Best Microwave Over the Range
Over the range microwaves are neatly stowed and easy to use. They don’t take up countertop space and offer bigger capacity ovens with greater power and options. If you want the best microwave ovens for your money, an over the range oven might work well for you. This article examines the best over the range microwaves and highlights the key distinctions between each to help those on the hunt refine their choices and simplify the buying process.
- Large capacity: 2.2 cu. ft.
- 1000-watts cooking power
- Quiet power venting system
- 10 power levels
- Rapid defrost key
- 14.2-inch turntable
- Child lock
- Large capacity: 2.0 cu. ft.
- 1000 cooking watts
- Sensor cooking
- Easy clean
- Energy saving keys
- 400 CFM venting system
- Stainless steel exterior
- Large capacity: 1.6 cu. ft.
- Convenience cooking controls
- Auto and time defrost
- Two speed 300 CFM venting system
- One year parts and labor warranty
- 1000 watts
- Stainless steel exterior
- Large capacity: 1.5 cu. ft.
- 11 smart pre-settings for most popular microwaved foods
- Auto-touch control panel
- 1000 watts
- 4 reheat and defrost functions
- Silver exterior
- 1-year limited warranty + 10-year major parts warranty
- Large capacity: 1.6 cu. ft.
- 300 CFM venting system with charcoal filter
- 1000 watts
- 10 power levels
- Auto defrost and auto cook
- Stainless steel exterior
- 1-year parts and labor warranty+10-year major parts warranty
- Large capacity: 1.7 cu. ft.
- 300 CFM ventilation
- Sensor cooking
- Auto reheat
- Multi-stage cooking
- 1000 watts
- Stainless steel exterior
- Large capacity: 1.9 cu. ft.
- 1000 watts
- Auto defrost
- Convection setting
- Touchpad controls
- Racks for bi-level cooking
- Stainless steel exterior
- Capacity: 1.1 cu. ft.
- 850 watts
- Convection facility for baking, broiling, and roasting
- Built-in exhaust system
- Smart and easy sensor settings
- Stainless steel exterior
- 10-year warranty on major components
- Large capacity: 1.9 cu. ft.
- 1000 watts
- 400 CFM ventilation
- Auto defrost
- Touchpad controls
- Sensor cooking
- White exterior
- Large capacity: 1.6 cu. ft.
- 1000 watts
- 10 power levels
- Auto shut off
- Auto defrost
- Touchpad controls
- Stainless steel exterior
This is the second LG to feature in the list, and this is thanks to its massive 2.2 cu. ft. oven space. The turntable is 14.2-inches in diameter!
Couple that with an extended venting system that covers the whole cooktop rather than the typical rear vent, and you have a microwave that delivers. It has sensor cooking, smooth touch controls, and 1000-watts of power.
Pros
- 2.2 cu. ft. oven is massive
- Extended venting system that covers the entire cooktop
- Easy clean
- Smart sensor cooking with 8 options
Cons
- Filters on the vents hard to replace
- Some have experienced too much hot air from the vents damaging kitchen units
The LG over the range microwave has a massive 2.0 cu. ft. of oven space. That’s big enough for any occasion and certainly adequate for larger families.
It weighs a hefty 63 lbs, but that is to be expected from such a large oven. With 400 CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) this unit won’t trap moisture or overheat. It also has a smart energy saving key and super intelligent sensor cooking.
Pros
- Smart sensor cooking to ensure even power distribution
- 1000-watts of power
- Easy clean oven
- 400 CFM venting system
Cons
- Heavy unit: 63 lbs.
- The touchpad can be unresponsive
The GE microwave has 1.6 cu. ft. of oven space, so not as much as the LG, but it does deliver 1000 watts of power so that those vegetables will be cooked in virtually no time.
The venting system has two speeds and delivers 300 CFM. The unit weighs a heavy 63 lbs, the same as the LG model, but the oven space is much smaller.
Pros
- Convenience cooking controls
- Auto and time defrost
- Two speed 300 CFM venting system
- Stainless steel styling
Cons
- Smaller capacity oven
- Heavy unit: 63 lbs.
This oven has an even smaller oven space at 1.5 cu. ft., but it attempts to make up for this smaller size by featuring 19 automatic settings.
It also benefits from 11 sensor cooking settings to make sure that the heat gets distributed evenly. We particularly liked the design of this one, with very sleek lines and a minimalist approach that would look good in any kitchen. Perhaps the best perk: Sharp is so confident that you’ll be happy with their oven that they offer a free 10-year warranty on major parts.
Pros
- 11 smart sensor settings
- 19 auto settings
- Sleek design with minimal fuss
- 10-year warranty on major parts
Cons
- Start button can be temperamental
- Door release easily breaks
The Samsung comes with a 300 CFM ventilation system that has a charcoal and grease filter. This means that you’ll have to keep on top of cleaning duties so that the vent doesn’t become clogged.
It generates 1000-watts of power for optimum performance and boasts a respectable 1.6 cu. ft. oven space. The door handle is enormous, making it easy to open, and it has 10 power level settings. The Samsung comes with a standard 1-year parts and labor warranty, but the elements relating to the magnetron have a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- 300 CFM venting with filters
- 10-year Magnetron warranty
- Auto reheat facility
- 2 stage programmable cooking
Cons
- Some people have experienced problems with Samsung Customer Services being slow
The Frigidaire Gallery FGMV175QF has a larger 1.7 cu. ft. oven with 1000 cooking watts. The ventilation system delivers 300 CFM, and this oven benefits from clever sensor cooking that ensures even power distribution whatever the level.
It also has an auto defrost setting and multi-stage cooking. Sleek styling make this Frigidaire ideal for any modern kitchen, and the auto settings make it convenient to use.
Pros
- 1.7 cu. ft. of oven space
- Sensor cooking for even distribution of power
- Modern styling
- Auto reheat
Cons
- Door hinges break: Not covered by the warranty
Weighing in at 77 Lbs, this KitchenAid is by far the heaviest. It has a generous 1.9 cu. ft. of oven space, and 1000-watts of cooking power.
This is the first convection microwave on the list, which means that it distributes the heat more evenly to ensure that the food is more evenly cooked. The convection element also ensures that food browns too, so for example if you cook chicken it’ll look like it’s been roasted in a traditional oven.
Pros
- Convection function for browning and even cooking
- 1.9 cu. ft. oven space
- Stainless steel styling
- Keep warm function
Cons
- Really hefty: 77 Lbs.
The Sharp R-1874T generates the lowest power on the list (850-watts) and also has the smallest oven space (1.1 cu. ft.). For such a small oven space, this microwave weighs in at 71 Lbs, thanks to the convection oven feature that adds extra heft.
Setting those disadvantages aside, this Sharp model has a lot to offer, including a convection oven that bakes, broils and browns, along with a 13-inch turntable. It also has that Sharp 10-year warranty on major parts, giving you peace of mind.
Pros
- Convection oven that browns, broils, and bakes
- Smart sensor cooking
- 10-year warranty on major parts
- Stainless steel styling
Cons
- Small oven: 1.1 cu. ft.
- No backlit control panel
- Internal light is dim
The GE has a significant capacity oven at 1.9 cu. ft., delivers 1000-watts of power and is relatively light at 61 lbs. It offers an express cook option along with a steam clean facility, making this unit easy to maintain.
It even has a button that enables you to turn off the turntable and another to turn of the machine’s sounds.
Pros
- Add 30-second button
- Adjustable 4-speed vent fan with 400 CFM
- Reheat facility
- 1000-watts of power
Cons
- Vent fan can be noisy
With a 1.6 cu. ft. oven capacity and 1000-watts of power, this Bosch microwave can handle most jobs with ease. It has an adjustable 300 CFM ventilation system, a reheat feature with 3 quick pre-set functions based on serving size.
It also has an auto shut off facility and a timer.
As with all Bosch products, they are super modern in design and would be right at home in a contemporary kitchen setting.
Pros
- Great sleek design
- Multi-speed vent system
- 1.6 cu. ft. oven space
- 1000-watts of power
Cons
- Handle breaks too easily
Choosing the Best Over the Range Microwave Oven
When choosing an over the range microwave oven, it’s worth giving some thought to the design. After all, it will become part of your permanent kitchen landscape, so it is important that you pick a model that fits nicely with the overall design of your space. Also, make sure you measure the space correctly and double check that the microwave you buy will fit. The adage is: Measure twice, fit once. Venting is a significant consideration, so make sure the microwave has the clearance to work effectively. That way, you don’t have to replace the oven when it overheats or the cabinet when it warps from too much trapped heat.
Here are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:
Size
As we’ve said; measure twice so you’ll only have to fit the item once. Some over the range microwaves can be fairly hefty in weight and size, so decide what you want the oven to do first. Then, look at the space you have available, and buy the size that complements your kitchen.
Oven capacity
Don’t buy a microwave that you’ll have to replace months down the line because it’s just not big enough. It is better to have the capacity if you need it, but we also know that budget is important too. Our suggestion? If you can, go as large as possible.
Functions
It is great if you want a microwave with all the bells and whistles, but expect to pay a lot for it. For those wanting to stay on budget, think about the basics like the defrost and reheat settings. What about the pre-sets? Are you likely to use the microwave for the staple foods like pizza and baked potatoes? Advance features can be wonderful, but it they mean the sacrifice of the basics then they defeat the purpose.
Power
Like countertop ovens, power is vital. A microwave should offer rapid cooking, so you don’t want the oven you choose to lack the ability to do the task. You should be fine with an oven that has a cooking wattage of around 800 to 1000.
Styling
Look at your other appliances and ensure that the model you are considering fits well with your current kitchen design. The good news: Microwaves come in a massive variety of colors and designs, so it shouldn’t be a difficult thing to match one with your taste.
Clever Technology
This is the bit where budget starts to show. Higher prices often brings greater options when it comes to intelligent technology. Do you want smart sensor cooking, of inverter technology? Do you want a microwave that doubles as a convection oven? If the answer is yes, then get your money ready, because it will cost accordingly.
Product Warranty
You’ll always want to be aware of the duration and coverage of your model’s warranty. Some manufacturers do offer great warranties. Sharp, for example, provide a 10-year warranty on major parts, like the magnetron (the component that makes the microwaves). A warranty is a brand’s way of stating their confidence in their products, so never buy a microwave without at least a basic 1-year guarantee.
Brand Reliability
There are some great brands out there that have built reputations over many years and strive to offer the best products they can. That said, they don’t always get it right. Our advice is to read the reviews, both on their websites and on online shopping sites like Amazon. That way you’ll learn a lot before you commit your money.
FAQ
What does cu. ft. mean?
Cubic feet is the measurement used to indicate the volume of the inside of the microwave oven. It tells us how much space you have in height, depth, and width.
Explain Convection.
Convection is the effect that as hotter air rises (because it’s less dense), and heavier, cold air falls under gravity’s influence, causing a more efficient transfer of heat.
Is rapid defrosting safe?
Defrosting food in the microwave is safe, however, there are certain food types, like meat, that once defrosted should be cooked immediately to avoid growth of harmful bacteria.
Final Thoughts
Over the range microwaves are brilliant if you have space. They are generally more powerful and have a larger capacity than their countertop rivals, so you get loads of extra options when cooking that special meal. Your budget and desired microwave functionality play a crucial role in your final decision, however it’s best to focus first on capacity and wattage.
Out of the models we’ve discussed, we love the LG LMHM2237ST. With 2.2 cu. ft. of oven space and a massive 14.2-inch turntable, this LG model is a machine more than capable of both cooking family meals and stepping in to give additional cook space for larger occasions. It’s clever, it has innovations, and the reviews are mainly very positive.
