Imagine this: you’re whipping up a quick dinner, and you need to melt some butter. You reach for your microwave, but wait – it’s sitting on the counter, taking up precious space! Sound familiar? For many kitchens, counter space is like gold, and finding a way to maximize it is a constant challenge.
This is where the magic of above-range microwave ovens comes in. They’re not just appliances; they’re space-saving superheroes! But with so many models out there, each with different features and sizes, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for your cooking needs and your kitchen’s style? It can feel overwhelming, right? You want something that heats your food evenly, looks good, and fits your budget.
That’s exactly why we’re diving deep into the world of above-range microwaves. In this post, we’ll break down what makes these handy appliances tick. We’ll explore the key features to look for, discuss different types, and help you understand how to choose the best one for your home. Get ready to transform your kitchen and reclaim your counter space!
Our Top 5 Above Range Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Above Range Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish looks great, and it offers a lot of cooking power for its size.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: It has a big 1.7 cubic feet of space. This fits a 12.4-inch turntable, so you can cook or reheat big meals. It’s like having an extra helper in the kitchen.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: With 1000 watts of power, it cooks fast. It has 6 special menus for things like popcorn, drinks, melting butter, reheating leftovers, and defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: Need something done fast? Just press 1, 2, or 3 for 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: This microwave lets you cook in stages. You can set it to cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes all at once. This saves you time and makes cooking easier.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The fan is strong with two speeds. It sucks up cooking smells and smoke. The light underneath shines brightly on your stovetop, making it easy to see what you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while strong, might be a bit loud for some users.
- The control panel has many options, which might take a little time to get used to.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It offers great features and convenience for everyday cooking needs.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This sleek stainless steel microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating quick and easy. It’s perfect for families who want a reliable appliance that also looks great above their stove.
What We Like:
- The bundle includes a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind.
- It comes with a charcoal filter replacement, which is helpful for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is spacious enough for most of your cooking needs.
- Convenience cooking controls make it simple to prepare your favorite meals.
- It’s a GE USA authorized product, so you know you’re getting a quality appliance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are fairly standard, but for very small kitchens, it might feel a bit large.
- While the controls are convenient, some users might prefer a digital display with more advanced settings.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value with its included protection plan and convenient features. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for both style and functionality.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of power, making cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. Plus, with handy one-touch settings, you can cook your favorite foods with just a press of a button.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking gets food ready fast.
- 1.9 cu.ft. capacity fits larger dishes and meals.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting clearly illuminates your stovetop.
- A 400-CFM venting fan efficiently removes smoke and odors.
- The turntable can be turned off to accommodate larger, rectangular dishes.
- Ten power settings give you control over your cooking.
- 30-second express cooking gets you food quickly.
- A child lock feature keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features.
- Installation instructions are online, which might be less convenient for some.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a reliable and feature-rich microwave that makes everyday cooking easier. It’s a great addition for any kitchen looking for efficiency and convenience.
4. ThermoMate 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with 1.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.0/10
The ThermoMate 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in white is a smart addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.7 cu. ft. of space, perfect for handling family-sized meals. With 1000 watts of power and easy-to-use one-touch cooking, preparing your favorite dishes becomes simpler. This microwave also helps keep your kitchen air clean with its powerful ventilation system.
What We Like:
- Large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Four auto-cook programs (reheat, popcorn, baked potato, beverage) make cooking a breeze.
- Ten power levels give you control over cooking.
- One-touch cooking and a 30-second add-on time are super convenient.
- Built-in safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- Powerful 300 CFM ventilation removes smoke and smells.
- Bright LED light illuminates your stovetop.
- Easy-to-clean surface saves you time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (29.92×15×16.42 inch) might be a tight fit for some existing over-the-range spaces, so measure carefully.
This ThermoMate microwave oven brings both convenience and functionality to your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for making meal prep easier and keeping your cooking area fresh.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a large capacity and smart features that make cooking easier.
What We Like:
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus makes preparing many foods simple. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even defrost items. It’s great for making all sorts of delicious meals fast.
- The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is quite large. It easily fits big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The 12.5-inch turntable spins food evenly.
- With 10 power levels and 1000W of cooking power, you can heat food just right. This lets you handle all kinds of cooking needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. The fan speed is adjustable, so you can pick the right setting.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stovetop. This gives you a clear view while you’re cooking.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart touch panel, while advanced, might take a little time to get used to for some users.
- While the ventilation is strong, some users might prefer even more powerful options for very heavy cooking.
This Midea microwave oven is a solid choice for busy households. It combines useful features with a good amount of space.
Choosing the Best Above-Range Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
An above-range microwave is a super handy kitchen appliance. It saves counter space. It also cooks and reheats food fast. Plus, it often has a vent to clear smoke and smells. Finding the right one can feel tricky. But this guide will help you pick the perfect microwave for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an above-range microwave, check out these important things:
Size and Capacity
- Width: Most microwaves are 30 inches wide. This fits over standard stoves. Make sure it matches your stove’s width.
- Interior Capacity: This is how much food you can fit inside. It’s measured in cubic feet. Smaller ones are around 1.0 cu. ft. Larger ones can be 2.0 cu. ft. or more. Think about how much you usually cook.
Power (Wattage)
- Wattage Matters: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most above-range microwaves have 900 to 1200 watts. 1000 watts is a good middle ground for most tasks.
Ventilation Power
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This tells you how much air the vent can move. Higher CFM means it clears smoke and smells better. Look for at least 300 CFM for good ventilation.
- Ducting Options: Some vents blow air out the front. Others connect to a duct system in your wall or ceiling. Make sure the vent type works with your kitchen setup.
Cooking Presets and Functions
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. It senses the moisture from your food. Then, it adjusts cooking time and power. It helps prevent overcooking.
- Convenience Buttons: Look for buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or defrosting. These make cooking common items super easy.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a turntable. It spins your food for even cooking. Some have an off option if you need to cook large dishes.
Lighting and Controls
- Cooktop Light: A light under the microwave helps you see while you cook on the stove.
- Control Panel: Some have simple buttons. Others have sleek touch panels. Choose what you find easiest to use.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its look and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is easy to clean. It resists fingerprints well.
- Black or White Enamel: These are common and budget-friendly. They are durable but can show smudges.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is easier to wipe clean.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a microwave better or not so great.
- Build Quality: A sturdy, well-built microwave feels solid. It doesn’t wobble. Good construction means it will last longer.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Reading reviews helps you find these brands.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be noisy. Some are quieter than others. If noise bothers you, look for models that advertise quiet operation.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters.
- Everyday Reheating: For quickly warming up leftovers, any decent microwave will work.
- Cooking Full Meals: If you plan to cook more complex meals, higher wattage and sensor cooking are helpful.
- Ventilation Needs: If you do a lot of frying or cooking with strong smells, a powerful vent is a must.
- Space Saving: For small kitchens, an above-range model is a fantastic way to free up counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Above-Range Microwaves
Q: What is the main purpose of an above-range microwave?
A: Its main purpose is to cook and reheat food quickly while saving valuable counter space in your kitchen. It also often includes a ventilation system for your stovetop.
Q: How do I know what size microwave to buy?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most above-range microwaves are 30 inches wide to fit standard stoves. Also, consider the interior capacity (in cubic feet) based on how much food you typically heat.
Q: Does a higher wattage mean faster cooking?
A: Yes, a higher wattage generally means the microwave heats food faster and more evenly.
Q: What is CFM and why is it important for the vent?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the vent can move. A higher CFM means the vent is better at clearing smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.
Q: What are sensor cooking presets?
A: Sensor cooking uses built-in sensors to detect the moisture released from food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level to cook your food perfectly, preventing overcooking.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for an above-range microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a popular choice because it looks sleek, is durable, and is often resistant to fingerprints, making it easier to keep clean.
Q: How important is the turntable in a microwave?
A: The turntable is important because it spins your food. This helps ensure that your food cooks evenly on all sides.
Q: Can I install an above-range microwave myself?
A: Installation can be complex, especially connecting the ventilation. Many people hire a professional to ensure it’s installed safely and correctly.
Q: What are the benefits of an above-range microwave over a countertop model?
A: The biggest benefit is saving counter space. It also provides convenient ventilation for your stovetop and often includes a cooktop light.
Q: How often should I clean my above-range microwave?
A: It’s best to wipe down the interior after each use to prevent food splatters from hardening. A more thorough cleaning weekly or bi-weekly is usually sufficient.
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.