Ever feel like your kitchen is playing a game of Tetris, and you’re always losing? The counter space is precious real estate, and a bulky microwave can steal it all. But what if there was a way to reclaim that space and still have your popcorn popping and leftovers heating in a flash? That’s where the magic of an Over The Hood microwave comes in.
Choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that cooks well, looks good, and fits your budget. But with so many brands and features, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We’ve all been there, staring at a wall of options, wondering which one will actually make our lives easier and not just another appliance collecting dust.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what you need to know. We’ll explore the key features to look for, help you understand the different sizes and styles, and even touch on installation. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking an Over The Hood microwave that perfectly fits your kitchen and your cooking needs, turning that countertop chaos into culinary calm.
Our Top 5 Over The Hood Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Hood Microwave 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: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance is perfect for busy families and anyone who loves to cook. It offers plenty of space for all your reheating and cooking needs. Plus, it comes with a special bundle that gives you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- This microwave comes with a 2-year extended protection plan. That’s in addition to the regular warranty!
- It includes a charcoal filter replacement. This keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is generous. It fits most common dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to use. You can heat food with just a few touches.
- It’s a GE USA authorized product. This means you’re getting a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are 13″D x 16″W x 9″H. Make sure it fits your specific space before buying.
- The description doesn’t mention specific power levels or advanced cooking features.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience. The extended protection plan adds extra security to your purchase.
2. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.4/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS is a 30-inch stainless steel over-the-range microwave that makes cooking easier. It has a large 1.8 cubic foot capacity, so you can fit big dishes. This microwave also has 1000 cooking watts for powerful heating. A child lock keeps little hands safe. Plus, it offers 300 CFM ventilation to clear your kitchen air.
What We Like:
- The LED lighting under the microwave shines brightly on your cooktop, making it easy to see while you cook.
- An interior LED light keeps your food visible as it heats up.
- The “Fits-More” capacity means you can easily fit large cookware, like a 13×9 inch baking dish.
- One-touch cooking buttons make it simple to prepare common foods like baked potatoes or popcorn.
- The Zero-Clearance door opens to a 90° angle without hitting nearby cabinets.
- Two fan speeds for ventilation help remove cooking smells and smoke.
- The extra-large 12.5-inch glass turntable can handle big bowls and rotates food for even cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for some of the advanced settings.
- While the ventilation is good, some users might prefer a higher CFM for very heavy cooking.
This Frigidaire microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and power. It helps you cook more efficiently and keeps your kitchen looking clean.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of cooking space, making it ideal for families and busy households. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, saving counter space. Enjoy effortless cooking with pre-programmed auto menus and a bright LED cooktop light.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food fast.
- 1.9 cu.ft. capacity fits large dishes and meals.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The 400-CFM venting system effectively removes cooking odors and steam.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
- Turntable On/Off function gives you flexibility for larger cookware.
- Child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online, which might be inconvenient for some.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and power for everyday meal preparation. Its user-friendly features and ample capacity make cooking a breeze.
4. Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 8.6/10
The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven in black is a powerful and versatile addition to any busy kitchen. It offers 1000 watts of cooking power, ensuring your food heats up quickly and evenly. This microwave is designed to make cooking easier with its smart features and ample space.
What We Like:
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: The 1000W cooking power heats food fast and uniformly, perfect for busy days.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: Its 1.7 cu. ft. capacity fits a lot of food, from small snacks to large meals.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COOKING: You get many cooking options, like settings for veggies, snacks, and even a special potato program.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: The time and weight defrost settings make thawing food simple and effective.
- RAPID COOKING FEATURES: The Quick +30 seconds button and melt/soften options add extra convenience for everyday tasks.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: This feature keeps little hands out, making your kitchen safer.
- USER-FRIENDLY ADDITIONS: It includes an LED timer, a vent fan, and a light for your stovetop, making it very helpful.
- VOLUME CONTROL: You can adjust the sound alerts to your liking.
- OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Installing it over your range saves valuable counter space and looks great in your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the oven is generally easy to clean, some users might find certain interior nooks a bit tricky to reach.
- The user manual, though informative, could be more visually detailed for some of the more complex cooking programs.
Overall, this Farberware microwave is a fantastic choice for families who need a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It simplifies meal preparation and fits seamlessly into modern kitchens.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a large capacity and smart features to make cooking easier and faster. The sleek stainless steel design looks good above your stove.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature has 18 auto menus. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even defrost food. It also softens cream cheese and cooks rice and potatoes perfectly. This makes cooking delicious meals super simple.
- With a 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and a 12.5-inch turntable, this microwave fits big items. You can easily heat up a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The 1000W power output and 10-level power settings give you control. You can adjust the power for all your heating needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation is strong. It has adjustable fan speeds that quickly get rid of cooking smells and smoke. Your kitchen stays fresh.
- A bright cooktop light shines down. It helps you see clearly while you cook on your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The auto menus are helpful, but some users might wish for more customization options within those presets.
- While the ventilation is strong, some users might prefer more advanced features like sensor cooking or steam functions for even greater convenience.
This Midea microwave oven is a fantastic choice for busy cooks. It combines smart technology with powerful performance to simplify your kitchen tasks.
Choosing Your Over-The-Hood Microwave: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
An over-the-hood microwave, also called a microwave range hood combination, is a fantastic way to save space in your kitchen. It cooks your food and also helps vent steam and smells from your stovetop. Let’s find the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. A larger microwave can fit bigger dishes. Measure the space above your stove to ensure it fits perfectly.
- Cooking Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is usually great.
- Ventilation Power: This is how well it sucks up smoke and smells. Look at the CFM (cubic feet per minute). A higher CFM is better for busy kitchens. You can usually choose between venting outside or recirculating air inside.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These make cooking easy.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food so it cooks evenly. Most models have this.
- Lighting: A good light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for smooth surfaces inside and out. A removable filter for the vent is also helpful.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and easy to clean your microwave is.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it looks sleek and is strong. It resists fingerprints well, but some can still show smudges.
- Plastic: Some parts, like the control panel or interior, might be made of plastic. Good quality plastic is sturdy and easy to wipe clean.
- Glass: The door window is usually glass. It should be strong and clear so you can see your food. The turntable inside is also typically glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less good.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make more reliable appliances. They usually offer better warranties too.
- Build Quality: Feel the doors and buttons. Do they feel solid? A well-built microwave will last longer.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. Check reviews to see if people complain about the noise.
- User-Friendly Controls: Buttons that are easy to understand and use make a big difference. A confusing control panel can be frustrating.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food evenly without hot spots.
- Effective Ventilation: The vent should work well to clear out cooking smells and steam.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an over-the-hood microwave is simple and convenient.
- Saving Space: This is the biggest win! You get a microwave and a range hood in one unit, freeing up counter space.
- Quick Meals: Heat up leftovers or cook a quick meal easily.
- Stovetop Visibility: The light under the microwave helps you see better when you’re cooking on the stove.
- Air Quality: The vent helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh by removing cooking odors and smoke.
- Busy Households: Families and people who cook often will find these very useful. They handle both cooking and kitchen air management.
- Small Kitchens: If you have limited space, this is an excellent solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an over-the-hood microwave?
A: An over-the-hood microwave is a microwave oven that is installed above your stovetop. It also works as a range hood to remove smoke and smells from your cooking.
Q: How much space do I need for an over-the-hood microwave?
A: You need enough vertical space between your stovetop and the bottom of the microwave. Most require about 13 inches. Always check the specific dimensions of the model you are considering.
Q: Do I need special installation for an over-the-hood microwave?
A: Yes, it is best to have an over-the-hood microwave installed by a professional. They need to be securely mounted and connected to your home’s electrical system and ventilation.
Q: What is CFM and why is it important for the vent?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It measures how much air the range hood can move. A higher CFM means it removes smoke and smells more effectively.
Q: Can I vent my over-the-hood microwave outside?
A: Yes, most models can be vented either outside your home or recirculate air back into the kitchen. Venting outside is generally more effective at removing odors.
Q: How do I clean my over-the-hood microwave?
A: You can wipe the exterior and interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The filter for the vent should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Are over-the-hood microwaves noisy?
A: Some can be noisy, but many newer models are designed to be quieter. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter option.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an over-the-hood microwave?
A: With proper care and maintenance, an over-the-hood microwave can last between 7 to 15 years.
Q: Can I use metal in an over-the-hood microwave?
A: Generally, you should avoid using metal in any microwave unless the manual specifically says it’s okay for certain items. Metal can cause sparks.
Q: What is the benefit of having a turntable?
A: A turntable rotates your food while it cooks, ensuring that it heats up evenly on all sides. This prevents cold spots and makes your food taste better.
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.