Imagine this: you’re craving a quick, warm meal, but your kitchen feels cramped. You look at your stove, then at your microwave, and wonder if there’s a way to have both without sacrificing precious counter space. It’s a common kitchen dilemma, and one that many homeowners face when trying to create a functional and stylish cooking area.
Choosing a stove top microwave, also known as an over-the-range microwave, can feel overwhelming. You want something that cooks your food well, fits your kitchen’s look, and doesn’t break the bank. But with so many brands, features, and sizes, where do you even begin? It’s easy to feel stuck, unsure if you’re making the best choice for your home and your cooking needs.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect stove top microwave. You’ll learn about the different types available, what features really matter, and how to find one that fits your budget and your kitchen’s style. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to make a smart purchase that makes your kitchen work better for you.
Our Top 5 Stove Top Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Stove Top Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, making it a helpful assistant for all your cooking needs. Its 1000-watt power and versatile features simplify meal preparation.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. interior easily fits larger dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable, perfect for family meals.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: Easily prepare popular items like popcorn, beverages, and leftovers with dedicated one-touch settings.
- Speedy Cooking: Get instant power for quick tasks with 1, 2, or 3 minutes of 100% power.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting up two different power levels and times in one go.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Built-in Light: An integrated light illuminates your stovetop, making cooking safer and easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Quick Menus: While great for common items, more specialized quick menus could enhance convenience.
- Vent Fan Noise: Some users might find the vent fan to be a bit loud on its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for busy kitchens, offering efficiency and convenience.
2. 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 in sleek stainless steel is a kitchen workhorse designed to simplify your cooking. Its smart touch panel and auto-cook features make preparing meals a breeze, while its powerful ventilation system keeps your kitchen fresh. This microwave is a great addition for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen’s functionality and style.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto-cook menus. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, defrost food, soften cream cheese, cook rice, and bake potatoes. It helps you make delicious meals quickly and without hassle.
- The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is large. It fits big items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking for all your dishes.
- It has 10 power levels, with a powerful 1000W output. This lets you control the heating for different foods precisely.
- The 300 CFM ventilation is strong. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. You can choose from different fan speeds.
- A bright cooktop light shines on your stove. This gives you a clear view for cooking below the microwave.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use. It makes selecting cooking options simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all the auto-cook features a bit steep.
- While the ventilation is strong, the noise level at higher settings could be a consideration for some kitchens.
This Midea over-the-range microwave is a fantastic choice for busy households. Its combination of smart features, generous capacity, and powerful performance makes it a valuable asset in any kitchen.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a white, 1.7 cubic foot microwave that sits right over your stove. This powerful appliance boasts 1000 watts, making it ready to handle all your cooking needs. Its smart features and strong ventilation make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior fits a 12.4-inch turntable, making it easy to heat up large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With 1000 watts of power, you get 6 quick menus for common tasks like popcorn, reheating, and defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: Buttons 1, 2, and 3 let you instantly cook at full power for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set the microwave to cook at different power levels for different amounts of time, all in one go.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The fan powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke. The built-in light helps you see what you’re doing on the stovetop below.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention specific dimensions for the vent opening or installation requirements, which could be helpful for buyers.
- While it has auto-cooking menus, some users might prefer more customizable options beyond the 6 pre-set ones.
This microwave offers a lot of convenience for busy kitchens. It helps you cook faster and keeps your cooking space fresh and well-lit.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS Over the Range Microwave Oven is a game-changer for any kitchen. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking powerhouse that can handle almost any meal. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.5 cubic feet of space and 13.6-inch turntable easily fit large dishes.
- 6-in-1 Versatility: It’s a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, grill, baker, and roaster all in one. This means fewer appliances cluttering your kitchen.
- Healthier Air Frying: Get crispy, delicious results with less oil. It’s a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried foods.
- Sensor Reheat: Leftovers taste like they were just made. The sensor technology keeps food’s fresh flavor.
- Powerful Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan quickly removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. The light helps you see what you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, it might take a little time to learn all the settings.
- Convection Speed: Some users find the convection cooking takes a bit longer than a dedicated convection oven.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers incredible value and flexibility for busy home cooks. It simplifies meal prep and opens up new cooking possibilities.
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.1/10
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 great addition to any kitchen. This spacious microwave helps you cook and reheat food quickly and efficiently. Its over-the-range design saves counter space, making it ideal for smaller kitchens. It also comes with a handy vent fan and light, which are very useful for cooking.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.7 cubic feet capacity, so you can fit big dishes inside. The 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking.
- You get 10 different cooking levels, including quick menus for popcorn, drinks, melting, reheating, and defrosting.
- The 1000-watt power cooks food fast. You can press 1, 2, or 3 for quick 1-3 minute cooking at full power.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels for one cooking cycle, saving you time.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong and has two speeds to clear smoke and smells. The built-in light helps you see what you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while effective, can be a bit loud on its highest setting.
- While the one-touch buttons are convenient, some users might prefer more customizable presets for specific foods.
This microwave is a solid choice for busy cooks. It offers a good balance of features and power for everyday kitchen tasks.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Stove Top Microwave Companion
So, you’re looking for a stove top microwave? That’s a smart choice for many kitchens! These handy appliances combine the convenience of a microwave with a range hood, saving space and making cooking easier. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Why a Stove Top Microwave?
A stove top microwave, often called an over-the-range (OTR) microwave, sits right above your stove. It acts as a microwave and a ventilation system. This is great for smaller kitchens where counter space is limited. It also keeps your cooking area well-ventilated.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
Microwave Power (Wattage)
- High Wattage (1000W+): This means your food cooks faster and more evenly. It’s great for busy cooks.
- Lower Wattage (under 1000W): It still works, but cooking might take a little longer.
Ventilation System
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This number tells you how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM is better for removing smoke and smells. Look for at least 200 CFM.
- Ducting Options:
- Vented: This system pushes smoke and smells outside your home. It’s the most effective.
- Recirculating (Ductless): This system uses filters to clean the air and blow it back into your kitchen. It’s easier to install but less powerful.
Size and Capacity
- Interior Cubic Feet: This tells you how much food can fit inside. Measure your largest dishes to make sure they’ll fit. Common sizes range from 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet.
- Exterior Dimensions: Make sure it will fit in the space above your stove. Measure the width, height, and depth.
Cooking Presets and Features
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. It prevents over or undercooking.
- Turntable: This rotates your food for even heating. Some models have a large turntable for bigger items.
- Convenience Features: Look for things like quick-cook buttons (e.g., 30 seconds), defrost options, and child lock.
Important Materials**
Most stove top microwaves use durable materials.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and is easy to clean. It also resists fingerprints well on some models.
- Plastic: The interior is usually made of high-quality plastic. It’s safe for microwave use.
- Glass: The door window is made of strong, tempered glass. The turntable is also glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a stove top microwave great?
Improving Quality
- Strong Ventilation: A powerful fan that effectively clears smoke and smells makes a big difference.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave heats food consistently without hot spots.
- User-Friendly Controls: Buttons and settings should be easy to understand and use.
- Durable Build: A well-built appliance lasts longer.
Reducing Quality
- Weak Ventilation: A fan that doesn’t move enough air leaves your kitchen smelling like last night’s dinner.
- Uneven Heating: Food that’s hot on one side and cold on the other is frustrating.
- Flimsy Construction: Parts that feel cheap or break easily lower the quality.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons can make even simple tasks complicated.
User Experience and Use Cases**
A stove top microwave is perfect for everyday cooking and reheating.
- Quick Meals: Heat up leftovers or cook frozen meals in minutes.
- Ventilation: The fan clears steam and odors while you cook on the stovetop.
- Space Saving: It’s ideal for apartments, small homes, or anyone wanting more counter space.
- Easy Installation (for some): Recirculating models are simpler to install than vented ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a stove top microwave?
A: The main benefit is saving counter space. It combines a microwave and a range hood into one appliance above your stove.
Q: How do I know if a stove top microwave will fit my stove?
A: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space above your stove. Then, check the exterior dimensions of the microwave you are considering.
Q: What does CFM mean for a microwave fan?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM means better ventilation.
Q: Do I need to vent my stove top microwave outside?
A: Not always. You can choose between vented (goes outside) or recirculating (uses filters and stays in the kitchen). Vented is more effective.
Q: How much cooking power (wattage) do I need?
A: More wattage means faster and more even cooking. 1000 watts or more is ideal, but under 1000 watts still works.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking automatically adjusts the microwave’s time and power based on the food’s steam. This helps prevent over or undercooking.
Q: How do I clean a stove top microwave?
A: Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Clean the turntable and filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Are stove top microwaves noisy?
A: They can be, especially the fan. Check reviews for noise levels. Some models are quieter than others.
Q: Can I cook large dishes in a stove top microwave?
A: It depends on the interior capacity. Check the cubic feet measurement and make sure your largest dishes will fit comfortably, especially with the turntable.
Q: What is the difference between vented and recirculating ventilation?
A: Vented microwaves push air and smells outside your home through a duct. Recirculating microwaves filter the air and blow it back into your kitchen. Vented is generally more effective.
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.