Imagine reclaiming precious counter space while still enjoying crispy fries and perfectly reheated leftovers. Sounds like a dream, right? For many of us, the modern kitchen is a battlefield of gadgets, each vying for a spot. That’s where the over-the-range microwave with an air fryer function steps in, promising to be the ultimate space-saving superhero.
But with so many models boasting this dual functionality, navigating the choices can feel overwhelming. Are they all created equal? Will an air fryer tucked away above your stove really deliver that satisfying crunch? You might be worried about sacrificing cooking power for convenience, or perhaps you’re unsure which features truly matter.
Fear not! This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a great over-the-range microwave with an air fryer, helping you find the perfect fit for your kitchen and your culinary adventures. Get ready to discover how this innovative appliance can transform your cooking routine, making meal prep faster, easier, and a whole lot more delicious.
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwaves With Air Fryer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwaves With Air Fryer Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes is a versatile kitchen helper. This stainless steel appliance, measuring 1.5 cubic feet, offers a lot of cooking options. It fits nicely over your stove and helps with meal prep. You can cook many different kinds of food with it.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.5 cubic feet capacity and a 13.6-inch turntable, so you can fit bigger dishes.
- It’s a 6-in-1 oven, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and even has a combi grill function.
- The air fryer mode cooks your food crispy with less oil, making it a healthier choice.
- The sensor reheat mode keeps your leftovers tasting fresh and delicious.
- It comes with a 300 CFM vent fan that has two speeds to remove cooking smells and a light to help you see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 900 watts of power a bit less powerful than other microwaves, leading to slightly longer cooking times for some items.
- While it offers many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice for beginners.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering many ways to cook your favorite meals. It helps make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
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 is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking tool that makes meal prep a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove, and its generous 1.7 cubic feet capacity handles family-sized meals easily. Plus, the built-in air fryer means you can enjoy crispy, delicious food without needing a separate appliance.
What We Like:
- It has a big capacity, so you can cook a lot of food at once.
- The air fry feature is awesome! It makes fries and chicken wings super crispy.
- It’s easy to use, with simple buttons and a clear display.
- The stainless steel finish looks really modern and is easy to wipe clean.
- It’s a great value for the price, offering many features without breaking the bank.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be a little clearer for some of the advanced settings.
- While the air fry is good, it might take a bit longer than a dedicated air fryer for very large batches.
This GE Profile microwave is a smart buy for anyone looking for a multi-functional appliance that cooks well and looks good. It truly offers great tools at a great price.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for cooking family meals or preparing quick snacks. Its 1000-watt power ensures efficient cooking and reheating, while the built-in vent fan keeps your kitchen air fresh and clear.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. interior easily fits larger dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Offers 6 quick menus and 10 power levels for precise cooking, including popcorn, beverage, melt, reheat, and defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: Press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 1-3 minute cooking at full power.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Set two different cooking times and power levels at once for more complex meals.
- Powerful Vent Fan: A 2-speed, 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and smells, and an under-microwave light illuminates your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be more detailed regarding advanced settings.
- The beeping sound for finished cooking is quite loud and cannot be adjusted.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens, offering both convenience and power. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a compact yet mighty countertop microwave that brings a lot of cooking power to a small space. This stainless steel beauty isn’t just for reheating leftovers; it’s designed to air fry, convection bake, and broil, making it a versatile kitchen helper. Its 1.0 cubic foot capacity and 1050 watts of power are perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone looking to save counter space without sacrificing cooking options.
What We Like:
- It’s compact but still offers a good 1.0 cubic foot of cooking space, fitting easily on countertops.
- The air fry mode lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil, which is a healthier option.
- Convection technology cooks food evenly, giving everything a nice brown finish.
- The broil feature adds a grilled touch, perfect for searing and finishing dishes.
- Preset cooking options, like for fries and nuggets, make using it super simple.
- A handy two-step child lock adds safety for families with little ones.
- The glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all the way through.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, some users might find the 1.0 cu ft size limiting for larger meals or multiple dishes.
- The manual does not clearly state if the crisper pan is dishwasher safe.
This GE convection microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one appliance for those seeking convenience and a variety of cooking functions in a small package.
5. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle comes with everything you need, including a 2-year extended protection plan. It’s perfect for busy families who need to cook meals quickly and easily. The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep simple.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for cleaner air.
- Comes with a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Plan for peace of mind.
- Authorized GE dealer ensures you get a genuine product.
- The over-the-range design saves valuable counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might require careful measurement for installation.
- While convenience controls are a pro, advanced users might desire more customization options.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience for your kitchen. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and well-protected appliance.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Over-the-Range Microwave with Air Fryer
Ready to upgrade your kitchen? An over-the-range microwave with an air fryer combo does more than just reheat leftovers. It cooks, crisps, and saves counter space. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Why Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave with Air Fryer?
These appliances are super handy. They fit right over your stove. This frees up valuable counter space. Plus, you get two cooking tools in one! You can microwave food quickly. You can also air fry for crispy results. Think golden fries or crunchy chicken wings.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these features in mind:
Capacity
- Look at the cubic feet. Bigger is better if you cook for a large family. Smaller is fine for one or two people.
Power (Wattage)
- Higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for 1000 watts or more for best results.
Air Fry Technology
- Check for good air circulation. This makes food crispy. Some models have special racks for better airflow.
Convection Cooking
- This feature uses a fan to circulate hot air. It cooks food evenly and browns it well. It’s great for baking and roasting.
Sensor Cooking
- Sensors detect steam. They adjust cooking time and power automatically. This prevents overcooking.
Ease of Cleaning
- Look for smooth interiors. Non-stick coatings make wiping up messes easy. Removable turntables are also a plus.
Ventilation System
- The fan pulls smoke and steam away from your stove. Check its CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. Higher CFM means better ventilation. Some vents can be recirculated or vented outside.
Important Materials
Most over-the-range microwaves have stainless steel exteriors. This looks sleek and is durable. The interior is usually made of metal or enamel. Stainless steel interiors are tough and easy to clean. Enamel interiors are also easy to wipe down.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means your microwave will last longer. It will also cook food better.
What Makes it Good
- Strong construction.
- Even heating.
- Effective air frying.
- Quiet operation.
- Easy-to-use controls.
What Can Lower Quality
- Flimsy materials.
- Uneven cooking.
- Poor air circulation for frying.
- Loud noises.
- Confusing buttons.
User Experience and Use Cases
These microwaves are designed for busy people. They make cooking simple.
Everyday Meals
- Quickly reheat meals.
- Cook frozen dinners.
- Steam vegetables.
Air Frying Fun
- Make crispy french fries.
- Cook chicken tenders.
- Roast small batches of vegetables.
Convection Cooking
- Bake cookies.
- Roast chicken pieces.
- Toast bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an over-the-range microwave with air fryer?
A: It’s a microwave that hangs above your stove. It also has an air fryer built-in.
Q: How does the air fryer work in a microwave?
A: It uses a heating element and a fan. The fan blows hot air around your food. This makes it crispy like a regular air fryer.
Q: Do I need to vent it outside?
A: Some models can be vented outside. Others recirculate air. Check the product details.
Q: Is it hard to clean?
A: Most are easy to clean. Look for smooth interiors and removable parts.
Q: Can it replace my regular oven?
A: It can do some baking and roasting. But it’s usually smaller than a full oven.
Q: How much space does it need?
A: It fits over your stove. You need standard cabinet space above it.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Most are reasonably quiet. Some fans can be a bit loud when on high.
Q: What’s the difference between air fry and convection?
A: Air fry is intense. It uses a lot of hot air to crisp food. Convection is more for even baking and roasting.
Q: Can I put metal in it when air frying?
A: Usually, yes, if it’s designed for it. Check the manual. Some air fryer racks are metal.
Q: What are the benefits of buying this combo?
A: It saves space. It offers multiple cooking options. It makes cooking faster and easier.
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.