Imagine reclaiming precious counter space in your kitchen. Does your current microwave hog too much room, making your countertops feel cluttered and cramped? You’re not alone! Many home cooks dream of a more organized and efficient kitchen, and that’s where the under cabinet microwave shines.
But choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. You want something that fits perfectly, cooks your food well, and looks good too. With so many features and sizes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. What if you pick one that’s too small, too big, or doesn’t have the power you need? These are common worries that can make the decision tough.
This post is here to help you conquer that confusion. We’ll break down what to look for, what features are important, and how to find the best under cabinet microwave for *your* kitchen. Get ready to discover how this smart appliance can transform your cooking space and make meal prep a breeze!
Our Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.7/10
The 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 brings convenience and power to your kitchen. It’s a great addition for busy households that need to cook quickly and efficiently. This microwave offers a large capacity, making it easy to heat up meals or prepare snacks for the whole family.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: Its 1.7 cubic feet interior fits a 12.4-inch turntable, perfect for larger dishes and families.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave cooks food quickly and evenly.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Six handy presets for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting make cooking simple.
- Speedy Cooking: Just press 1, 2, or 3 for 100% power for up to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, saving you time.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively removes smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- Built-in Light: The light under the microwave helps illuminate your stovetop for safer cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan might be a bit loud for some users.
- The control panel could be more intuitive for first-time users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It makes everyday cooking tasks faster and easier.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
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 for busy households. It offers plenty of space for reheating meals or cooking quick snacks. Plus, it comes with a special bundle that includes a 2-year extended protection plan and a charcoal filter replacement. This bundle gives you peace of mind and ensures your microwave stays in top shape.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep simple and fast.
- The included 2-year extended protection plan offers excellent long-term value and security.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement, so you’re ready to go right away.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and cleans up easily.
- It’s a GE USA authorized product, meaning quality you can trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens, so measure your space carefully.
- While the convenience controls are great, some users might prefer more advanced features.
This GE microwave bundle is a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and well-protected kitchen appliance. It combines great features with added peace of mind.
3. LG MVEL2125X 2.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Over-the-Range Smart Microwave
Rating: 9.1/10
The LG MVEL2125X 2.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Over-the-Range Smart Microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a large capacity, smart features, and a sleek look that makes cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- The Print Proof Stainless Steel finish keeps your microwave looking clean and new, even with frequent use. No more annoying fingerprints!
- Smart Connectivity with the ThinQ App lets you control your microwave from your phone. You can start, stop, and even download cooking programs remotely.
- The Spacious Capacity of 2.1 Cu. Ft. means you can easily fit larger dishes, casserole pans, and even a whole chicken inside.
- This microwave heats food quickly and evenly, making meal prep much faster.
- It installs easily over your range, saving valuable counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup of the ThinQ app a bit confusing.
- The advanced smart features might be more than some people need for basic microwave tasks.
- While the stainless steel is print-proof, it can still show smudges from greasy hands.
This LG microwave is a top-notch appliance that combines convenience, style, and smart technology. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen experience.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave packs a powerful 1000-watt punch, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your cooktop, adding both style and functionality to your cooking space. With one-touch controls and smart auto-cooking features, it’s designed to simplify your busy life.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 400 CFM venting system keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your cooking surface.
- The turntable on/off function handles large dishes with ease.
- 10 power settings offer precise cooking control.
- 30-second express cooking is great for quick reheating.
- Child lock provides safety for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online.
- The large capacity might be too big for very small kitchens.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone looking for convenience and power in their kitchen. It makes cooking and cleaning up simpler and more efficient.
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS Over the Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a 1.7 cubic feet microwave with a sleek stainless steel finish. This microwave offers 1000 watts of power, making it excellent for quick meals and busy households.
What We Like:
- It has a large capacity (1.7 cu. ft.), so you can fit big dishes. The 12.4-inch turntable spins your food evenly.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 6 quick menus for popcorn, drinks, melting, reheating, and defrosting.
- You can cook with 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes with just a press of a button.
- It has a multi-stage cooking feature that lets you set different power levels for one cooking cycle.
- The 300 CFM vent fan quietly removes smoke and smells from your kitchen. The built-in light helps you see what you’re cooking.
- The stainless steel design looks modern and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 2-speed fan less powerful than expected for very smoky cooking.
- The “quick action” buttons for 1, 2, and 3 minutes might not be enough for all fast cooking needs.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for upgrading your cooking experience. It combines useful features with a stylish design.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Under Cabinet Microwave Buying Guide
Tired of your countertop being cluttered? An under cabinet microwave is a fantastic way to save space and keep your kitchen looking neat. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Why Choose an Under Cabinet Microwave?
These microwaves mount directly under your kitchen cabinets. This frees up valuable counter space. It also gives your kitchen a cleaner, more organized look. They often come with built-in ventilation to help with cooking smells.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind:
- Ventilation System: Most under cabinet microwaves have a fan. This fan pulls smoke and steam away from your cooking area. Some have recirculating fans, while others vent outside. Venting outside is usually more effective.
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about what you’ll be cooking. Do you just reheat leftovers, or do you bake and cook full meals? A bigger microwave holds larger dishes.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most under cabinet microwaves have between 900 and 1100 watts. More watts are generally better if you cook a lot.
- Control Panel: Look for easy-to-use buttons. Some have touch screens, others have physical buttons. Think about what you prefer. Preset cooking options for common foods are a nice bonus.
- Lighting: A light under the microwave is very helpful. It illuminates your stovetop. This makes cooking on the stove safer and easier.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Some models have a turntable you can turn off if you need to fit a large rectangular dish.
Important Materials
Under cabinet microwaves are usually made from sturdy materials.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is easy to clean. Stainless steel is also very durable.
- Plastic: Some parts, like the control panel or interior, might be made of high-quality plastic. This keeps the microwave lighter.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an under cabinet microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. It doesn’t rattle when it runs. The door should close smoothly.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often have better quality control. They also offer better warranties.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. Check reviews to see if a model is known for being quiet.
- Ease of Installation: Most under cabinet microwaves need to be hardwired into your electrical system. Some are easier to install than others. If you’re not handy, you might need a professional.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an under cabinet microwave is usually straightforward.
- Saving Space: The biggest win is freeing up counter space. This makes your kitchen feel bigger and more organized.
- Convenience: Having a microwave right above your stove is super convenient. You can easily heat up ingredients or melt butter while you’re cooking.
- Ventilation: The fan helps clear out cooking smells and steam. This keeps your kitchen air fresher.
- Cooking and Reheating: They work just like regular microwaves. You can reheat meals, cook popcorn, or even bake simple dishes.
- Specific Needs: If you have a small kitchen, this is a game-changer. Families can benefit from the extra counter space for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know what size under cabinet microwave I need?
A: Measure the space under your cabinet. Check the width, depth, and height. Also, consider the size of the dishes you plan to use inside the microwave.
Q: Do under cabinet microwaves come with everything needed for installation?
A: Installation hardware is usually included. However, you might need to buy electrical wiring or a plug depending on your setup. It’s always best to check the product description.
Q: Can I use an under cabinet microwave if I don’t vent it outside?
A: Yes, many models have a recirculating fan. This fan filters the air. It’s not as effective as venting outside, but it still helps with smells.
Q: Are under cabinet microwaves hard to clean?
A: No, they are generally easy to clean. The stainless steel exterior wipes down easily. The interior can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an under cabinet microwave?
A: Most under cabinet microwaves last between 7 to 15 years. This depends on how often you use it and how well you maintain it.
Q: Do I need a professional to install an under cabinet microwave?
A: It is recommended to have a professional install it, especially if you’re not comfortable with electrical work. Incorrect installation can be dangerous.
Q: How much power do these microwaves use?
A: They typically use around 1000-1500 watts when cooking. The actual electricity usage will vary based on the model and how long you use it.
Q: Can I mount a regular microwave under my cabinet?
A: No, under cabinet microwaves are specifically designed for this type of installation. Regular microwaves are not built with the necessary ventilation and mounting hardware.
Q: What are the benefits of a built-in range hood with a microwave?
A: These models combine a microwave with a range hood. This saves even more space. The range hood helps remove smoke and grease from your stovetop.
Q: Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?
A: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Ensure the microwave is securely mounted. Keep it away from flammable materials.
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.