Imagine this: you’re cooking a delicious meal, but your countertop is crammed with appliances. Where do you even put the microwave? This is a common kitchen headache! Many people find themselves wrestling with this problem, unsure how to maximize their cooking space while still having a handy microwave. Choosing an overhead microwave can feel like a puzzle, with so many styles and features to consider. You want one that cooks food well, looks good in your kitchen, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s a lot to think about!
But what if finding the perfect overhead microwave could be easy? What if you could understand all the options and pick the one that best fits your needs and your kitchen? In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about overhead microwaves. We’ll explore the different types, what to look for, and how to make sure you get a great deal. By the end, you’ll feel confident about choosing an overhead microwave that makes your kitchen more functional and your cooking life much simpler.
Our Top 5 Overhead Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Overhead Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.2/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart features and powerful performance.
What We Like:
- The One-touch-cook feature with 18 Auto Menus takes the guesswork out of cooking. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato.
- Its generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit large items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10-level settings, it heats food quickly and evenly.
- The 300 CFM ventilation fan powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- A bright cooktop light illuminates your stovetop, making it easier to see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup of the smart touch panel a bit complex.
- While the ventilation is strong, very heavy cooking odors might still linger slightly.
This Midea microwave oven offers a great combination of convenience and power for any home chef. It’s an excellent upgrade for your kitchen.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave makes cooking a breeze with its 1.9 cubic feet of space and smart auto-cooking features. It fits perfectly over your stove, saving counter space and adding modern convenience to your cooking setup.
What We Like:
- The 1.9 cu.ft. capacity easily fits large dishes.
- One-touch auto-cooking menus handle common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 1000-watt power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- A bright LED cooktop light illuminates your stovetop for better visibility.
- The 400-CFM venting fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- The turntable can be turned off, allowing you to cook larger rectangular dishes.
- Ten power settings offer precise control for various cooking needs.
- 30-second express cooking is great for quick reheating.
- The child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
- Installation instructions are easy to find online.
What Could Be Improved:
- The auto-cook menu might require some trial and error to get perfect results for every item.
- While the venting is good, it may not be powerful enough for very heavy cooking smells.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It combines ample space, powerful performance, and user-friendly features to simplify your meal preparation.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers 1000 watts of power to heat and cook your food quickly. It’s designed to fit perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space. Plus, its built-in vent fan helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cubic feet of space easily fits larger dishes, and the 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking.
- Easy Cooking Options: With 10 different power levels and 6 one-touch auto cook menus (like popcorn and defrost), meal prep is a breeze.
- Quick Cooking: Press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 1-3 minute cooking at full power.
- Smart Cooking: Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one continuous cooking cycle.
- Powerful Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively removes smoke and odors, and the light illuminates your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Venting Noise: While powerful, the vent fan can be a bit loud on its highest setting.
- Learning Curve: Some of the advanced features might take a little time to fully understand.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and power. It makes cooking and meal preparation simpler and more enjoyable.
4. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a smart addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.6 cubic feet of space for all your cooking needs. Plus, this bundle comes with a special 2-year protection plan to give you extra peace of mind. It also includes a charcoal filter replacement, which is handy for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for cooking meals for a family.
- It includes a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- A charcoal filter replacement is part of the bundle, which is a nice bonus.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to use.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and sleek in your kitchen.
- It’s designed to fit over your range, saving counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- The control panel, while convenient, might take a little time to learn all its features.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value with its capacity and included protection plan. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen.
5. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers powerful cooking and smart features to make meal prep a breeze. Its generous 1.7 cu.ft. interior easily fits larger dishes, and the 1000-watt power with 10 adjustable levels ensures perfect results every time. Enjoy effortless cooking with pre-programmed sensor menus that handle everything from popcorn to frozen dinners. The bright LED cooktop light illuminates your stovetop, and the quiet, two-speed 300-CFM venting fan keeps your kitchen fresh.
What We Like:
- Spacious 1.7 cu.ft. interior handles big meals.
- 1000-watt power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Sensor cooking with pre-programmed menus makes cooking easy.
- Powerful 300-CFM venting fan keeps your kitchen air clean.
- Bright LED cooktop light helps you see while you cook.
- Turntable On/Off option lets you cook large, rectangular dishes.
- Screen touch control is modern and easy to use.
- Includes a child lock for safety.
- Comes with a 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features.
- The silver finish, while classic, might not match all kitchen decors.
The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 is a well-rounded over-the-range microwave that offers great value and performance for most home cooks.
Your Overhead Microwave Buying Guide
An overhead microwave, also called a microwave range hood or over-the-range microwave, is a fantastic space-saver in your kitchen. It combines a microwave oven with a ventilation fan and often a light. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you shop for an overhead microwave, several features make a big difference.
- Microwave Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for 900 watts or more for good performance.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food fits inside. A 1.6 to 2.0 cubic feet model is a good size for most families.
- Ventilation Power (CFM): This is how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is better for removing smoke and smells. Aim for at least 300 CFM.
- Ventilation Options: Some microwaves vent upwards, others out the back. Make sure it matches your kitchen setup. Some also recirculate air back into the kitchen with a filter.
- Cooktop Light: Most have a light to illuminate your stovetop. Some offer brighter LED lights.
- Convection Cooking: This feature turns your microwave into a small oven. It’s great for baking and roasting.
- Sensor Cooking: This automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. It prevents overcooking.
- Turntable: A rotating plate cooks food more evenly. Some models have a large turntable, while others offer a turntable-off option for larger dishes.
- Control Panel: Look for easy-to-use buttons and a clear display. Some have touch controls, others have buttons.
Important Materials
Overhead microwaves are usually made with durable materials.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it looks sleek and is easy to clean. It resists fingerprints well on some models.
- Painted Steel: This is a more budget-friendly option. It comes in various colors to match your kitchen.
- Glass (Turntable and Door): The turntable is almost always glass for easy cleaning. The door has a glass window so you can see your food.
- Plastic (Interior and Controls): The interior cavity is often coated with a non-stick material for easy wiping. The control panel uses durable plastic.
Factors That Affect Quality
Several things can make one microwave better than another.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The fan should not be too noisy.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better parts and have better customer service.
- User Reviews: Reading what other people say is very helpful. Look for comments about how well it cooks, how strong the fan is, and if it breaks down easily.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company stands behind its product.
User Experience and Use Cases
An overhead microwave is perfect for kitchens where counter space is limited.
- Saving Space: It frees up your countertops. This makes your kitchen feel bigger and cleaner.
- Everyday Cooking: You can quickly reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or make popcorn.
- Ventilation: The fan removes cooking smells, smoke, and grease. This keeps your kitchen air fresh.
- Convenience: The light shines down on your stovetop, making it easier to cook.
- Multi-Tasking: Some models with convection can bake cookies while you reheat soup. It’s like having two appliances in one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for?
A: The most important feature depends on your needs. For quick cooking, high wattage is key. For a cleaner kitchen, strong ventilation (high CFM) is vital.
Q: Do I need a ducted or ductless overhead microwave?
A: A ducted microwave vents air outside your home. This is best for removing smoke and smells. A ductless microwave filters the air and blows it back into the kitchen. Choose based on your kitchen’s setup.
Q: How do I know if the ventilation is strong enough?
A: Look at the CFM rating. For a standard kitchen, 300 CFM or higher is usually good. More powerful fans are better for busy cooks or strong-smelling foods.
Q: What does convection cooking do?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This cooks food more evenly and makes it crispier, like a regular oven. You can bake, roast, and broil with it.
Q: Are overhead microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can be tricky. You usually need to mount it to the wall and connect it to your home’s ventilation system. Many people hire a professional for this.
Q: How do I clean an overhead microwave?
A: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Clean the turntable in the sink. For the exterior, use a stainless steel cleaner or a damp cloth.
Q: How much noise should I expect from the fan?
A: Fans make some noise. Higher CFM fans are often louder. Check reviews to see what other users say about the noise level.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam or humidity from food. It then automatically sets the cooking time and power level. This helps prevent overcooking.
Q: Can I fit large dishes in an overhead microwave?
A: Some overhead microwaves have a turntable-off option. This allows you to cook larger rectangular dishes. Check the interior dimensions before buying.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an overhead microwave?
A: With good care, an overhead microwave can last 7 to 10 years. Regular cleaning and proper use help 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.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!