Ever feel like your kitchen is too small for all your cooking dreams? You want a microwave, but where can it go without taking up precious counter space? This is a common problem for many home cooks. Finding a microwave that fits perfectly above your stove can feel like a treasure hunt, and sometimes, the options seem overwhelming. You want one that works well, looks good, and doesn’t cost too much, but figuring out which one is best can be a real headache.
That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of small over-the-range microwaves! If you’re tired of juggling appliances or staring at empty wall space, this post is for you. We’ll help you understand what makes a good small over-the-range microwave and what features really matter. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and pick a microwave that will make your kitchen work better for you.
Get ready to discover the perfect compact solution for your cooking needs. We’ll explore different types, highlight key benefits, and offer tips to make your decision a breeze. Let’s find the right small over-the-range microwave that brings convenience and style to your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Small Over The Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Over The Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS 24 in. Stellar Collection 1.34 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent Fan
Rating: 9.4/10
The COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS 24 in. Stellar Collection 1.34 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent Fan is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those who love to cook and want convenience. It has a sleek stainless steel look that will make your kitchen shine. This microwave is designed to make cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of power, so it heats food quickly and evenly. You can choose from 10 power levels for perfect cooking every time.
- The 1.34 cu. ft. capacity is large enough to fit most dishes and meals.
- The integrated range hood is powerful. It removes smoke, smells, and moisture from your kitchen, keeping the air fresh.
- Convenient touch presets take the guesswork out of cooking. You can easily melt, soften, defrost, or make popcorn with just a touch.
- The sensor reheat and cook mode is a smart feature. It knows when your food is ready and stops cooking automatically, preventing overcooking.
- It’s RV friendly, which is great for those who travel or have a recreational vehicle.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the touch presets are great, some users might prefer physical buttons for a more tactile feel.
- The user manual could offer more detailed explanations for some of the advanced cooking functions.
This COSMO microwave offers a blend of power, convenience, and smart features. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a reliable and stylish appliance.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is designed for convenience and performance. It’s a great addition for busy families or anyone who loves to cook.
What We Like:
- It comes with a GE USA AUTHORIZED 2-year extended protection plan. This means you get extra peace of mind for your purchase.
- The bundle also includes a charcoal filter replacement for the microwave. This helps keep your kitchen air fresh.
- With a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, it’s big enough to heat up most dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make it simple to use. You can easily select cooking times and power levels.
- The over-the-range design saves valuable counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit compact for some kitchens. Check your space before buying.
- While it has convenience controls, some users might prefer more advanced or specific cooking presets.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience. It’s a solid choice for a reliable and space-saving kitchen appliance.
3. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven is a sleek and smart addition to any kitchen. Its slim design saves valuable cabinet space, making your kitchen feel more open. You can control it with your voice or through a handy app, which is super convenient for busy cooks. Plus, it tells you when your food is ready and lets you check on it from anywhere.
What We Like:
- The slim body gives you more space above your microwave for cabinets.
- You can control it with your voice and connect it to your smart home devices.
- The app lets you control cooking and the vent fan, and it even notifies you when things are done.
- Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking by finding the perfect time and power.
- The auto cook menu makes it easy to make yummy meals with just a touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the slim design is great for space, it might mean a slightly smaller interior capacity for very large dishes.
- The SmartHome APP setup could be more straightforward for some users.
This Midea microwave is a fantastic choice for those who want a modern, convenient, and space-saving cooking solution.
4. 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 with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a large capacity and powerful cooking options. This microwave is designed to make your cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior is spacious enough for big meals, and the 12.4-inch turntable fits large dishes.
- Powerful Cooking: With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly. The 10 cooking levels and 6 quick menus make cooking simple.
- Speedy Cooking Options: You can press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for instant cooking at 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: This feature lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, saving you time.
- Effective Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan with a light efficiently removes smoke and smells from your kitchen. The light helps you see clearly while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- User Manual: Some users might find the instructions a bit complicated at first.
- Noise Level: The vent fan can be a little loud on its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great choice for busy households. It combines convenience and power to simplify your meal preparation.
5. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen gadget that does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s a powerful 1,050-watt appliance that packs an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven into a compact 1.0 cubic foot stainless steel design. This makes it a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office countertop, offering a range of cooking options for busy lives.
What We Like:
- The built-in air fryer lets you make crispy, healthier snacks and meals quickly.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a nice golden-brown finish.
- Broil mode helps you sear and caramelize foods, just like a grill.
- Preset controls for popular foods like fries and nuggets make cooking simple.
- The two-step child lock feature keeps little ones safe by preventing accidental starts.
- Its compact size fits easily on countertops without taking up too much space.
- The glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all the way through.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.0 cubic foot capacity might feel small for larger meals or families.
- While it has multiple functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This GE microwave oven is a smart choice for anyone looking for a multi-functional appliance that saves space and time. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a variety of cooked foods with just one device.
The Best Small Over-the-Range Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Finding the right small over-the-range (OTR) microwave can make a big difference in your kitchen. It saves counter space and cooks your food fast. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Capacity: Small OTR microwaves are usually less than 30 inches wide. Their capacity is measured in cubic feet. Look for something between 0.7 and 1.0 cubic feet. This is enough for most everyday cooking tasks. It can fit a small casserole dish or a few mugs of water.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most small OTR microwaves have between 700 and 1000 watts. 900 watts or more is a good choice for quick heating and cooking.
- Ventilation: OTR microwaves have built-in vents. These suck up smoke and steam when you cook on your stovetop. Make sure the vent is strong enough for your cooking habits. Some have powerful fans that move air quickly.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking easy. Just press the button, and the microwave knows how long to cook.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food around inside. This helps food cook evenly. Most small OTR microwaves have one. Some have an on/off option for the turntable.
- Child Lock: This is a safety feature. It stops kids from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
The inside and outside of your microwave are made of different materials.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. They also look nice. Some have ceramic or enamel coatings. These are also easy to wipe down.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is a popular choice for the outside. It looks modern and resists fingerprints. Plastic exteriors are also common. They are usually less expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a microwave better or not as good.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The control panel should be easy to use. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are very loud. Look for reviews that mention noise. A quieter microwave is better, especially if your kitchen is near living areas.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that is hard to clean is no fun. Smooth interiors and removable turntables make cleaning much simpler.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making good appliances. Researching brands can help you find a reliable microwave.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave.
- Small Kitchens: If you have a small kitchen, an OTR microwave is a great space saver. It frees up your countertops.
- Quick Meals: These microwaves are perfect for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking frozen meals quickly.
- Stovetop Ventilation: The ventilation system is a big plus. It keeps your kitchen air fresh while you cook.
- Simple Cooking: If you mostly use your microwave for basic tasks, a model with simple controls and presets will work well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a small OTR microwave?
A: A wattage between 900 and 1000 watts is usually best. It cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: How much space do I need above my stove for an OTR microwave?
A: Most OTR microwaves need about 18 inches of space between the stovetop and the bottom of the microwave. Always check the specific model’s dimensions.
Q: Are all OTR microwaves noisy?
A: No, not all of them are noisy. Some models are designed to be quieter than others. Reading reviews can help you find a quiet one.
Q: Can I install an OTR microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves mounting it to the wall and connecting it to your home’s electrical system and vent hood. Many people hire a professional for installation.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my OTR microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tougher spots, place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside and microwave it for a few minutes. The steam will loosen grime.
Q: What is the difference between a vented and non-vented OTR microwave?
A: A vented OTR microwave has a fan that blows smoke and steam outside your home. A non-vented one recirculates the air through a filter.
Q: How long does a small OTR microwave usually last?
A: With good care, a small OTR microwave can last about 7 to 10 years.
Q: Do I need a special plug for an OTR microwave?
A: Most OTR microwaves use a standard three-prong electrical outlet. Make sure the outlet is properly grounded.
Q: What are the benefits of a stainless steel interior?
A: Stainless steel interiors are very durable and easy to clean. They also look sleek and modern.
Q: Can I use my OTR microwave as a primary exhaust fan for my stove?
A: Yes, many OTR microwaves have powerful exhaust fans that can effectively clear smoke and odors from your stovetop.
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.