Comparison: Best Small Over The Stove Microwave (Updated | Nov 24th)
Looking for the perfect small over-the-stove microwave but overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone. Space is tight, budgets matter, and nobody wants to sacrifice performance for size. We’ve tested and compared top models to find the best compact options that deliver power, smart features, and sleek designs—all without taking over your kitchen. Whether you’re upgrading or setting up your first apartment, we’ll help you pick the right fit that cooks evenly, installs easily, and looks great above your stove. Let’s find your ideal match.
- Best for multi-stage cooking: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for stainless speed cook: 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 potato program: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for turntable off feature: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for 18 auto menus: Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
- Best for largest capacity: Black+Decker 1.9 Cu Ft 1000 Watts Over The Range Microwave Oven with LED Display
- Best for voice-controlled slim: Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for integrated range hood: COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS 24 in. Stellar Collection 1.34 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent Fan
- Best for white finish bundle: GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Product Comparison: Best Small 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 1.9 Cu Ft 1000 Watts Over The Range Microwave Oven with LED Display, Child Lock, Stainless Steel
- Sensor menus
- 8 one touch automatic cooking menus
- LED Display
- 30 Sec. Quick Start
- Express Cook 1-6 min
- 2 speed, 300 CFM external fans
- Multi-stage cooking
- Weight and Time Defrost
- Kitchen Timer
- Child Lock
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.
COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS 24 in. Stellar Collection 1.34 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent Fan
- 1000 WATTS OF POWER: With 10 power levels and 1.34 cu. ft. Capacity, cook meals with precise control and delicious results
- INTEGRATED RANGE HOOD: Removes smoke, odor and moisture with high performance venting
- CONVENIENT TOUCH PRESETS: Rely on touch presets for your convenience for tasks like melting, softening, defrosting, and popcorn
- SENSOR REHEAT AND COOK MODE: Detects when food is done cooking and automatically turns off
- SPECIFICATIONS: Exterior Dimensions: 23.8″ (W) x 16.1″ (D) x 17″ (H). Turntable Diameter: 13.6″. Electrical Requirements: 120V / 60Hz. RV Friendly.
GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
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 size microwave should I choose for a compact kitchen?
For limited countertop or cabinet space, look for models under 1.5 cu. ft., such as the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ (1.2 cu. ft.) or the COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS (1.34 cu. ft.). Smaller interiors still provide 1000‑Watt power, which is sufficient for most reheating and quick‑cook tasks. Ensure the exterior dimensions fit your available space, especially the height if you’re mounting it over a stove.
How does vent fan performance affect cooking comfort?
A higher CFM rating means stronger suction to remove steam, smoke, and odors; models like the Black+Decker EM044KB19 and Midea MOR17BSA‑SS both offer 300 CFM, which is ideal for frequent stovetop cooking. Lower‑CFM units may be quieter but could struggle with heavy cooking fumes. Choose a vent strength that matches your cooking style and kitchen layout.
Are auto‑cook menus worth the extra cost?
Auto‑cook menus simplify common dishes—popcorn, pizza, potatoes—by setting time and power automatically, saving you guesswork. Most mid‑range models (Black+Decker, Farberware, Midea) include 8‑18 preset programs, while basic units may only have manual controls. If you value convenience and often cook a variety of foods, the added features justify a slightly higher price.
Which microwave offers the best value for its features?
The Farberware 1.7 cu. ft. model balances a high 1000‑Watt output, versatile cooking programs, and smart defrosting at a competitive price point, making it a strong value proposition. The Black+Decker over‑range models provide similar power but add a 300 CFM vent and LED lighting, which can be worth the premium if you need strong ventilation. Compare the included accessories, such as extended service plans, to gauge overall cost‑effectiveness.
Do I need a turntable for large dishes?
Turntables ensure even heating, but they limit the size of dishes you can use. Models like the Black+Decker EM044KB19 include a turntable‑on/off feature, allowing you to disable it for larger trays or rotisserie chickens. If you frequently cook big items, choose a microwave with this flexibility.
How important is sensor cooking technology?
Sensor cooking detects moisture and temperature, automatically adjusting time and power for optimal results, which reduces over‑cooking. The COSMO and GE JVM3160 series include sensor reheating and cooking modes, offering precise control without manual timing. This feature is especially useful for reheating leftovers or cooking delicate foods.
What should I look for in a microwave’s exterior finish?
Stainless steel finishes, like those on Black+Decker and Midea models, blend well with modern appliances and resist fingerprints. If you prefer a lighter look, the GE JVM3160DFWW offers a white enamel option. Consider durability, cleaning ease, and how the finish matches your existing kitchen décor.