Have you ever looked at your kitchen and wished you had just a little more space? Maybe your current microwave takes up too much room on your counter, or it feels too bulky hanging over your stove. It’s a common problem for many homeowners, and finding a microwave that fits perfectly without sacrificing style or function can feel like a puzzle.
Choosing an over-the-range microwave, especially a low-profile one, can be tricky. You want it to cook your food well, fit neatly into your kitchen’s design, and not feel cramped. There are so many different sizes and features to consider! You might be wondering if a low-profile option will still have enough power or space for your needs.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about low-profile over-the-range microwaves. You’ll learn what makes them special, what to look for when buying one, and how to pick the best model for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to enjoy a more spacious and functional cooking space.
Our Top 5 Low Profile Over The Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Low Profile Over The Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven is a smart and space-saving addition to any kitchen. This 1.2 cubic foot microwave boasts a slim design, freeing up valuable overhead cabinet space. Its stainless steel finish looks great, and it packs a powerful 1000W heating element for quick cooking. Plus, a 400 CFM vent fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- The slim body design gives you more room in your kitchen cabinets.
- You can control it with your voice or a smartphone app, making cooking easier.
- It tells you when your food is ready and lets you control it from anywhere.
- Sensor Cook and Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food tastes just right.
- With the Auto Cook menu, you can make delicious meals with just the touch of a button.
- It has a powerful 1000W heating element for fast cooking.
- The 400 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart features might be a bit confusing for some users at first.
- While slim, the 1.2 cu.ft. capacity might be a little small for very large dishes.
This Midea microwave offers a blend of smart technology and practical design, making it a convenient choice for busy households. It simplifies cooking and helps you reclaim valuable kitchen space.
2. SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM Hood Vent
Rating: 8.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel appliance does more than just heat food; it’s a smart hub for your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- The 550 CFM hood ventilation is super powerful. It quickly clears out cooking smells and steam, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- You can control it with your voice using Samsung Bixby, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled, so you can adjust settings from anywhere with the SmartThings App.
- The extra-wide LED lighting bar shines brightly over your whole cooktop, making it easy to see what you’re cooking.
- Sensor Cook takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically figures out the right time and heat for your food.
- Its 1.1 cu. ft. capacity is roomy enough for larger dishes. The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking clean and beautiful.
- Seamless Control means your microwave and cooktop can work together. The hood fan and light turn on and off automatically when you use your cooktop.
- The 1100W power cooks food fast and evenly.
- A large dual wide grease filter traps more grease, improving the hood’s performance.
- SmartThings Cooking helps you find recipes, plan meals, and even add ingredients to your shopping list.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a good capacity, it’s still a slim design, which might not be ideal for very large, bulky items.
- The full smart features and voice control require compatible devices and app setup, which could be a hurdle for some users.
This Samsung microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any modern kitchen, offering both convenience and advanced cooking technology. It makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable.
3. COSMO COS-3012ORLP1SS 30 in. Stellar Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Slim Over the Range Microwave
Rating: 8.9/10
The COSMO COS-3012ORLP1SS 30 in. Stellar Collection microwave brings a sleek, modern look and powerful cooking to your kitchen. Its slim design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. With 1000 watts of power and a 1.2 cubic foot capacity, it handles everything from quick snacks to family meals with ease. The intuitive touch controls and smart presets make cooking simple and efficient.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: 1000 watts with 11 power levels give you great control for perfect results every time.
- Convenient Presets: 7 automatic cooking options, including sensor cook and reheat, simplify meal preparation.
- Smart Defrost: Easily defrost food by weight or time for faster meal prep.
- Smart Sensor: The microwave automatically detects when your food is hot and adjusts cooking time.
- Space-Saving Design: The slim, over-the-range model maximizes kitchen space.
- USA-Based Support: A 1-year limited warranty with customer support located in the USA offers peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Black Finish: While stylish, the black finish can show fingerprints easily and may require frequent wiping.
- Slim Capacity: While it saves space, the 1.2 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or when reheating very big dishes.
This COSMO microwave offers a fantastic blend of power, convenience, and modern style for your kitchen. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their over-the-range cooking experience.
4. Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any busy kitchen. It offers powerful cooking and smart features to make meal prep a breeze. This microwave saves valuable counter space by mounting right over your stove. It’s designed for convenience and efficiency.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast and evenly with its 1000-watt power.
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. size holds big dishes easily.
- It has many helpful cooking options like Auto Cook and a Potato program.
- Defrosting is simple with time and weight settings.
- Quick cooking features like +30 seconds are super handy.
- The child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- It includes a bright LED timer, a strong vent fan, and a stovetop light.
- You can adjust the volume of alerts to your liking.
- Mounting it over the range saves lots of counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1550W, which is higher than some microwaves.
- The “Easy Clean” feature could be more detailed in its description.
This Farberware microwave is a strong contender for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich over-the-range appliance. It balances power with user-friendly options for everyday cooking.
5. KoolMore 30 Inch Over-The-Range Low Profile Microwave
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the KoolMore 30 Inch Over-The-Range Low Profile Microwave. This sleek stainless-steel microwave is designed to save space while still offering powerful cooking features. Its low-profile design fits perfectly above your range, giving your kitchen a clean and efficient look without sacrificing your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: The low-profile build takes up less space than traditional microwaves, perfect for smaller kitchens.
- Versatile Cooking Options: With 10 power levels, express cooking, and defrost by weight, it handles all your everyday cooking tasks.
- Powerful Ventilation: The 400 CFM motor quickly removes smoke, odors, and moisture, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Premium Look: The stainless-steel finish and touch panel add a modern, stylish touch to your kitchen.
- Efficient Turntable: The 13.5-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking, and it can be turned off if needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity: At 1.2 cu. ft., it might be a bit small for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- Advanced Features: While it has core cooking functions, it lacks some of the high-end smart features found in more expensive models.
The KoolMore low-profile microwave is a great choice for those seeking a stylish, efficient, and functional addition to their kitchen. It balances essential cooking power with a space-saving design, making it a practical upgrade.
Finding the Perfect Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave
Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped? Do you want a microwave that tucks neatly above your stove without blocking your view? A low profile over-the-range microwave might be just what you need! These slimmed-down appliances offer convenience and save precious counter space. Let’s explore what makes a great one and help you find the best fit for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Dimensions
This is the most important feature for a low profile microwave. Measure the space above your range carefully. Low profile models are typically shorter in height than standard microwaves. Make sure it fits without hitting your cabinets or making it hard to reach the stove controls.
2. Wattage and Cooking Power
Microwaves are measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most low profile models range from 900 to 1000 watts. This is usually enough for most everyday cooking and reheating tasks.
3. Venting Options
Most over-the-range microwaves have a built-in fan to vent steam and smoke from your cooktop. Check if it vents outwards (through a wall or roof) or recirculates air back into the kitchen. You’ll need to know which type your kitchen setup supports.
4. Turntable vs. Non-Turntable
A turntable helps food cook evenly by rotating it. Some low profile models have a fixed interior, meaning you might need to stir your food more often for even heating.
5. Preset Cooking Options
Look for convenient presets like popcorn, baked potato, or defrost. These make cooking specific foods much simpler.
6. Interior Lighting and Fan Speed
Good interior lighting helps you see your food while it’s cooking. Multiple fan speeds give you control over how much air is pulled from your stovetop.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how easy the microwave is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. It’s also strong and resists rust. However, stainless steel can show fingerprints easily.
- Painted Metal: Some microwaves have a painted finish. These can be less expensive. They come in various colors to match your kitchen.
- Glass Turntable: The rotating plate inside is usually made of glass. This makes it easy to clean up spills.
- Plastic Interior: The inside walls are often made of plastic. Look for models with a smooth, non-porous surface for easier wiping.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known appliance brands often make more reliable products. They usually offer better warranties.
- Sturdy Construction: A microwave that feels solid and well-built will likely last longer. Check for secure door hinges and a robust outer casing.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy fan or turntable can be annoying. Read reviews to see how loud the microwave is during use.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: Simple buttons and a clear display make the microwave more user-friendly.
Reducing Quality:
- Flimsy Materials: Thin plastic or easily dented metal can indicate lower quality.
- Poor Venting Performance: If the fan doesn’t effectively remove smoke and steam, it’s a problem.
- Uneven Cooking: A microwave that heats food inconsistently is frustrating.
- Short Lifespan: Appliances that break down quickly are a waste of money.
User Experience and Use Cases
Low profile microwaves are perfect for smaller kitchens. They are ideal for people who want to maximize their counter space. Families can use them for quick meals and snacks. Busy individuals appreciate the convenience for reheating leftovers or preparing simple dishes.
Imagine easily warming up your morning coffee or quickly defrosting chicken for dinner. The microwave is within easy reach, and it doesn’t get in the way of your cooking on the stovetop. Plus, the sleek design often enhances the look of your kitchen.
Use Case Example: A small apartment dweller needs to cook efficiently without sacrificing precious counter space. A low profile over-the-range microwave provides cooking power and ventilation without taking up valuable room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the standard height of a low profile over-the-range microwave?
A: Low profile microwaves are typically around 10 inches tall, whereas standard models can be 15-17 inches tall.
Q: Do I need special installation for a low profile microwave?
A: Installation is similar to a standard over-the-range microwave. You’ll need to mount it securely above your stove and connect it to your home’s ventilation system if it vents externally.
Q: Can I still cook large dishes in a low profile microwave?
A: While the interior might be slightly smaller, many low profile models can still accommodate standard dinner plates and smaller casserole dishes. Check the interior dimensions before buying.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a low profile microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn stains, microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes to loosen the grime.
Q: Are low profile microwaves less powerful than standard ones?
A: Not necessarily. Wattage varies by model, but many low profile microwaves offer comparable cooking power to standard models.
Q: What is the lifespan of a low profile over-the-range microwave?
A: With proper care and regular cleaning, most microwaves can last between 7 to 15 years.
Q: Can I use a low profile microwave as a primary cooking appliance?
A: They are excellent for reheating, defrosting, and cooking many common dishes. However, for complex cooking or large roasts, a full-size oven might still be preferred.
Q: How important is the CFM rating for the vent fan?
A: CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) indicates how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM rating means better ventilation for your cooktop. Look for a CFM that suits your cooking style.
Q: What if my kitchen doesn’t have external venting?
A: You’ll need a microwave with a recirculating vent system. This type of fan filters the air and blows it back into your kitchen.
Q: Where can I buy a low profile over-the-range microwave?
A: You can find them at major appliance retailers, home improvement stores, and online marketplaces.
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.