Comparison: Best Compact Over The Stove Microwave (Updated | Nov 24th)
We’ve tested and compared the top options to find which ones deliver on performance, ease of use, and smart design—without sacrificing precious real estate. From sleek finishes to handy features like sensor cooking and quiet ventilation, these microwaves pack a punch. Let us help you choose the perfect fit for your kitchen and lifestyle.
- Best for strong suction: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for premium protection: GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for flexible turntable: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for multi-stage: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for slim smart: Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for auto menu: Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
- Best for high power: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for extra large: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for non-ducted: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for melt sensor: GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Product Comparison: Best Compact Over The Stove Microwave
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
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, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- GE USA AUTHORIZED – Includes 2 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL Manufacturer Protection
- 1.9 cu. ft. capacity | Melt feature: Worry-free melting of butter, caramel, chocolate and marshmallows | Easy clean interior with steam clean | Dimensions: 16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D
- IN THE BOX: Recirculating Charcoal Filter Kit
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: GE 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel
- 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan
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 should I prioritize when choosing a compact over‑the‑range microwave?
Focus on interior capacity, vent fan CFM, and the availability of one‑touch auto‑cook menus. A smaller footprint helps preserve cabinet space, while sufficient suction removes cooking fumes efficiently. Also consider power output (around 1000 W) for consistent heating performance.
How do the capacities of the listed models differ and why does it matter?
Capacities range from 1.6 cu ft (GE JVM3160RFSS) up to 1.9 cu ft (GE JVM7195SKSS) and 1.8 cu ft for the Frigidaire units. Larger interiors accommodate bigger dishes like a 12‑inch pizza or a rotisserie chicken, reducing the need to re‑arrange food. If you primarily heat plates and small meals, a 1.6‑cu ft model may be more space‑efficient.
Which models offer the strongest ventilation for cooking fumes?
The Black+Decker models list a 300 CFM two‑speed vent, and the Frigidaire FFMV1846VS also provides 300 CFM with adjustable fan speeds. The Midea MOR17BSA‑SS matches this with a 300 CFM strong suction as well. Higher CFM ratings are beneficial in open‑plan kitchens where smoke and odors need rapid removal.
Are there any smart or sensor features that add value?
Midea MMO12S3ASTZ includes voice control, SmartHome app integration, and sensor cooking that adjusts time and power automatically. The GE JVM7195SKSS offers a sensor microwave function that detects moisture for optimal heating. These technologies can simplify cooking and improve consistency, especially for busy households.
How do the one‑touch auto‑cook menus compare across brands?
Black+Decker and Midea both provide 10‑plus preset menus covering popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and more. GE’s JVM7195SKSS includes a melt feature and auto‑defrost, while Frigidaire offers 18 auto‑menus for a wider variety of dishes. The breadth of presets can reduce guesswork, but verify that the specific foods you cook most often are covered.
What is the importance of turntable size and the on/off option?
A 12.4‑inch turntable (found on Black+Decker models) fits larger plates and ensures even heating, while a 12.5‑inch turntable on Midea MOR17BSA‑SS accommodates even bigger dishes. The turntable on/off feature, highlighted by Black+Decker EM044KB19, lets you use the microwave for tall containers without interference. Choosing a model with a removable turntable adds flexibility for unconventional cookware.
How does price‑to‑value compare for the higher‑capacity 1.8‑cu ft. Frigidaire versus the 1.6‑cu ft. GE?
The Frigidaire’s larger 1.8 cu ft. capacity, LED interior lighting, and zero‑clearance door provide premium convenience for a slightly higher price point. The GE JVM3160RFSS offers solid performance at a lower cost but with a smaller cavity and fewer advanced lighting features. If you need extra space and modern aesthetics, the Frigidaire may justify the extra expense.
Do any of these microwaves include extended service plans or warranties that affect long‑term value?
Both GE models (JVM3160RFSS and JVM7195SKSS) come with a 2‑year extended protection plan, adding peace of mind for potential repairs. Farberware and Black+Decker do not list extended plans, relying on standard manufacturer warranties. An extended service plan can be a deciding factor if you expect heavy daily use or want to avoid unexpected maintenance costs.