at its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a smart choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich and spacious over-the-range option. It makes cooking and kitchen ventilation a breeze.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek Stainless Steel. This bundle comes with a special 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind. It’s designed for easy cooking and convenient kitchen use. Plus, you get a charcoal filter replacement, which is important for keeping your microwave smelling fresh. This microwave is authorized by GE USA, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for families.
- Convenience cooking controls make heating food simple.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Stylish stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The provided dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit small for very large dishes.
- The “convenience cooking controls” could be more clearly explained for first-time users.
This GE microwave bundle offers a fantastic combination of features and protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen experience with a reliable and stylish appliance.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.1/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze with its smart features and powerful performance. Its sleek stainless steel design also looks great above your stovetop.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto-cook menus that make preparing common foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes super easy. Just press a button!
- The large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable easily fit big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You can adjust the cooking power with 10 different levels, and the 1000W output heats food quickly.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong and has adjustable fan speeds to get rid of cooking smells and smoke effectively.
- A bright light under the microwave shines down on your stovetop, making it easy to see what you’re cooking.
- The smart touch panel is user-friendly and makes selecting options simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto-cook menus are great, some users might want even more specialized options for unique dishes.
- The installation process might require a bit of DIY skill or professional help, which isn’t always ideal for everyone.
This Midea microwave oven offers a lot of convenience and power for your kitchen. It’s a great choice for busy households that want to cook delicious meals efficiently.
5. GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek black microwave is designed for convenience and efficiency. It comes bundled with a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind. This bundle ensures you have comprehensive coverage beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Powerful 1000 watts cooks food quickly and evenly.
- A two-speed, 300-CFM venting system effectively removes smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen.
- The Turntable On/Off feature gives you control over rotation for different cooking needs.
- Auto and time defrost options make preparing frozen foods simple and precise.
- Convenience cooking controls simplify operation for quick meals.
- Easy charcoal filter replacement keeps your air fresh.
- This bundle includes a 2-year premium extended service protection plan for added security.
- You get the GE USA AUTHORIZED product with a full manufacturer’s protection plan plus an additional 2-year extended plan.
What Could Be Improved:
- The two-speed venting system might not be powerful enough for extremely heavy cooking.
- While convenient, the “behind the door grille” for filter replacement could be more accessible.
This GE microwave offers a great combination of features and protection. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for a reliable and user-friendly over-the-range microwave.
Your Kitchen Superhero: The Over-the-Range Microwave Buying Guide
Tired of countertop clutter? An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a fantastic way to save space and add a powerful cooking tool to your kitchen. These handy appliances mount above your stove, giving you easy access to both microwave power and ventilation. Let’s dive into what makes a great OTR microwave.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for an OTR microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Microwave Power (Wattage): This tells you how fast your food cooks. Higher wattage (1000 watts or more) means quicker cooking. Lower wattage might take a bit longer.
- Capacity: This is the inside space of the microwave. It’s measured in cubic feet. Think about what you usually heat up. A family might need a larger capacity (around 2.0 cu. ft.) than a single person.
- Ventilation System: OTR microwaves have built-in fans to suck up smoke, steam, and cooking smells from your stove. Look for strong CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ratings. Higher CFM means better air cleaning. You’ll also want to know if it vents outside (external vent) or recirculates air back into the kitchen (recirculating vent). External venting is usually more effective.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature! Sensors detect moisture and adjust cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent over or undercooking your food.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass turntable that rotates your food for even heating. Some larger models might offer a turntable-off option for cooking rectangular dishes.
- Presets and Special Functions: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or beverages. Some offer defrosting options or even convection cooking (which uses hot air like an oven).
- Lighting: A good cooktop light illuminates your stove below. Some models have brighter LED lights.
Important Materials
Most OTR microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or enamel-coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern, but it can show fingerprints. Enamel is durable and easier to clean. The inside is usually a ceramic enamel or stainless steel. Ceramic enamel is very durable and easy to wipe clean.
What Makes a Quality Microwave?
Several things make an OTR microwave good or not so good:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The control panel should be responsive.
- Ventilation Strength: As mentioned, a strong CFM rating is key for effective ventilation. A weak fan won’t do much to clear your kitchen air.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. You shouldn’t have hot spots or cold spots in your meals.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls and clear instructions make a big difference. You want to be able to use your microwave without a struggle.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for information on sound levels.
User Experience and Use Cases
An OTR microwave is designed for convenience.
- Saving Space: Its main job is to free up your counter space. This makes your kitchen feel bigger and tidier.
- Quick Meals: It’s perfect for reheating leftovers, making quick snacks, or cooking frozen meals in a hurry.
- Stove Ventilation: The built-in fan helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh while you cook on the stovetop.
- Multi-tasking: You can be heating something in the microwave while also cooking on the stove below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature of an OTR microwave?
A: The most important features are its power (wattage) and its ventilation system. These affect how well it cooks and how clean your kitchen air stays.
Q: How do I know if I need a recirculating or external vent?
A: If your kitchen has an outside wall, an external vent is usually best. If not, a recirculating vent works by filtering the air.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage measures how much power the microwave uses. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: How big should my microwave be?
A: Consider how much food you usually heat. Larger families might need a bigger microwave (more cubic feet).
Q: Are OTR microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can be tricky because they are heavy and connect to electrical and ventilation systems. Many people hire a professional for this.
Q: Can I use my OTR microwave as a regular oven?
A: Some OTR microwaves have convection cooking, which acts like a small oven. However, they are primarily for microwaving.
Q: How do I clean an OTR microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. The exterior can be cleaned with a stainless steel cleaner or all-purpose cleaner.
Q: Do OTR microwaves come with a warranty?
A: Yes, most OTR microwaves come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Check the product details for the length of coverage.
Q: What are some common problems with OTR microwaves?
A: Common issues can include weak ventilation, uneven cooking, or control panel problems. Reading reviews can help avoid these.
Q: Is an OTR microwave worth the money?
A: For many people, the space-saving and convenience of an OTR microwave make it a worthwhile investment for their kitchen.
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!