Ever feel like your kitchen is missing something? Maybe it’s a countertop cleared up, or a cooking helper that does more than just reheat leftovers. If you’re nodding your head, then it’s time to talk about above-range microwaves. These handy appliances are like a superhero for your kitchen, saving space and making meal prep a breeze. But with so many different kinds out there, picking the perfect one can feel like solving a puzzle. You want one that fits your space, cooks your food just right, and maybe even looks good too!
Choosing an above-range microwave can be tricky. You might worry about fitting it over your stove, or if it’s powerful enough for your family’s meals. What if it’s too loud, or doesn’t have the features you need? These are all common worries that can make you feel stuck. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you sort through all the options.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a great above-range microwave. We’ll break down the important things to look for, like size, power, and special features. You’ll feel confident in choosing the best microwave for your kitchen. Let’s dive in and find the perfect cooking companion for your home!
Our Top 5 Above Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Above Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove, and it offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space to handle all your cooking needs. With 1000 watts of power and a variety of smart features, this microwave makes meal prep easier and faster.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food, including a big plate thanks to the 12.4-inch turntable.
- It cooks food fast with 1000 watts of power.
- You can easily cook common items with 6 quick menus for popcorn, drinks, and reheating.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong and helps clear out cooking smells and smoke.
- The built-in light makes it easy to see your stovetop while you cook.
- You can cook food in stages, like microwaving on high power then switching to a lower power, all in one go.
- The speedy cooking feature lets you press a number for 1, 2, or 3 minutes of full power cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the vent fan is strong, some users might prefer even more power for very smoky cooking.
- The “one-touch” buttons are helpful, but mastering the multi-stage cooking might take a little practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It combines good looks with useful features that simplify everyday cooking.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This sleek stainless steel microwave is perfect for heating up leftovers, making popcorn, or even cooking simple meals. It’s designed to fit right over your stove, saving valuable counter space. Plus, this bundle comes with an extra-long 2-year protection plan for peace of mind. You’ll also get a charcoal filter replacement, which is great for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits most dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make heating food easy.
- Comes with a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack for extra security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement, which is a nice bonus.
- Stylish stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- It’s an authorized GE product, meaning quality you can trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While it has convenience controls, it doesn’t offer advanced features like sensor cooking.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of style, function, and long-term protection for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to replace their old microwave or add a new one.
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance is packed with features to make cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- The One-Touch-Cook feature with 18 Auto Menus takes the guesswork out of cooking. Easily prepare popcorn, pizza, rice, potatoes, and even soften cream cheese with just a touch. It makes creating delicious meals quick and simple.
- Its generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable easily fit large items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10-level settings, you have precise control for all your heating needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds powerfully removes cooking fumes and odors, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- A bright cooktop light illuminates your stovetop, giving you a clear view while you cook below.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might prefer more advanced customization options for specific recipes.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints and may require frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
This Midea microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and power. It’s a smart choice for busy households.
4. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.1/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS is a 30-inch stainless steel over-the-range microwave that brings convenience and power to your kitchen. With a spacious 1.8 cu. ft. capacity and 1000 cooking watts, it can handle all your reheating and cooking needs. This microwave also features a child lock for safety and a 300 CFM ventilation system to keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- The LED cooktop lighting gives you a clear view of your stove, making cooking easier.
- Bright LED interior lighting stays on while your food cooks, so you can see exactly what’s happening.
- Its Fits-More Capacity means you can cook larger dishes, even a 13″ x 9″ baking dish fits inside.
- One-Touch Cooking Options are super simple to use for things like baked potatoes or popcorn.
- The Zero-Clearance Door opens fully to a 90° angle without hitting your cabinets.
- Two Speed Ventilation works well as a hood, removing steam and smells from your kitchen.
- The Extra-Large 12-1/2″ Glass Turntable easily fits big bowls and casserole dishes, ensuring even cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the ventilation is good, some users might prefer even more powerful fan speeds for heavy cooking.
- The user interface, though simple, could benefit from more intuitive placement of some buttons.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a great balance of features and performance for any home cook. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen’s functionality and style.
5. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 8.6/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS is a 30-inch stainless steel over-the-range microwave. It offers a generous 1.8 cubic feet of cooking space, which is plenty for most families. With 1000 cooking watts, it heats food quickly and efficiently. This microwave also features a handy child lock to keep little hands safe. Plus, its 300 CFM ventilation system helps clear smoke and steam from your kitchen.
What We Like:
- Large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- 1000 cooking watts mean faster reheating and cooking.
- 300 CFM ventilation system effectively removes kitchen odors and steam.
- Easy-to-use 27-button touchpad with 10 power levels offers great control.
- Auto Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing frozen foods.
- Child lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Recirculating kit is sold separately, adding an extra cost if not venting externally.
- Venting type is non-ducted, which might not be ideal for all kitchen setups.
The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS is a solid choice for many kitchens, offering good power and capacity. It provides essential features for convenient everyday cooking.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Above-Range Microwave
So, you’re looking for a new microwave that sits above your stove? That’s a smart choice! These microwaves save space and add a lot of convenience to your kitchen. Let’s break down what you need to know to find the perfect one.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind. They make a big difference in how well your microwave works and how easy it is to use.
1. Size and Capacity
- Measure your space: Microwaves come in different widths. Most are 30 inches wide, but some are smaller. Make sure it fits where your old one was or where you plan to put it.
- How much food will you cook? Microwaves have different interior sizes. Think about if you’ll heat up a small plate or cook a whole chicken. Common sizes are around 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet.
2. Wattage (Power)
- Faster cooking: Higher wattage means your food cooks faster. Most good microwaves have 900 to 1200 watts. Lower wattage microwaves will take longer.
3. Ventilation System
- Clean air in your kitchen: This is super important! Above-range microwaves have fans to suck up smoke, steam, and smells from your stove.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This number tells you how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM means it’s better at clearing the air. Look for at least 300 CFM for good performance.
- Ducting: Some vents push air outside (ducted). Others just filter and recirculate the air back into your kitchen (non-ducted). Ducted is usually more effective.
4. Controls and Settings
- Easy to use: Buttons should be clear and simple. Many microwaves have helpful presets for things like popcorn or baking potatoes.
- Digital displays: These make it easy to see the cooking time and settings.
- Smart features: Some newer models connect to Wi-Fi and let you control them with your phone.
5. Lighting
- See your cooking: A good light under the microwave helps you see what’s cooking on your stovetop.
- Night light option: Some models have a softer light for nighttime.
6. Turntable
- Even cooking: A turntable spins your food around so it heats up evenly. Most microwaves have one, but some larger models might not.
What It’s Made Of: Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and easy to clean your microwave is.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks nice, is strong, and resists rust. It can show fingerprints, though.
- Plastic: Many microwaves have plastic interiors or control panels. It’s usually lighter and cheaper, but can scratch or melt if overheated.
- Glass: The door window is usually glass. It needs to be strong and heat-resistant. The turntable inside is also typically glass.
What Makes It Great (or Not So Great): Quality Factors
These things can make a big difference in your satisfaction.
- Build Quality: Does the microwave feel solid? Are the doors and buttons sturdy? A well-built microwave will last longer.
- Fan Strength: As mentioned before, a strong fan is key for good ventilation.
- Even Cooking: Does the microwave heat food evenly? This is important for good results.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for this.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior and easy-to-wipe surfaces make cleaning much simpler.
Using Your Microwave: User Experience and Use Cases
Above-range microwaves are designed to make your kitchen life easier.
- Saving Space: They free up counter space, which is great for smaller kitchens.
- Cooking and Heating: You can quickly heat up leftovers, cook meals, or defrost frozen foods.
- Stovetop Lighting and Ventilation: The built-in light and fan are very handy when you’re cooking on the stove below.
- Convenience: Having a microwave right where you do most of your cooking is super convenient. You don’t have to walk across the kitchen.
- Quick Meals: They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most are 30 inches wide, but check your measurements carefully before buying.
Q: What does CFM mean for the vent fan?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It tells you how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM number means the fan is stronger and better at clearing smoke and smells.
Q: Do I need a ducted or non-ducted vent?
A: A ducted vent pushes air outside, which is usually more effective. A non-ducted vent filters and recirculates the air. If you can vent outside, it’s generally better.
Q: Is higher wattage always better?
A: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. While higher is faster, even 900 watts cooks well for most needs.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes to loosen grime.
Q: What is a turntable, and why is it important?
A: A turntable is a spinning plate inside the microwave. It rotates your food so it cooks evenly.
Q: Can I use metal in my microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do above-range microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, an above-range microwave can last 7 to 10 years or even longer.
Q: What are some common features that make a microwave easier to use?
A: Easy-to-read buttons, helpful presets for common foods (like popcorn), and a clear digital display make a microwave user-friendly.
Q: Are there microwaves that don’t need to be vented?
A: Yes, some microwaves are designed for non-ducted ventilation, meaning they recirculate air after filtering it. However, ducted systems are generally more effective at removing odors and smoke.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hello, I’m Muzammil Siddiqui, the mind behind ChairsFly.com.. With a deep passion for chairs and a wealth of expertise, I created this platform to share my insights, experiences, and knowledge about everything chair-related. From ergonomic solutions to stylish designs, my goal is to guide you in finding the perfect seat for your needs. Let’s embark on this journey of comfort and elegance together!