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These aerodynamic appliances trim muddle and allow more space for repast homework .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Is your microwave in the golden triangle ? This design pattern home experts have sworn by for nearly a century foretell themost efficient kitchen layout , but it only focuses on the sink , fridge , and stove . That leave out a of the essence , advanced day MVP : the microwave oven .
Unlike astandard countertop microwave , over - the - range microwave share your stove ’s material estate . grant to Lowe ’s depot managerGary McCoy , they ’re excellent forsaving spaceand maximizing function . “ Plus , you get the append capacity of lighting and venting , ” he adds .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Home cook and AllRecipes AllStarSarah Stonesays , " If you have little kids , it ’s not so well-to-do for them to access code . Plus , most have theventilation in an updraftwhich can be helpful look on edifice codification . "
What We Researched
We cautiously select the good over - the - range microwave for every kitchen need , take into considerationbudget , might , size , and untainted blade options such as fingerprint - repellent and shameful stainless steel .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
GE Over-the-Range Microwave
The nifty melt feature article is clutch for baking with butter , chocolate , and marshmallow .
The included light medulla for stove ignition are not lead and can get raging quickly .
In the sliding scale of feature vs. price , this largerunit from GEis the angelic bit . At less than $ 400 for stainless steel , it ’s the good option for value . It ’s spacious enough forsmall casserole dishes , and , at just 1,000 Isaac Watts , it ’s not an vigor waste pipe .
Credit: The Home Depot
While it does n’t have a short ton of preprogrammed heat energy configurations , the thawing setting thatprevents scorched butter , drinking chocolate , caramel , and more is astonishing . There ’s a storage-battery grid of quick - start release ( one through 10 minutes ) , which is handy for everyday items whose Captain Cook times you’re able to predict . It also has a mute push for turn off notice beeps when food is done cooking — a commodious feature if you ’re an early riser pipeline who does n’t want to wake up the whole star sign or you have a sleeping baby nearby . This is one of the only microwave we ’ve seen with this feature .
For a slightly high cost , the microwave comes in a fingerprint - repellent stainless steel finis to keep your gismo looking neat and tidy after use .
Unlike more expensive microwaves with LED bulbs , the included halogen light bulbs from GE have a not - so - bright , ardent glow and tend to get too hot , users have report . If you favor brighter , clean light , you may desire to interchange the bulbs with LED .
Credit: Best Buy
Product Details : Size:15.56 x 29.88 x 16.31 inches |Capacity:1.7 cubic feet |Power:1,000 Watt |Finish : unstained blade , black stainless steel , slate , white
Best Budget
Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave
Get the same size , electrical power power , and stainless steel look as our top pick but for less money .
The ding is improbably loud .
Same size , same power , but for less . And , yes , it ’s unsullied blade . ThisWhirlpool unithas most of the feature we love about our top pick , including a handy melt circumstance , but you could find it for less than $ 250 at some retailers .
Credit: Wayfair
While it does n’t have express - trace buttons , it does have a immediate 30 - endorsement button for spot - and - go reheat . The unsullied steel is n’t as fingerprint - resistant as more expensive models , it easily wipe clean . The glass turntable is loose to strip , too , as it ’s dishwasher - safe .
However , one of the biggest complaints from users is the loud auditory sensation that signals when time is up . While convenient for not missing when your food is interpret , it can be extremely plaguy . We wish it had the choice to lower or alter the beep .
Product item : Size:17.13 x 29.94 x 15.56 inch |Capacity:1.7 three-dimensional feet |Power:1,000 watts |Finish : unstained sword , bloodless , bleak
Credit: Samsung
Best Splurge
Café 2.1 Cu Ft. 1,050 Watt Smart External Over-The-Range Microwave
No eyesore here — the sleek methamphetamine seamlessly blends into a range .
The defrost scene takes a retentive meter compared to countertop microwaves with less wattage .
Who love an appliance could be this smartness ? TheCafé unitis the best microwave for minimalism andclutter - free kitchen . The big glass front does n’t have a handle so it stays moneyed to cabinets for one unseamed line .
Credit: Lowe’s
While the touch screen hidden behind a glass panel creates a coolheaded look , give birth in judgment that it ’s a mass offingerprints to clean house . At 2.1 three-dimensional animal foot , there ’s more room for reheating larger remnant such as casseroles . And this size features a more sinewy vent , which mean odors such as ill-smelling Pisces the Fishes are eliminated in a flash .
But for its size and power , some users found the defrost times to take longer than a standard countertop microwave oven with less wattage , which could be a downside if you like toprepare frosty meals .
Product Details : Size:15.56 x 29.87 x 16.31 inch |Capacity:2.1 cubic fundament |Power:1,050 watts |Finish : Stainless steel
Credit: Best Buy
Best Large
GE Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven
The powerful breathing quickly remove stinky food odors like fish .
bigger size imply higher electrical power ( mean higher DOE bills ) .
At 2.2 cubic feet , theGE Profileis the best over - the - range microwave oven for magnanimous families attempt to get dinner on the table tight . The larger size also means a more hefty vent . And that means faster odor excretion so racy , garlicky intellectual nourishment do n’t mess about . However , at 1,700 watts , this is n’t the most Energy Department - efficient microwave .
It ’s one of the more expensive microwaves on our leaning , but it comes with some clutch bells and tin whistle such as a steam cleanup musical mode to undertake marinara splatters and other stubborn , bond - on food .
There ’s also a Chef Connect feature which syncs time to other grasp elements , which is incredibly handy for daylight savings prison term or when the world power go out .
mathematical product Details : Size:17.25 x 29.875 x 15.5625 inches |Capacity:2.2 cubic feet |Power:1,700 watts |Finish : Stainless sword
Best Small
Whirlpool Low-Profile Microwave Hood Combination
For a smaller unit , the ventilation is just as powerful if not more herculean than other over - the - range microwave .
It ’s slim and compact , but the breadth is the same as similar models .
An over - the - compass option will never be as compact as acountertop microwave oven , but at just around 10 inch tall , thisslim exemplar from Samsungdoesn’t look nearly as bulky . It ’s the best choice if you have a smaller kitchen with short locker .
With this compressed silhouette , the broken lines between stock cabinets and the abbreviated console above the microwave are n’t nearly as noticeable and it creates a much more streamlined design .
As for feature film , the Samsung has tidy sum , with WiFi and voice restraint as well as a fingerprint - resistant untainted steel finish . And the interior is line with ceramic which have wipe away unregenerate messes like spatter marinara or spill - over oatmeal so much easier .
Despite its sizing , the microwave oven packs more wattage than larger options on our list , so while you may not be able to fit tall items on the turntable , you wo n’t have to wait as long to deice . And the vent itself is powerful with a big - duty filter the steel claims will trap more vegetable oil and filth .
ware Details : Size:10.75 x 19.125 x 29.875 inches |Capacity:1.1 cubic foot |Power:1,000 watts |Finish : Stainless sword , opprobrious stainless steel , white
Best Design
Samsung Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave
The satiny and modern design will blend in seamlessly with your kitchen , and it has an accompanying app that permit you to control sure features from your smartphone .
The presentation lights dim when not in use , which may take some arrive used to .
When it add up to heavy gismo , including thebest laundry simple machine , we ’re big lover of Samsung . As far as design goes , the blade ’s Bespoke line is the ointment of the crop , and its over - the - kitchen range microwaves are no exception .
The new offering comes in a sizable 2.1 - cubic - foot capability and extend the drinking glass front from edge to abut with touching controls that nearly conflate into the surface . Upon a brief press , the touch controls illuminate the LCD display screenland for a abbreviated amount of time , and then blind when not in use .
There is an come with app that can plug in from your smartphone to the microwave , which allow you to control functions like airing and cook time , and you could even receive notice when your food for thought is ready . These smart characteristic make wangle and reheating food even more commodious , especially if you have a busy or active household .
With a release power of 400 CFM , this microwave oven can effortlessly get rid of steam and odors that pass off from your stove top while preparation . There are four different blowhole speeds , so you’re able to customise the power to your preference .
The interior is designed to be well-fixed to houseclean thanks to the excoriation - resistant tooth enamel that can be wiped sporty with a cloth . As far as the exterior , you may select from two different finishes : fingerprint resistant untainted steel or white deoxyephedrine .
ware Details : Size:16.5 x 17 x 29.875 inch |Capacity:2.1 three-dimensional human foot |Power:1,000 watts |Finish : unsullied blade , calamitous stainless steel , white
Best Convection
LG Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
t ’s a microwave oven , toaster oven , and gentle wind fryer all in one antagonistic - barren appliance .
The touchscreen buttons are n’t backlit and can be hard to understand .
If anappliance garagestill go like clutter , thisLG modelis a with child alternative forshoring up counter spaceand couple down contraption without lose any functionality . With convection setting , the unit serves as a microwave oven , toaster oven , andair fryerall in one .
It can also roast , brown , and bake , so it ’s a godsend for summer when it ’s just too red-hot to turn on the oven . Bakers will enjoy that it comes with both thaw and soften preferences so there ’s no need to worry when you blank out to take butter orcream cheese out of the fridge .
And with the powerful convection preferences , you may broil cooky right in the microwave oven . Users say the air pullet setting is good enough to chuck the other countertop widget . At 1.7 cubic fundament , it ’s a fairly enceinte microwave and the electric power is over 1,000 so cook times will be degraded than traditional countertop appliances .
One bunco that we noted : the touchscreen buttons are n’t backlit , wee them a bit hard to read than is prefer .
Product Details : Size:6.44 x 29.94 x 15.38 inch |Capacity:1.7 three-dimensional ft |Power:1,050 watts |Finish : Stainless blade , ignominious stainless steel
Best Versatile
KitchenAid 30-Inch Microwave Hood Combination
There ’s a handy , pre - programme button for nearly any type of dish so you do n’t have to think .
There ’s no quick one- or two - bit stage setting .
Buttons , buttons , and more buttons . ThisKitchenAid modelis a nice option if you need a sous chef as there are 16 prompt - touch preferences . surely , there ’s the standard potato and popcorn , but there are also configurations for dinner party plate , beverages and frozen entree .
The smart detector for the steam and simmer options foretell to take guessing out of warming and reheating vegetable . Though , despite all the coolheaded configurations , there ’s no quick one - min or two - hour push button .
At 2.0 three-dimensional feet , this is weigh an XL microwave oven and can accommodate larger casserole dishes . you’re able to also adjust or contain the midland lazy Susan to customize reheat or make more space . If you ’re not much of a James Cook and rely on the microwave oven for everyday repast , this is your buy .
Product detail : Size:16.25 x 30 x 17.125 inches |Capacity:2 cubic fundament |Power:1,000 watts |Finish : Stainless blade
The Bottom Line
For multiple stainless blade finishes plus overall value and power for price , theGE 1.7 Cu . Ft . Over - the - Range Microwavechecks all the box . But for the same size and wattage , theWhirlpool 1.7 Cu . Ft . Over - the - reach Microwaveis a great budget option for stainless sword .
What to Know About Over-the-Range Microwaves Before Shopping
Size
“ [ They ] are typically available in three size : small , less than 1.0 cubic infantry ; medium , from 1.1 to 1.5 cubic feet ; and large , greater than 1.5 cubic feet , ” McCoy read . “ The intermediate and large size microwave are the most popular sizes at Lowe ’s . ”
He also note that outside dimensions are particularly important wheninstalling or replacing an over - the - range microwave . “ You call for at least 66 inches from the storey to the bottom of the locker for access . You also need at least 30 inches between the cooktop surface and the bottom of the cabinet . ”
Capacity
Similar to dishwashers or washing machine , a microwave ’s external size and internal quad are both measured in three-dimensional foot . But it ’s important to notice the interior capability is usually significantly less than the overall sizing and that can trammel the size of it of the knockout you ’re able to fit .
“ inner cookery surface area capacity for over - the - chain microwaves typically spans from 0.7 three-dimensional feet , which is great for small space and canonical reheating , up to 2 three-dimensional feet or larger for full preparation capability , ” McCoy says .
Power
Like stock microwave oven , these appliances vary in electrical power . “ Typically , over - the - range microwaves come in an average W range of 950 to 1,100 , while a stock microwave is 800 to 1,000 watts , ” McCoy state .
Wattage is authoritative to consider when patronize because while a higher wattage microwave will have lower James Cook times and get food on the table quicker , a higher electrical power uses more energy which meanshigher vigour notice .
Finish
They tend to be available in " a variety of finishes and vogue so you may easily create a unified looking at throughout your space , include stainless brand , dark , white and ticket conclusion , ” McCoy say .
These days , you’re able to find several options for unsullied steel including fingerprint - repellent and black stainless steel which is actually pewter - seem gray . “ My microwave is fingerprint resistant stainless steel but also comes in inglorious , clean , and regular stainless steel finish , ” Stone says .
“ blank appliancescan take longer to consecrate because most people take black or stainless sword these daylight . Essentially the need for white-hot appliance is so rare it can take longer to put and as a termination white appliances can be more expensive . ”
Durability & Warranty
Both experts stress that microwave should last a tenacious , long meter with proper use . Stone emphasizes scavenge to ensure length of service , “ The reason so many microwaves may not last that foresighted is failure to keep it clean , bankruptcy toclean the microwave filter , ” she articulate .
Warranties are another disbursement to weigh . “ Small appliance are typically cover by the manufacturer ’s warranty for one year , ” McCoy says . He note that shopper can also opt to buy Lowe ’s Protection Plan for an extra five years of coverage .
Many manufacturers tender an extra five year warranty , but Stone says the monetary value is seldom worth it . “ Whirlpool offers up to five old age at $ 123.56 . At this dot , if you ’ve invested this money into a five yr warrantee , it ’s more than half the toll of a Modern microwave , so it ’s not the safe alternative . ”
Your Questions, Answered
Which over-the-range microwave brand is most reliable?
“ My personal recommendation is Whirlpool for the everyday and Kitchenaid for a splurge , ” says Stone , who has used many different models for examination recipes and cooking demos . McCoy name reputable brand like Samsung , GE , Whirlpool , LG , Kenmore , and Frigidaire .
How long should an over-the-range microwave last?
“ With normal care and manipulation , an over - the - range microwave should last about 10 year , according to most manufacturer , ” said McCoy . “ save the oven clean , include the filth filter , and using programme cooking or defrosting times are a couple of ways to help your unit last . ”
What are the disadvantages of over-the-range microwaves?
While these microwaves have the option of schematic discharge or indoor aura filter circulation , McCoy note that models without a vented hood want more maintenance as these “ mobilise the air indoors through a grease - trap carbon paper filter that you must replace periodically . ”
And while this mode helps keep appliances away from little I , they can also be hard to gain for stripling and shorter adults and those with low mobility .
How much do over-the-range microwaves cost?
They can rank from " approximately $ 140 to $ 600 , ” McCoy says . He sum up that installation and pitch can lend expenses . “ If you’reinstalling a range hoodwith your microwave oven , you ’ll need supplying , like a recitation , screwdriver bits , forest boring drill , and a stud finder . ”
“ shopper can also opt to include Lowe ’s delivery and initiation services . We ordinate with local professional autonomous installers to take care of the total process — from installation to haul - away and more — and the service is backed by both product and labor warranties . ”
However , if you wad new gismo , you’re able to pull through bragging . “ I ’m a raw householder , ” Stone read . “ I had my dwelling usage built and I bought a kitchen appliance rooms . The microwave itself I believe was $ 189 . ”
Who We Are
Deanne Revelis an prize - winning journalist and boniface establish in Seattle who covers home and invention shopping , including the full deals and dupes . widget are her field of expertise and she did meaning research on the best over - the - range microwaves for this story . Revel considered budget , power , size of it , and stainless blade option such as fingerprint - tolerant and black stainless steel .
She also utter to dwelling cooking expert and Allrecipes AllstarSarah Stone , and Lowe ’s Store ManagerGary McCoyfor their insights on what to count for when shopping for an over - the - range microwave .
