Comparison: Over The Range Best Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the perfect over-the-range microwave to upgrade your kitchen? You’re not alone. With so many options boasting power, style, and smart features, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. We’ve tested, compared, and cooked our way through top models to bring you honest insights that matter—like performance, ease of use, and value. Whether you’re a busy parent, a cooking enthusiast, or just want something that looks great above your stove, we’ll help you find the ideal fit—without the confusing jargon. Let’s find your kitchen’s new powerhouse.
- Best for 400 cfm vent: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for multi-stage 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 18 auto menus: Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
- Best for speedy one-touch: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for sensor smart 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 turntable control: GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for 1.8 cuft capacity: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for potato program pro: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for easy clean surface: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: Over The Range Best 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.
GE JVM6175SKSS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
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
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
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 1.7 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.
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 capacity should I look for in an over‑the‑range microwave?
Most kitchens benefit from a 1.6‑1.8 cu ft interior, which comfortably fits a 12‑inch pizza or a medium rotisserie chicken. Models like the Midea MOR17BSA‑SS and several Black+Decker units offer 1.7 cu ft, giving a little extra room without sacrificing fit in standard 30‑inch cabinets. If you have limited space, a 1.5 cu ft model may still meet basic reheating needs, but larger families usually appreciate the added volume.
How important is the vent fan’s CFM rating and speed settings?
A higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, such as 300 CFM found on many Black+Decker, Midea, and Frigidaire models, removes smoke and steam more quickly, keeping your kitchen fresher during high‑heat cooking. Two‑speed fans give flexibility: a lower setting for light simmering and a higher setting for vigorous stovetop frying. Choosing a microwave with at least 300 CFM and dual speeds ensures effective ventilation for most cooking styles.
What are the key differences in auto‑cook menus and one‑touch features among the models?
Black+Decker and Midea both provide extensive one‑touch menus—up to 18 auto programs on the Midea and several preset options on Black+Decker—including popcorn, pizza, and potato. GE’s sensor microwaves focus on automatic power adjustments rather than a long list of fixed menus, while Frigidaire offers 10 power levels with quick‑access buttons for common tasks. If you prefer a set‑and‑forget experience, the models with more dedicated auto‑cook programs may be more convenient.
Should I consider a microwave with a turntable‑off function?
A turntable‑off option lets you place large, flat dishes—like a 12‑inch pizza or a casserole—without the turntable interfering, which is useful for items that need a stable surface. Black+Decker’s EM044KB19 and several GE models include this feature, while others assume the turntable is always active. If you frequently cook large or irregularly shaped foods, a turntable‑off function adds valuable flexibility.
How does wattage affect cooking speed and energy use?
All listed models deliver 1000 W of cooking power, which provides fast, even heating for most household tasks. Higher wattage generally shortens cooking times, but it also draws more electricity during operation; however, the difference is modest for typical daily use. Look for additional energy‑saving features like a “speedy cooking” button or sensor cooking that adjusts power to avoid over‑cooking.
Are extra features like child lock, LED lighting, and sensor cooking worth the extra cost?
Child lock prevents accidental operation, a safety feature especially important in homes with young children, and is included on most Black+Decker and Midea models. LED cooktop lighting improves visibility while you work on the stove, a standard on many newer units. Sensor cooking, offered by GE, automatically adjusts power and time for optimal results, which can reduce guesswork and improve consistency, making these extras valuable for convenience and safety.
What should I know about warranties and service plans when comparing brands?
GE often bundles a 2‑year extended protection plan with its over‑the‑range microwaves, providing added peace of mind beyond the standard manufacturer warranty. Black+Decker and Frigidaire typically offer a basic one‑year warranty, with options to purchase extended coverage separately. If long‑term support is a priority, consider models that include extended service plans or have a strong reputation for reliable customer service.
How can I balance price with features to get the best value?
While exact prices aren’t listed here, models with similar wattage and capacity can vary widely in extra features; for example, a Black+Decker with extensive auto‑cook menus may cost more than a basic GE unit with fewer presets. Identify the features you use most—such as vent power, turntable control, or sensor cooking—and prioritize those when evaluating cost. Generally, a mid‑range price microwave that includes a strong vent, child lock, and a decent set of auto‑cook programs offers the best overall value for most households.