Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped? Do you dream of having more counter space, but still need a microwave? You’re not alone! Many homeowners face the challenge of fitting all their essential appliances into a functional and stylish kitchen. Finding the perfect over-the-oven microwave can feel like a puzzle, with so many brands, features, and sizes to consider. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder which one will actually make your life easier.
But what if there was a way to finally conquer your kitchen space woes and get a hardworking appliance that does double duty? This guide is here to help you navigate the world of over-the-oven microwaves. We’ll break down what you really need to know, so you can stop stressing and start cooking.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer picture of what makes a great over-the-oven microwave. We’ll cover the key features that matter, help you understand how they work, and even offer tips for installation. Get ready to discover how this clever appliance can transform your kitchen and make meal prep a breeze.
Our Top 5 Over The Oven Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Oven 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: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel. This bundle isn’t just a microwave; it’s a complete package for peace of mind and convenience. You get a spacious 1.6 cubic foot microwave perfect for heating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and defrosting. Plus, it comes with a special charcoal filter to keep your kitchen smelling fresh. The easy-to-use controls make cooking a breeze, and its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals and dishes.
- Convenience cooking features simplify meal preparation.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- It’s an authorized GE product, ensuring quality and support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific dimensions are 13″D x 16″W x 9″H, so be sure to check if it fits your space.
This GE microwave bundle offers both practicality and protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen with a reliable and feature-rich appliance.
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Midea MOR17BSA-SS Over-the-Range Microwave. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. Its smart touch panel and auto-cooking menu make meal preparation a breeze, while the powerful ventilation system keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- One-touch convenience: The 18 auto-cooking menus let you cook popcorn, pizza, and more with just one touch. It even has settings for defrosting and softening cream cheese. You can create delicious meals easily.
- Spacious interior: The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and a 12.5-inch turntable fit large items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Powerful cooking: With 1000W of cooking power and 10 different power levels, you can heat food exactly how you like it.
- Effective ventilation: The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds efficiently removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen.
- Bright cooktop light: A bright light under the microwave illuminates your stovetop, so you can see clearly while cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart touch panel might take a little getting used to for some users.
- While powerful, the fan noise at its highest setting could be noticeable.
This Midea microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both style and functionality. It makes cooking and ventilation simple and efficient.
3. 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 feet microwave is designed to make cooking easier and faster. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great above any stove. It has a powerful 1000-watt motor, so it cooks food quickly. This microwave is perfect for busy families who want to save time in the kitchen.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cubic feet capacity fits plenty of food, including a 12.4-inch turntable that can handle big dishes.
- It offers 10 different cooking levels and 6 quick menus for common foods like popcorn and reheating leftovers.
- Speedy cooking options let you cook at full power for 1, 2, or 3 minutes with just one touch.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels for different cooking times, like cooking at 90% power then 50% power.
- The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively clears smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- An under-microwave light provides focused illumination for your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the control panel might take a little time to get used to for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a functional and stylish addition to their kitchen. It offers great convenience for everyday cooking tasks.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any busy kitchen. This stainless steel microwave boasts a large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and a powerful 1000W cooking output, making it ideal for everything from reheating leftovers to cooking full meals. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space while adding a sleek, modern look to your cooking area. With a variety of smart cooking features, this microwave makes meal prep simpler and more efficient.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly and evenly thanks to its 1000W power.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. size is big enough for most dishes.
- It has many cooking options like vegetables, snacks, and potatoes.
- Defrosting is easy with time and weight settings.
- The Quick +30 seconds button is super handy.
- The Melt/Soften feature is great for butter and cheese.
- It has a child safety lock for peace of mind.
- The LED display and timer are easy to read.
- The built-in vent fan and stovetop light are very useful.
- You can adjust the sound alerts to your liking.
- It saves space by mounting over your stove.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power of 1550W might be high for some electrical circuits.
- Multi-stage cooking can be a bit tricky to figure out at first.
Overall, this Farberware microwave is a powerful and space-saving solution for everyday cooking needs.
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: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, making it perfect for cooking and reheating a variety of meals. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- GE USA AUTHORIZED: You get a full manufacturer’s warranty plus an extra 2-year extended protection plan for total peace of mind.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu. ft. size fits large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Melt Feature: Easily melt butter, chocolate, and marshmallows without burning.
- Easy Clean Interior: The steam clean feature makes cleaning up messes a breeze.
- Complete Bundle: It comes with everything you need, including a recirculating charcoal filter kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: Over-the-range microwaves can be tricky to install yourself.
- Sensor Accuracy: While it has sensor cooking, sometimes manual settings are still preferred for perfect results.
This GE microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and durability. The included extended protection plan adds extra value and security for your investment.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Over-the-Range Microwave
Why Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave?
Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves are a smart choice for many kitchens. They save valuable counter space. They also combine a microwave with a ventilation system. This means they cook your food and help clear out steam and smells from your stove. It’s a two-in-one appliance that keeps your kitchen tidy and fresh.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cooking Power (Wattage)
Microwave power is measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most OTR microwaves range from 900 to 1100 watts. For everyday use, 900 watts is usually enough. If you cook a lot, aim for 1000 watts or more.
2. Ventilation System
This is a big deal for OTR microwaves. Look at the fan speed, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A higher CFM clears smoke and smells better. Also, check the type of ventilation: recirculating or external venting. External venting sends air outside, which is more effective. Recirculating vents clean the air with charcoal filters and send it back into the kitchen.
3. Size and Capacity
OTR microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove before you buy. They also have different interior capacities, measured in cubic feet. A larger capacity can fit bigger dishes. Think about what you usually cook. Do you heat up frozen meals or cook large casseroles? Make sure the microwave fits your needs and your space.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
Many microwaves have special buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or defrosting. Some have sensor cooking, which adjusts cooking time automatically. Others have convection cooking, which uses a fan to bake and roast food like an oven. Decide which features will be most useful for you.
Important Materials
Most OTR microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean. Interior cavities are usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to wipe clean. The glass turntable inside should be sturdy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great
- Strong Ventilation: A powerful fan with good CFM rating.
- Even Cooking: Microwaves that heat food consistently.
- Easy Controls: Simple buttons and a clear display.
- Durability: Well-built with quality materials that last.
- Quiet Operation: Runs without being too noisy.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Ideal
- Weak Ventilation: Not strong enough to clear smoke.
- Uneven Heating: Food might be hot in some spots and cold in others.
- Confusing Controls: Hard-to-understand buttons.
- Flimsy Build: Parts feel cheap or break easily.
- Noisy Fan or Turntable: Disruptive sounds.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an OTR microwave is usually straightforward. You place food on the turntable, close the door, and set the time or a preset. The ventilation fan can be used while you cook on the stovetop. This helps keep your kitchen air clean. People use OTR microwaves for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, defrosting meat, and steaming vegetables. Families appreciate the space-saving design. Busy individuals like the convenience of fast cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most OTR microwaves are between 900 and 1100 watts. 900 watts is good for basic tasks. 1000 watts or more will cook food faster.
Q: How do I know if the ventilation is good?
A: Check the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. Higher CFM means the fan is stronger and removes more smoke and smells.
Q: Should I get external venting or recirculating?
A: External venting is better because it sends air outside. Recirculating vents use filters and send air back into the kitchen.
Q: How do I measure for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space where it will go, above your stove. Also, check the height from the stovetop to the bottom of the microwave.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam or moisture. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power for the best results.
Q: Can I bake with an over-the-range microwave?
A: Some OTR microwaves have a convection feature. This lets you bake, roast, and broil food like a regular oven.
Q: How do I clean an over-the-range microwave?
A: You can usually wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. The turntable can often be washed in the dishwasher. The exterior, especially stainless steel, can be cleaned with a special cleaner.
Q: How often do I need to replace the charcoal filters?
A: For recirculating vents, charcoal filters usually need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you use the fan.
Q: Are over-the-range microwaves difficult to install?
A: Installation can be tricky because they are heavy and need to be mounted securely. It’s often best to have a professional install it.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of an over-the-range microwave?
A: With proper care, an over-the-range microwave can last about 7 to 10 years.
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.