Imagine a kitchen where you can reheat leftovers in a flash, whip up a quick snack, or even bake a cake, all while freeing up precious counter space. Sounds pretty good, right? That’s the magic of an above-range microwave oven, a true workhorse in modern kitchens. But with so many models out there, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks well, looks good, and fits your budget, but where do you even start?
Choosing the right above-range microwave can be a little tricky. There are so many features to consider, like how much power it has, if it has a vent for your stove, and what size will fit just right. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder if you’re making the best choice for your home and your cooking needs. We get it!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down what makes a great above-range microwave and help you understand the important things to look for. By the end of this post, you’ll feel much more confident about finding the microwave that’s perfect for your kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your cooking life easier!
Our Top 5 Above Range Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Above Range Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a generous 1.9 cu.ft. capacity, making it ideal for families. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space. Plus, it comes with smart features that simplify cooking.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: The 1000-watt heating power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Effortless Cooking: Pre-programmed auto menus handle tasks like popcorn, potatoes, and frozen dinners with just one touch.
- Bright Cooktop Light: The LED cooktop lighting shines brightly, making it easy to see and cook on your stove below.
- Strong Ventilation: The 400 CFM venting fan system effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Flexible Cooking Space: The turntable can be turned off, allowing you to fit larger dishes.
- Convenient Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cook, and a child lock for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Auto Menu Variety: While useful, the auto menus don’t cover every possible food item.
- Installation Complexity: Over-the-range microwaves can sometimes be tricky to install, though English instructions are provided.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, blending power, convenience, and smart features. It makes meal preparation easier and keeps your kitchen fresh.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cu. ft. microwave is a workhorse, helping you cook and reheat food quickly. Its sleek stainless steel design fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food evenly and efficiently. This microwave is designed to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits big dishes, like casseroles or whole chickens, thanks to its 12.4-inch turntable.
- It has 10 different cooking power levels, so you can cook everything from delicate fish to hearty stews perfectly.
- Six quick-touch menus (Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, Defrost) make preparing common foods super simple.
- Speedy cooking options let you press 1, 2, or 3 for 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes, perfect for a quick snack.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, saving you time and effort.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is powerful and has two speeds to clear smoke and smells from your kitchen, keeping the air fresh.
- An included light shines down on your stovetop, making it easier to see what you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 2-speed vent fan could be even stronger for very smoky cooking.
- While it has auto-cook menus, more advanced customizable presets could be a nice addition for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both style and functionality. It’s a smart choice for busy households that need a reliable and easy-to-use appliance.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle includes not just a fantastic microwave, but also a 2-year extended protection plan for extra peace of mind. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and your kitchen look sleeker.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity holds plenty of food.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep a breeze.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and stylish.
- It comes with a charcoal filter replacement, which is great for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The 2-year extended protection plan adds excellent value and security.
- It’s from GE USA, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit tight for very large dishes.
- Installation might require professional help for some users.
This GE microwave bundle offers great convenience and style for your kitchen. The added protection plan makes it a smart and worry-free purchase.
4. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 8.8/10
The Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers powerful cooking with its 1000 watts and smart sensor cooking. Plus, its spacious interior can handle even large dishes.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. interior, giving you plenty of room to cook.
- The sensor cooking and pre-programmed menus make cooking easy for things like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- Its 300 CFM venting fan quickly removes smoke and smells from your cooktop.
- The bright LED cooktop light helps you see what you’re cooking below.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is great for cooking big dishes.
- It comes with a generous 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty, which is double the usual industry standard.
- The screen touch control panel is modern and simple to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a great venting system, some users might prefer even higher CFM options for very heavy cooking.
- The overall dimensions are standard, but it’s always good to double-check measurements before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit.
This Empava microwave is a reliable and feature-rich appliance that will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
5. GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek black. This bundle comes with a fantastic 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind on top of the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s designed to make cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits most dishes.
- Powerful 1000 watts cooks food quickly.
- A two-speed, 300-CFM venting system clears smoke, steam, and smells.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is handy.
- Auto and time defrost features make getting frozen food ready easy.
- Convenience cooking controls are simple to use.
- The bundle includes a 2-year premium extended service protection plan for extra security.
- It’s from a GE USA authorized seller, ensuring quality.
- Charcoal filter replacement is easy to install.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t detail specific dimensions, which might be important for some kitchens.
- While the venting is good, some users might prefer a higher CFM for very heavy cooking.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience for your kitchen. The added protection plan makes it a smart and worry-free purchase.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Above-Range Microwave
An above-range microwave is a fantastic kitchen helper. It saves counter space and cooks your food. Let’s explore how to pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
- Width: Most microwaves are 30 inches wide. This fits over standard stoves.
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for heating leftovers. Bigger ones can cook meals. Think about how much food you usually prepare.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves have 900 to 1200 watts. This cooks food quickly and evenly.
3. Venting Options
Above-range microwaves help clear smoke and smells from your stove. They have fans and filters. Some vent outside. Others recirculate air inside your kitchen. Make sure the venting matches your kitchen setup.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
- Sensor Cooking: This feature guesses how long to cook food. It uses steam to figure it out.
- Quick Keys: Buttons for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes make cooking easy.
- Turntable: A spinning plate helps food cook evenly. Some microwaves have large turntables.
- Child Lock: This keeps little hands from turning the microwave on by accident.
5. Design and Finish
Microwaves come in different colors. Stainless steel is popular. Black and white are also common. Pick a finish that matches your other kitchen appliances.
Important Materials
Most microwaves use stainless steel or coated metal for the outside. This makes them strong and easy to clean. The inside is usually a ceramic or enamel coating. This coating is smooth and resists stains.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Even Cooking: Food cooks without cold spots.
- Quiet Operation: The fan and turntable don’t make too much noise.
- Easy Controls: Buttons are clear and simple to use.
- Good Lighting: The light inside helps you see your food.
- Effective Venting: It clears smoke and smells well.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good:
- Uneven Heating: Some parts of food are hot, others are cold.
- Loud Fan: The fan can be very noisy.
- Confusing Buttons: The controls are hard to understand.
- Poor Lighting: It’s hard to see inside.
- Weak Venting: It doesn’t clear smoke well.
User Experience and Use Cases
An above-range microwave is very useful. You can heat up snacks quickly. You can cook simple meals. Many people use them to defrost frozen foods. They are also great for reheating leftovers. The convenience of having it over the stove is a big plus. It frees up counter space. This makes your kitchen feel bigger and tidier.
Some people use them for more than just heating. They might bake potatoes or steam vegetables. The sensor cooking feature helps with this. Families with kids love the child lock. It gives parents peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for an above-range microwave?
A: A wattage between 900 and 1200 watts is generally best. This ensures your food cooks quickly and evenly.
Q: How important is the venting system?
A: The venting system is very important. It removes smoke, steam, and odors from your cooking. Make sure it fits your kitchen.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. It’s a very useful feature for most people.
Q: How do I clean an above-range microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with mild soap and water. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Stainless steel cleaners work well for the exterior.
Q: Can I install an above-range microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves electrical work and mounting. Many people hire a professional to install it safely.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food. It adjusts the cooking time automatically.
Q: How much counter space does an above-range microwave save?
A: It saves a lot of counter space. It replaces a separate microwave and range hood.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an above-range microwave?
A: Most above-range microwaves last between 7 to 10 years with proper care.
Q: Are there microwaves that don’t need to vent outside?
A: Yes, some microwaves recirculate air. They use filters to clean the air inside your kitchen.
Q: What should I do if my microwave isn’t heating food?
A: First, check if it’s plugged in and the door is shut properly. If it still doesn’t heat, you may need to have it repaired.
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.