Ever feel like your kitchen counter is a cluttered battlefield, with appliances hogging precious space? If you dream of a cleaner, more organized kitchen, then an under-cabinet microwave might be your secret weapon. But let’s be honest, picking the right one can feel like a quest. You’re bombarded with different sizes, features, and styles, and it’s easy to get lost in the details.
Choosing an under-cabinet microwave isn’t just about finding a place to heat up leftovers; it’s about finding a solution that fits your kitchen’s layout, your cooking habits, and your budget. You want something that works well, looks good, and doesn’t require a degree in engineering to install. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate this maze alone.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore the key features to look for, discuss different types of under-cabinet microwaves, and offer practical tips to help you find the perfect fit. Get ready to say goodbye to counter clutter and hello to a more streamlined and functional kitchen!
Our Top 5 Under The Cabinet Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under The Cabinet Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking all your favorite meals. It comes packed with features to make cooking faster and easier for everyone.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits large dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable.
- 1000 watts of power and 10 cooking levels provide great flexibility.
- One-touch auto cooking makes preparing popcorn, beverages, and reheating simple.
- Quick cooking options let you cook at full power for 1, 2, or 3 minutes with just one button press.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, saving you time.
- The powerful 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds efficiently removes smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- An integrated light shines brightly on your stovetop, making cooking safer and easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the vent fan noise noticeable, even on the lower setting.
- The user interface, while functional, could be more intuitive for complex cooking tasks.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both powerful cooking capabilities and essential ventilation. Its smart features and spacious interior make meal preparation a breeze.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is a fantastic addition to any home. It offers plenty of space for your cooking needs and comes with a special bundle that includes a two-year extended protection plan. Plus, you get a charcoal filter replacement, which is super handy for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for cooking and reheating meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to select cooking times and power levels.
- The bundle includes a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind.
- A charcoal filter replacement is included, ensuring good ventilation.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, so you know you’re getting quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- Specific details on the “convenience cooking controls” could be more detailed.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of capacity, ease of use, and valuable protection. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality and style.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.6/10
This BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience and power.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: Its 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits a 12.4-inch turntable, making it great for cooking larger meals or multiple dishes.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Six quick menus for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting make everyday cooking simple.
- Speedy Cooking: The 1-3 minute power boost buttons are perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set it to cook at different power levels for specific times, saving you from constantly checking on your food.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 2-speed, 300 CFM fan effectively removes smoke and smells from your kitchen, and the built-in light helps you see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, might be a bit loud for some users.
- While it has auto-cook options, some users might prefer more customizable pre-set programs for a wider variety of foods.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for anyone looking for a powerful and user-friendly appliance that simplifies meal preparation.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers 1.9 cubic feet of space, making it perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. This microwave is designed to be mounted over your stove, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed auto menus for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. You just press a button, and the microwave does the rest.
- The 1000-watt power cooks food fast. It also has ten different power settings for more control.
- The cooktop LED lighting is bright. It helps you see what you’re cooking on the stove below.
- The 400 CFM venting fan system is powerful. It removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- The turntable can be turned off. This is helpful for cooking larger dishes that might not fit on the rotating plate.
- It has a 30-second express cooking button for quick heating.
- The child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions are listed, but sometimes it’s helpful to see how a specific large item, like a casserole dish, will fit.
- While installation instructions are available online, some users prefer a physical copy included in the box.
This microwave oven simplifies cooking with its user-friendly features. It’s a practical choice for busy households.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.2/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave makes cooking easy and fast with its smart features.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature has 18 different auto menus. You can easily cook things like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. It even helps soften cream cheese. This makes preparing meals quick and simple.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. The 12.5-inch turntable fits large items. You can easily reheat a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, you can heat food just right. This means faster cooking times.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful. It effectively removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. It has adjustable fan speeds to suit your needs.
- A bright LED cooktop light shines down on your stove. This gives you a clear view while you cook on the stovetop.
- The Smart Touch Panel is easy to use. It lets you select cooking options with just a touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for some of the more advanced settings.
- While the ventilation is strong, some users might prefer even quieter operation.
This Midea microwave oven is a great choice for busy households. It offers powerful performance and smart features to simplify your cooking. You’ll enjoy its convenience and efficiency.
Finding Your Perfect Under Cabinet Microwave
Tired of your countertop being cluttered? An under cabinet microwave is a fantastic solution. It saves space and keeps your kitchen looking neat. This guide will help you choose the best one for your home.
Why Choose an Under Cabinet Microwave?
These microwaves mount securely above your stove or counter. This frees up valuable counter space. They often come with a built-in vent fan and light. This replaces your old range hood. It’s a smart, dual-purpose appliance.
Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
- Width: Measure the space where you plan to install it. Microwaves come in different widths, usually from 24 to 30 inches.
- Height and Depth: Make sure it fits comfortably without blocking cabinets or your cooking.
Power and Performance
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with 900 watts or more for efficient heating.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes. These make cooking easier.
Ventilation and Lighting
- Ventilation System: Check the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. A higher CFM means it can clear smoke and smells better. Some vent upwards, others outwards.
- Fan Speeds: Multiple fan speeds give you control over ventilation power.
- Cooktop Light: A bright light helps you see while cooking on your stove.
Ease of Use
- Control Panel: A clear and simple control panel makes operating the microwave straightforward. Look for easy-to-read buttons.
- Turntable: A turntable ensures even cooking by rotating your food. Some have a larger turntable for bigger dishes.
Important Materials
Most under cabinet microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It’s also durable. Enamel is a good budget-friendly option. The interior is usually made of a non-stick coating. This makes cleaning simple.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built microwave feels solid and durable.
- Quiet Operation: A good fan and motor operate without excessive noise.
- Even Cooking: The microwave heats food consistently without hot or cold spots.
- Effective Ventilation: A strong fan clears cooking odors and steam quickly.
Reducing Quality
- Flimsy Build: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- Uneven Heating: Food that is cooked unevenly is frustrating.
- Weak Ventilation: A fan that doesn’t remove smells effectively is a problem.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons make the microwave hard to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
An under cabinet microwave is perfect for busy families. It heats leftovers quickly. It also pops popcorn for movie nights. For small kitchens, it’s a space-saving marvel. It works great as a primary cooking appliance or a supplement to your oven. The built-in fan and light are a big plus for many users.
Installation
Installation can be a bit tricky. You might need help. Make sure you have the right tools. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some people hire a professional to ensure it’s installed safely and securely.
Choosing the right under cabinet microwave makes your kitchen more functional and stylish. Consider your needs, space, and budget to find the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the average size of an under cabinet microwave?
A: Most under cabinet microwaves are about 30 inches wide. They also vary in height and depth to fit different kitchen spaces.
Q: Do I need to vent an under cabinet microwave?
A: Yes, under cabinet microwaves have built-in ventilation systems. They pull air from your cooktop and vent it outside or recirculate it.
Q: How much power (wattage) do I need?
A: For good cooking performance, aim for at least 900 watts. More wattage means faster cooking times.
Q: Can I install an under cabinet microwave myself?
A: Installation can be complex. It often involves electrical work and mounting securely. Many people hire an electrician or handyman for this task.
Q: What are the benefits of an under cabinet microwave?
A: The main benefits are saving counter space and providing a ventilation system for your stove. They also often include a light for your cooktop.
Q: How do I clean an under cabinet microwave?
A: Clean the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Wipe down the exterior with a stainless steel cleaner or all-purpose cleaner. The turntable is usually dishwasher safe.
Q: What is CFM, and why is it important for the vent fan?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM means the fan is more powerful at removing smoke and odors.
Q: Can I still use my oven when the microwave is installed?
A: Yes, the under cabinet microwave does not affect your oven’s operation. It’s a separate appliance.
Q: What if my kitchen doesn’t have an overhead vent system?
A: Many under cabinet microwaves come with recirculating options. This means they filter the air and send it back into the kitchen, rather than venting it outside.
Q: How long does an under cabinet microwave typically last?
A: With proper care and use, an under cabinet microwave can last between 7 to 15 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.