Imagine a kitchen where one appliance does the work of two, saving you precious counter space and making meal prep a breeze. Does that sound like a dream? For many of us, the reality of choosing a new kitchen gadget can feel overwhelming. When it comes to Over The Range Microwaves with built-in air fryers, the options seem endless, leaving you wondering which one will truly deliver on its promises.
You want a microwave that heats your leftovers perfectly and an air fryer that makes your fries crispy and delicious. But finding a single unit that excels at both can be a challenge. You might be worried about performance, ease of use, or even if it’s worth the investment. This post is here to help you cut through the confusion.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what makes a great Over The Range Microwave with Air Fryer. We’ll explore the key features to look for, discuss common concerns, and help you identify the perfect fit for your kitchen. Get ready to transform your cooking experience!
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave With Air Fryer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave With Air Fryer Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes, 1.5 cu.ft., Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, EC942K6CE-SS is a kitchen powerhouse. It does more than just heat up leftovers. This appliance cooks, fries, bakes, and more. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you love to cook.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.5 cubic feet capacity. This fits big plates and dishes easily. The 13.6-inch turntable spins food evenly.
- This microwave is a 6-in-1 helper. It can microwave, air fry, use convection, grill, bake, and roast. You can cook almost anything with it.
- The Air Fry mode makes food crispy with less oil. This is healthier and still tastes great. It makes cooking quick and simple.
- Sensor Reheat Mode keeps your food tasting fresh. Even leftovers taste like they were just made.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong. It removes cooking smells and smoke. The light above the fan helps you see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The overall dimensions (15.43″D x 29.88″W x 16.42″H) might be large for some smaller kitchens.
- While it offers many features, some users might find the learning curve for all the cooking modes a bit steep at first.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a versatile and efficient appliance. It will help you create delicious meals with ease.
2. GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
Rating: 8.7/10
The GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS brings a lot to your kitchen. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking tool that can air fry your favorite snacks. This appliance also looks sleek with its stainless steel finish, fitting nicely above your stove.
What We Like:
- It’s a microwave and an air fryer in one, saving you counter space.
- You can cook a variety of foods, from reheating leftovers to making crispy fries.
- The stainless steel design makes it look modern and is easy to wipe clean.
- It offers a good amount of cooking space with its 1.7 cu. ft. capacity.
- The controls are user-friendly and simple to understand.
- It provides great tools at a great price, making it a smart buy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the air fry feature takes a little longer than a dedicated air fryer.
- The installation might require professional help for some homeowners.
- The fan can be a bit loud when it’s running at its highest setting.
This GE Profile microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and multiple cooking options. You get excellent value for your money with this multi-functional appliance.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. This 1.7 cubic feet stainless steel microwave offers a generous 1000 watts of power, making it a workhorse for all your cooking needs. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space, and the built-in vent fan and light make it a complete kitchen solution.
What We Like:
- Large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food, with a 12.4-inch turntable for even cooking.
- 1000 watts of power and 10 cooking levels handle everything from popcorn to defrosting with ease.
- Six quick menus offer one-touch cooking for common items like popcorn, beverages, and reheating.
- Speedy cooking options let you microwave at full power for 1, 2, or 3 minutes with a single button press.
- Multi-stage cooking allows you to set different power levels and times for complex recipes, saving you time and effort.
- The 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes cooking fumes and odors, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- An integrated light illuminates your stovetop for safe and convenient cooking.
- The sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any modern kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the control panel a bit busy with all the options.
- The vent fan, while effective, could be quieter at its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic choice for those seeking a spacious, powerful, and feature-rich appliance that also helps keep their kitchen air clean. It simplifies cooking with its smart presets and multi-stage capabilities.
4. Professional 30 in. 1.9 cu. ft. Over-The-Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent and Air Fry
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to cook up a storm with this amazing Professional 30-inch Over-The-Range Microwave! It’s not just any microwave; it’s a kitchen powerhouse that also vents your kitchen and even air fries your favorite foods. Plus, its sleek stainless steel design looks fantastic in any kitchen. This microwave is designed to make your cooking easier and more fun.
What We Like:
- It’s super spacious inside (1.9 cu. ft.) so you can fit bigger dishes.
- The air fry feature lets you make crispy snacks without all the oil.
- It has a powerful vent to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
- It’s built tough with durable stainless steel.
- You can even take it on the road! It’s RV/Trailer compatible with a special bracket, so you can grill and cookout anywhere you travel.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price might be a bit high for some budgets.
- Finding this specific model might be a little tricky sometimes.
This microwave is a fantastic all-in-one appliance for your home kitchen or your next adventure. It brings convenience and versatility right to your fingertips.
5. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven is a versatile countertop appliance that brings a lot of cooking power to a small package. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, dorm room, or office. This microwave doesn’t just reheat; it offers multiple cooking functions to help you prepare a wider variety of meals.
What We Like:
- It’s compact but still has a good amount of space inside at 1.0 cubic feet.
- The air fry mode makes snacks crispy and healthier.
- Convection cooking ensures your food cooks evenly.
- The broiler is great for searing and finishing food.
- Preset buttons make cooking common items super easy.
- The child lock feature adds safety for families.
- The glass turntable spins food for thorough cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more advanced features for complex recipes.
- The 1.0 cu ft size might be too small for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
This GE microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a multi-functional appliance in a smaller space. It offers great convenience and a variety of cooking methods for everyday use.
Your Guide to Over-the-Range Microwaves with Air Fryer
So, you’re looking for a kitchen helper that does more than just reheat leftovers? An over-the-range microwave with an air fryer combo is a fantastic choice. It saves counter space and gives you extra cooking options. Let’s dive into what makes a good one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind. They will make your cooking life easier and tastier.
- Air Fryer Wattage: This is how much power the air fryer part has. Higher wattage usually means faster and crispier results. Look for at least 1400 watts for good air frying.
- Microwave Wattage: The microwave power is also key. Most good microwaves have 1000 watts or more. This helps your food cook quickly and evenly.
- Capacity: How much food can you fit inside? Microwaves come in different sizes, from small to large. Think about how many people you usually cook for. A 1.7 cubic foot size is a good middle ground for most families.
- Convection Cooking: Some models also have a convection oven feature. This means a fan circulates hot air, making your food bake or roast more evenly. It’s like having a mini oven above your stove.
- Sensor Cooking: This clever feature senses how much moisture is in your food. It then adjusts the cooking time and power for perfect results. No more guesswork!
- Pre-set Cooking Modes: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or pizza. This makes cooking these items simple.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: Nobody likes scrubbing tough messes. Look for interiors that are smooth and easy to wipe down. Stainless steel or ceramic enamel are good choices.
- Ventilation System: Since it’s over the range, good ventilation is a must. It should effectively remove smoke and smells from your stovetop. Check the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating – higher is better for strong ventilation.
Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave matter for durability and how easy it is to keep clean.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is very popular. It looks sleek and modern. It’s also strong and lasts a long time. Some models might have black or white finishes, which are also durable.
- Interior: Ceramic enamel or stainless steel interiors are best. They resist scratches and are simple to wipe clean. Avoid plastic interiors if you want something that lasts and is easy to maintain.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in how well your microwave works and how long it lasts.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. Companies that have been around for a while usually make better products. They often have better customer service too.
- Build Quality: Feel how sturdy the door is when you open and close it. Does it feel solid or wobbly? A well-built microwave will feel robust.
- User Reviews: Read what other people say about the microwave. Do they talk about it breaking down quickly? Or do they praise how well it air fries? Reviews offer real-world insights.
- Ease of Use: If the buttons are confusing or the screen is hard to read, you won’t enjoy using it. A good microwave has a simple and clear control panel.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use this appliance. It’s more than just a microwave.
- Saving Space: The biggest win is getting rid of a separate air fryer. This frees up valuable counter space. It also makes your kitchen look tidier.
- Quick Meals: You can microwave your food quickly as usual. Then, use the air fryer to make fries, chicken wings, or even vegetables crispy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Cooking: Air frying uses less oil than deep frying. This means you can enjoy your favorite fried foods in a healthier way.
- Baking and Roasting: With convection, you can even bake small batches of cookies or roast a chicken. It’s a versatile tool for many different recipes.
- Easy Cleaning: Many models have steam clean functions. This helps loosen food bits, making cleanup much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of an over-the-range microwave with an air fryer?
A: The main benefit is saving counter space. You get two appliances in one, keeping your kitchen more organized.
Q: How does the air fryer feature work in these microwaves?
A: The air fryer uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air around your food. This makes it crispy, similar to deep frying, but with less oil.
Q: Is an air fryer combo microwave as good as a standalone air fryer?
A: For most everyday uses, yes. They offer great crisping results. Very high-end standalone air fryers might have slightly more power or special features, but the combo is excellent for most homes.
Q: What kind of foods can I cook in the air fryer function?
A: You can cook things like chicken wings, french fries, onion rings, vegetables, and even salmon. It’s great for making leftovers crispy again too.
Q: Do I need special cookware for the air fryer function?
A: You can usually use metal or oven-safe glass pans. Avoid plastic or anything that could melt. Check your microwave’s manual for specific recommendations.
Q: How do I clean the air fryer basket or tray?
A: Most air fryer baskets or trays are dishwasher safe. You can also wash them by hand with soap and water. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back.
Q: What is the difference between convection and air fry?
A: Both use fans to circulate hot air. Convection is generally for baking and roasting, providing even cooking. Air fry is designed to create a crispier texture, often at higher temperatures.
Q: How much space do I need above my stove for this type of microwave?
A: You need enough space for the microwave itself, plus clearance for ventilation and to open the door. Always check the product dimensions and installation instructions.
Q: Are these microwaves noisy?
A: Like most over-the-range microwaves, they can be a bit noisy when the fan is running at high speed, especially during the air frying or strong ventilation modes.
Q: What is the typical price range for an over-the-range microwave with an air fryer?
A: Prices can vary widely, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 or more, depending on the brand, features, and capacity.
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.