Imagine this: you’re craving a quick meal, but your old microwave just isn’t cutting it. You’re looking for something new, something that fits perfectly above your stove and makes cooking a breeze. But where do you even start? Choosing an over-the-range (OTR) microwave can feel like navigating a maze of features, sizes, and styles. It’s easy to get lost in all the choices, and you want to make sure you pick the one that’s just right for your kitchen and your cooking needs.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! This guide is here to help you conquer the OTR microwave selection process. We’ll break down the important things to consider, from how much power you need to what cool features can make your life easier. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident and ready to pick the perfect OTR microwave that will transform your kitchen experience.
Our Top 5 Otr Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Otr Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers ample space for your cooking needs. It comes bundled with a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind. Plus, you get a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for family meals.
- Convenience cooking features make meal prep a breeze.
- Easy-to-use controls simplify operation.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for a cleaner kitchen.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- While the controls are easy, some users might prefer more advanced features.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for busy households needing reliable performance and convenient cooking. The included protection plan makes it an even better value.
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart features.
What We Like:
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus: This microwave has 18 special cooking options. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even defrost food. It’s great for preparing rice, potatoes, and softening cream cheese. You can create tasty meals quickly and without a lot of fuss.
- 1.7 cu.ft. Capacity: This microwave is quite large inside. It has a 12.5-inch turntable. This means you can fit big items like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside.
- 1000W Power: With 1000 watts of power, this microwave heats food fast. It also has 10 different power levels. This lets you choose the right heat for whatever you are cooking.
- 300 CFM Ventilation: The strong 300 CFM fan with adjustable speeds really works. It sucks up cooking smells and smoke. This keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- Bright Cooktop Light: A bright light shines down on your stovetop. This helps you see clearly when you are cooking below the microwave.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer on some advanced settings.
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might want more customization options for specific recipes.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers convenience and power for everyday cooking needs.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel. This powerful 1000-watt microwave is designed to be your ultimate kitchen helper, offering a large capacity and convenient features for all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit large dishes, making it perfect for family meals.
- One-Touch Convenience: Six quick-cook menus and 10 cooking levels, including popcorn and defrost, simplify everyday cooking.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Easily cook for 1, 2, or 3 minutes at full power with just a press of a button.
- Smart Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting the microwave to cook at different power levels sequentially.
- Effective Venting: The 2-speed, 300 CFM vent fan powerfully removes cooking fumes and odors, while the built-in light illuminates your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the vent fan is powerful, some users might prefer more adjustable fan speeds.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both performance and style. It makes cooking and ventilation a breeze.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and it packs a punch with 1000 watts of power. This microwave is designed to make your cooking easier and faster, fitting perfectly above your stove to save valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- High-Power Cooking: With 1000 watts, it cooks food quickly and evenly. This is great for busy kitchens.
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cubic feet of space means you can heat up large dishes or multiple items at once.
- Multi-Functional Cooking: It has special settings for vegetables, snacks, and even potatoes. The auto cook feature is super handy.
- Advanced Defrosting: The time and weight defrost options thaw food perfectly without cooking it.
- Rapid Cooking Features: The Quick +30 seconds button is a lifesaver for fast reheating. The melt and soften options are also very useful for everyday cooking.
- Child Safety Lock: This feature keeps little hands safe and prevents accidental use.
- User-Friendly Additions: It comes with a bright LED timer, a helpful vent fan, and a stovetop light to make cooking even simpler.
- Volume Control: You can adjust the sound alerts to your liking.
- Optimized Design: Installing it over the range saves counter space and makes your kitchen look neater.
What Could Be Improved:
- User Manual Clarity: Some users found the initial setup instructions a bit confusing.
- Vent Fan Power: While functional, the vent fan could be a bit stronger for heavy cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a powerful and space-saving solution for modern kitchens. It offers a great balance of features and performance.
5. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the GE JVM7195SKSS, a 1.9 cubic foot over-the-range microwave that makes cooking easier. It’s made by GE, a trusted brand. This package also comes with a special 2-year protection plan, which is on top of the regular manufacturer’s warranty. This means you get extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.9 cubic foot capacity, so you can fit bigger dishes.
- The Melt feature is great for melting butter, chocolate, and more without burning.
- Cleaning is simple thanks to the easy-clean interior and steam clean option.
- You get a Recirculating Charcoal Filter Kit included in the box.
- This bundle includes a 2-year premium extended service protection plan for extra security.
- It’s an authorized GE product, ensuring quality and support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D) might be a bit large for some kitchens.
This GE microwave bundle offers great features and extended protection. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Next OTR Microwave
Choosing the right Over-the-Range (OTR) microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen. It’s not just a way to heat up leftovers; it’s a powerful appliance that can cook, vent, and even add a stylish touch to your cooking space. We’re here to help you find the perfect one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an OTR microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Cooking Power (Wattage): Most OTR microwaves range from 900 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): Think about how much food you usually cook. Larger families or those who cook big meals will need a bigger microwave. Common sizes are 1.7 to 2.2 cubic feet.
- Venting System: This is a big one for OTR microwaves! They vent smoke and steam from your stovetop. Look for good CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ratings. Higher CFM means better ventilation. Also, check if it vents out the back or the top.
- Convection Cooking: Some OTR microwaves can actually bake and roast like a regular oven. This is a great feature if you have limited oven space.
- Sensor Cooking: These microwaves automatically adjust cooking time and power based on the food’s humidity. This helps prevent overcooking.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures even heating of your food. Most OTR microwaves have this.
- Interior Light: A light inside helps you see your food as it cooks.
- Child Lock: This feature prevents accidental activation, which is great for families with young children.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in an OTR microwave affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is popular because it looks modern and is easy to wipe down. Other options include black, white, or custom finishes to match your kitchen.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of ceramic enamel or stainless steel. Ceramic enamel is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Stainless steel interiors are durable but can show fingerprints.
- Door: The door typically has a glass window so you can see inside. The handle should feel sturdy.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Here’s what makes an OTR microwave great or not so great:
- Improved Quality:
- Strong Ventilation: A powerful fan with a high CFM rating keeps your kitchen air clean.
- Even Cooking: Consistent heating without hot or cold spots is a sign of good quality.
- Durable Construction: Well-built microwaves with solid doors and controls last longer.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-use buttons and clear displays make cooking simple.
- Reduced Quality:
- Weak Ventilation: A fan that doesn’t move enough air won’t keep your kitchen free of cooking smells.
- Uneven Heating: Food that isn’t cooked evenly is frustrating.
- Flimsy Build: A microwave that feels cheap or has buttons that stick might not last long.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn stains or hard-to-reach areas make cleaning a chore.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your OTR microwave will shape your experience.
- Everyday Heating: Reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or warming up drinks are common uses. A simple, user-friendly microwave is perfect for this.
- Cooking and Baking: If you want to cook full meals or bake, look for convection features. This can replace a small oven.
- Ventilation: The venting system is crucial for anyone who cooks often. Good ventilation makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Space Saving: OTR microwaves are great for saving counter space. They fit above your stove, combining two appliances in one.
- Easy Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to wipe down after cooking saves you time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most important feature of an OTR microwave?
A: The most important feature is its ventilation system. It needs to effectively remove smoke and steam from your stovetop.
Q: How much wattage do I need?
A: For most everyday tasks, 1000 watts is a good balance. Higher wattage cooks faster.
Q: Can an OTR microwave replace my oven?
A: Some OTR microwaves have convection cooking, which allows them to bake and roast. They can supplement an oven but may not fully replace it for larger items.
Q: What does CFM mean?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the microwave’s fan can move, indicating its ventilation power.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than ceramic enamel?
A: Both are good. Ceramic enamel is more resistant to scratches and stains. Stainless steel is very durable but can show fingerprints.
Q: How do I know if the ventilation will work for my stove?
A: Check the CFM rating. For gas stoves, you’ll generally need a higher CFM than for electric stoves.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to automatically set the cooking time and power level for best results.
Q: Is a turntable necessary?
A: Yes, a turntable rotates food to ensure it heats evenly. Most OTR microwaves have one.
Q: How do I clean my OTR microwave?
A: Most interiors can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tougher messes, a microwave-safe cleaner can be used. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning.
Q: What are the typical dimensions of an OTR microwave?
A: They are usually around 30 inches wide, fitting standard cabinet openings. The height and depth can vary, so measure your space carefully.
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.