Tired of your countertop looking cluttered? Dreaming of a cleaner, more organized kitchen? Many people feel the same way. Finding the perfect under cabinet microwave can feel like a puzzle. You want something that heats your food fast, but also looks great and fits your kitchen perfectly. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices out there, from size and power to special features.
But what if there was a way to make this decision simple? This blog post is here to help! We’ll explore what makes under cabinet microwaves a fantastic choice for kitchens of all sizes. You’ll learn about the different types available, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to pick the one that best suits your needs and your style. Get ready to discover your new favorite kitchen helper!
Our Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Ovens 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: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance is designed for convenience and performance. It offers a generous 1.6 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating meals, popping popcorn, or defrosting ingredients. The “Convenience Cooking Controls” make it easy to select the right cooking time and power level with just a touch. Plus, this bundle comes with a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh. It’s also GE USA AUTHORIZED, giving you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized portions.
- Convenience cooking controls simplify operation.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- GE USA AUTHORIZED for reliable quality.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a tight fit for some over-the-range installations.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value with its capacity, user-friendly features, and extended protection. It’s a smart addition to any busy kitchen.
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.1/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish and smart touch panel make cooking easier and more efficient. This microwave is designed to handle all your cooking needs, from quick snacks to full meals.
What We Like:
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus: It has 18 pre-set cooking options for things like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. This makes cooking simple and fast.
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cu.ft. size and 12.5-inch turntable fit big items like rotisserie chicken and 12-inch pizzas easily.
- Powerful Cooking: With 1000 watts of power and 10 different power levels, it heats food quickly and thoroughly.
- Strong Ventilation: The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds effectively removes cooking smells and smoke.
- Bright Cooktop Light: A bright light shines on your stovetop, so you can see clearly while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- User Manual Clarity: Some users found the instructions in the manual a bit difficult to understand.
- Touch Panel Sensitivity: Occasionally, the touch panel can be a little too sensitive, leading to accidental selections.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS microwave is a powerful and convenient appliance that simplifies your cooking experience. It’s a great choice for busy households looking for efficiency and style.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu. Ft. in sleek stainless steel is a powerful and space-saving addition to any kitchen. With its 1000W cooking power and generous 1.7 cu. ft. capacity, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to cooking family meals with ease. This microwave is designed for busy households, offering a variety of smart cooking features and a user-friendly interface.
What We Like:
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: Its 1000W output cooks food quickly and evenly, perfect for busy kitchens.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: The 1.7 cu. ft. size fits large dishes and multiple servings.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COOKING: Offers special settings for vegetables, snacks, potatoes, and auto cook for added convenience.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: Intelligent time and weight defrost options make thawing food simple.
- RAPID COOKING FEATURES: The Quick +30 seconds button and melt/soften options are great for everyday use.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: Provides peace of mind by preventing accidental use.
- USER-FRIENDLY ADDITIONS: Includes an LED timer, vent fan, and stovetop light for better kitchen functionality.
- VOLUME CONTROL: You can adjust the alert sounds to your preference.
- OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Installing it over the range saves valuable counter space and looks stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be more detailed for some of the advanced features.
- While powerful, some users might find the vent fan’s noise level to be noticeable.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for those seeking both power and space efficiency. It makes everyday cooking and reheating tasks much simpler and more enjoyable.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. It boasts a spacious 1.9 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for handling family-sized meals. With 1000 watts of cooking power and ten different power settings, you can easily control how your food is heated. This microwave also features smart auto-cooking options, taking the guesswork out of preparing common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and even frozen dinners. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space, and the built-in LED cooktop light illuminates your stovetop for safer and easier cooking.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking power heats food quickly.
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft. capacity fits large dishes.
- User-friendly One Touch controls and pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking.
- The 400 CFM venting system efficiently removes smoke and odors.
- The Turntable On/Off function is great for cooking oversized items.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting improves visibility.
- Includes essential features like a clock, kitchen timer, and child lock for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online, which might be inconvenient for some.
- While it has many auto-cook options, some might prefer more customizable settings beyond the ten power levels.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great blend of power, capacity, and smart features for everyday cooking needs. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen’s functionality.
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: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is packed with features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. Plus, this bundle includes a fantastic 2-year extended protection plan for extra peace of mind. It’s a great addition for any busy home chef.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food.
- The special Melt feature lets you melt butter, chocolate, and more without burning.
- Cleaning is easy with the steam clean function.
- You get a full manufacturer’s warranty PLUS a 2-year extended protection plan from GE USA Authorized.
- It comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit, so you can install it without an external vent.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are a bit large, so measure your space carefully before buying.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich over-the-range microwave.
Your Guide to Under Cabinet Microwaves: Smart Kitchen Solutions
Under cabinet microwaves are a fantastic way to save counter space. They tuck neatly above your stove or counter. This leaves your cooking area clear. Let’s explore what makes a good under cabinet microwave.
Key Features to Look For
- Ventilation: This is super important. Good under cabinet microwaves have powerful fans. They pull smoke and cooking smells away from your kitchen. Some even have filters you can clean.
- Cooking Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most under cabinet models offer 900 to 1000 watts. This is plenty for most tasks.
- Size and Capacity: Measure your space first! You need to know how much width and height you have. Microwaves come in different sizes. A smaller one might be 1.1 cubic feet. A larger one could be 2.1 cubic feet.
- Control Panel: Look for easy-to-use buttons. Some have touchscreens. Others have simple dial controls. Preset cooking options are helpful too. Think popcorn, baked potato, or defrost.
- Lighting: A light under the microwave is a great feature. It illuminates your cooktop.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable helps food cook evenly. Some models have a large turntable. Others have a smaller one. Some even have a turntable on/off option.
Important Materials
Most under cabinet microwaves are made with durable stainless steel. This material is strong and easy to clean. It also looks good in any kitchen. The interior is usually coated with a non-stick material. This makes cleaning up splatters simple.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a microwave better?
- Stronger Ventilation: A powerful fan system really makes a difference. It keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- Even Cooking: A good turntable and even heat distribution mean your food is cooked perfectly.
- Durability: Well-built microwaves last longer. They are made with quality parts.
- Easy Cleaning: Features like non-stick interiors and removable filters are a big plus.
What can make a microwave less ideal?
- Weak Ventilation: If the fan isn’t strong, cooking smells can linger.
- Uneven Cooking: Food might be hot in some spots and cold in others.
- Flimsy Construction: Cheaper models might not last as long.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Under cabinet microwaves are perfect for families. They are great for busy cooks. You can quickly reheat leftovers. You can also cook simple meals. Kids can easily make popcorn or heat up snacks. They are also ideal for small kitchens. They save valuable counter space.
Imagine this: You’re cooking dinner. Your counter is clear for chopping vegetables. The microwave is right there, ready to heat up your side dish. It’s a very convenient setup.
Some people use them for more than just reheating. You can bake potatoes. You can steam vegetables. You can even melt butter or chocolate. They are versatile kitchen tools.
Frequently Asked Questions about Under Cabinet Microwaves
Q: What is the main benefit of an under cabinet microwave?
A: The main benefit is saving counter space. They keep your kitchen looking tidy.
Q: How do I know what size microwave to buy?
A: Measure the space where you plan to put it. Check the width, height, and depth requirements.
Q: Is stainless steel the only material used?
A: Stainless steel is common for the exterior. The interior is usually a special coating for easy cleaning.
Q: Why is ventilation so important for these microwaves?
A: They often sit above a stove. The fan helps remove cooking smoke and smells from your kitchen.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: Are under cabinet microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can vary. Some are designed for easy mounting. It’s good to check installation instructions before buying.
Q: Do all under cabinet microwaves have a turntable?
A: Most do. A turntable helps food cook more evenly. Some let you turn it off.
Q: How do I clean an under cabinet microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Many have removable filters that can be cleaned.
Q: Can I use an under cabinet microwave if I don’t have a stove underneath it?
A: Yes, you can! They can be mounted under any cabinet where you have space and a power outlet.
Q: Are there different types of controls on these microwaves?
A: Yes, there are. Some have simple buttons, while others have touch screens with preset cooking options.
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.