Imagine this: you’re standing in your kitchen, ready to whip up a quick meal. You reach for your microwave, but wait, where is it? If your microwave is taking up precious counter space, or if you’re looking to free up room, then an above-range microwave might be your kitchen’s new best friend.
Choosing the right above-range microwave can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks your food perfectly, looks good in your kitchen, and fits your budget. But with so many different sizes, features, and brands, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might worry about installation, or if it will even work well for your cooking needs. Finding the one that checks all your boxes can be a real challenge.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what you need to know to pick the best above-range microwave for your home. We’ll cover important things like size, power, and special features. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to make a smart choice that makes your kitchen work better for you.
Our Top 5 Above Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Above Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a spacious 1.6 cubic feet of cooking space and a powerful 1000 watts to heat your food quickly. This microwave also comes with a built-in hood vent to keep your kitchen fresh. Its sleek stainless steel design will look good in any home.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.6 cu ft interior holds plenty of food, from popcorn bags to dinner plates.
- Fast Cooking Power: 1000 watts means your meals are ready in no time.
- Convenience Controls: Cooking made easy with quick and simple operating buttons.
- Effective Venting: The 300 CFM, two-speed vent fan powerfully removes smoke, steam, and odors.
- Bright LED Lighting: Illuminate your cooktop below with clear LED lights.
- Easy Defrosting: Auto and time defrost options ensure your food thaws perfectly.
- Turntable Control: You can turn the turntable on or off, giving you flexibility for different dishes.
- Simple Installation: Designed for easy mounting above your range.
What Could Be Improved:
- Charcoal Filter Access: While the charcoal filter is replaceable, accessing it behind the door grille might require a little effort for some users.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It makes cooking and kitchen ventilation a breeze.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet stainless steel microwave is a powerful and convenient addition, perfect for busy households. It fits right over your stove, saving valuable counter space and offering essential cooking functions.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The generous 1.7 cu. ft. interior easily fits large dishes and includes a 12.4-inch turntable, making it great for cooking bigger meals.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: With 1000 watts of power, you get 6 handy one-touch menus for popcorn, drinks, softening, reheating, and defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: Simply press buttons 1, 2, or 3 for instant 1-minute, 2-minute, or 3-minute cooking at full power.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting the microwave to cook at different power levels for different durations in a single cycle.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM vent fan quickly removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. The built-in light illuminates your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, might be noisy for some users.
- Some users might prefer more advanced auto-cook presets beyond the basic ones offered.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great blend of capacity, power, and convenience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. Its 1.9 cubic feet capacity handles large meals with ease, while the 1000 watts of power quickly heats and cooks your food. This microwave offers smart features like one-touch cooking for common items and a bright LED light to illuminate your stovetop.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft. capacity fits big dishes.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food fast.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more.
- The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
- The Turntable On/Off function lets you cook larger rectangular dishes.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting makes it easy to see what you’re cooking below.
- 10 power settings give you control over your cooking.
- 30-second express cooking is perfect for quick reheating.
- A child lock feature adds safety.
- Easy-to-follow English installation instructions are available.
What Could Be Improved:
- The model is large, so measure your space carefully before buying.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven makes cooking and reheating simple with its many features. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for efficiency and ease of use.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.7/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel is a versatile kitchen helper.
What We Like:
- It has 18 Auto Menus for easy cooking. You can cook popcorn, pizza, or even defrost food with just one touch.
- The large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit big dishes like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You can adjust the power with 10 different settings, and it cooks powerfully with 1000W.
- The 300 CFM ventilation fan quickly removes cooking smells and smoke. It has adjustable fan speeds to work best for you.
- A bright light under the microwave helps you see your stovetop clearly while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Smart Touch Panel might take a little getting used to for some users.
- While the ventilation is strong, some users might prefer even quieter operation.
This Midea microwave makes cooking and cleaning up easier. It’s a solid addition to any kitchen.
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This appliance is more than just a microwave; it’s a culinary powerhouse ready for any cooking task. Its sleek stainless steel design fits perfectly above your stove, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.5 cubic feet interior easily fits large dishes, and the 13.6-inch turntable spins them for even cooking.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: This oven does it all! It microwaves, air fries, bakes, roasts, and even has a combi-grill mode. It’s like having six appliances in one.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy crispy, delicious food with less oil. The air fry mode makes cooking healthier favorites a breeze.
- Sensor Reheat: Leftovers taste like they were just made. The sensor reheat mode keeps your food’s fresh flavor.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds quickly removes cooking smells and smoke. The built-in light helps you see what you’re doing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer about the different cooking modes and their specific uses.
- Some users might find the 900 watts of power a bit less powerful than other high-end microwaves, potentially leading to slightly longer cooking times for some items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible versatility and convenience. It simplifies meal preparation and opens up a world of cooking possibilities.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Above-Range Microwave Buying Guide
An above-range microwave is a super useful kitchen helper. It saves counter space and cooks your food fast. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? This guide will help you find the perfect microwave for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an above-range microwave, think about what you want it to do.
Power Levels and Cooking Options
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. For busy kitchens, aim for 1000 watts or more.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. It senses the steam from your food and adjusts the cooking time and power. This stops your food from getting overcooked or undercooked.
- Preset Cooking Modes: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or reheating pizza. These make cooking simple.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Some models have a turntable off option if you need to fit a large dish.
Ventilation and Lighting
- Ventilation Fan: This is super important. It pulls smoke and smells from your stove. Look for fans with different speeds. Higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) means a stronger fan.
- Hood Light: A light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stove. Some have two light settings: dim and bright.
Size and Capacity
- Interior Space: Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. A larger family might need a bigger microwave, around 2.0 cubic feet. Smaller kitchens might do well with 1.5 cubic feet.
- External Dimensions: Make sure the microwave will fit in the space above your stove. Measure your opening carefully.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave affect how it looks and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is easy to clean. It resists fingerprints and smudges well on some models.
- Black or White Enamel: These are classic finishes. They are usually less expensive than stainless steel. They can be scratched more easily.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to wipe clean.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others make it less good.
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Quiet Operation: A loud microwave can be annoying. Look for models that mention quiet operation.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: Buttons that are clear and easy to understand make a big difference. Touch panels can look sleek but might be harder to use with wet hands.
- Good Ventilation: A strong fan that really clears the air is a major plus.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks your food all the way through without hot or cold spots.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Ideal:
- Weak Fan: If the fan isn’t strong, your kitchen will still smell like cooking.
- Uneven Heating: Food that is partly cold and partly hot is frustrating.
- Flimsy Build: A microwave that feels light or cheap might not last long.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-clean panel can be a pain.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave every day.
- Quick Meals: For busy parents or students, an above-range microwave is perfect for heating up leftovers or making a quick snack.
- Cooking Helper: Use it to steam vegetables, melt butter, or defrost meat before cooking on the stove.
- Space Saver: If your kitchen is small, this microwave frees up valuable counter space.
- Ventilation for Stove: The fan helps keep your kitchen fresh when you’re cooking on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature of an above-range microwave?
A: The most important features are usually the ventilation system and the cooking power. Good ventilation keeps your kitchen air clean, and strong cooking power heats food quickly and evenly.
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Also, consider how much food you usually cook. Larger families might need more interior space.
Q: Is stainless steel better than enamel for an above-range microwave?
A: Stainless steel looks modern and is often more durable and resistant to fingerprints. Enamel finishes are usually less expensive but can scratch more easily.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long your food needs to cook. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Q: How powerful should the ventilation fan be?
A: Look for a fan with a good CFM rating. Higher CFM means it moves more air, which is better for clearing smoke and smells.
Q: Can I use a microwave that is too big for the space?
A: No, you should not. The microwave needs to fit safely and securely. It also needs proper airflow.
Q: How do I clean an above-range microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. The exterior, especially stainless steel, often needs a special cleaner.
Q: Are touch controls better than buttons?
A: Touch controls look sleek and are easy to wipe clean. Buttons can be easier to use if your hands are wet or you’re wearing gloves.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an above-range microwave?
A: Most above-range microwaves last about 7 to 10 years with good care.
Q: Should I worry about noise levels?
A: Yes, if you are sensitive to noise. Some microwaves are much quieter than others. Look for reviews that mention noise levels.
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.