Comparison: What Are The Best Over The Range Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’re in the market for a new over-the-range microwave, you know it’s not just about reheating leftovers—it’s about saving space, upgrading your kitchen’s look, and getting reliable performance. With so many options out there, from sleek stainless steel models to smart microwaves with sensor cooking, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. We’ve tested, compared, and narrowed down the top contenders so you can find the perfect balance of power, features, and value—without the guesswork. Let’s find your ideal match.
- Best for auto menu master: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Best for spacious power cook: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for multi-stage magic: BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
- Best for extended warranty pack: GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
- Best for smart touch versatile: Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
- Best for potato program pro: Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
- Best for easy-clean autocook: 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
- Best for non-ducted power: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for largest 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 slim smart voice: Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: What Are The Best 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, 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 kitchens benefit from a 1.7 cu ft model, which fits standard 30‑inch ranges and holds larger dishes like a 12‑inch pizza or a rotisserie chicken. If you frequently cook big meals, a 1.8‑1.9 cu ft unit such as the Frigidaire or GE models provides extra interior space without sacrificing venting performance. Smaller 1.2 cu ft slim models free up overhead space but limit the size of dishes you can prepare.
How important is the vent fan’s CFM rating when comparing microwaves?
CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures how much air the fan can move; higher numbers clear smoke and odors faster, which is crucial for high‑heat stovetop cooking. A 300 CFM fan, found on most Black+Decker, Midea, and Frigidaire units, offers strong suction, while 105 CFM models may be adequate for light cooking but could struggle with heavy frying. Choose a two‑speed fan if you want flexibility between gentle ventilation and powerful extraction.
Do auto‑cook menus add real value, or are they just gimmicks?
Auto‑cook programs simplify common tasks like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes by setting time and power automatically, saving you guesswork and reducing over‑cooking. Models such as the Black+Decker EM044KB19 and Midea MOR17BSA‑SS include 10‑18 preset menus, which can be handy for beginners. However, experienced cooks may prefer manual control for fine‑tuning, so consider how much you’ll rely on these shortcuts.
Is a turntable‑on/off feature worth looking for?
A removable turntable ensures even heating for most dishes, but turning it off lets you fit larger, rectangular trays that won’t fit on a rotating plate. Black+Decker’s EM044KB19 offers this flexibility, making it useful for big casseroles or sheet pans. If you often cook large items, a turntable‑off option adds practical versatility.
How do the different power levels affect cooking performance?
All listed models deliver 1000 W output, but they provide 10 power levels to adjust intensity for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or robust reheating. Higher power levels (90‑100 %) speed up cooking, while lower levels (30‑50 %) prevent over‑cooking sensitive foods. Selecting a microwave with a full range of power settings gives you more control over texture and doneness.
What should I consider regarding installation and venting type?
Over‑the‑range microwaves can be vented externally (ducted) or recirculate air with a charcoal filter; ducted models typically remove heat and odors more effectively. The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS offers a non‑ducted option with a separate recirculating kit, while most Black+Decker and GE units are designed for standard ducted installation. Verify your kitchen’s venting layout before purchasing to avoid costly retrofits.
Are smart features like voice control or app integration worth the extra cost?
Smart capabilities, such as Midea’s MMO12S3ASTZ voice control and remote notifications, add convenience for tech‑savvy users who want to start cooking or adjust ventilation from a phone. These features don’t improve cooking speed or power, so weigh the premium price against how often you’ll use them. For most households, basic auto‑cook menus and manual controls provide sufficient functionality.
How do I evaluate overall value when price information isn’t listed?
Compare key specs—capacity, CFM, power levels, and extra features like auto‑cook menus or smart integration—to estimate which model offers the best performance per dollar. Brands like Farberware and ThermoMate often provide solid feature sets at a lower price point, while GE and Frigidaire may command higher prices for premium build quality and extended service plans. Prioritize the features you’ll actually use to determine the most cost‑effective choice.