Imagine a kitchen helper that can bake cookies, reheat leftovers, and even toast your bread – all without taking up precious counter space! That’s the magic of a rated over-the-range convection microwave. But let’s be honest, wading through all the features and brands can feel like a daunting task. You want a microwave that cooks evenly, looks good, and fits your budget, but where do you even begin?
Choosing the perfect over-the-range convection microwave can be tricky. You might worry about getting one that doesn’t heat properly, struggles with convection baking, or is too complicated to use. Plus, there are so many different brands and styles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what truly matters. We get it – you want a reliable appliance that makes cooking easier, not harder.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down what makes a great over-the-range convection microwave, what features to look for, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a model that perfectly suits your kitchen and your cooking needs. So, let’s dive in and discover the best options out there!
Our Top 5 Rated Over The Range Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Over The Range 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: 8.8/10
Get ready to upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This powerhouse appliance does more than just heat food; it cooks, bakes, and even air fries! It’s a stylish and functional addition to any home, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: Enjoy crispy air-fried favorites, perfectly baked goods, and speedy microwave meals all in one unit.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. interior fits large dishes, making it ideal for families or entertaining.
- Enhanced Protection: This bundle includes a full manufacturer’s warranty PLUS a 2-year extended protection plan for your peace of mind.
- Complete Setup: Everything you need, including a recirculating charcoal filter kit, is in the box to get you started right away.
- Sleek Design: The stainless steel finish looks modern and complements any kitchen decor.
- Fast Cook Feature: Save time with its efficient and rapid cooking capabilities.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: While it’s an over-the-range model, professional installation might be needed for optimal setup.
- Learning Curve: Some of the advanced features, like convection and air frying, may require a short learning period to master.
This GE microwave bundle offers fantastic versatility and excellent value, especially with the included extended protection. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.
2. Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
Rating: 8.7/10
The Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave in stainless steel is a kitchen workhorse. It’s not just for reheating leftovers; it can actually cook a whole meal! This microwave does it all, from baking cookies to roasting a chicken, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s an 850-watt convection microwave. This means it browns, bakes, broils, crisps, and roasts food.
- The 2-color, 7-digit display is easy to read and use.
- Smart and Easy sensor settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 1.1-cubic-foot stainless-steel interior is roomy and easy to clean.
- A 13-inch turntable ensures food heats evenly.
- The built-in exhaust system with a powerful fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
- It comes with a hood light to illuminate your stovetop.
- Low and high racks are included for different cooking needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior dimensions are quite large, so be sure to measure your space carefully.
This Sharp microwave offers a lot of cooking power and features in one appliance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen’s capabilities.
3. Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven – 1.5 cu. ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.5 cubic feet of space and powerful convection cooking to make mealtime in your RV a breeze.
What We Like:
- The convection cooking feature boasts 10 temperature settings, letting you bake and brown your favorite foods just like in a regular oven.
- Its bright LED display clearly shows the timer, clock, and any other functions you activate, making it easy to keep track of your cooking.
- You have the flexibility to choose how it vents: either exhaust air outside your RV for a cleaner cooking environment or recirculate air inside.
- It comes with 30-watt appliance bulbs to light up your cooktop below.
- This microwave is built tough! It’s durable and vibration resistant, designed to handle the bumps and shakes that come with RV travel.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the convection feature might take some getting used to for those new to RV cooking.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and requires regular wiping to maintain its shine.
This Furrion convection microwave is a fantastic addition to any RV, offering versatility and durability for all your cooking needs on the road. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their mobile culinary experience.
4. Café™ 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The Café™ 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a kitchen game-changer. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a multi-tasking marvel that helps you cook faster and more creatively. This sleek appliance fits right over your stove, saving valuable counter space. Its large capacity means you can prepare meals for your whole family easily.
What We Like:
- The air fry feature is amazing! It makes crispy fries and chicken wings right in the microwave.
- It has a huge 1.7 cubic feet of space, so you can fit big dishes inside.
- You have lots of control with 10 different power levels, letting you cook everything perfectly.
- It looks super stylish in any kitchen, adding a touch of modern elegance.
- The convection cooking option means you can roast and bake, not just microwave.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit tricky.
- The price point is a bit higher than a basic microwave.
- While it has many features, mastering them all might take a little practice.
This oven offers a fantastic combination of convenience and versatility. If you’re looking to upgrade your cooking experience and add a touch of luxury to your kitchen, this Café™ microwave is definitely worth considering.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.1/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It helps you cook delicious meals quickly and easily. Its modern stainless steel design looks good above your stove. This microwave makes cooking fun and simple for everyone.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto menus for easy cooking. You can make popcorn, pizza, or even cook potatoes with just one touch.
- The large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit big dishes like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, it heats food quickly and evenly.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen.
- A bright light under the microwave lets you see your stovetop clearly while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The touch panel might take a little getting used to for some users.
- While powerful, the ventilation might be a bit loud on the highest setting for some kitchens.
This Midea microwave oven offers excellent features for busy kitchens. It’s a solid choice for making cooking easier and your kitchen cleaner.
Choosing Your Next Over-the-Range Convection Microwave: A Smart Kitchen Upgrade
An over-the-range convection microwave is a kitchen workhorse. It saves counter space. It also offers cooking versatility. You can microwave, bake, and broil. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features:
1. Convection Cooking Power
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 1000 watts for microwave functions.
- Convection Wattage: This tells you how well it bakes and roasts. A good convection wattage is around 1500 watts.
- Even Heat Distribution: Some models have special fans. These help cook food evenly.
2. Capacity and Size
- Cubic Feet: This is the microwave’s interior space. A larger family might need a 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet model. Smaller kitchens might do well with 1.4 to 1.6 cubic feet.
- Dimensions: Measure your space above the stove. Make sure the microwave will fit. Check the height, width, and depth.
3. Venting System
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This measures how much air the fan moves. Higher CFM is better for removing smoke and steam. Aim for at least 300 CFM.
- Recirculating vs. Vented: Recirculating vents clean the air and send it back into the kitchen. Vented systems push air outside. Vented is usually more effective.
4. Cooking Presets and Smart Features
- Sensor Cooking: This automatically adjusts cooking time and power. It works for different foods.
- Preset Buttons: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or defrosting.
- Smart Connectivity: Some models connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone or voice assistants.
5. Ease of Cleaning
- Interior Finish: Stainless steel or ceramic enamel interiors are easier to wipe clean.
- Turntable: A removable turntable makes cleaning simpler.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and looks.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is popular. It’s durable and looks sleek. Other options include black stainless steel or white enamel.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors resist staining and odors. Ceramic enamel is also a good choice for easy cleaning.
- Door Glass: Tempered glass is strong and safe.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things impact how good a microwave is.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive.
- Brand Reputation: Trusted brands often offer better quality and customer support.
- User Reviews: Reading reviews from other buyers is helpful. They share real-world experiences.
- Warranty: A longer warranty usually means the manufacturer stands behind their product.
User Experience and Use Cases
An over-the-range convection microwave is great for many cooking tasks.
- Quick Meals: Reheating leftovers or making a quick snack is easy.
- Baking and Roasting: Use the convection feature to bake cookies or roast chicken. It’s like having a second oven.
- Space Saving: It frees up counter space. This is ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Versatile Cooking: You can defrost, steam, and broil. It handles many cooking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main benefit of a convection microwave?
A1: The main benefit is its versatility. You can use it for regular microwaving, baking, and roasting, just like a regular oven.
Q2: How much CFM do I need for my range hood vent?
A2: Aim for at least 300 CFM. This will effectively remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.
Q3: Is stainless steel a good material for the interior?
A3: Yes, stainless steel interiors are durable and resist stains and odors, making them easier to clean.
Q4: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A4: Sensor cooking automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level. It does this based on the food’s moisture and humidity.
Q5: How do I measure if a microwave will fit above my stove?
A5: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space above your stove. Compare these measurements to the microwave’s dimensions.
Q6: Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A6: Yes, you can usually use microwave-safe metal racks or pans when using the convection setting. Always check your owner’s manual.
Q7: What is the difference between recirculating and vented hoods?
A7: Recirculating hoods filter air and return it to the kitchen. Vented hoods push air outside your home.
Q8: Why are some microwaves more expensive than others?
A8: Higher prices often reflect more powerful convection fans, advanced features, better build quality, and premium materials.
Q9: How long do over-the-range convection microwaves typically last?
A9: With proper care and use, most over-the-range microwaves can last between 7 to 10 years.
Q10: What are some common cooking use cases for convection microwaves?
A10: Common uses include reheating food, cooking frozen meals, baking small batches of cookies, roasting vegetables, and toasting bread.
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.