Tired of your kitchen counter looking cluttered with appliances? Imagine reclaiming that precious space, all while still enjoying the convenience of a microwave. If you’re nodding your head, then you’re probably thinking about an above-stove microwave, also known as a microwave range hood. But with so many choices out there, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for your kitchen and your cooking needs?
Choosing an above-stove microwave can feel like a puzzle. You need it to cook your food quickly, but it also needs to vent smoke and steam from your stovetop. Plus, you want it to look good and fit your kitchen’s style. It’s a lot to consider, and the wrong choice can lead to frustration and a less-than-ideal cooking experience. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate this decision.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about above-stove microwaves. We’ll explore the different features to look for, like venting power and cooking functions. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that not only heats up your leftovers but also makes your kitchen a more organized and enjoyable place to be.
Our Top 5 Above Stove Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Above Stove Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. 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 1.7 cubic foot stainless steel microwave offers 1000 watts of power and a sleek design. It’s built to be your kitchen helper, making cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The large 1.7 cubic feet capacity fits a 12.4-inch turntable, perfect for big meals.
- Easy Cooking Options: It has 10 cooking levels and 6 quick menus for popcorn, drinks, and reheating.
- Speedy Cooking: You can cook at full power for 1, 2, or 3 minutes with just a press of a button.
- Smart Cooking: Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle.
- Powerful Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan removes smoke and smells, and the built-in light helps you see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan has only two speed settings.
- Some users might find the 10-minute max time for full power limiting for certain recipes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It combines convenience, power, and good looks to simplify your cooking routine.
2. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design not only looks great but also saves valuable counter space. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. This microwave makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze.
What We Like:
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: 1000W output cooks food fast and evenly, perfect for busy families.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity fits large dishes and multiple servings.
- MULTIPLE COOKING OPTIONS: Enjoy flexibility with programs for vegetables, snacks, and potatoes.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: Easily thaw frozen foods by time or weight.
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: A +30 seconds button and melt/soften options add everyday ease.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: Keeps little hands safe from accidental use.
- USER-FRIENDLY: Includes a bright LED timer, vent fan, and stovetop light.
- ADJUSTABLE VOLUME: Control alert sounds to your preference.
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Installs over your range, freeing up counter space and looking stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan might not be powerful enough for very smoky cooking.
- Some users might find the initial setup slightly complex.
This Farberware microwave oven offers a great blend of power, capacity, and user-friendly features. It’s an excellent choice for upgrading your kitchen’s functionality and style.
3. GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek black. This bundle comes with a fantastic 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind on top of the full manufacturer’s warranty. It’s designed to make cooking quick and easy, with plenty of power and helpful features.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity lets you cook larger meals.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food fast.
- A powerful 300-CFM venting system clears smoke, steam, and smells from your kitchen.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is great for different types of dishes.
- Auto and time defrost make getting frozen food ready simple.
- Convenience cooking controls are easy to use for everyday tasks.
- It includes a charcoal filter replacement for odor control.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan for extra security.
What Could Be Improved:
- The charcoal filter needs to be replaced periodically.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. The added protection plan makes it an even better value.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.8/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS Over The Range Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse that makes cooking and ventilation a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design fits perfectly above your stove, and the smart touch panel makes it simple to use. This microwave is packed with features to help you cook delicious meals quickly and easily, while also keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature with 18 Auto Menus is fantastic. You can easily make popcorn, heat up a pizza, defrost food, or even soften cream cheese with just a touch. It takes the guesswork out of cooking!
- Its large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable mean you can fit bigger items, like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza, inside without any trouble.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, you have great control over how your food heats.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful. It has adjustable fan speeds that really suck up cooking smells and fumes, keeping your kitchen air clean.
- A bright light under the microwave illuminates your stovetop, so you can see clearly while you’re cooking on the stove.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Auto Menus are helpful, some users might find they need to experiment a bit to get the perfect results for certain dishes.
- The “smart touch panel” might take a little getting used to for those who prefer physical buttons.
This Midea microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and powerful performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking and ventilation experience.
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: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS Over-the-Range Microwave. This 1.9 cubic foot stainless steel microwave is a game-changer for busy households. It offers smart sensor cooking that adjusts time and power for perfect results. Plus, the melt feature makes it easy to melt butter, chocolate, and more without burning. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the steam clean interior.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food.
- The melt feature is super handy for baking and cooking.
- Steam clean interior makes wiping up messes easy.
- Comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit.
- It’s a GE USA Authorized product, meaning quality you can trust.
- You get a full manufacturer’s warranty PLUS a 2-year extended protection plan. That’s double the peace of mind!
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and convenience. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen, especially with the added protection plan.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Above-Stove Microwave Buying Guide
Choosing the right microwave that sits above your stove is important. It saves counter space. It also makes cooking easier. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
- Ventilation Power: This is super important. The microwave needs to pull smoke and smells away from your cooking. Look for CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) numbers. Higher CFM means stronger ventilation.
- Wattage: This tells you how fast your food will cook. Most microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. More watts mean quicker cooking.
- Size and Capacity: Measure the space above your stove carefully. Microwaves come in different widths (usually 30 inches). Check the inside capacity too. Do you need to heat a big plate?
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or reheating. These make cooking simple.
- Turntable: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Some models have a large turntable, while others have a smaller one. Some even let you turn it off if you have a rectangular dish.
- Lighting: Good lighting under the microwave helps you see what’s cooking on your stovetop.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for a microwave with a smooth interior and an easy-to-remove filter. This makes cleaning much simpler.
Important Materials
Most above-stove microwaves are made of stainless steel. This is a strong and good-looking material. It resists fingerprints too. Some parts inside are made of glass or ceramic for the turntable. The vents are usually metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Strong Ventilation: A powerful fan that really clears the air.
- Even Cooking: Food gets cooked through without cold spots.
- Durable Build: It feels solid and well-made.
- Easy Controls: Buttons are simple to understand and use.
What Can Make it Less Good:
- Weak Ventilation: Smoke and smells can linger in your kitchen.
- Uneven Cooking: Food might be burnt in one spot and not cooked in another.
- Flimsy Construction: It might feel cheap or break easily.
- Confusing Controls: It’s hard to figure out how to use it.
User Experience and Use Cases
An above-stove microwave is perfect for small kitchens. It frees up counter space. People use them for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and defrosting food. Families use them for snacks and easy dinners. They are great for people who cook a lot and want their kitchen to look tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in an above-stove microwave?
A: The most important thing is the ventilation power. It needs to keep your kitchen air clean.
Q: How do I know if the microwave will fit above my stove?
A: Measure the space. Most are 30 inches wide, but check the height and depth too.
Q: What does CFM mean?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It tells you how much air the fan can move.
Q: Is stainless steel the only material used?
A: Stainless steel is common for the outside. Inside, you’ll find glass or ceramic for the turntable.
Q: Do I need a microwave with a turntable?
A: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Some people prefer them.
Q: What are cooking presets?
A: These are buttons for specific foods like popcorn or potatoes. They make cooking easier.
Q: How powerful should a microwave be?
A: Look for microwaves with 900 to 1200 watts for good cooking speed.
Q: Is it hard to clean an above-stove microwave?
A: It depends on the model. Look for easy-to-clean interiors and filters.
Q: Can I put large dishes in an above-stove microwave?
A: Check the inside capacity. Some are bigger than others.
Q: What are the benefits of having a microwave above the stove?
A: It saves counter space and keeps your kitchen looking neat. It also makes cooking more convenient.
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.