Best Over Range Microwaves

An over-range microwave can be a great addition to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy your favorite meals in a fast, effective, and healthy manner while saving space and making the most of every inch of your kitchen.

There is no denying that these are super popular appliances, and are often a must-have for many homeowners looking to update their appliances or upgrade their kitchen.

One of the main issues is the sheer amount of choice on the market; this is a crowded field, and there are a huge array of different over-range microwaves available, each of which claims to be the best of the best.

With so many options, how can you go about choosing the right product for your needs?

Fortunately for you, we have the answer: we have put together a list of the very best over-range microwaves for you to choose from, as well as everything that you need to know to make a smart, informed choice.

All you have to do is pick your favorite and make your purchase - we have taken care of the rest of the work for you.

Samsung 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Fingerprint Resistant Microwave

Samsung is a brand well known for excellence in a range of fields, and they have proven that they have what it takes to succeed in the world of kitchen appliances.

This stunning microwave is no exception and offers a huge number of features and benefits which help it to stand out from the crowd.

The unit comes with over 1000 watts of power, offering you plenty of power to cook with, and there is a choice of twelve preset cooking options, which make it super fast, easy and efficient to defrost and cook your favorite meals.

This means there is no need to guess or worry about whether you have heated something through properly, as the programs will take care of everything for you.

The inclusion of Sensor Cook technology will monitor your food as it is cooking or defrosting, and will be able to automatically adjust the power and cooking time to ensure that you enjoy optimal results - no need to worry about whether you will risk giving the whole house food poisoning!

A 1.9 cubic-foot capacity offers plenty of space for your favorite meal, and this is backed up by a 400 cubic-foot-per-minute fan, which offers ongoing ventilation throughout the cooking process, and this will help your food to cook more evenly and regularly.

As an added bonus, this Samsung microwave is super easy to keep clean and hygienic thanks to the ceramic enamel interior, reducing the risk of fingerprint smudges, and making the cleaning process quick and easy.

Pros

• Sensor Cook technology monitors your food as it cooks, eliminating any guesswork and making it easier to cook your food.
• Large capacity allows you to cook your favorite dishes with ease
• 12 preset cooking options means that it is fast and easy to cook and defrost your favorite dishes
• Easy to clean thanks to the ceramic interior, reducing your workload and keeping things hygienic
• 1000 watts of power offers ample energy for cooking and defrosting

Cons

• Panels can be tricky to read

Sharp Over-The-Range Convection Microwave

Sharp is another brand with a strong reputation in the world of kitchen and home appliances, and they have proven their worth once again with this quality convection microwave.

This is a small but mighty device that can take care of broiling, roasting, and baking, and which comes with a range of capabilities and settings to help you enjoy perfect results every time.

With eleven power settings, you can rest assured that you can find the perfect setting for your meal - simply pop in the dish, select the option, and let the microwave take care of the rest for you.

The Sharp unit also comes with eight sensor programs, including Smart and

Easy sensor settings, which take care of the difficulty and guesswork and reduce the amount of energy and time that you have to spend worrying about your cooking.

The inclusion of a range-illuminating surface light also offers you a clear view, letting you see what is cooking on the range as you go; this means that you can keep an eye on what you are cooking, and take action as soon as you need to.

The system also comes with a hob light, a built-in exhaust system, and super powerful fans, offering ongoing ventilation to help your food cook more evenly throughout the process.

The inclusion of multifunctional capabilities also allows you to reduce the number of appliances that you need in the house, saving you money and energy in the long run.

Pros

• Eleven power settings make it easy to cook your food without stress
• Range illuminating surface light - allows you to keep a close eye on food while it is cooking, reducing the risk of burning your food
• Smaller, compact size - ideal for those living in smaller houses or RVs
• Strong ventilation helps your food to cook more evenly
• Good price - suitable for a range of budgets

Cons

• A little less powerful than some of the other options on the list

Frigidaire FFMV1846VS 30" Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave

For a sleek, stylish, and minimalist microwave, this model from Frigidaire ticks every box - and has the added bonus of offering top-quality results every time you cook, with every aspect of the unit designed to make your life easier and more straightforward.

One of the main advantages of the Frigidaire unit is the extra-large capacity; you can enjoy up to 1.8 cubic feet of cooking space - this is far more generous than some of the other options on the list, and is able to accommodate larger cookware, pans, and dishes with ease.

For this reason, this is a great model for families, and tends to be very popular with larger households - you can cater for everyone by using larger pans to cook and heat up meals, without the worry that it will not fit into the microwave.

The turntable is also a generous 12.5 inches, and once again, this is ideal for accommodating large bowls and casserole dishes with ease.

Meal preparation is also made easier and more straightforward thanks to the inclusion of bright LED lighting, allowing you to keep a close eye on your cooking, and this remains on automatically while in Auto Defrost mode, giving you a chance to see how things are progressing, and stopping the microwave when you need to - this is great for saving power.

Two fan speeds help to speed up cooking time, and the unit is designed with one-touch buttons, making it easier to use and program; you can set a baked potato to cook for 30 minutes with just one touch of a button.

Pros

• Extra-large capacity is perfect for bigger families and can accommodate larger cookware, plates, and dishes with ease.
• One-touch buttons are great for those with mobility issues, as well as helping to make the process fast and simple.
• Bright LED light allows you to keep an eye on your food - you are in charge at every stage
• Auto Defrost mode is simple, effective, and easy to use
• Sleek, stylish design - helps upgrade the look and feel of any kitchen

Cons

• Can be quite tricky to install

Galanz GLOMJA17S2B-10 Over-The-Range Microwave

For an impressive microwave that will brighten up any kitchen while offering plenty of power, this Galanz over-the-range microwave is a perfect pick.

There is enough wattage to tackle any meal, and the stainless steel design is sleepy and modern - ideal for upgrading your kitchen without compromising on function.

The first thing that you will notice about this stunning unit is the heavy-duty design.

The model is made from quality stainless steel, with a shiny aluminum handle, and the end result is a microwave that is sturdy, durable, and resistant to scratches, chips, and damage.

Stainless steel has a reputation for being tough, and that makes this a great option if you are planning on your microwave getting a lot of wear and tear.

The material also reduces fingerprints and is easy to keep clean, allowing you to enjoy a shiny upgrade to your kitchen, without worrying about increasing your workload.

With 1000w of power and 11 options for power levels, you are in charge at every stage, and can easily adjust your cooking power from 0 to 100% with the touch of a button, depending on your needs.

Choose from one of nine auto cook programs for super easy meals - opt for Potato, Pizza, Popcorn, Reheat, Veggies, Beverage, Butter, Cheese, and Meat.

These options, combined with a generous 1.7 cubic feet capacity, make it super easy to rustle up your favorite dishes in no time.

In addition, the unit boasts two speeds for an exhaust fan, to reduce smells and cooking odors from your home, as well as the option for 30-second express cooking for when you are short of time and feeling hungry!

Another major feature of this unit is the ECO mode, which allows lights to be switched on and off, and uses the most energy-efficient method to cook your food, allowing you to do your part for the planet.

A child lock also helps to improve safety for everyone in your household.

Pros

• Stylish stainless steel design is durable and hardy, making it ideal for reducing scratches and damage, and is super easy to clean.
• Nine auto-cook programs, making it easy to cook your favorite meals with minimal fuss.
• Generous capacity - with 1.7 cubic feet available, you can use larger dishes and cookware without issue
• 30-second express cooking is perfect for when you are short of time
• Eco mode helps boost energy efficiency and cut your bills
• Child lock helps keep your family safe and secure for added peace of mind

Cons

• Exhaust fan is a little loud

Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) Microwave Oven

Another well-known brand both in the world of kitchen appliances and in the wider home appliances market, Toshiba has a well-earned reputation for excellence - and this microwave oven is no exception, thanks to a host of impressive features which make it easier than ever to cook and enjoy your favorite meals and dishes.

The overall look and display of the unit are timeless - a stainless steel door construction reduces fingerprints and is also durable and resistant to the majority of knocks, bumps, and scratches.

If you have a busy, active household, and are looking for a modern, stylish design for your microwave, this is a great option to tick your boxes.

The internal capacity is generous, though not quite as large as some of the other options on the list, and will be more than adequate for a single user, or for smaller dishes, trays, and cookware.

This is also a unit that makes the most of innovative Origin Inverter Technology - this helps to ensure that your food is cooked evenly throughout each element, eliminating that issue of food that is frozen in the center, and burned on the outside.

This technology also helps your food to cook more quickly and effectively - ideal if you are short on time and need something delicious and nutritious - and also defrosts more easily and effectively, helping to provide a quality overall user experience - simply pop it in, set the button and you are good to go with minimal fuss.

The unit also comes with a number of preset settings, making it easier to prepare favorite dishes such as vegetables, pizza, and potatoes, as well as the option to automatically set the cooking time to between one and three minutes at the touch of a button.

As an added bonus, the one-touch popcorn button means that you can enjoy movie-worthy treats in just 60 seconds!

You can also rest assured that you are doing your part for the planet thanks to the inclusion of a power-saving eco mode, helping you to save energy.

Pros

• Preset programs allow you to whip up your favorite meals in next to no time for added convenience
• One-touch popcorn button makes life fast and easy
• Modern stainless steel design is stylish and durable, as well as being super easy to clean
• Eco-mode allows you to do your bit for the planet and cut down on energy bills
• Origin Inverter Technology ensures that food is cooked evenly throughout

Cons

• Not quite as large as some other options

Buyer's Guide

Now that we have had a chance to take a closer look at the range of models on the market, you may be wondering just how you go about making the right decision for your home.

To help, we have put together the ultimate buyer's guide to help you understand everything you need to know about over-the-range microwaves and the essential elements that you need to consider when making your choice.

What Is An Over The Range Microwave?

The term "over-the-range" refers to the position of the microwave itself.

Traditionally, ovens were located inside or alongside the kitchen cupboard, so you could see them when you walked into the room, but because microwaves are much smaller than traditional ovens, they are often placed above the range hood, offering extra convenience, ventilation, and lighting.

What Features Should You Consider When Buying An Over The Range Microwave?

There are a few features that you will need to consider when you are choosing a new over the range microwave; some of the most important elements are:

Size And Capacity

Size and capacity are two elements to consider when choosing a microwave, as they will determine the size of the cookware and trays that you can use to prepare your meals.

Size and capacity are slightly different concepts, though they are often confused and used as one interchangeable term.

The size of the microwave refers to the outside measurement, whereas the capacity, which is usually measured in cubic feet, measures the space inside the microwave oven - the space that you will actually have to cook in.

The most common dimensions of over-the-range microwave ovens are 15 inches in depth, 30 inches in width, and 18 inches in height, though there are a few which vary from these dimensions.

It is crucial to ensure that you measure before you buy, as your microwave will need to fit into the space above your range top, and this includes space for ventilation.

You should also know how big the interior of the oven needs to be: Will you heat large platters or bowls of food, or will you be heating up one plate at a time?

Do you need space for large casserole dishes, or will you be focusing mainly on ready meals for one?

Consider these questions when choosing a certain capacity to ensure that you get the best fit.

In short, there are four main considerations to bear in mind when you are thinking about the size of your microwave:

Overall external dimensions - you need to ensure that your microwave will fit into a particular spot over your range.

Here, size will be determined according to height by width by depth.

The interior dimensions - consider what you will be cooking and whether you need space for specific sizes of dishes or plates.

You should also make sure that your choice is tall enough for larger pots.

Cubic feet are a measurement used for measuring the internal cooking area capacity (or size) of a microwave oven.

The smaller microwaves are 7 cubic inches, while other, larger models may reach up to 2.2 cubic feet.

Medium-sized models tend to sit somewhere in the middle, around 1.4 cubic feet.

It is important to note that more cubic feet does not equal more surface area, but instead, a larger overall internal space.

The diameter of the turntable - this will determine the size of the dish or plate that can be used in the microwave and can range from 8 to 16 inches.

Wattage

Wattage will be another major factor in your purchase - this essentially refers to the power that your microwave will have.

The ideal wattage setting for an over-the-range microwave is between 900 and 1000 watts, as anything lower will take longer to heat up food.

You can find models that have higher wattage, but the cost will be higher, so take the time to consider how much power you really need and whether you will really benefit.

Ventilation

A good ventilation system is one of the most important features of an over-the-­range microwave.

Since it is replacing an ordinary range hood on a classic oven, the over-the-range microwave oven needs to be able to remove cooking smells and smoke from the kitchen both during and after cooking.

There are two types: a ventilated hood, which sends the fumes outside, and those with filters that circulate the air inside.

It is a good idea to prioritize fans that offer a range of different fan speeds, as well as those which offer quiet operation - the last thing you want is to have to yell to hear one another when cooking!

Features

It is also important to consider whether you want any additional features or extras on your microwave.

Many microwave models strive for convenience by including features such as sensors and shortcuts to take the guesswork out of cooking, while other models offer additional features such as convection heating.

Before buying a microwave, determine which extra features you need in one - as a general rule, the more sophisticated the model, the higher the price tag will be.

Some of the main features that tend to be offered include:

• Presets For Defrosting: Higher-end models include more precise temperature settings for defrosting food.

You can control these settings by the weight of the foods you're defrosting, ensuring that they are totally safe to enjoy.

• Cooking Preset Programs: The majority of microwave models will come with a minimum of around six cooking presets, though higher-end models typically offer considerably more.

The common presets are used for cooking popcorn, pizza (and sometimes potatoes), frozen dishes, reheat, and rice.

They make using a microwave convenient because they vary in terms of cooking times, allowing you to ensure that food is properly cooked or heated.

• Cooking Limits: Some microwaves have a limit on how long something can be cooked at once - this tends to be between 30 and 60 minutes.

Higher-end models, however, will usually remove this limit, allowing you to continuously cook for longer periods.

• Dial or digital: Decide whether you want a digital display, or to opt for a more traditional dial option.

• 30 second instant cook button: This handy button begins cooking immediately for thirty seconds.

After doing it once, hit it again and then run it for another 30 seconds.

• Sensor: Many modern microwave models come with an innovative built-in sensor technology - this can automatically sense when the food is cooked properly, meaning that you are not stuck constantly checking on your food.

• Door Opening Mechanism (DOOM): You can buy a microwave with a button-operated door or one with a handle you pull; it really depends on your personal preferences.

• Inversion Technology: Cooking quality is improved by using inversion technology.

Instead of the microwave heating up and then cooling down, inverter technology heats up evenly throughout the entire cooking time.

Control Panel

If a control panel is confusing or if it's too high up for shorter users to reach, it will be frustrating and difficult for them to use.

Some microwaves locate their panels inside, helping to maintain a sleek exterior appearance.

Make sure that the model you choose works well
for everyone in the house and is attractive and suits your chosen design and aesthetic.

Easy To Clean

Some models will be designed with an interior coating that prevents stains and makes cleaning up easier, reducing your workload and the required maintenance.

Since this type of microwave is usually installed at eye level, wiping away food with a damp towel is ideal, and getting into the habit of doing this every time you use the microwave will reduce the amount of work that you have to do, and will keep your model in great condition for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Any Type Of Microwave Be Installed Over The Stove?

You can't use any microwave ovens that aren't designed to hang above a countertop - they have to be designed for this purpose.

Ventilation is essential, as the microwave will replace the standard ventilation system that would traditionally sit above the cooker, and so it is essential that there is adequate ventilation to help reduce any smoke or cooking odors.

How Do I Know What Microwave Capacity I Need?

The inside area of a microwave oven is called its capacity, and it is usually measured in cubic feet.

A microwave oven with a capacity of 0,5 cubic feet will fit a 10-inch dinner plate; a 2-cubic-foot interior will accommodate a large dish, like a 9 x13 inch pan.

When determining what size you need, consider what you will most often use the microwave for—simplistically, reheating a plate of foods or cooking full meals.

Can I Install An Over-The-Range Microwave Myself?

Unlike a countertop microwave that needs to be plugged into the wall, an over-the-range is a bit more involved than just plugging it in.

If the model you've chosen has outdoor ventilation, and if you don't have experience working with ducts, it is probably best for you to hire someone who specializes in that type of work to keep everything safe.