Comparison: Over The Range Who Makes The Best Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
When it comes to over-the-range microwaves, picking the right brand can make your kitchen smarter, safer, and way more efficient. With heavy hitters like GE, Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool all claiming the top spot, how do you know which one truly delivers? We’ve tested performance, ease of use, ventilation power, and real-world reliability to help you cut through the noise. If you’re upgrading your space and want a microwave that does more than just reheat coffee, stick around—this comparison might just save you from a kitchen regret.
- Best for led vent power: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for extended service: GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for multi-stage cooking: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for stainless efficiency: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- 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: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for sensor smart: 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 defrost: GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for smart defrost: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for easy clean: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: Over The Range Who Makes The 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.
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 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, 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.
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.
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 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
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 choose for an over‑the‑range microwave?
Most models in this list range from 1.6 to 1.8 cu. ft., which comfortably fits a 12‑inch pizza or a medium rotisserie chicken. If you often cook larger dishes, aim for the 1.7‑1.8 cu. ft. options like the Frigidaire FFMV1846VS or the Black+Decker 1.7 cu. ft. units. Smaller 1.6 cu. ft. models, such as the GE JVM3160 series, are fine for basic reheating and side dishes.
How important is the vent fan CFM rating when comparing microwaves?
CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures how much air the vent can move; higher numbers mean better removal of smoke, steam, and odors. All the featured microwaves provide at least 300 CFM, which is considered strong ventilation for most kitchens. If you do a lot of stovetop cooking under the microwave, choose a model with a two‑speed fan, like the Black+Decker and Midea units, for added flexibility.
Do built‑in auto‑cook menus add real value?
Auto‑cook menus simplify common tasks such as popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes by setting time and power automatically. Brands like Black+Decker, Midea, and GE include multiple preset programs, which can save time for beginners. However, if you prefer manual control, any of the models will still let you adjust power levels and cooking time directly.
Which microwave offers the best balance of features and price?
While exact pricing isn’t listed, the Black+Decker EM044KB19 and the Midea MOR17BSA‑SS typically sit in the mid‑range price tier and provide 1000‑watt output, 300 CFM ventilation, and several auto‑cook menus. The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS offers a slightly larger 1.8 cu. ft. capacity and a sleek stainless‑steel finish, often at a comparable cost. For premium features like sensor cooking, the GE JVM6175SKSS may be pricier but adds smart cooking adjustments.
Is a child lock essential for families?
A child lock prevents accidental operation, which is especially important in homes with young children. Most models, including the Black+Decker EM044KB19 and the GE JVM3160 series, include this safety feature. If you don’t need it, you can still choose any of the other units, but the added peace of mind is worth the minimal extra cost.
How does turntable on/off functionality affect cooking flexibility?
Turning the turntable off lets you fit larger, flat dishes like sheet pans or casserole dishes that would otherwise be blocked by the rotating plate. Black+Decker’s EM044KB19 and GE’s JVM3160 models both offer this feature. If you frequently cook large meals, selecting a microwave with a turntable off option will give you more versatility.
What warranty or service plans should I consider?
GE microwaves often come with a 2‑year extended protection plan, providing added coverage beyond the standard manufacturer warranty. Black+Decker and Frigidaire typically include a one‑year limited warranty, though you can purchase extended service separately. Evaluate how long you plan to keep the appliance and whether the extra protection aligns with your budget.
Are there any notable differences in lighting and interior design?
All models feature interior LED lighting, but the brightness and coverage can vary; the Black+Decker and Midea units highlight a bright cooktop light for clear visibility. Stainless‑steel exteriors, like those on the Frigidaire and GE models, add a modern look and are easier to wipe clean. If aesthetics matter, choose a finish that matches your kitchen décor while still meeting functional needs.