Comparison: Best Microwave Above Stove (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best microwave above your stove but feeling overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone. We’ve tested top models to help you find the perfect balance of power, size, and smart features—without sacrificing kitchen space. From sleek designs to standout performance, we’ll break down what really matters when it comes to over-the-range microwaves. Whether you’re upgrading or building a new kitchen, our honest comparison will guide you to the right pick.
- Best for auto-menu master: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for multi-stage pro: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for smart touch flex: Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
- Best for extended protection: GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for easy-clean power: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for dual-speed vent: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for potato pro: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for extra-large flex: Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave
- Best for non-ducted power: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for black premium: GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Above Stove
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave
- 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 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
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 core specifications should I compare when choosing an over‑the‑range microwave?
Focus on capacity (cu. ft.), cooking power (watts), venting airflow (CFM), and the number of auto‑cook menus. These specs determine how much food you can fit, how quickly it cooks, how well fumes are removed, and how convenient preset cooking becomes. Also check for features like turntable on/off, lighting, and child lock for added safety and flexibility.
How does interior capacity affect everyday cooking needs?
A larger capacity (1.7‑1.8 cu. ft.) lets you fit big dishes such as a rotisserie chicken or a 12‑inch pizza, reducing the need to cut food into smaller pieces. Smaller units (around 1.6 cu. ft.) are fine for standard meals but may require more frequent rearranging. Choose capacity based on the size of cookware you commonly use.
Which models provide the strongest ventilation, and why does CFM matter?
The Black+Decker EM044KB19 offers a 400‑CFM two‑speed fan, while most competitors, like the Midea and ThermoMate units, deliver 300‑CFM fans. Higher CFM moves more air, clearing smoke, steam, and odors faster, which is especially useful in open‑plan kitchens. If you do a lot of stovetop cooking, the higher‑CFM option can keep the kitchen fresher.
Do the auto‑cook menus differ significantly between brands?
Yes. Black+Decker and Midea provide 10‑18 one‑touch menus covering popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and specialty items like softening cream cheese. ThermoMate and Farberware focus on four core programs (reheat, popcorn, baked potato, beverage) plus quick‑cook shortcuts. More menus add convenience but may not be essential if you prefer manual control.
Is a turntable on/off function worth considering?
A turntable on/off feature lets you cook larger, irregularly shaped dishes without the turntable interfering, which is handy for big roasts or sheet pans. Models like Black+Decker and GE include this option, while some budget units may lack it. If you frequently use large cookware, the ability to disable the turntable adds real flexibility.
How important is interior and cooktop lighting for daily use?
Bright LED lighting improves visibility of both the microwave interior and the stovetop, making it easier to monitor cooking progress without opening the door. Frigidaire, GE, and ThermoMate all highlight LED lighting as a key feature. Good lighting can reduce guesswork and help prevent overcooking.
What should I weigh when comparing price versus feature set?
Higher‑priced models often bundle extended service plans (like GE’s 2‑year protection) and premium finishes, but core performance—1000 W power, 1.7‑1.8 cu ft. capacity, and 300‑CFM venting—is common across many mid‑range units. If you don’t need extra programs or a longer warranty, a budget‑friendly option such as the Black+Decker or ThermoMate can deliver comparable value.
Which microwaves are easiest to clean and maintain?
Units with stainless‑steel exteriors and scratch‑resistant interiors, like the Frigidaire and ThermoMate models, wipe down quickly with a damp cloth. Removable glass turntables simplify cleaning of the rotating plate. Look for models that mention easy‑wipe surfaces and minimal crevices where food can accumulate.