Ever feel like your kitchen is playing Tetris, with every appliance fighting for precious counter space? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Many of us dream of a spacious kitchen, but often end up with a microwave hogging a prime spot, or worse, stacked precariously on the fridge.
That’s where the over-the-oven microwave, also known as an over-the-range microwave, swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s a clever solution that frees up your countertops, giving you more room to chop veggies, prep your meals, or just enjoy a cleaner look. But with so many models out there, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks well, fits your space, and looks good, but where do you even begin?
Don’t worry! This guide is here to make that decision a whole lot easier. We’ll dive into what makes a great over-the-oven microwave, helping you understand the features that matter most. Get ready to discover how to find the ideal appliance that not only cooks your popcorn to perfection but also transforms your kitchen’s flow and style.
Our Top 5 Over The Oven Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Oven 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 Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle includes the microwave and a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. It’s a great choice for busy households that need a reliable appliance.
What We Like:
- It has a good 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, which is plenty of space for most meals.
- The convenience cooking controls make it easy to heat up food quickly.
- You get a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, which is a great bonus.
- This bundle includes a charcoal filter replacement, so you’re ready to go.
- It comes from GE USA, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This GE microwave bundle offers a good combination of features and protection. It’s a practical addition to any kitchen.
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.5/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze with its smart features. This microwave is designed to simplify your cooking tasks and make your kitchen more efficient.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature with 18 Auto Menus is super convenient. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even defrost food with just a touch.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity, so it can fit big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The 1000W power output heats food quickly and evenly.
- With 10 power levels, you have control over how your food is heated.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It effectively removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen.
- The adjustable fan speeds let you choose how much ventilation you need.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stove, making it easy to see while you cook.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all the auto menus a little tricky at first.
- While the ventilation is strong, for very heavy frying, a slightly higher CFM might be preferred by some advanced cooks.
Overall, this Midea microwave oven offers a great combination of convenience, power, and design. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen experience.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a great addition to any kitchen. This black, 1.7 cubic feet microwave offers 1000 watts of power and fits conveniently over your stove. It makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze with its helpful features.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior is spacious, easily fitting a 12.4-inch turntable. This means you can cook larger dishes and reheat family-sized meals.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Auto Menus: With 1000 watts, this microwave heats food quickly. It has 6 one-touch auto menus for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting. You can also choose from 10 different power levels.
- Speedy Cooking: For instant results, press buttons 1, 2, or 3 to cook at 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set the microwave to cook in stages. For example, it can cook at 90% power for 10 minutes and then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes all in one go. This saves you time and effort.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The powerful 2-speed vent fan sucks up smoke and odors from your cooking. It also has a built-in light to illuminate your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, might be a bit loud for some users.
- The one-touch auto menus might require a bit of trial and error to get perfect results for all types of food.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a functional and efficient appliance that simplifies everyday cooking tasks.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.2/10
This BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It helps you cook and prepare food quickly and easily. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave is built to make your cooking experience better.
What We Like:
- The 1.7 cubic feet capacity is very large. It easily fits big dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable, so your food cooks evenly.
- You have 10 different power levels to choose from. This lets you cook many things just right, from melting butter to defrosting meat.
- The microwave has quick menus for common foods like popcorn and reheating leftovers. This saves you time and guesswork.
- You can cook with 100% power for up to 3 minutes with just one touch. This is great for when you’re in a hurry.
- The multi-stage cooking feature lets you set different power levels and times all at once. This makes complex cooking simpler.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong and has two speeds. It removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. The built-in light shines on your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the vent fan is powerful, some users might find the noise level a bit high on the highest setting.
- The auto-cook menus are helpful, but they might not cover every single specific dish someone might want to cook.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a versatile and powerful tool for your kitchen. It makes cooking easier and faster for everyone.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This 1.9 cu.ft microwave is a powerhouse, boasting 1000 watts of cooking power for quick and efficient meals. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving counter space. With one-touch cooking and a helpful auto-cook feature, preparing your favorite foods is a breeze.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking for fast results.
- Convenient pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, pizza, vegetables, and more.
- A bright LED cooktop light illuminates your stovetop.
- A strong 400 CFM venting fan removes cooking odors and steam.
- The turntable On/Off function lets you cook large dishes easily.
- Ten power settings offer great control over cooking.
- Easy-to-use 30-second express cooking feature.
- A child lock adds safety for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions might be a bit snug for very large platters, even with the turntable off.
- While installation instructions are available online, a physical guide included in the box would be helpful.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It makes everyday cooking tasks simpler and more enjoyable.
Your Guide to Over-the-Range Microwaves
An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a kitchen superhero! It cooks your food and also acts as a vent hood for your stove. This saves counter space and makes your kitchen feel bigger. Let’s find the perfect OTR microwave for you.
Why Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave?
OTR microwaves are great for small kitchens. They give you more room on your countertop. They also help clear out smoke and smells from cooking. This keeps your kitchen fresh.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cooking Power (Wattage)
Microwaves use wattage to cook. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most OTR microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 1000 watts is usually good. If you cook a lot, aim for higher.
2. Venting Options
OTR microwaves have two main venting types:
- Vented: This type pushes smoke and smells outside your home. It needs a duct to connect to the outside.
- Recirculating: This type filters the air and blows it back into your kitchen. It doesn’t need an outside duct.
Think about your kitchen setup. If you can’t easily vent outside, recirculating is your choice.
3. Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Capacity tells you how much food fits inside. It’s measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves are around 1.5 cubic feet. Large ones can be 2.0 cubic feet or more. Consider how many people you cook for. A family might need a larger one.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
Many OTR microwaves come with special buttons. These are for things like popcorn, baked potatoes, or reheating pizza. Some have sensor cooking. This means the microwave senses when food is done. Other cool features include:
- Convection cooking: This uses a fan to cook food like an oven.
- Turntable or turntable-off option: A turntable spins food for even cooking.
- Child lock: This keeps kids from accidentally turning it on.
Important Materials
Most OTR microwaves have an outer shell made of stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It’s also easy to clean. Enamel is a good, durable option. The inside is usually ceramic or painted metal. Ceramic is easier to wipe clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Good OTR Microwave?
- Strong Ventilation: A powerful fan clears smoke and smells quickly.
- Even Cooking: The microwave cooks food all the way through without hot spots.
- Easy Controls: Buttons are clear and simple to use.
- Quiet Operation: It doesn’t make too much noise when running.
- Durability: It’s built to last and doesn’t break easily.
What Can Make it Less Good?
- Weak Ventilation: Smells and smoke might stay in your kitchen.
- Uneven Cooking: Food might be cooked on one side and raw on the other.
- Confusing Buttons: It’s hard to figure out how to use it.
- Loud Noises: It’s annoying when it’s running.
- Cheap Parts: The microwave breaks after a short time.
User Experience and Use Cases
An OTR microwave is a busy cook’s best friend. You can quickly reheat leftovers. You can cook frozen meals. You can melt butter or chocolate. It’s perfect for making popcorn for movie night. For families, it helps get dinner ready fast. For single people, it’s a convenient way to cook small meals.
The vent hood part is also super useful. It sucks up grease and steam when you fry or boil. This keeps your kitchen cleaner and smelling better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I install an over-the-range microwave?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves mounting it securely to the wall above your stove. You may also need to connect it to a vent or electrical outlet. Many people hire a professional to install it to make sure it’s safe and done right.
Q: How do I clean an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most OTR microwaves have a filter for the vent. You should clean or replace this filter regularly. Wipe down the inside and outside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure to unplug it before cleaning.
Q: What is the difference between vented and recirculating?
A: Vented microwaves send cooking smells and smoke outside your home through a duct. Recirculating microwaves clean the air with filters and blow it back into your kitchen.
Q: How much space do I need above my stove for an OTR microwave?
A: Most OTR microwaves need about 13 inches of clearance between the bottom of the microwave and the stovetop. Always check the specific model’s measurements.
Q: Can I use my OTR microwave as a regular oven?
A: Some OTR microwaves have a convection cooking feature. This allows them to bake and roast like a small oven. However, they are not a replacement for a full-sized oven.
Q: What is wattage?
A: Wattage measures how much power a microwave uses. Higher wattage means it can cook food faster.
Q: How do I know if my OTR microwave needs a new filter?
A: If you notice that smoke and smells are not being cleared well, your filter might be dirty or old. Check your owner’s manual for cleaning or replacement instructions.
Q: Are OTR microwaves noisy?
A: Noise levels vary by model. Some are quieter than others. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter option.
Q: What is a sensor cooking feature?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam and humidity from food. The microwave then adjusts the cooking time and power automatically to cook the food perfectly.
Q: How long do OTR microwaves typically last?
A: With good care, an OTR microwave can last for many years, often 7 to 10 years or more.
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.