Comparison: Best Quality Over The Range Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’re tired of messy stovetops and slow reheating, a top-notch over-the-range microwave can be a total game-changer in your kitchen. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one delivers real value without cutting corners on performance? We’ve tested the most popular models—balancing power, features, and build quality—to help you find the best one for your home. No fluff, no gimmicks—just honest insights to make your decision easier. Let’s dive in and find your perfect kitchen upgrade.
- Best for led light vent: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for spacious power vent: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for extended 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 auto menus: Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
- Best for multi-stage power: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for non-ducted flex: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for largest sensor capacity: GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for sensor precision cook: GE JVM6175SKSS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for auto-cook suite: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for air-fry feature: GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
Product Comparison: Best Quality Over The Range Microwave
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
GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
GE JVM6175SKSS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
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 Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
- Great tools at a great price
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 are the most important specifications to compare when buying an over‑the‑range microwave?
Focus on cooking power (watts), interior capacity (cubic feet), and venting performance (CFM). Higher wattage cooks food faster, while a larger cavity accommodates big dishes like rotisserie chickens. A strong vent fan, measured in cubic feet per minute, removes steam and odors more effectively.
How do the capacities and power levels differ among the models listed?
Capacities range from 1.6 cu ft (GE JVM3160RFSS) up to 1.9 cu ft (GE JVM7195SKSS), with most models offering around 1.7 cu ft. All units deliver approximately 1000 watts of cooking power and provide 10 power levels, giving fine control over heating intensity.
Which microwaves provide the strongest ventilation system?
The Black+Decker B0DY16YYPC, Black+Decker B0DXZZH7P2, Midea MOR17BSA‑SS, Frigidaire FFMV1846VS, and ThermoMate all list a 300 CFM fan, the highest airflow among the group. The Black+Decker EM044KB19 offers a two‑speed 400‑CFM fan, which is the most powerful overall for removing smoke and steam.
Are the one‑touch auto‑cook menus comparable across brands?
Yes, most models include preset menus for popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and reheating, but the exact number varies. Black+Decker and Midea provide 18 or more auto menus, while other brands typically list 6‑10 quick menus. Choose a unit with the specific presets you use most often for added convenience.
Does the turntable size or the ability to turn it off matter?
A larger turntable (12‑12.5 inches) accommodates bigger plates and dishes, which is useful for family meals. Black+Decker EM044KB19 and Midea MOR17BSA‑SS feature a turntable‑on/off function, allowing you to cook larger, uneven items without interference. If you often use rectangular trays, a removable or disabled turntable can be a real advantage.
What should I know about warranty and service plans for these microwaves?
GE models often bundle a 2‑year extended protection plan, providing extra peace of mind beyond the standard manufacturer warranty. Black+Decker and Frigidaire typically include a limited one‑year warranty, so you may want to purchase an additional service plan if you value long‑term support. Check the fine print for coverage of parts, labor, and vent‑filter replacements.
How important are interior lighting and exterior finish when choosing a microwave?
LED cooktop lighting improves visibility while you’re cooking and is standard on most newer models, including Black+Decker and ThermoMate. Stainless‑steel exteriors blend well with modern kitchens, while black finishes may match darker appliances; the choice is largely aesthetic but can affect perceived durability. Both finishes are generally easy to clean.
Which model offers the best overall value for a typical home kitchen?
The Black+Decker B0DY16YYPC and ThermoMate 1.7 cu ft. units combine a large capacity, 1000 watts, 300 CFM ventilation, and a full set of auto‑cook menus at a competitive price point, delivering strong performance without premium pricing. If you prioritize extended service coverage, the GE JVM3160RFSS with its bundled 2‑year plan adds extra value despite a slightly smaller cavity.