Comparison: Best Above Stove Microwave Ovens (Updated | Nov 24th)
Looking to upgrade your kitchen with a sleek, space-saving microwave? But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s truly the best fit? We’ve tested and compared top-rated over-the-range microwaves, weighing everything from cooking performance and noise levels to ventilation power and ease of use. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep pro, or just craving a cleaner kitchen look, we’ll help you find the perfect match—without the guesswork.
- Best for spacious 1.7‑cuft: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for 400‑cfm turbo vent: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for stainless compact: GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for zero‑clearance door: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for black sleek design: GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for versatile auto cook: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for largest capacity: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for smart voice control: Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for screen touch ui: Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
- Best for high‑power cooking: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Product Comparison: Best Above Stove Microwave Ovens
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.
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.
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
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM
- Better cooktop visibility with LED lighting Make meal preparation and cooking simple with LED lighting that offers a clear, bright view of your cooktop.
- Interior LED Lighting LED interior microwave light stays on while your dish cooks.
- Fits-More Capacity Extra-Large microwave provides 1.8 cu. ft. of cooking space to accommodate larger cookware – even a 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
- One-Touch Cooking Options Our microwaves feature easy-to-use one-touch buttons so you can cook baked potatoes, popcorn or even add 30 seconds with the touch of a button.
- Zero-Clearance Door The microwave door opens to a 90° angle without touching any adjacent walls.
- Two Speed Ventilation Over-the-range microwave doubles as a hood offering ventilation with two fan speeds.
- Extra-Large 12-1/2″ Diameter Glass Turntable Big bowls and large casserole dishes are no problem for our extra-large glass turntable. It rotates for even cooking.
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
Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock-White
- Powerful & Efficient: 1000W output and 1550W input power for fast, even cooking. Perfect for busy kitchens.
- Large Capacity: 1.7 cu. ft. interior, ideal for a variety of meals.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Features include Veggies, Snack Menu, Auto Cook, and a specialized Potato program.
- Smart Defrosting: Time and weight defrost settings for precise and efficient thawing.
- Quick Cooking Features: Speedy +30 seconds cooking and Melt/Soften options for butter, chocolate, and more.
- Child Safety Lock: Ensures kitchen safety, preventing unintended use.
- Convenient Kitchen Additions: Comes with an LED timer, efficient vent fan, and a handy stovetop light.
- Adjustable Volume Control: Offers low, normal, high, and off settings for customizable alerts.
- Space-Saving Design: Over-the-range installation for a streamlined kitchen setup.
30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven, ThermoMate 1.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Microwave Over the Stove with One Touch, 1000 Cooking Watts, 400 CFM, 11 Power Levels, Sensor Cooking, LED Lighting, Stainless Steel
- 1000 Watts&11 Power Levels – An over-the-range microwave comes with 1000 watts of cooking power and 11 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. And it has 9 auto-cook programs: popcorn, potato, veggies, pizza, snack menu, melt/soften, auto reheat, auto cook and auto defrost.
- 1.9 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity – The microwave over the range offers a large capacity of 1.9 Cu. Ft. to meet the cooking needs for any family. Equipped with a removable rack which allows you to microwave several items at once, saving your time.
- 2-Speed Powerful Ventilation – The over-the-range microwave comes with two speed ventilation, typically in the form of exhaust fans, enjoy up to a 400 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.
- Sensor Cooking – The microwave oven automatically adjusts the power level and cooking time to easily cook a variety of foods, so that you get optimally heated results every time.
- Dimensions – 29.92” x 15.28” x 16.42” (W*D*H), Internal dimensions: 30” x 13” x 16.5” (W*D*H); Turntable Diameter: 13.5”.
Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.ft Slim Microwaves with Sensor Cook, Stainless Steel Microwaves, 1000W heating power with 400CMF vent fan
- 【Slim for more space】The slim body frees up your overhead space for your cabinet.
- 【Voice control & Smarthome compatible】Provide more conveniences in cooking with the SmartHome APP.
- 【Notifying and remotely control】You can easily control cooking and ventilation, and lets you know when it finishes.
- 【Sensor Cook & Sensor Reheat: For the best taste】The smart steam sensing technology helps to find the optimal cooking time and power without any guesswork.
- 【Auto cook menu】Feel free to create delicious dishes with the touch of a button.
Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver
- Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, Veggies, pizza, hot dog, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and soup. Rated Voltage: 120V/60Hz.
- Cooktop LED lighting offers a clear and bright vision for your meals on cooktop.
- 1.7 Cu.ft. Spacious interior, Two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan system.
- Turntable On/Off function allows you to cook large dishes. Turntable Diameter: 315 mm.
- 1000 Watts with 10 power level settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking and child lock.
- Overall dimensions: 29.88″W x 15″D x 15.75″H, internal dimensions: 20.94″W x 13.78″D x 10.11″H.
- 2 Years US Based Manufacturer Warranty DOUBLES the usual industry for an exceptional quality over the range microwave.
Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: 1000W output and 1550W input for efficient, uniform cooking – ideal for active kitchens.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 1.7 cu. ft. capacity accommodates a range of dishes, from quick bites to large meals.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COOKING: Includes options for vegetables, snacks, auto cook, and a potato program for culinary flexibility.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: Intelligent time and weight defrost settings for effective thawing.
- RAPID COOKING FEATURES: Quick +30 seconds function and melt/soften options for everyday convenience.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: Adds security, ensuring safe kitchen operations.
- USER-FRIENDLY ADDITIONS: Equipped with an LED timer, vent fan, and stovetop light for enhanced usability.
- VOLUME CONTROL: Adjustable settings for personalized alert levels.
- OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Over-the-range installation saves space and complements kitchen aesthetics.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key factors should I evaluate when picking an over‑the‑range microwave?
Look at capacity, power output, ventilation strength, and the variety of cooking presets. Also consider interior features like turntable flexibility or a removable rack, and external conveniences such as LED lighting or smart‑home integration. Finally, compare warranty coverage and any bundled protection plans to gauge long‑term value.
How does interior capacity vary across the models I’m looking at?
Capacities range from 1.2 cu ft in the slim Midea model up to 1.9 cu ft in the ThermoMate unit, with most mid‑range options offering 1.6‑1.7 cu ft. Larger volumes are useful for big baking dishes, while a smaller footprint can free up overhead cabinet space. Choose the size that matches your typical cookware and kitchen layout.
Which microwaves provide the strongest vent fans for smoke and odor removal?
The Black+Decker EM044KB19 and ThermoMate both list a 400 CFM two‑speed fan, delivering the highest airflow among the group. The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS and Empava models offer 300 CFM, which is adequate for most cooking but slightly less powerful. If you frequently use high‑heat stovetop cooking, the 400 CFM options will keep your kitchen clearer.
Do the preset cooking programs differ significantly between brands?
Yes; Black+Decker models include quick menus for popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, and multi‑stage cooking, while the Frigidaire and Farberware units focus on one‑touch options like baked potato, pizza, and snack. ThermoMate and Midea add sensor‑cook and auto‑defrost programs that adjust power automatically. Review the preset list to ensure your most‑cooked foods are covered.
How important is a turntable on/off function or a removable rack?
A turntable on/off switch, found on several Black+Decker, GE, and Empava models, lets you fit larger dishes without interference. The ThermoMate’s removable rack lets you cook multiple items simultaneously, saving time for family meals. If you often use big casserole dishes, these features can be a deciding factor.
Which models offer the best lighting for the cooktop area?
Frigidaire, Empava, and Black+Decker (B0DY16YYPC) include bright LED or integrated lighting that illuminates the stovetop while you cook. The GE and Farberware units also provide interior LED lighting, but the external cooktop illumination is less pronounced. Good lighting improves safety and makes it easier to monitor food without opening the door.
How does the price‑to‑value ratio compare among the top brands?
Black+Decker and Farberware deliver solid performance at a typically lower price point, offering 1000 W power and useful presets. ThermoMate and Frigidaire command higher prices but add larger capacity, stronger ventilation, and premium lighting. Weigh the extra features against your budget to determine which model gives the best overall value.
What warranty or protection plans are available with these microwaves?
GE and Farberware both bundle a two‑year extended protection plan with their units, providing extra peace of mind beyond the standard manufacturer warranty. Black+Decker and Frigidaire usually rely on the standard one‑year warranty, though extended coverage can be purchased separately. Check the seller’s warranty details before buying to ensure you’re covered for potential repairs.