Imagine a kitchen where precious counter space is freed up, and your cooking area feels organized and open. That’s the magic a microwave under cabinet can bring! But choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. So many sizes, styles, and features! It’s easy to get lost in the details and wonder which one will actually fit your needs and your kitchen’s look.
Many homeowners face this challenge. They want the convenience of a microwave without sacrificing valuable prep space. The struggle is real: finding a unit that’s powerful enough, fits perfectly in the space, and complements their kitchen’s design. You might be asking yourself, “How do I even start?”
This post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know. You’ll learn about different types, what to look for in terms of size and power, and how to make sure it’s a perfect fit for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to pick the microwave under cabinet that will transform your cooking experience.
Our Top 5 Microwave Under Cabinet Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Under Cabinet Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
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 to any home. It offers ample space for your cooking needs and comes with a special bundle to give you peace of mind. You’ll also get a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits most dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep simple.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for extra security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for clean air.
- Stylish stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- It’s easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are 13″D x 16″W x 9″H, so check if it fits your space.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking features.
This bundle provides great value and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use over-the-range microwave.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a spacious 1.9 cu.ft. capacity, making it ideal for families and busy cooks. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space while adding a touch of modern style.
What We Like:
- Effortless Cooking: Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, pizza, vegetables, and more take the guesswork out of cooking. Just select your food, and the microwave does the rest.
- Powerful Performance: With 1000 watts of power and ten different power levels, you can quickly heat or cook a variety of foods to perfection.
- Convenient Features: The 30-second express cooking button is great for quick reheating. A child lock keeps little hands safe.
- Bright Cooktop Lighting: The LED light under the microwave shines brightly on your stovetop, making meal preparation safer and easier.
- Strong Ventilation: The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Flexible Cooking Space: The turntable can be turned off, allowing you to fit larger dishes that might not spin.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Guidance: While English installation instructions are available online, a printed manual included in the box would be more convenient for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and power for all your cooking needs. It simplifies meal preparation and helps keep your kitchen clean and well-lit.
3. 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, model EM044K6CE-SS, brings convenience and power to your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great above your stove, and it offers plenty of space for all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior is large enough to fit a 12.4-inch turntable, making it easy to heat up big meals or cook for a crowd.
- Easy Cooking Options: With 1000 watts of power, you get 10 different cooking levels and 6 quick menus for things like popcorn, reheating leftovers, or defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: Need something fast? Just press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes.
- Smart Cooking: The multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels for different times, so your food cooks perfectly without you having to watch it constantly.
- Powerful Ventilation: The 300 CFM vent fan has two speeds to clear smoke and smells from your kitchen. An included light shines down on your stovetop, making cooking easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, might be a bit loud for some users.
- The quick-touch buttons are helpful, but a few more specific one-touch options for common dishes could be added.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich and spacious over-the-range option. It’s built to handle everyday cooking tasks with ease.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. This spacious 1.7 cubic feet microwave, finished in sleek black, offers 1000 watts of power to tackle all your cooking needs. It fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The generous 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits a 12.4-inch turntable, making it simple to cook for your whole family or prepare larger dishes.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: This microwave simplifies cooking with 6 quick menus for popular items like popcorn, beverages, and defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: Get meals ready in a flash with the 1-3 minute instant cook buttons at full power.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set different power levels and times for a single cooking cycle, giving you more control over your food.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 2-speed, 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and cooking smells from your kitchen. It also includes a helpful light for your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 10 cooking levels are versatile, some users might prefer even more specialized presets.
- The vent fan is powerful, but depending on your cooking habits, you might wish for an even higher CFM option for intense frying.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a great blend of capacity, convenience, and functionality. It’s a smart choice for upgrading your kitchen experience.
5. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance is packed with features to make cooking and meal prep a breeze. Its 1.7 cubic feet interior offers plenty of space for all your dishes, and the 1000-watt power with 10 adjustable levels ensures perfect cooking every time. The intuitive screen touch control and pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods.
What We Like:
- Sensor Cooking: Takes the guesswork out of reheating and cooking common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- Powerful Venting: The two-speed, 300-CFM fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your cooktop.
- Spacious Interior: A generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity easily fits large dishes, and the turntable can be turned off for oversized items.
- Bright Cooktop Lighting: The LED light illuminates your cooktop for clear visibility while you cook.
- User-Friendly Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for safety.
- Extended Warranty: A 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty provides excellent peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Complex Button Layout: Some users might find the screen touch controls a bit busy at first.
- Venting Noise: While effective, the 300-CFM fan can be a bit loud on its highest setting.
The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering powerful performance and smart features. It’s a reliable and stylish choice for busy households.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Under Cabinet Microwave Buying Guide
Tired of your microwave hogging precious counter space? An under-cabinet microwave is a smart solution! It frees up your countertops and gives your kitchen a cleaner, more organized look. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect under-cabinet microwave for your needs.
Why Choose an Under Cabinet Microwave?
- Saves Counter Space: This is the biggest perk! You get your counter back for food prep or decor.
- Sleek Look: It tucks away neatly, making your kitchen feel more spacious and modern.
- Easy Access: It’s often at a comfortable height for most people to use.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these features in mind:
- Ventilation: This is super important! Most under-cabinet microwaves have built-in vents to suck up smoke and steam from your stovetop. Look for a powerful fan with multiple speed settings. Some also have charcoal filters to remove odors.
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space where you plan to install it. Also, think about what you’ll be heating. A small microwave is fine for reheating leftovers, but a larger one is better for cooking bigger meals or using larger dishes.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is usually a good choice.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These can make cooking easier and faster.
- Turntable: A turntable rotates your food, so it cooks evenly. Most under-cabinet models have one, but check to make sure it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Lighting: Good lighting under the microwave helps you see what’s cooking on your stovetop.
Important Materials
Under-cabinet microwaves are usually made with sturdy materials to last.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it’s durable and looks sleek. It resists fingerprints and is easy to wipe clean.
- Painted Metal: Other models use painted metal, which can be more affordable. They come in various colors to match your kitchen.
- Glass: The door window is always glass, so you can see inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others might make it less ideal.
- Good Quality Ventilation: A strong vent system with good airflow prevents smoke and smells from filling your kitchen. A weak vent can be frustrating.
- Solid Construction: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. Cheap plastic parts can break easily.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: Buttons and a clear display make operating the microwave simple. Confusing controls can be annoying.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are louder than others. A quieter model is more pleasant to have in your kitchen.
- Durability of Fan and Motor: The fan and motor are key to ventilation. If these parts are low quality, the vent won’t work well for long.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters.
- For Busy Cooks: If you cook often, you’ll want a microwave with good power and helpful presets. The ventilation is crucial for cooking above your stove.
- For Small Kitchens: This is where under-cabinet models really shine. They save valuable space.
- For Families: A larger capacity microwave is useful for heating up meals for everyone. Easy-to-use controls are also a plus for kids.
- For Apartment Dwellers: These microwaves are a great upgrade if your apartment has limited counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: The key features to look for include strong ventilation with multiple fan speeds, appropriate size and capacity for your needs, sufficient wattage for fast cooking, helpful cooking presets, a rotating turntable for even heating, and good under-cabinet lighting.
Q: What materials are commonly used in under-cabinet microwaves?
A: Common materials include durable stainless steel, painted metal for affordability and color options, and glass for the door window.
Q: How does ventilation affect the quality of an under-cabinet microwave?
A: Good quality ventilation significantly improves the user experience by removing smoke and odors from your cooking area. Poor ventilation can lead to a smoky kitchen and unpleasant smells.
Q: Can I install an under-cabinet microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves mounting it securely and connecting it to your home’s electrical system and possibly your existing range hood vent. If you’re not comfortable with DIY, it’s best to hire a professional.
Q: What is the typical size of an under-cabinet microwave?
A: They vary, but common widths range from 24 to 30 inches. It’s essential to measure your available space before buying.
Q: How much counter space does an under-cabinet microwave save?
A: It completely frees up the counter space directly underneath it, which is usually a significant area.
Q: Are under-cabinet microwaves noisy?
A: Noise levels can vary. Some models are designed to be quieter than others. Checking reviews for noise information is helpful.
Q: What is wattage, and why is it important?
A: Wattage measures the microwave’s power. Higher wattage means it can heat food faster and more efficiently.
Q: Do all under-cabinet microwaves have a vent for my stovetop?
A: Most do, as this is a primary function for this type of microwave. However, always double-check the product description to confirm it has a built-in vent system.
Q: How do I clean an under-cabinet microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. The exterior, especially stainless steel, can be cleaned with specific cleaners. The turntable and any filters should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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.