Imagine a kitchen where cooking is a breeze, and counter space is king. Does your current kitchen feel that way, or are you constantly battling clutter? Many of us dream of a more organized and efficient cooking space, and a key player in achieving that dream is the above-range microwave. But let’s be honest, choosing one can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that cooks well, vents effectively, and doesn’t break the bank, all while fitting your kitchen’s style.
The struggle is real when you’re faced with so many models. Do you need convection? How powerful should the vent be? What about size? These questions can leave you feeling overwhelmed. But what if finding the perfect above-range microwave was simpler? What if you could walk away with clear answers and the confidence to make the best choice for your home?
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a great above-range microwave and help you understand the features that truly matter. Get ready to discover how to choose a microwave that not only heats your food but also elevates your entire kitchen experience. Let’s dive in!
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: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is more than just a cooker; it’s a kitchen helper. Its large capacity handles big meals, and the powerful vent fan keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. It makes cooking faster and easier with smart features.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.7 cubic feet of space fits large dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable for even cooking.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food quickly.
- Six one-touch auto cooking programs (Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, Defrost) simplify meal prep.
- Speedy cooking lets you heat food for 1-3 minutes with just a few button presses.
- Multi-stage cooking allows you to set different power levels for a single cooking cycle, saving you time.
- The 300 CFM vent fan with a two-speed setting effectively removes cooking smells and smoke.
- An integrated light illuminates your stovetop for safe and easy cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 10 cooking levels a bit basic if they are looking for highly specialized settings.
- The stainless steel finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints and may require frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers great convenience and power for your daily cooking needs.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers a generous 1.6 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up meals and snacks. It’s designed for convenience with easy-to-use controls. Plus, this bundle comes with a special bonus: a 2-year extended protection plan from CPS, giving you extra peace of mind. You’ll also get a charcoal filter replacement, which is important for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity heats food quickly.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement to keep air clean.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimensions are 13″D x 16″W x 9″H, so check if it fits your space.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience. It’s a solid choice for any kitchen needing a reliable and stylish over-the-range microwave.
3. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a smart helper designed to make your life easier. It offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. Plus, you get extra peace of mind with a fantastic protection plan.
What We Like:
- GE USA AUTHORIZED: You get a 2-year extended protection plan on top of the regular manufacturer’s warranty. This means your microwave is covered for a full 4 years!
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu. ft. size holds plenty of food, from large dinner plates to baking dishes.
- Melt Feature: This special setting takes the guesswork out of melting butter, chocolate, and marshmallows. No more burnt messes!
- Easy Clean Interior: Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the steam clean option. Just add water and let the steam do the work.
- Complete Bundle: The package includes everything you need, like a recirculating charcoal filter kit, so it’s ready to go right out of the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimensions: The dimensions (16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchen spaces.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen, providing powerful performance and excellent protection.
4. Frigidaire FFMV1846VB 30″ Black Over the Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.0/10
The Frigidaire FFMV1846VB is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. This 30-inch over-the-range microwave comes in a sleek black finish and boasts a generous 1.8 cubic feet of interior space. It’s designed to handle all your cooking and reheating needs with ease. You can easily fit larger dishes inside, making it ideal for families or anyone who likes to cook in batches. Its over-the-range design also helps save valuable counter space, keeping your kitchen looking clean and organized.
What We Like:
- Large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity can hold big dishes.
- Sleek black design looks good in most kitchens.
- Over-the-range style saves counter space.
- Simple controls make it easy to use.
- Good for everyday cooking and reheating.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific advanced cooking features are not mentioned, which might be a con for some users.
- Detailed information about energy efficiency is not provided.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a good balance of size and functionality for most kitchens. It’s a solid choice for everyday use.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a stylish and capable addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and it offers a lot of helpful features. This microwave makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature with 18 Auto Menus is super handy. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even defrost food with just a press of a button. It also has settings for rice, potatoes, and softening cream cheese, making meal prep quick and simple.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. This means you can fit bigger items inside, like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza, thanks to its 12.5-inch turntable.
- With 1000W of cooking power and 10 different power levels, you can heat your food just right.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It effectively sucks up cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. You can even adjust the fan speed.
- A bright light under the microwave shines on your stovetop. This gives you a clear view of what you’re cooking below.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are great, some users might want more options or the ability to customize them further.
- The touch panel, while modern, can sometimes be a little sensitive to accidental touches.
This Midea microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It combines convenience and power to make kitchen tasks easier.
Choosing the Best Above Range Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
An above range microwave is a super handy kitchen appliance. It cooks your food fast. It also acts as a range hood to clear out smoke and smells. Picking the right one can make your cooking life much easier. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an above range microwave, think about these important things:
- Cooking Power (Wattage): Microwaves use watts to cook. More watts mean faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts. Some go up to 1200 watts or more. This helps cook food evenly and quickly.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small kitchens might need a smaller one, around 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet. Larger families or those who cook big meals might want 2.0 cubic feet or more. Think about your usual meal sizes.
- Ventilation System: This is like a mini fan. It pulls smoke, steam, and smells away from your stove. Check how strong the fan is (measured in CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute). A higher CFM is better for clearing the air. Also, see if it vents outwards or recirculates air back into the kitchen.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. It senses how much moisture is in your food. Then, it adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. This stops food from getting overcooked or undercooked. It’s great for popcorn, potatoes, and reheating leftovers.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a spinning plate. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s big enough for your plates. Some models let you turn off the turntable if you need to fit a large dish.
- Interior Lighting: Good light inside helps you see your food as it cooks. This lets you check on things without opening the door.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: Look for a smooth interior surface. This makes wiping up spills much simpler. Many have a non-stick coating.
Important Materials
The materials used in an above range microwave affect its look and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice. It looks modern and is durable. Stainless steel is also easy to wipe clean. It resists fingerprints well on some models.
- Plastic: Some parts of the microwave, like the inside components or control panels, are made of plastic. High-quality plastic is strong and lasts a long time. Cheaper plastic can crack or discolor over time.
- Glass: The door window is usually glass. It needs to be strong and heat-resistant. The turntable inside is also made of glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a microwave great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be noisy. Some are much quieter than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how loud the fan and cooking sounds are.
- Ease of Use: The control panel should be simple to understand. Buttons should be clearly labeled. If it’s too complicated, you might not use all its features.
- Durability: A good microwave is built to last. Look for brands known for making reliable appliances. Read reviews from other buyers to see how long their microwaves have lasted.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands have a great history of making good kitchen appliances. Choosing a well-known brand often means you’re getting a quality product.
User Experience and Use Cases
An above range microwave is used in many ways every day.
- Quick Meals: It’s perfect for reheating last night’s dinner or making a quick snack. Popcorn is a classic microwave treat.
- Cooking Assistance: You can cook vegetables, bake potatoes, or even make simple desserts. Sensor cooking makes this even easier.
- Defrosting: Safely thaw frozen meats and other foods quickly.
- Range Hood Function: This is a major plus. It keeps your kitchen air fresh while you’re cooking on the stovetop. It removes grease, smoke, and odors. This makes your kitchen a more pleasant place to be.
- Space Saving: By mounting it above the stove, you save valuable counter space. This is especially helpful in smaller kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size above range microwave do I need?
A: It depends on your kitchen space and how much you cook. For smaller kitchens, 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet is usually good. For larger families or bigger meals, consider 2.0 cubic feet or more.
Q: How powerful should my microwave be?
A: Aim for at least 900 watts. More watts cook food faster and more evenly. Some high-end models offer 1200 watts or higher.
Q: What does CFM mean for a range hood?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM is better for clearing smoke and odors from your kitchen.
Q: Is sensor cooking worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, sensor cooking is very helpful. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power, so your food is cooked perfectly without you having to guess.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors are easy to clean. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have non-stick surfaces that make cleaning even simpler.
Q: Can I cook large dishes in an above range microwave?
A: It depends on the microwave’s capacity. Larger models (2.0 cubic feet and up) can fit bigger casserole dishes or baking pans. Check the interior dimensions before buying.
Q: What’s the difference between outward venting and recirculating?
A: Outward venting pushes air outside your home. Recirculating filters the air and blows it back into the kitchen. Outward venting is usually more effective.
Q: How important is the turntable?
A: The turntable is important for even cooking. It spins your food so it heats up all around. Most microwaves have one, and some allow you to turn it off.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel looks great and is durable. Many stainless steel models have a special coating that resists fingerprints, making them easier to keep clean and looking nice.
Q: How long should an above range microwave last?
A: With good care, an above range microwave can last between 7 to 10 years. Choosing a quality brand and using it properly helps it last longer.
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.