The 10 Best Over-The-Range Microwaves – Reviews + Buying Guide
Are you looking at options to free up counter space? Switch to an over-the-range microwave. An over-the-range microwave is installed over your stove, which gives your kitchen a neat look. Unlike countertop microwaves, the over-the-range microwaves come with efficient ventilation to eliminate smoke, odors, and steam. It might get overwhelming to figure out the model that works best for you. Worry not, we have narrowed down the top 10 best over-the-range microwaves available online. Scroll down to check them out.
Table Of Contents
Top 10 Over-The-Range Microwave
1. GE JNM3163DJBB Over-the-Range Microwave
The GE JNM3163DJBB Over-the-Range Microwave comes with six convenience cooking controls, including potato, popcorns, and warming up food. The defrost timer and power levels can be programmed both automatically and manually for desired results. The two-speed venting system removes steam, smoke, and kitchen odors effectively.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.6 cu.ft.
- Dimensions: 15.88 x 29.88 x 16.44 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Wattage: 950 WPower Levels: 10
- Warranty: 1 year
- CFM: 300
Pros
- Affordable
- Nightlight setting
- Sleek
- Easy to install
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Might be noisy
2. Samsung ME18H704SFB Over-the-Range Microwave
The Samsung ME18H704SFB Over-the-Range Microwave features a durable ceramic enamel interior, providing a polished, scratch-resistant surface for easy maintenance. The sensor cook feature delivers optimally heated food. You can even cook meals from scratch easily with the auto defrost and sensor reheat options. The blue LED display is a highlight and complements almost any kitchen decor.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.8 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 29.87 x 15.56 x 17.06 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Wattage: 1000 W
- Power Levels: 10
- Warranty: 1 year
- CFM: 400
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Scratch-resistant
- Durable
- Affordable
- Daylight saving adjustment
- Child lock technology
- Halogen cooktop light
Cons
- Hard-to-push buttons
- Might be noisy
3. Haier HMV1472BHS Over-the-Range Microwave
The Haier HMV1472BHS Over-the-Range Microwave comes with the sensor cooking technology that provides automatic adjustment of power levels and microwaving time. You can say goodbye to cooktop smoke and odors with its powerful ventilation and charcoal filter. The glass touch controls are instinctive to use and easy to clean, while the LED lighting provides illumination for easy cooking.
Specifications
Capacity: 1.3 cu. ft.
Dimensions: 24 x 20.12 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 63 pounds
Wattage: 1000 W
Power Levels: 10
Warranty: 1 year
CFM: 300
Pros
- Sensor cooking technology
- LED surface light
- Includes a install bracket
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not durable
4. Black+Decker EM044KJN-P1 Over-the-Range Microwave
The Black+Decker EM044KJN-P1 Over-the-Range Microwave features a sturdy range hood. It showcases a sleek and modern white finish with incandescent lighting for your cooking area. This microwave has half a minute and a minute up to 6 minutes of quick-start options. It comes with a safety lock feature that prevents kids from accessing it accidentally.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.6 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 15 x 29.9 x 16.4 inches
- Weight: 62.8 pounds
- Wattage: 1000 W
- Power Levels: 10
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Sturdy
- Includes mounting hardware
- Multiple quick-start options
- Safety lock feature
- Affordable
- Sleek design
Cons
- Not easy to install
5. Cosmo COS-2413ORM1SS Over The Range Microwave Oven
The Cosmo COS-2413ORM1SS Over-The-Range Microwave Oven features convenient touch presets to complete tasks like softening, defrosting, and melting easily. The sensor reheat and cook mode automatically switches off as soon as the cooking is over. It comes with an integrated range hood and a high-performance vent that removes moisture, smoke, and odor efficiently.
Specifications
Capacity: 1.34 cu. Ft.
Dimensions: 16.1 x 23.8 x 17 inches
Weight: 57.3 pounds
Wattage: 1000 watts
Power Levels: 10
Warranty: 1 year
CFM: 300
Pros
- Sensor cook mode
- Durable
- Space-saver design
- Digital display
Cons
- No convection cooking
6. Avanti MOTR13D3S Over The Range Microwave
The Avanti MOTR13D3S Over-The-Range Microwave is one of the top contenders featuring multiple options with a smart design. This OTR microwave is durable and has a premium-quality build and an impressive cooking capacity. The rotating turntable ensures that the food gets heated evenly. Additionally, the child lock feature ensures that your little one is safe around the kitchen.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.34 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 24 x 16.5 x 17 inches
- Weight: 55 pounds
- Wattage: 1000 W
- Power Levels: 10
- CFM: 300
Pros
- Durable
- Rotating turntable
- Child lock feature
Cons
- Might have voltage issues
7. Kenmore Elite 87583 Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The Kenmore Elite 87583 Over-the-Range Microwave Oven has a large cooking capacity with a stunning, stainless steel finish. It features a unique slide-out vent that captures the odor and smoke emitted during the cook easily. The easy-to-operate glass touch controls on the door enhance the seamless and sleek look and offer simple functionality.
Specifications
- Capacity: 2.2 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 15.82 x 29.88 x 17.72 inches
- Weight: 61.2 pounds
- Wattage: 1000 W
- Power Levels: 10
- Warranty: 1 year
- CFM: 400
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- Slide-out vent
- Sleek design
Cons
- No convection cooking
8. Frigidaire FFMV1846VS Over the Range Microwave
The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS Over-the-Range Microwave comes with a black finish and LED lighting, offering you a bright and clear view of your cooktop. The easy-to-use touch buttons help in cooking popcorn, baking potatoes, or adding an extra 30 seconds of cook time. It offers two fan speeds of 100 and 300 for ventilation, and the door of this microwave opens to an angle of 90 degrees, avoiding contact with the adjacent walls.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.8 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 29.87 x 15.62 inches
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Wattage: 1000 W
- Power Levels: 10
- Warranty: 1 year
- CFM: 300
Pros
- Value for money
- Compact design
- Quiet operation
- One-touch cooking
Cons
None
9. Bosch S800 HMV8053U Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
This over-the-range microwave from the Bosch 800 series has a modish feel owing to its black control panel along with a smooth stainless steel handle and trimming. You can fit cooking bowls or long pans and cook a variety of dishes on its large interior space. The multi-speed vent removes smoke, grease, odors, and steam generated during the cook efficiently. It also has the option for convection cooking.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.8 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 16 x 30 x 18 inches
- Weight: 73 pounds
- Wattage: 1000 W
- Power Levels: 10
- Warranty: 1 year
- CFM: 385
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Interior lighting
- Convection option
Cons
- Long cooking time
- Noisy vent fan
10. GE PVM9005SJSS Microwave Oven
The GE PVM9005SJSS Microwave Oven lends an elegant look to your kitchen with its black design and sleek, stainless steel body. Its standout feature is the child lock that prevents mishaps due to unexpected opening and heat burns. The venting system has five venting steps for efficient airflow speed and power control. It automatically adjusts the power and time for cooking. You can choose when to sync the microwave’s surface light and vent with the clocks and range elements.
Specifications
- Capacity: 2.1 cu. ft.
- Dimensions: 33 x 21 x 20 inches
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Wattage: 1050 W
- Power Levels: 10
- Warranty: 1 year
- CFM: 400
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean
- Energy-efficient
- Charcoal filter with indicator light
- Sleek design
Cons
- Noisy
Before you head off to buying an over-the-range microwave, it is important to know the factors that make an appliance right for you. Let us look at them below.
What To Look For In An Over-The-Range Microwave – Buying Guide
1. Dimensions
Consider the dimensions to ensure that the unit fits over the range. Some of the most popular models measure about 12 inches deep and 30 inches wide. Measure the cabinet space properly before purchasing a unit.
2. Capacity
The size of an over-the-range microwave is measured in cubic feet, and the average size ranges between 1.5 to 1.7 cubic feet and can go up to 2 cubic feet. This size is perfect for fitting a dinner plate for reheating.
3. Cook Settings
The best over-the-range microwaves come with numerous settings. Some have preset modes for reheat and defrost, while others switch off automatically after maintaining the temperature. Choose the kind of setting that is most important for you.
4. Wattage
It is imperative to consider the cooking power. However, most of the over-the-range microwaves come with 1000 Watts of power, which makes them energy-efficient.
5. Control Panel
A backlit control panel is a great option during nighttime or if your kitchen is dimly lit. Also, a microwave with the control panels hidden behind the door imparts a sleek look to the kitchen.
6. Sensor Settings
The sensor in an OTR microwave detects the steam coming from the food and adjusts the power and cooking times automatically. This helps prevent overcooking or burning.
7. Venting Power (CFM)
An OTR microwave also acts as a range hood. Most models have 300 CFM, while some might have as high as 450 CFM. They are great for both frequent and occasional cooking in the kitchen. Therefore, always opt for one with high venting power.
An over-the-range microwave offers several advantages. Take a look at them in the next section.
Benefits Of Using An Over-The-Range Microwave
- OTR microwaves are huge space-savers and help you make the most out of your kitchen. You will save a lot of space on the countertop for meal prep and other appliances like a toaster, a coffee pot, or a blender.
- It also has inbuilt fans to evacuate smoke, steam, and odors.
- It is cost-effective, as you do not have to buy a separate range hood.
- The sleek design of an OTR microwave will give your kitchen a stylish contemporary look.
An OTR microwave seems to be a must-have for your kitchen, making every day cooking easy. It also gives your kitchen a modernized look. The key is to select the one that best suits your needs. Check out our list and pick your favorite one!
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
How long do over-the-range microwaves last?
On average, over-the-range microwaves last between 7 to 10 years with less, normal, or heavy use, and poor maintenance.
What over-the-range microwave has the best ventilation?
The venting power is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). Microwaves with a high CFM rating like 400-600 will provide the best ventilation.
Why should you not use a microwave?
Long-term use of a microwave for heating or cooking food can lead to brain damage as it causes the brain’s electrical impulses to short circuit.
Is it OK to use a microwave every day?
The microwave reduces the necessary nutrients like vitamins and minerals in the food. Therefore, using it every day is not recommended.
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