Imagine a kitchen where one appliance can toast your bagels, bake a cake, and reheat leftovers, all while freeing up precious counter space. Sound like a dream? It might be closer than you think, especially if you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen’s centerpiece: the over-the-stove microwave.
Choosing an over-the-stove convection microwave can feel overwhelming. You want something that cooks well, looks good, and fits your budget. But with so many features and brands, it’s easy to get lost. Are you wondering if a convection oven is really worth it? Do you need help understanding all the buttons and settings? You’re not alone!
This post is here to help you navigate the world of over-the-stove convection microwaves. We’ll break down what makes them special and what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking the perfect one for your kitchen and cooking needs. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Over The Stove Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Stove Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9179SRSS Profile microwave. This stainless steel beauty isn’t just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking machine. It has a good size, fitting 1.7 cubic feet of food. You can air fry your favorite snacks to perfection. Plus, it cooks food fast. This bundle also comes with a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It cooks food using air frying for crispy results.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity holds plenty of food.
- Fast Cook feature saves you time.
- The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan on top of the manufacturer’s warranty, which is awesome.
- It’s easy to install over your range.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While versatile, it might have a learning curve for some of the advanced features.
This GE Profile microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to add convenience and advanced cooking options to their home. It’s a solid investment for your kitchen.
2. Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
Rating: 9.0/10
The Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave in sleek stainless steel is a real kitchen workhorse. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a convection oven that can do it all. You can brown, bake, broil, crisp, and even roast your favorite foods right in this one appliance. Its modern 2-color, 7-digit display makes choosing your cooking settings super easy with smart sensor options. The 1.1-cubic-foot interior gives you plenty of space, and the 13-inch turntable ensures your food heats up evenly.
What We Like:
- It’s a convection microwave, so it can bake, roast, and brown, not just reheat.
- The smart sensor settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 13-inch turntable fits most plates and bowls for even cooking.
- It has a built-in exhaust system and a hood light, which is great for your stovetop.
- The stainless steel interior looks nice and is easy to wipe clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The outer dimensions might be a bit large for some kitchens, so measure carefully.
- While it has many functions, some might find the learning curve for all the convection features a little steep at first.
This Sharp microwave offers a lot of cooking power and versatility in one unit. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen and making meal prep a breeze.
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.3/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish and smart touch panel make it a modern choice. This microwave offers a large capacity and many features to make cooking easier and more enjoyable for busy households.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature with 18 Auto Menus is super handy. You can cook popcorn, pizza, or even defrost food with just a touch. It makes preparing meals quick and simple.
- It has a big 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and a 12.5-inch turntable. This means you can easily fit larger items like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside.
- With 1000W of power and 10-level settings, it heats food evenly and efficiently.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds is strong. It does a great job of clearing out cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen.
- A bright light under the microwave helps you see your stovetop clearly while you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the smart touch panel is nice, some users might find it takes a little time to get used to all the options.
- The installation process might require professional help for some, which adds to the overall cost.
This Midea microwave oven is a solid choice for those who want convenience and good performance. It simplifies cooking and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
4. Café™ 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The Café™ 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It combines the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer. Plus, it offers convection baking for more cooking options. This oven fits easily above your stove. It gives you extra counter space. It’s a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The air fry feature makes chicken wings and fries crispy.
- Its 1.7 cubic feet capacity is big enough for most family meals.
- You get ten power levels for precise cooking.
- The convection bake option lets you roast or bake as well as microwave.
- It looks stylish above the range.
What Could Be Improved:
- The touch controls can sometimes be a little sensitive.
- Some users found the initial setup process a bit tricky.
- The price point is higher than basic microwaves.
This microwave oven really does a lot. It can cook, bake, and air fry. It’s a smart choice for busy households that want more than just reheating.
5. Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven – 1.5 cu. ft.
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven. This sleek, stainless steel appliance offers more than just reheating. It brings the power of convection cooking to your mobile home, letting you bake and brown your favorite foods with 10 different temperature settings. Plus, its durable design is built to handle the adventures of RV travel.
What We Like:
- It’s a convection oven, so you can bake and roast food.
- It has 10 temperature settings for cooking.
- The LED display clearly shows the time and what the oven is doing.
- You can choose to vent air outside or keep it inside your RV.
- It comes with bright 30-watt lights to illuminate your cooktop.
- It’s built tough to survive bumpy RV roads.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for beginners.
- The internal capacity might feel a bit small for larger meals.
This Furrion microwave oven is a fantastic addition for RVers who love to cook. It offers versatility and durability, making mealtime on the road much more enjoyable.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Over-the-Stove Convection Microwave Companion
Why Choose an Over-the-Stove Convection Microwave?
An over-the-stove convection microwave is a smart choice for kitchens that need to save space. It replaces both your old microwave and often a separate vent hood. This appliance does more than just reheat food. It can bake, roast, and broil like a regular oven. This makes it super versatile for cooking all sorts of meals.
1. Key Features to Look For
Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. If you cook for a big family or like to bake large dishes, look for a larger capacity. A good range is 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet.
Power (Wattage)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most convection microwaves are between 900 and 1100 watts. For everyday cooking, 1000 watts is usually plenty.
Convection Cooking Options
Check for different convection settings. Some have a fan that circulates hot air for even baking and roasting. Others might have special modes for specific foods, like pizza or air frying.
Ventilation System
Since it’s over the stove, good ventilation is a must. Look for models with powerful fans and multiple speed settings. Some have charcoal filters to remove odors.
Sensor Cooking
Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture and adjust cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking your food.
Turntable
A turntable rotates your food for even heating. Make sure it’s large enough for your plates and bowls. Some models have a turntable off option if you need to cook something large.
Control Panel
A user-friendly control panel makes using the microwave easier. Look for clear buttons and a bright display. Some have touch screens for a more modern feel.
2. Important Materials
Most over-the-stove convection microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel. This material is strong and looks good in most kitchens. The interior is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and more durable.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave will last longer. Check for sturdy construction and smooth-moving doors. Higher-end models often use better materials and have more robust components.
Motor and Fan Strength
A strong fan is important for both the microwave and the convection features. It helps circulate air evenly and vent smoke and steam from your stovetop.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for features like non-stick interiors or easy-to-remove racks. A smooth control panel also makes cleaning simple.
Noise Level
Some microwaves can be quite noisy. Check reviews for information on how loud the fan and turntable are.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
An over-the-stove convection microwave can simplify your cooking routine. You can reheat leftovers quickly, bake cookies, roast chicken, or even cook a pizza. It’s perfect for small kitchens where space is limited. Families can use it for weeknight dinners, and individuals can enjoy the convenience of having multiple cooking functions in one appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is convection cooking?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This helps food cook more evenly and brown nicely, just like a regular oven.
Q: Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can usually use metal cookware in convection mode. However, always check your microwave’s manual first, as some brands have specific rules.
Q: How do I clean my over-the-stove microwave?
A: Most interiors can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: How powerful should the vent fan be?
A: Look for a CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. Higher CFM means more air is moved. Around 300-400 CFM is good for most stovetops.
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave adds a heating element and a fan to bake, roast, and broil food.
Q: How much space do I need above my stove for installation?
A: Most manufacturers recommend at least 30 inches of clearance between the stovetop and the bottom of the microwave.
Q: Are over-the-stove microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can be tricky. It usually involves mounting it to the wall and connecting it to electrical power and the vent system. Professional installation is often recommended.
Q: How long does a convection microwave typically last?
A: With proper care, a good quality convection microwave can last between 8 to 15 years.
Q: Can I microwave and use convection at the same time?
A: Some models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This can speed up cooking times while still giving food a nice brown finish.
Q: What are some common problems with over-the-stove microwaves?
A: Common issues include fan malfunctions, heating element problems, or control panel issues. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these.
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.