Tired of your kitchen counter feeling cluttered? Imagine a world where your precious workspace is free, and your microwave is neatly tucked away, ready to heat your leftovers with a touch. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality an under-cabinet microwave oven can bring to your kitchen.
Choosing the perfect under-cabinet microwave can feel like a treasure hunt with too many chests. You want one that fits your space, your cooking needs, and your budget. But with so many models boasting different features and sizes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You might worry about installation, how much space it will really take, or if it will even look good in your kitchen.
That’s where we come in! By reading on, you’ll discover what makes an under-cabinet microwave a smart choice. We’ll walk you through the key things to consider, like ventilation, size, and powerful features. You’ll learn how to find the perfect fit that not only saves space but also makes your kitchen more functional and stylish.
Let’s dive in and explore how an under-cabinet microwave can transform your kitchen from cluttered to cool, and help you find the one that’s just right for you.
Our Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Oven 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: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is perfect for everyday cooking and reheating. It easily fits over your stove, saving valuable counter space. Plus, this bundle includes a special 2-year protection plan for extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep a breeze.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
- Comes with a charcoal filter for fresh air circulation.
- The included 2-year extended protection plan offers great value and security.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a tight fit for some over-the-range spaces.
- No specific mention of advanced features like sensor cooking or convection.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of style, functionality, and protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen experience.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft. microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of cooking power. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and faster. You can mount it over your stove, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed auto menus for many common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen dinners.
- The 1000-watt power with ten settings cooks food quickly and evenly.
- The 400 CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stove below.
- The turntable can be turned off, which is great for cooking larger dishes.
- It includes a clock and kitchen timer for convenience.
- The 30-second express cooking is handy for quick reheating.
- A child lock feature adds safety for families.
- Installation instructions are easy to find.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features.
- The exterior finish might show fingerprints easily.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It offers powerful performance and convenient features to simplify your meal preparation.
3. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven is a sleek, slim stainless steel microwave designed to make your kitchen smarter and more spacious. It’s packed with features to simplify cooking and ventilation, all controlled easily through its smart capabilities.
What We Like:
- Slim for more space: Its slim design gives you extra room above the microwave for cabinets.
- Voice control & Smarthome compatible: You can control it with your voice and the SmartHome APP for easy cooking.
- Notifying and remotely control: The microwave lets you know when it’s done cooking and you can control it from afar.
- Sensor Cook & Sensor Reheat: Smart steam sensing technology figures out the best cooking time and power, so your food tastes great.
- Auto cook menu: Delicious meals are just a button press away with the auto cook options.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.2 cu.ft capacity might be a bit small for very large dishes.
- While smart features are great, some users might prefer a simpler, non-connected appliance.
This Midea microwave offers modern convenience and space-saving design. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with smart technology.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.5/10
This Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking with its smart features and powerful performance. You can easily prepare a variety of meals, from snacks to full dinners, making mealtime a breeze.
What We Like:
- The One-Touch-Cook feature with 18 Auto Menus makes cooking super easy. You can cook popcorn, pizza, defrost food, soften cream cheese, and even cook rice and potatoes with just a touch. It helps you create delicious food quickly.
- Its generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit large items like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza with no problem.
- With 1000W of cooking power and 10-level power settings, you get the right amount of heat for any task.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- A bright cooktop light shines down, giving you a clear view of your stovetop while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might prefer more control or the ability to customize them further for very specific recipes.
- The user interface, though smart, might have a slight learning curve for those not accustomed to touch panels.
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS microwave oven offers a great balance of convenience and power. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a versatile and efficient appliance.
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a great addition to any kitchen. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave offers a spacious interior and a 12.4-inch turntable, making it easy to heat up meals or try new recipes. It’s designed to be an over-the-stove microwave, saving you valuable counter space. With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet size fits plenty of food, and the 12.4-inch turntable ensures even heating. It’s a good size for families or anyone who cooks a lot.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: This microwave offers 10 power levels and easy-to-use quick menus for popular items like popcorn and reheating leftovers. You can defrost food quickly too.
- Speedy Cooking: The 1-3 minute cooking options at 100% power are super handy for those busy moments. Just press a number and go!
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set it to cook at different power levels for different amounts of time, all in one go. This helps your food cook perfectly.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The strong vent fan clears out cooking smells and smoke. The built-in light shines down on your stovetop, making cooking safer and easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Quick Menu Options: While the quick menus are useful, there could be more options for different types of food.
- Fan Speed Control: Some users might want more control over the vent fan speeds beyond just two options.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for those seeking convenience and performance in their kitchen. Its thoughtful features make everyday cooking tasks much simpler.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Under Cabinet Microwave Oven
Tired of your countertop looking cluttered? An under cabinet microwave oven can be a real space-saver. It tucks away neatly, freeing up your precious counter space for cooking and prepping. Let’s find the perfect one for your kitchen!
Why Choose an Under Cabinet Microwave?
These microwaves mount directly under your kitchen cabinets. This keeps your counters clear and your kitchen looking tidy. They are a great option for smaller kitchens or for anyone who likes a clean, minimalist look.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an under cabinet microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space where you plan to install it. Also, think about what you’ll be cooking. Do you need to heat up a whole pizza, or just reheat leftovers? A larger capacity is good for families or if you cook big meals.
- Ventilation: This is super important! Under cabinet microwaves often double as range hoods. Make sure it has good ventilation to suck up smoke and cooking smells from your stove. Check if it vents outwards or recirculates air.
- Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most under cabinet microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 1000 watts is usually plenty.
- Controls: Look for easy-to-use buttons. Some have touch screens, while others have simple dial controls. Think about what you prefer. Preset cooking options for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes are handy.
- Lighting: A good light under the microwave helps you see what’s cooking on your stovetop.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures your food cooks evenly. Some models allow you to turn the turntable off if you need to fit a large rectangular dish.
Important Materials
The main body of an under cabinet microwave is usually made of stainless steel or enameled metal.
- Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It’s also durable and easy to clean.
- Enameled metal is more budget-friendly and comes in different colors. It’s also quite durable.
The interior is typically made of a non-stick coating that’s easy to wipe down.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things affect the quality and your experience:
- Installation: Some under cabinet microwaves are easier to install than others. If you’re not handy, you might need to hire someone. Check reviews to see if installation is straightforward.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be noisy. Look for models that are quieter, especially if your kitchen is near your living area.
- Durability: A well-built microwave will last longer. Read reviews to see what other users say about how their microwaves hold up over time.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to wipe down inside and out saves you time and effort.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an under cabinet microwave is generally very convenient.
- For busy families: Quickly heat up meals or snacks without taking up counter space.
- For small apartments: Maximize your kitchen space and keep things organized.
- For home chefs: The ventilation feature helps keep your kitchen fresh while you cook on the stovetop below.
You’ll use it for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, cooking quick meals, and even popping popcorn. The added benefit of ventilation makes it a functional appliance for your entire cooking area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under Cabinet Microwaves
Q: Are under cabinet microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can vary. Some models have clear instructions and are easier to put up. If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you might want to get professional help.
Q: How much space do I need for an under cabinet microwave?
A: You need to measure the width, depth, and height of the space under your cabinets. Also, make sure there’s enough clearance for the door to open fully.
Q: What is the difference between venting outwards and recirculating air?
A: Venting outwards pushes smoke and smells outside your home. Recirculating air filters the air and sends it back into your kitchen.
Q: How powerful should my microwave be?
A: For most tasks, a microwave with 1000 watts is a good choice. It cooks food quickly and evenly.
Q: Do I need a special type of cabinet for installation?
A: Usually, you can install them on standard wooden cabinets. The mounting hardware is typically included.
Q: Can I use a microwave that is too wide for the space?
A: No, it’s important to get a microwave that fits the dimensions of your cabinet space. A microwave that’s too big won’t fit correctly and could be unsafe.
Q: How do I clean an under cabinet microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. The exterior can be cleaned with a stainless steel cleaner or a general all-purpose cleaner.
Q: Are there microwaves that don’t need to be vented?
A: Yes, some microwaves are designed to only recirculate air, meaning they don’t need an outside vent. However, under cabinet models often include ventilation for the stovetop below.
Q: What is a convection microwave?
A: A convection microwave has a fan that circulates hot air, allowing it to bake and roast food like a regular oven, in addition to microwaving.
Q: How long do under cabinet microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care and use, an under cabinet microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.
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.