Tired of your kitchen counter looking cluttered? Imagine reclaiming that valuable space, all while keeping your microwave within easy reach. That’s the magic of an under-cabinet microwave oven!
Choosing the right one, however, can feel like a puzzle. You want something that fits perfectly, cooks your food just right, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s easy to get lost in all the different sizes, features, and brands out there. We get it – it’s a big decision for your kitchen!
But don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll feel confident. We’ll break down exactly what you need to look for, from how much space you have to the best features for your cooking style. Get ready to discover the perfect under-cabinet microwave that makes your kitchen work better for you.
Our Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave packs a powerful 1000 watts for quick cooking. It features convenient one-touch auto cooking for popular items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. Plus, its 400 CFM venting system keeps your kitchen fresh while you cook.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food fast.
- Pre-programmed auto menus make cooking simple for many foods.
- The bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop.
- A strong 400 CFM venting fan removes cooking odors and steam.
- The turntable can be turned off to fit larger dishes.
- It includes a clock, kitchen timer, and a 30-second express cook button.
- A child lock adds safety for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online.
- Some users might prefer more advanced custom cooking options.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great blend of power and convenience for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for busy households seeking efficient cooking and ventilation.
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 stainless steel beauty isn’t just a microwave; it’s a bundle designed for your peace of mind. It comes with a GE USA AUTHORIZED seal, meaning you get a full manufacturer’s warranty, plus a 2-year extended protection plan. That’s double the security! You also get a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh. The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is generous for most meals, and the convenience cooking controls make preparing food a breeze. This microwave is built to fit perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity for cooking and reheating.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for extra security.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for a fresh kitchen.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep simple.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- Over-the-range design saves precious counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be slightly small for very large dishes.
- While it has convenience controls, advanced features might be limited for some users.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of capacity, convenience, and extended protection. It’s a smart investment for a more efficient and worry-free kitchen experience.
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.2/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and versatile kitchen helper. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave makes cooking a breeze with its smart features and ample space.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus takes the guesswork out of cooking. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, rice, and potatoes.
- Its large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit big dishes like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 10 power levels, including a strong 1000W output, you can heat food exactly how you want it.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke with adjustable fan speeds.
- A bright cooktop light shines down, giving you a clear view of your stovetop for safer cooking.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use and navigate.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the auto-cook menus a bit limited for very specific or complex recipes.
- The ventilation fan, while powerful, can be a little noisy on its highest setting.
This Midea microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and efficiency. It’s designed to simplify your cooking and keep your kitchen fresh.
4. GE GCST14S1WWW Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
The GE GCST14S1WWW Microwave Oven is a white, countertop essential that brings power and convenience to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. With 1,100 watts of power and a 1.4 cubic foot capacity, it efficiently cooks your meals without taking up too much space. Its smart features, like sensor cooking and weight defrost, make meal preparation a breeze, while the child lock adds an extra layer of safety.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: The 1100-watt power heats food quickly and evenly.
- Smart Cooking: Sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power for perfect results.
- Easy Defrosting: Weight and time defrost options make it simple to thaw food.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents accidental use.
- Space-Saving Design: Its 1.4 cu. ft. size fits well on countertops.
- Even Cooking: The glass turntable rotates food for consistent heating.
- Simple Operation: Instant On controls and one-touch settings are user-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Auto Settings: While it has 7 auto cooking settings, more variety could be beneficial.
- No Pre-set Timers for Common Foods: Users must manually set times for many items.
This GE microwave oven offers a great balance of power, smart features, and safety. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and efficient microwave.
5. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven. This slim, stainless steel microwave is designed to give you more space in your kitchen. It’s packed with smart features that make cooking easier and faster. Plus, its powerful vent fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- The slim design saves valuable overhead cabinet space.
- You can control it with your voice or the SmartHome APP for ultimate convenience.
- The app lets you monitor and control cooking and the fan from anywhere. It also tells you when your food is ready.
- Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat use smart steam sensing to cook your food perfectly without you having to guess settings.
- The auto cook menu lets you make tasty dishes with just one touch.
- It has 1000W of heating power for quick cooking.
- The 400CFM vent fan efficiently removes smoke and odors.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup of the smart features a little tricky.
- The slim design, while space-saving, has a 1.2 cu.ft capacity, which might be small for very large meals or multiple dishes.
The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is a smart and stylish addition to any kitchen. It offers great convenience and performance for everyday cooking needs.
Choosing the Best Under Cabinet Microwave Oven: A Smart Kitchen Upgrade
An under cabinet microwave oven is a fantastic way to save counter space in your kitchen. It tucks away neatly, keeping your countertops clear for cooking and prepping. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually heat up. A family might need a larger one, while a single person might be fine with a smaller model.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most under cabinet microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts.
- Ventilation: This is super important! Under cabinet microwaves often double as range hoods. Look for good CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings to make sure it can handle smoke and steam from your stovetop. Some have fans with different speeds.
- Lighting: A good under cabinet light is a must. It helps you see what you’re cooking on the stove below.
- Control Panel: Some have simple buttons, while others have digital displays with presets. Choose what feels easiest for you to use.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a rotating plate that helps food cook evenly. Some larger models let you turn this off.
- Convenience Features: Look for things like quick-defrost, popcorn buttons, or sensor cooking. These can make using the microwave much easier.
Important Materials
The materials used in an under cabinet microwave affect its look and how well it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it looks sleek and is durable. It resists fingerprints better than some other finishes.
- Painted Steel: These are often more affordable and come in various colors. They can be a good option if you want your microwave to match your kitchen cabinets.
- Interior Coating: The inside of the microwave is usually coated with enamel or a non-stick material. These make cleaning up spills much simpler.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an under cabinet microwave great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The fan should be strong but not too noisy.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known appliance brands often make more reliable products. Reading reviews from other customers is a good way to check this.
- Warranty: A longer warranty can give you peace of mind. It shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when running or when the fan is on. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are advertised as quiet.
- Ease of Installation: These microwaves need to be mounted. Check if the installation process seems straightforward or if it might require professional help.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll actually use the microwave.
- Quick Meals: Reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or heating up frozen meals is a breeze.
- Stovetop Helper: The ventilation and lighting are perfect for busy cooks. You can easily see and ventilate while you’re cooking on the stove below.
- Space Saver: For small kitchens, this is a game-changer. It frees up valuable counter space.
- Easy Cleaning: Look for models with easy-to-clean interiors and exteriors. This will make kitchen cleanup faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of an under cabinet microwave?
A: The main benefit is saving counter space. It keeps your kitchen looking neat and organized.
Q: How do I know what size microwave to get?
A: Consider how much food you usually heat up. Bigger families need bigger microwaves.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how strong the microwave is. More watts mean it cooks food faster.
Q: Why is ventilation important for an under cabinet microwave?
A: It often works as a range hood. Good ventilation removes smoke and steam from your stove.
Q: What should I look for in a microwave light?
A: You want a light that shines brightly on your stovetop so you can see while cooking.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for microwaves?
A: Yes, stainless steel looks nice and is strong. It also resists fingerprints well.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality?
A: Look for a sturdy build, smooth-working parts, and a good brand name. Reading reviews helps too.
Q: Are under cabinet microwaves noisy?
A: Some can be. If you want a quiet one, look for models that mention low noise levels.
Q: Can I install an under cabinet microwave myself?
A: It depends on the model and your DIY skills. Some are easier than others, and you might need help.
Q: What are some common uses for an under cabinet microwave?
A: They are great for reheating food, cooking quick meals, and helping with cooking on the 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.