Imagine this: You’re craving crispy roasted chicken, but your oven is already packed with a bubbling casserole. Or maybe you need to quickly reheat leftovers, but you’re tired of soggy results from your old microwave. Sound familiar? Many of us have been there, wishing for a kitchen appliance that could do more than just heat and reheat.
That’s where the Over The Range (OTR) Convection Microwave shines. It’s a true kitchen multitasker, offering the speed of a microwave with the power of a convection oven. But with so many models boasting different features, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. You want one that cooks evenly, has helpful settings, and fits perfectly in your kitchen. We get it – it’s a big decision!
This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great OTR convection microwave, what features truly matter, and how to pick the perfect model for your cooking needs. Get ready to discover how this appliance can transform your cooking, saving you time and giving you delicious results every single time.
Our Top 5 Over The Range Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 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: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9179SRSS Profile Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty does more than just heat food; it’s a convection oven too! You can air fry your favorite snacks and even use its “Fast Cook” feature. It’s spacious with 1.7 cubic feet of room and fits nicely over your stove. Plus, you get a special bundle that includes a 2-year extended protection plan on top of the regular manufacturer’s warranty, so you’re covered for a long time.
What We Like:
- It’s a convection oven, so you can bake and roast, not just microwave.
- The air fry feature lets you make crispy foods without a separate appliance.
- The “Fast Cook” option saves you time when you’re in a hurry.
- It comes with a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
- It includes a recirculating charcoal filter kit to help with odors.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a tight fit for some kitchen spaces.
- While it offers many features, the learning curve for all functions could be a bit steep for some users.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and great protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.
2. Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
Rating: 9.4/10
The Sharp R1874T is an awesome over-the-range microwave that does more than just heat food. It’s a real kitchen helper, making cooking and baking easier and faster. This stainless steel microwave looks great in any kitchen and has a good amount of space inside.
What We Like:
- It’s a convection microwave. This means it can bake, broil, crisp, and roast, not just microwave. You get more cooking options!
- The 850-watt power heats food quickly and evenly.
- It has a smart display with easy sensor settings. This takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 1.1-cubic-foot interior is spacious enough for most dishes.
- The 13-inch turntable helps food cook uniformly.
- It has a built-in exhaust system to clear smoke and smells from your stove.
- A hood light is included to illuminate your stovetop.
- Low and high racks come with it for different cooking needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the outer dimensions a bit large, so check your cabinet space carefully.
- While it has many features, the learning curve for all the settings might take a little time.
This Sharp R1874T microwave is a versatile appliance that can truly upgrade your cooking experience. If you’re looking for a microwave that offers convection cooking and smart features, this is a strong contender.
3. GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s designed to make cooking easier and more fun. This microwave does more than just heat food; it also has an air fry feature, which is a big plus. Its stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, fitting well with most kitchen styles. It’s a great tool that offers a lot of value for the price.
What We Like:
- The air fry function lets you cook healthier, crispy foods.
- It’s spacious enough at 1.7 cu. ft. for most family meals.
- The stainless steel design looks very stylish.
- It’s easy to operate with user-friendly controls.
- This microwave offers excellent performance for its price point.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the installation slightly complex.
- The fan noise could be a bit loud for some kitchens.
Overall, the GE Profile PVM9179SRSS is a smart buy for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable microwave. It brings modern cooking technology to your home without breaking the bank.
4. Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven – 1.5 cu. ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
The Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any RV kitchen. It’s a spacious 1.5 cubic feet and looks sleek in stainless steel. This microwave does more than just heat food; it can bake and brown your meals too!
What We Like:
- It offers convection cooking with 10 different temperature settings, so you can bake and brown your favorite foods just right.
- The bright LED display clearly shows the timer, clock, and any settings you’ve chosen.
- You can choose how it vents: either push air outside your RV or bring it back inside.
- It comes with two 30-watt appliance bulbs to light up your stovetop below.
- This microwave is built tough and resists vibrations, making it perfect for the bumps and shakes of RV travel.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the convection feature is great, some users might find the 10 temperature settings a bit limited for very specific baking needs.
- The installation process might require some basic wiring knowledge, which could be a hurdle for some RV owners.
This Furrion microwave oven is a solid choice for RVers who want more cooking options. It’s built to last and makes cooking on the go much easier.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.2/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a fantastic over-the-range microwave that makes cooking a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen. This microwave is packed with features that simplify meal preparation for busy families.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto cooking menus. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato. It also helps you defrost food or soften cream cheese.
- This microwave has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. It fits big items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza thanks to its 12.5-inch turntable.
- It offers 10 power levels, including a powerful 1000W output. This means you can heat your food just right.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke with adjustable fan speeds.
- A bright light under the microwave helps you see your stovetop clearly while you cook.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The auto-cook menus might need some practice to get perfect results for every dish.
- While it has a powerful fan, some very strong odors might still linger slightly.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a powerful and user-friendly microwave that adds convenience to your kitchen. It’s a great upgrade for anyone looking for an efficient and stylish appliance.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
Why Choose an Over-the-Range Convection Microwave?
An over-the-range convection microwave is a kitchen superhero! It saves counter space by mounting above your stove. It’s not just a microwave; it’s a mini-oven too. This means you can bake, roast, and broil right in your microwave. It’s perfect for smaller kitchens or anyone who wants more cooking options.
Key Features to Look For
1. Convection Cooking Power
This is the star of the show. Look for a convection microwave with good wattage for both microwave and convection cooking. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Check if it has different convection modes like bake, roast, and broil. This gives you more ways to cook your food.
2. Capacity and Size
Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. A family might need a larger capacity (around 2.0 cubic feet). A single person or couple might be fine with a smaller one (around 1.5 cubic feet). Also, measure the space above your stove to make sure it fits.
3. Ventilation System
Since it’s over the range, good ventilation is a must. Look for a powerful exhaust fan. It should have different fan speeds to handle different cooking smells and smoke. Some also have charcoal filters to clean the air.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
Many microwaves have helpful presets for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. Sensor cooking adjusts cooking time and power automatically. Keep warm functions are also handy. Some models have smart features that connect to your phone for extra control.
5. Interior Lighting and Turntable
A good interior light helps you see your food cooking. A smooth-turning turntable ensures even cooking. Some turntables are removable for easy cleaning.
Important Materials
Most over-the-range convection microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. The interior is usually coated metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and more resistant to scratches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Great:
- Build Quality: A sturdy build means it will last longer.
- Even Heating: Does it cook food evenly?
- User-Friendly Controls: Are the buttons and display easy to understand?
- Effective Ventilation: Does the fan clear smoke and smells well?
What Can Make it Less Great:
- Weak Fan: If the fan isn’t strong, your kitchen might fill with smoke.
- Uneven Cooking: Cold spots in your food are frustrating.
- Difficult Controls: A confusing panel makes it hard to use.
- Poor Durability: If parts break easily, it’s not a good investment.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an over-the-range convection microwave is easy. You can quickly reheat leftovers like a regular microwave. You can also bake cookies or roast chicken using the convection feature. This saves you from turning on your main oven, especially for smaller items. Busy families can cook meals faster. People with small kitchens get an extra cooking appliance without taking up more space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a convection microwave?
A: The main benefit is that it can cook food faster and more evenly than a regular microwave, thanks to the fan that circulates hot air. It also acts like a mini-oven.
Q: Can I bake a cake in an over-the-range convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can! Many convection microwaves are designed to bake cakes, cookies, and even roast meats.
Q: How powerful should the exhaust fan be?
A: Look for a fan with at least 300-400 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). More CFM means it can clear smoke and odors more effectively.
Q: What size is best for my kitchen?
A: Consider how much you cook. For families, 2.0 cubic feet is good. For one or two people, 1.5 cubic feet might be enough. Always measure your space.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for the exterior?
A: Yes, stainless steel is durable and looks nice in most kitchens.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my convection microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables can often be washed in the dishwasher.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam and automatically adjust the cooking time and power for perfect results.
Q: Do I need a special rack for convection cooking?
A: Yes, most convection microwaves come with a metal rack. This rack allows hot air to circulate around your food.
Q: How does an over-the-range microwave vent?
A: They can vent outwards through your wall or roof, or recirculate air back into the kitchen through filters.
Q: Are convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: Generally, yes. They can use less energy than a full-sized oven for smaller cooking tasks because they heat up faster and retain heat well.
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.