Tired of your kitchen feeling cramped? Imagine reclaiming precious counter space, all while adding a powerful cooking tool right where you need it. That’s the magic of an Over The Range (OTR) microwave oven. But with so many models out there, choosing the perfect one can feel like a frustrating puzzle.
You want a microwave that cooks your food fast, vents your cooking smells effectively, and looks great in your kitchen. But how do you know which one has the best features for *your* needs? Will it be powerful enough? Will it fit perfectly above your stove? These are the common worries that can make the shopping process overwhelming.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a great OTR microwave, from cooking power and ventilation to installation and smart features. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have the confidence to pick the OTR microwave that will transform your kitchen and make cooking a breeze.
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave makes cooking a breeze with its 1000 watts of power and easy-to-use one-touch features. It’s designed to be a central part of your kitchen, offering convenience and style.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking with ten power levels for precise control.
- 15 pre-programmed auto menus for effortless cooking of common foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes.
- A strong 400 CFM venting system effectively removes smoke and odors from your cooktop.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your cooking surface below.
- The turntable can be turned on or off, making it easy to heat larger dishes.
- Convenient features like 30-second express cooking and a child lock add extra usability.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1.9 cu.ft capacity a bit large if they have limited counter space.
- While it has auto menus, advanced users might prefer more customization options.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen, offering a great blend of power, convenience, and smart features. It simplifies meal preparation and keeps your kitchen fresh and well-lit.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is a fantastic addition to any home chef’s arsenal. It offers plenty of space for all your reheating and cooking needs. Plus, this bundle comes with an extra special bonus: a 2-year extended protection plan for added peace of mind. It also includes a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for family meals.
- Convenience cooking features make meal prep a breeze.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for worry-free ownership.
- Includes a replacement charcoal filter to keep air fresh.
- Stylish stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- GE USA Authorized ensures quality and reliability.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit tight for some cabinets.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and convenience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to update their kitchen appliances.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, with its 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and powerful 1000W cooking, is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design not only looks great but also saves valuable counter space by mounting conveniently over your stove. This microwave is packed with features to make meal prep a breeze, from quick reheating to complex multi-stage cooking.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly and evenly with its 1000W power.
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. interior holds plenty of food.
- It has many cooking options like vegetables, snacks, and potatoes.
- Defrosting is easy with time and weight settings.
- The “+30 seconds” button is handy for quick heating.
- The Melt/Soften feature is great for butter and chocolate.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- It includes a vent fan and stovetop light for better cooking.
- You can adjust the sound of the alerts.
- The over-the-range design saves counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the 1550W input might mean a slightly higher energy draw.
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit complex.
This Farberware microwave is a powerful and space-saving solution for your kitchen needs. It makes cooking and reheating simple and efficient.
4. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS, a 1.9 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design fits perfectly above your stove, saving counter space. This bundle also includes a premium 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack for added peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- The Melt feature is fantastic for melting butter, chocolate, and more without burning.
- Easy-clean interior with steam clean makes cleanup quick.
- It comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit, so you can install it without an external vent.
- You get a GE USA authorized product with a full manufacturer’s warranty PLUS a 2-year extended protection plan. That’s serious coverage!
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are quite specific, so measure your space carefully before buying.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens, offering both convenience and excellent protection. It’s a smart investment for any home chef.
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 great addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and power. Its sleek stainless steel design looks modern, and the smart touch panel makes it easy to use. This microwave is designed to handle a variety of cooking tasks, from heating up leftovers to preparing full meals.
What We Like:
- Effortless cooking with 18 One-touch Auto Menus, perfect for popcorn, pizza, defrosting, and more. You can make many dishes easily.
- Generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and a 12.5-inch turntable fit large items like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Powerful 1000W cooking power with 10 adjustable power levels for all your heating needs.
- Strong 300 CFM ventilation with adjustable fan speeds effectively clears smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- A bright interior light lets you see your food clearly while it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more customization options for specific recipes.
- The touch panel, while modern, could be more responsive for some users.
Overall, this Midea microwave oven is a solid choice for anyone looking for a spacious, powerful, and feature-rich appliance. It makes cooking and cleaning up a breeze.
Your Guide to Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens
Choosing the Right Over-the-Range Microwave
An over-the-range microwave oven is a kitchen superhero. It cooks your food and lights up your stovetop. It also helps vent smoke and smells. Picking the right one makes your kitchen work better. This guide helps you find the perfect fit.
1. Key Features to Look For
What makes a microwave great?
- Size Matters: Microwaves come in different widths. Most are 30 inches wide. Make sure it fits your space above the stove. Measure your cabinet opening carefully.
- Cooking Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with 900 watts or more. This helps cook food evenly and quickly.
- Ventilation Power: This is super important! Microwaves vent air in different ways.
- Recirculating: These use charcoal filters to clean the air. They send the air back into your kitchen. They work best when you don’t cook a lot of smoky foods.
- Venting Outside: These push smoke and smells out of your house through a duct. This is the best option for busy kitchens.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. Bigger capacity is good for cooking larger meals or batches. Think about what you usually cook.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. It detects how much moisture is in your food. Then it adjusts the cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Turntable or No Turntable: Most microwaves have a spinning plate. This helps food cook evenly. Some newer models have flat bottoms that rotate.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn or potatoes. These make cooking simple.
- Interior Light and Hood Light: A good light inside helps you see your food. A light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stove.
2. Important Materials
What are microwaves made of?
Most over-the-range microwaves have an outer casing made of stainless steel. This material is strong and looks nice in a kitchen. Some models might have painted steel or plastic parts. The inside is usually a durable enamel or stainless steel. These materials are easy to clean.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a microwave last longer and work better?
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. Buttons should press smoothly. The door should close securely.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Reading reviews from other customers can help you choose a good brand.
- Motor Strength (for Ventilation): A stronger fan motor means better air movement. This helps clear smoke and smells more effectively.
- Ease of Cleaning: Smooth interior surfaces and removable turntables make cleaning simple. Some microwaves have self-cleaning features.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be noisy when they run or when the fan is on. Check reviews for comments on noise.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these microwaves?
Over-the-range microwaves are very popular because they save counter space. People use them for:
- Quick Meals: Heating up leftovers or cooking frozen meals is fast.
- Stovetop Ventilation: The fan and light are used every time someone cooks on the stove.
- Defrosting: Safely thawing frozen meats and other foods.
- Reheating: Warming up coffee or snacks.
- Cooking Specific Foods: Using pre-programmed settings for popcorn, potatoes, or vegetables.
A good over-the-range microwave makes cooking and kitchen cleanup easier. It’s a central part of many kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most important feature to consider?
A: The most important feature is the ventilation. Make sure it vents outside if you cook a lot. If not, a good recirculating system with filters is needed.
Q: How do I know if it will fit above my stove?
A: Measure the space between your cabinets. Most over-the-range microwaves are 30 inches wide. Check the product dimensions to be sure.
Q: Is a higher wattage always better?
A: Yes, higher wattage (like 1000 watts or more) usually means faster and more even cooking.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture. It then automatically adjusts cooking time and power for best results.
Q: Do I need to vent my microwave outside?
A: It’s best to vent outside for better air quality. If you can’t, recirculating vents with charcoal filters will work, but they are less effective.
Q: How much cubic feet of space do I need?
A: A capacity of 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet is common and good for most families. Smaller spaces might need 1.5 cubic feet.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better?
A: Stainless steel is durable and looks good. It’s also generally easy to clean, which is a plus.
Q: What if I don’t cook much but need ventilation?
A: Even if you don’t use the microwave often, the vent fan is useful. Look for a microwave with a strong fan, even if cooking power isn’t your top priority.
Q: How do I clean an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables can often be washed in the dishwasher. Check the manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Q: Can I install it myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves mounting it to the wall and possibly connecting it to a duct. Many people hire a professional for safe and correct installation.
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.