Comparison: Over The Range Best Microwave Brand (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best over-the-range microwave brand but overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone. From sleek designs to powerful performance, brands like GE, Samsung, and Whirlpool all promise top-tier features—but which one actually delivers in real life? We’ve tested the top contenders side by side, comparing cooking power, noise levels, ease of use, and value. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or replacing an old unit, we’ll help you cut through the hype and find the brand that truly earns its spot above your stove. Let’s find your perfect match.
- Best for led cooktop light: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for large capacity: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for premium service plan: GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for smart touch menus: Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
- Best for multi-stage cook: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for non-ducted vent: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for scratch-resistant: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for turntable on/off: GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for easy clean: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for 2-in-1 design: GASLAND Over the Stove Microwave 30 Inch
Product Comparison: Over The Range Best Microwave Brand
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft
- Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, vegetable, pizza, snack, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and frozen breakfast..Rated Voltage : 120V – 60Hz
- 1000 Watts with ten power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking and child lock.
- Cooktop LED lighting that offers a clear and bright vision for your meals on cooktop.
- Two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system.
- Turntable On/Off function allows you to cook large dishes.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 29.9” x 15.4” x 16.4”, Internal dimensions: 19.84” x 13.78” x 9.09” (W X D X H) Turntable Diameter: 13.5”
- English installation instructions can be viewed on the page.
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
- Large Capacity: 15.4″D x 29.9″W x 16.4″H. Featuring a spacious interior, this 1.7 cubic feet microwave oven includes a 12.4-inch turntable and will serve as your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With aa 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: For quick action, press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for using the 100% power level at 1-3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by cooking with 90% microwave power for 10 minutes and then cooking with 50% power for 5 minutes in one time setting.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- GE USA AUTHORIZED – Includes 2 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL
- Charcoal filter replacement for microwaves with behind the door grille | 1.6 cu. ft. capacity | Convenience cooking | controls | Dimensions: 13″D x 16″W x 9″H
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel
- 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan
Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus, and you can make popcorn, pizza, defrost, soften cream cheese, rice, potato, and so on. Feel free to create delicious dishes efficiently and easily.
- 1.7 cu.ft capacity with 12.5 inch turntable can easily hold your big rotisserie chicken and 12 inches pizza.
- 10-level power settings satisfy your different heating needs. (With 1000W outcome power)
- CFM 300 strong suction power with adjustable fan speeds, effectively removes the unpleasant fumes and odor.
- Bright cooktop light to serve your cooking with a clear view.
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH
- Large Capacity: 15.4″D x 29.9″W x 16.4″H. Featuring a spacious interior, this 1.7 cubic feet microwave oven includes a 12.4-inch turntable and will serve as your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With aa 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: For quick action, press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for using the 100% power level at 1-3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by cooking with 90% microwave power for 10 minutes and then cooking with 50% power for 5 minutes in one time setting.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM
- Width: 29.87″ x Height: 15.62″ x Depth: 15.75″
- CFM: 300 – Capacity: 1.8 cu. ft. – Cooking Watts: 1000 – Number of Power Levels: 10
- Venting Type: Non Ducted – Auto Defrost – Timer – 27 Touch Pad Buttons
- 2 Speeds – 105/300 CFM – Recirculating Kit: Sold Separately
- 120 Volts – Weight: 35.00 lbs
30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven, ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity Microwave Over the Stove with One Touch, 1000 Cooking Watts, 300 CFM, 10 Power Levels, LED Lighting, Black
- 1.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity – The microwave over the range offers a large capacity of 1.7 cu. ft., with a size of 29.92×15×16.42 inch, with four auto-cook programs: reheat, popcorn, baked potato and beverage, which automatically adjusts the power and cooking time to cook a wide variety of foods with ease.
- 1000 Watts&10 Power Levels – An over-the-range microwave comes with 1000 watts of cooking power and a 10 different power levels, which allows you to adjust the cooking power from 0% to 100%. Equipped with a removable glass turntable, it rotate 360° to provide even heat.
- One-Touch Cooking Options – The microwave oven features one-touch cooking buttons allow you to easily cook your favorite foods. It is able to add up 30 seconds when you use the quick cook feature. And it comes with a safety lock that prevents children from accidental use or access.
- Two Speed Powerful Ventilation – The over-the-range microwave comes with two speed ventilation, typically in the form of exhaust fans, enjoy up to a 300 CFM air flow that help to remove smoke, steam, and odors generated during cooking. The built-in LED lighting feature, which provides extra illumination over the stove, making it easier to monitor your cooking and add an extra layer of ambient light to the kitchen.
- Easy to Clean – The over the range microwave is scratch resistance and longevity. Easy to wipe, quickly and easily wipes away and cleans spills in the microwave, giving you more time to enjoy life.
GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- GE USA AUTHORIZED – Includes 2 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL Manufacturer Protection
- 1.6 cu. ft. capacity – 1000 Watts (IEC-705 test procedure)
- Two-speed, 300-CFM venting system – Removes smoke, steam and odors
- Turntable On/Off – Controls turntable operation
- Auto and time defrost – Defrosting times and power levels are programmed automatically or manually for optimal results
- Convenience cooking controls – Operating made quick and easy
- Charcoal filter replacement for microwaves with behind the door grille – Easily install your new charcoal odor filter
- IN THE BOX: GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black | Appliance Parts & Accessories | Miscellaneous | oven-accessories
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan
30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven, ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity Microwave Over the Stove with One Touch, 1000 Cooking Watts, 300 CFM, 10 Power Levels, LED Lighting, Stainless Steel
- 1.7 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity – The microwave over the range offers a large capacity of 1.7 cu. ft., with a size of 29.92×15×16.42 inch, with four auto-cook programs: reheat, popcorn, baked potato and beverage, which automatically adjusts the power and cooking time to cook a wide variety of foods with ease.
- 1000 Watts&10 Power Levels – An over-the-range microwave comes with 1000 watts of cooking power and a 10 different power levels, which allows you to adjust the cooking power from 0% to 100%. Equipped with a removable glass turntable, it rotate 360° to provide even heat.
- One-Touch Cooking Options – The microwave oven features one-touch cooking buttons allow you to easily cook your favorite foods. It is able to add up 30 seconds when you use the quick cook feature. And it comes with a safety lock that prevents children from accidental use or access.
- Two Speed Powerful Ventilation – The over-the-range microwave comes with two speed ventilation, typically in the form of exhaust fans, enjoy up to a 300 CFM air flow that help to remove smoke, steam, and odors generated during cooking. The built-in LED lighting feature, which provides extra illumination over the stove, making it easier to monitor your cooking and add an extra layer of ambient light to the kitchen.
- Easy to Clean – The over the range microwave is scratch resistance and longevity. Easy to wipe, quickly and easily wipes away and cleans spills in the microwave, giving you more time to enjoy life.
GASLAND Over the Stove Microwave 30 Inch, 1.9 Cu.ft. Over the Range Microwave with 11 Power Levels, One Touch Cooking, 400 CFM,1000W, LED, Turntable, Sensor Cook, Over Stove Microwave Oven, Black
- 【Multi-Stage Precise Cooking】Experience precise control with a microwave oven that delivers 1,000W power and 11 variable levels. Two-stage cooking easily handles recipes that need both gentle defrosting and strong heating for perfect results.
- 【One-Touch Smart Start】Enjoy quick, effortless meals using 9 microwave oven presets—Popcorn, Potato, Veggies, Pizza, Snack Menu, Melt/Soften, Auto Reheat, Auto Cook, and Auto Defrost. Just press one button or add 30 seconds anytime for extra heat.
- 【Efficient Airflow & Bright Lighting】 A 400 CFM fan swiftly removes smoke and odors. Two LED lights on the over the range microwave illuminate your stovetop, making cooking clearer and safer.
- 【Large Family Capacity】Built with 1.9 cu. ft of space, this over stove microwave fits large dishes for family dinners. The removable rack creates a double cooking area, while the turntable on/off option adds flexibility for every meal.
- 【2-in-1 Space-Saving Design】Combining a powerful over range microwave 30 inch with an efficient range hood, it frees your countertop and keeps your kitchen fresh, clean, and stylish.
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity should I choose for an over‑the‑range microwave?
Capacity is measured in cubic feet; most kitchens are comfortable with 1.5‑1.7 cu ft, while larger families may prefer 1.8‑1.9 cu ft for big dishes like rotisserie chickens. A larger interior also means a bigger turntable, which can accommodate plates up to 12‑12.5 inches. Keep the external dimensions in mind so the unit fits your cabinet opening and stove width.
How does the vent fan CFM rating affect performance?
CFM (cubic feet per minute) indicates how much air the hood can move; higher numbers remove smoke, steam, and odors more quickly. For most residential kitchens, 300‑400 CFM is sufficient, while 400 CFM models like the Gasland provide extra power for heavy cooking. Choose a fan speed that matches your cooking style and the size of your range.
Are auto‑cook menus worth the extra price?
Auto‑cook presets simplify common tasks such as popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes by adjusting power and time automatically. They are especially handy for beginners or busy households, but the same results can be achieved manually with a little practice. If you value convenience over fine‑tuned control, a model with 10‑18 preset menus adds noticeable convenience.
What is the benefit of a turntable on/off feature?
Turning the turntable off lets you use larger, rectangular dishes that would otherwise be blocked by the rotating plate. This flexibility is useful for casseroles, sheet pans, or a whole roast. Models like the Black+Decker EM044KB19 include this option, giving you more cooking versatility without sacrificing space.
Which brand gives the best value for a 1000‑watt over‑the‑range microwave?
Black+Decker and ThermoMate consistently offer solid 1000‑watt performance, decent vent fans (300 CFM), and a range of auto‑cook menus at competitive prices. GE and Frigidaire add premium finishes and longer warranty plans, which can justify a higher cost for shoppers seeking durability. Overall, Black+Decker provides the most balanced price‑to‑feature ratio for budget‑conscious buyers.
How important are lighting and interior cleaning features?
LED cooktop lighting improves visibility while you work and uses less power than older bulbs. Easy‑wipe interiors and stainless‑steel exteriors resist stains and fingerprints, reducing maintenance time. Models that combine bright LED lights with scratch‑resistant interiors, like the ThermoMate and Gasland, offer the most user‑friendly experience.
Is multi‑stage cooking a useful feature for everyday meals?
Multi‑stage cooking lets you program two power levels in a single cycle, which is ideal for recipes that need gentle defrost followed by high heat, such as frozen meals or baked potatoes. It reduces the need to stop and adjust settings manually, saving time and ensuring consistent results. If you frequently prepare complex dishes, this feature adds real convenience.
What should I consider for installation and dimensions?
Measure the width, height, and depth of the cabinet opening and compare it to the unit’s external dimensions; most models are around 15‑16 inches high and 29‑30 inches wide. Ensure you have the required electrical outlet (120 V, 60 Hz) and enough clearance for venting ducts or recirculating kits. Professional installation is recommended for models with built‑in vent fans to guarantee proper airflow and safety.