Free Up Countertop Space with These Great Over-the-Range Microwaves

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If you have limited counter space in your kitchen for small appliances like a microwave, the obvious solution is to mount one above your stovetop. But you can’t use just any countertop microwave. Over-the-range microwaves have unique features like built-in range hoods for ventilation and sometimes LED lights to illuminate your cooking space. Learn more below about what features to look for to select the right microwave for your kitchen’s needs below.

Features to Look For

Size

There are two ways to measure a microwave’s size: dimensions and total cubic feet. Cubic feet, typically from 0.7 up to 2 for all microwave types, will give you a sense of the size of its interior, but you should also check the turntable dimensions to make sure the microwave can fit your dinner plates. The average size of over-the-range microwaves is usually 1.5 to 1.9 cubic feet, which should provide plenty of space for most. Be sure to check the exterior dimensions to make sure the microwave you pick will fit in the space above your oven, especially if you have surrounding cabinets that limit the space.

Wattage

The power of many microwaves ranges from 700 to 1,200 watts, though most over-the-range microwaves include 1,000 watts of power, which will ensure that the microwave can heat food up efficiently and evenly.

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Settings

All microwaves have pre-programmed settings for specific foods or common tasks, but some have more than others. Some microwaves have more sensors than others, which detect the amount of steam from your food to automatically adjust the cooking power and times. If you’re a baker, we recommend looking out for a button to melt and/or soften things like butter, cheese, and chocolate. For families with children, some microwaves have more kids-friendly food presets to make using the microwave easier for them.

Ventilation

Because over-the-range microwaves come with built-in fans for ventilation, you should also pay attention to the airflow rating, measured in cubic feet per minute, or cfm. Most will have 300 or 400 cfm, but the higher the number, the better. You may also benefit from a microwave with more than one fan speed setting.

How We Selected

To find the best microwaves, we researched six expert sources that have tested these models, such as Good Housekeeping and Wirecutter. We also consulted over 2,000 reviews on retail sites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to ensure that these choices are considered reliable, user-friendly, and effective by regular consumers.

Frigidaire Gallery 1.9-Cubic-Feet Over-the-Range Microwave (FGBM19WNVF)

• Capacity: 1.9 cubic feet
• Power: 1,000 W
• Dimensions: 15.8 x 29.9 x 16.4 in.

This sleek, stainless steel microwave features no door handle or raised surfaces, making it super easy to wipe clean. But besides for its looks, it’s a capable machine producing 1,000 watts and boasting a large capacity at almost 2 cubic feet to handle the cooking needs for any family. In addition to all of the presets you’d want, this Frigidaire offers great sensors for efficiently cooking or reheating anything.

Black and Decker 1.6-Cubic-Feet Over-the-Range Microwave

• Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet
• Power: 1,000 W
• Dimensions: 16.4 x 29.9 x 15 in.

One of the most affordable over-the-range microwaves, this Black and Decker option comes in at just $200 but doesn’t skimp on the power and features you need. It boasts 1,000 watts with 10 power levels, a surface light, and ventilation system with high and low settings to help keep your kitchen free from smoke, steam, and smells.

GE 1.9-Cubic-Feet Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave with Recirculating Venting(JVM7195SKSS)

• Capacity: 1.9 cubic feet
• Power: 1,000 W
• Dimensions: 16.3 x 29.9 x 15.6 in.

This stainless steel over-the-range microwave has a large capacity and plenty of unique features you might not have even known you needed, such as steam clean to easily tidy up the interior, an on/off button for the turntable, and sensors to melt butter, cheese, or chocolate without burning.

Samsung 1.7-Cubic-Feet Over-The-Range Microwave

• Capacity: 1.7 cubic feet
• Power: 1,000 W
• Dimensions: 17.2 x 29.9 x 16.5 in.

This modern stainless steel and fingerprint-resistant microwave offers great capacity at 1.7 cubic feet, along with strong 1,000-watt power and 300 cfm venting. And it comes in at under $300. In addition to all the presets you’d expect, Samsung also throws in an Eco Mode that turns off the display when not in use to conserve energy.

Sharp 1.6-Cubic-Feet 1000W Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

• Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet
• Power: 1,000 W
• Dimensions: 16.3 x 29.9 x 15.9 in.

The Sharp 1.6 cubic-feet microwave comes with plenty of the features we love about the previous models, without adding to the price. For less than $300, you’ll get a melt feature, large 12.8-inch turntable, two-speed ventilation system, and plenty more sensors and presets.

Whirlpool 1.1-Cubic-Feet Low Profile Microwave

• Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
• Power: 1,000 W
• Dimensions: 10.3 x 29.9 x 18 in.

If you have limited space above your stove, you still might be able to squeeze in this low-profile microwave by Whirlpool, which is only about 10 inches tall but still measures a total of 1.1 cubic feet. Despite its low height, its turntable is still 12 inches in diameter, so it can fit full-size dinner plates and even a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. It also has a unique control panel design, which is hidden inside the door, so you’ll only see the LED clock with the door closed.

LG 2.2-Cubic-Feet Over-the-Range Microwave with EasyClean

• Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet
• Power: 1,000 W
• Dimensions: 17.7 x 29.9 x 15.8 in.

The largest microwave here, this LG has an impressive 2.2-cubic-feet size with a 14-inch turntable. In addition to its size, it’s great for families due to the kid-specific presets and melt and soften buttons for bakers. Most uniquely, the ExtendaVent feature allows the vent fans to be pulled out to cover your entire stovetop for increased ventilation.

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