If you are looking forward to buying an over-the-range microwave but aren’t sure about the leading brands on the market neither you have an idea of spending, no need to worry. We have broken down every detail for you and picked the best over-the-range microwaves that go best with every taste and budget.
Over the Range Microwave Reviews
Microwave ovens have become quite a common household appliance but many of them are advancing more than a simple microwave. Today, you will find the best microwaves more compact and powerful offering highly useful features to enhance the variety of foods you can prepare with using a single appliance. An over the range microwave is a more appropriate appliance particularly if you want your counter space more clearly. The best over the range microwaves come with a perfect combination of the latest microwave technology and functionality of an aeration hood for your cooktop range.
Installed over your counter or range, these built-in microwaves provide you with a high-power microwave performance while replacing the typical range hood. The over the range microwave and ventilation hood make sure to free up space on your countertop and clearing the polluted air. Also, they provide efficient cooking, defrosting, baking, roasting and much more. We have selected the best over the range microwaves after several hours of testing and consulting expert suggestions. Take a look to know about important considerations and what features make an over the range microwave among the best appliances.
FORTÉ F3016MV2SS 1.6 cu. ft. Capacity 2 Series Over the Range Microwave Oven
- BUILT IN MICROWAVE: This microwave measures 29.875" W x 16.4375" H x 15.0625" D and comes in a sleek stainless steel construction that will look beautiful mounted above your oven space, saving kitchen countertop space. The stainless steel microwave also includes a 300 CFM two speed venting system that doubles as a hood by removing smoke, steam and odors from your kitchen.
- SMART MICROWAVE: Includes a built-in setting that will automatically calculate both cooking time and power levels for your favorite foods. By detecting vapor emitted from food, the microwave oven adjusts cooking times and power levels accordingly.
To provide you with the best flavor and ease of cooking, the Panasonic over the range microwave comes with turbo defrost and inverter technology. The unit offers 1200 watts power for ultimate cooking speed.
Using one-touch genius sensor cook and a reheat feature, you can make use of automatic settings. Also, you will find a 13-1/2 inch turntable and other amazing features such as timers, quick minute button, popcorn key and a lot more.
Talking about design, it’s stylish enough to go with any kitchen décor and you can select between the elegant black and white finish. Overall, the unit is easy to maintain and provide delicious cook food with balancing texture, nutrients, and flavors.
GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ Stainless Steel Microwave
- 1. 6 cu. ft. capacity. 1000 Watts (IEC-705 test procedure)
- Dimensions: 29.87" W x 15.25" D x 16.5" H | Net Weight: 63.0 lb
The GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ Stainless Steel Microwave is a contemporary kitchen appliance with classic stainless steel lines, comfortable handle and large controls. The model successfully scored extra high on the usability scale.
Offering 1000 watt rating, it makes sure to evenly cook the tempting meal. Featuring 1.6 cubic foot capacity, it makes for a perfect option for families and conveniently handles any dish size. The venting system comes along with two-speed controls and 300 CFM air flow which is suitable for any kitchen and provides easy to use mechanism.
Furthermore, some of the additional features include programming power levels, automatic and manual modes, and turntables that can be switched on or off. The unit provides you with the best heating and defrosts options. Overall, there is a little something for almost everyone.
LG LMV2031ST Over the Range Microwave
- 1,000 Cooking Watts
- 400 CFM Venting System
If you are looking for an over the range microwave large enough for your passionate cooking tasks, check out this unit. The model featuring 14.2-inch turntable is perfect for larger platters and pizzas which makes it more suitable for both ambitious individuals and families.
The highly effective venting system make sure to filter and reduce smells for a comfortable cooking experience. Also, it features extremely powerful three-speed options and 400 CFM airflow. Additionally, the sensor cooking options can automatically sense and adjust the time for foods such as hotdogs and cheese.
The glass control panel makes for easy cleanliness and overall maintenance of the unit. Finally, the model is designed to save energy and become a more cost-effective option for people who are looking for budget-friendly units.
GE 1.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
- Electronic Touch Controls
- 3-Speed Exhaust Fan
The GE over the range microwave features electronic touch controls along with variable speed exhaust fan. The glass turntable has solid construction to cook your food evenly at 260 degrees of heat.
The unit is easy to maintain and comes with a number of settings for perfect cooking. You will find control panel quite easy to operate. The overall design is simple and user-friendly thus making exceptionally easier for you to cook the delicious meals in the most effective way.
Featuring an elegant white color design, it suits most of the kitchen interiors. This over the range microwave is simple and perfect to cook your food deliciously in minimum time and effort.
Sharp R-1214 Over the Range Microwave
- Product Dimensions (w x h x d): 15.5" x 14.1" x 23.9" | Cavity Dimensions (w x h x d): 14.9" x 9.9" x 17.5" | Product Weight: 55 lbs
- 7-digit, 2 color, lighted LCD display
The Sharp R-1214 is a stainless steel over the range microwave that takes cooking to the next level. Measuring approximately 1.5 cubic feet, it offers a sufficient interior that fits most foods.
The 1100 watt model is compact over the counter and does not occupy much of the personal space. It features a rotating 14-1/8-inches turntable that guarantees you even heating. You can also get 24 automated warming and cooking settings which are superior to many top leading over the range microwaves.
Finally, the unit offers auto-touch control panel with an LCD display that can be very useful at night. You will love having Sharp R-1214 Over-the-Range Microwave at home.
Over the Range Microwave Buying Guide
Do Your Research
There is plenty of information about over the range microwaves available online. Unbiased reviews like ours will probably help you in making the right decision. Always pay attention to ratings and customer feedback to have an idea about the effectiveness of a certain product. Also, you can research about the microwave producing companies and you will be surprised to know that many relatively less known brands product superior quality ovens.
Dimensions and Technical Specifications
This information usually goes quite useful, however, many people don’t really care about technicalities. Dimensions are the foremost factor you should pay attention to. What if your favorite over the range microwave does not fit in your kitchen? And that won’t be less than a nightmare. Therefore, make sure to measure the space where you are planning to place the appliance. Also, look into other significant specifications such as capacity, power, and construction.
Usage
A businessman who just want to reheat yesterday’s hand burger and a mom who cooks for her family will have different requirements. When you use a microwave, you want to satisfy certain needs. If you have a large family, you might consider a large oven with multiple features. On the other hand, if you are living alone or with one or two roommates then probably consider a simple and smart microwave. It’s important to know for what purpose you will be using an over the range microwave before spending your precious money.
Set a Budget
Many people get attracted to a great cheap microwave deal that has some cool features. If you are doing this, keep in mind a quality appliance demands some money. A best over the range microwave is a long-term investment so make sure to buy a good one. Even if you go little out of the budget, it will still pay off in the long run. Also, if you have researched each and everything in detail, it won’t be hard for you to find the perfect deal.
Pay Attention to the Venting System
Venting is one of the most significant features of an over the range microwave. You will find different types of venting systems such as some models come with more fans while some have more power. You should always consider these things while purchasing a decent microwave model as the venting system is the foremost part of the huge deal. Therefore, never settle for less. More specifically, you will discover over the range microwaves with two types.
One makes use of hood for an exhaust fan. This type might do not have room for a range microwave. Whereas the other comes with a microwave that links to a fans mechanism or has a built-in fan. These exhaust fans have different speed options and provide a variety of airflow options primarily depending on your requirement. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute so more CFM is directly proportional to more air moved per minute. A good over the range microwave offer above 250 CFM.
Appearance
Though an over the range microwave is more about performance, here looks are important as well. For instance, if you find a microwave that goes best with your needs but it doesn’t look good while placed in your kitchen, you might reconsider the options. The reason companies are working hard to produce aesthetically pleasing over the range microwaves. Pick the one that fits your requirements and your kitchen décor.
Size
Over the range microwaves are somewhat different from the countertop models so we focused on different features and one of them is size. Microwaves that measure 1.6 cubic feet or above tend to be larger and require more cooking compartment space to cook your delicious platters. Usually, you don’t have several options when it comes to over the range spaces so you have to purchase the right one or else you will have to replace it. We tried to include over the range microwaves coming with various sizes that can fit different kitchen spaces. Yet, keep in mind to use your tape measure for the accurate results.
Cooking Power
Cooking power is a crucial factor and you are advised not to settle than anything less than 1000 watts. Though you can go for higher options as larger over the range microwaves require more power.
Touch Buttons
Over the range microwaves featuring touch buttons are pretty impressive and let you instantly select a particular time frame. Also, sensor buttons that offer input for the time duration of the cooking meal is a superlative feature.
Design
The design of over the range microwaves varies for different brands. For example, LG over the range microwave will have a different look than Whirlpool and usually focus more on style. However, sleeker and modern designs are more preferred as they likely to fit in most kitchens to provide you with the best range options.
The Right Fan
The best over the range microwaves usually include a vent along with a fan to keep away odors, smoke or any other related thing from the range. Therefore, choosing a right fan is imperative. A powerful fan is capable of keeping away smells more quickly though they are louder as well. On the other hand, some models might be quiet but they won’t be as effective when you are handling multiple cooking tasks at a time. It’s best to look for a model that provides a perfect balance between power and sound to make you less annoyed and effectively keeping the unwanted odors far away.
Turntable Types
Turntables are often seen as a very useful component of over the range microwaves but here your preference does matter. Are you looking for glass version that is easier to clean? Do you need turntables that are more than a foot in size? Do you want the turntable to have a turn off option? Keep in mind all these questions and more significantly your preferences to choose right turntables.
Clocks and Timers
Over the range microwaves typically occupy a central space in your kitchen. Features such as clocks, timers, and LED lights are amazingly vital. A best over the range microwave comes with a visible LED options to set timers and clocks.
Energy Saving Features
Looking for the best over the range microwave is not an easy task and therefore we recommend you to search for a model that offers energy-saving features. These features make the unit more cost effective in a long run.
Lighting
If you are looking for an over the range microwave offering lighting options then make sure that your unit is compatible with the wiring option as well.
Conclusion
Over the range microwaves have become one of the most common and popular kitchen appliances that are found in almost every home. We hope you have enjoyed our top picks reviews and the detailed buying guide to make a difference between different products based on their features and overall effectiveness. Now you can head out for shopping and look which model goes best with your requirement.