- Top Over the Range Microwave Pick
- Best Over the Range Microwave for Smaller Budgets
- Our Winning Luxury Over the Range Microwave Pick
- Best Low-Profile Over the Range Microwave
- Best Over the Range Microwave with Ventilation
- Best Convection Oven Microwave Combo: Frigidaire Professional
There are many advantages of incorporating an over-the-range microwave into a kitchen design, including extra countertop space and an overall more professional look. And while range microwaves are often considered less important than major cooking appliances, we offer this list of the best over-the-range microwaves as a way for buyers to explore all the ways these small appliances can be beneficial. From best value to best performance, this roundup includes an option for every shopper from every background.
Best Over-the-Range Microwave: Whirlpool
Recommended for: Shoppers looking for a dependable over-the-range microwave with a full suite of features and performance.
Over-the-range microwaves are all about utility, which is why it makes perfect sense that this Whirlpool® Over the Range Microwave (WMH32519HZ) tops our list. Loaded with features and thoughtful design, this winning choice is a complete package of style and convenience suited for every kitchen and lifestyle.
Clever Space Solution
What sets this best over-the-top microwave apart from the rest is its smart use of space — and not just the ample 1.9 cubic-foot interior. Specifically speaking, it’s the addition of a microwave-safe rack that virtually doubles the amount of usable space to allows users to cook multiple platters at the same time. And for even more flexibility, the dishwasher-safe turntable on this Whirlpool range hood microwave also comes with an On/Off function, so even large platters can be heated without worrying about the microwave wall.
Quick Cleanup
On top of performance, this Whirlpool over-the-range microwave is also easy to maintain. The outside features a fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish with sleek, electronic controls that are easy to clean. Meanwhile, food splatters on the inside wipe clean with the help of a patented CleanRelease® non-stick interior.
Do More with this Microwave
Users will also enjoy the advantage of 300-CFM* ventilation and overhead cooktop lighting with adjustable settings for assistance during meal preparation. Additionally, the Steam setting makes quick work of vegetables and rice, while Sensor cooking uses smart technology to accurately adjust cook times as necessary.
*cubic feet per minute
Best Budget Over-the-Range Microwave: Samsung
Recommended for: Shoppers with a limited budget who still want reliable performance from an over-the-range microwave.
With 1000 Watts of cooking power, 300-CFM ventilation, and 10 power levels, this affordable over-the-range microwave from Samsung offers a performance comparable to our overall winner at a fraction of the cost. But while the Samsung 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave (ME16K3000AS) is a great value, here’s why it doesn’t top our list:
- 1.6 cubic feet vs. 1.9 cubic feet from our overall winner
- 2 fans speeds vs. 3 fan speeds on our overall winner
- No special cook functions
Still, with a name like Samsung, buyers can be sure that this affordable over-the-range microwave is dependable and functional.
Best Luxury Over-the-Range Microwave: Café
Recommended for: Shoppers who want a high-end over-the-range microwave with a luxury experience.
One look at the Café™ 2.1 Cu. Ft. Platinum Over the Range Microwave (CVM721M2NS5) is all it takes to see why this is our pick for best luxury over-the-range microwave. But it’s also what isn’t visible that makes this such a winner. Take a look!
Modern Appearance
As part of Café’s Modern Glass collection, this Café hood microwave features a flush surface in a showcase of sleek glass and touch controls, plus a low-profile pocket handle to complete the look. Just as important is the bottom placement of the controls, which provide all users with easy access to settings and functions.
Ready for the Future
A kitchen suite full of app-connected appliances provides the luxury of making everyday tasks even easier, but a smart kitchen isn’t complete without a connected microwave. With these WiFi-connected user features, the Café CVM721M2NS5 is a great choice for the modern kitchen:
- Remote control via voice or a smart device
- Scan-to-Cook Technology, which uses a smartphone camera to scan product barcodes and determine precise cooking times
- Chef Connect that syncs with a compatible Café range to activate microwave features like ventilation, cooktop lighting, or timers
And while the Steam Cook setting on this selection doesn’t fall into the smart feature category, the convenience of having the setting versus installing a steam oven is especially smart and convenient.
High-End Perks
Of course, over-the-range microwaves still need to be practical in order for the bells and whistles to matter. Luckily, this luxury range microwave delivers the best performance of any other choice on our list. That includes a 2.1 cubic-foot microwave capacity, 1050-Watt cooking power, a 4-speed 400-CFM fan, and intelligent cooking sensors that actively adjust cooking times and power levels for outstanding results.
Best Low-Profile Over-the-Range Microwave: Whirlpool
Recommended for: Shoppers with smaller kitchens or for households that don’t use the microwave that often.
We first covered the pros to low-profile over-the-range microwaves back in 2018, and we still believe these appliances are a smart alternative in space-challenged kitchens. However, there are other reasons low-profile hood microwaves are convenient:
- Not every household needs or uses that much microwave space.
- Depending on the brand and model, a cooktop, range, or rangetop will require a minimum amount of overhead clearance, which larger units might not be able to abide by.
Small Yet Efficient
Despite its compact design, our best low-profile over-the-range microwave, the Whirlpool® 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Low Profile Microwave Hood Combination (WML35011KS), delivers big performance. At 1.1 cubic feet, this undercabinet microwave is around half the size of our overall winner, but it comes with the same 1000-Watt cooking power with 10 power levels, along with a modest 2-speed fan with 360-CFM ventilation.
Plus, with a stainless-steel finish and flush touch controls, this compact microwave hood combination from Whirlpool provides a sleek look that requires relatively little maintenance.
Additional Considerations
Although a practical space-saving solution for the kitchen, it’s important to remember every cooking setup is different. While electric cooktops and ranges require less ventilation overall, the high-heat output of a gas range will need a powerful ventilation system to properly remove smoke, oil, and humidity from the kitchen. Speak with an expert to see if this option works with your kitchen.
Best Over-the-Range Microwave with Ventilation: GE
Recommended for: Shoppers looking to bundle the cost of a microwave and ventilation for a standard-size kitchen.
On top of saving extra space on the counter, hood microwaves also incorporate ventilation for double-duty performance and convenience. As our pick for best venting over-the-range microwave, the GE® Over the Range Microwave Oven-Stainless Steel (JVM3160RFSS) provides powerful air circulation to remove smoke, odor, and grease from the air.
With 300-CFM of ventilation in two speed settings and a charcoal filter, this selection accommodates the following:
- Gas ranges and cooktops with up to 30,000 BTUs of output
- Electric ranges and cooktops up to 30 inches in width
- Kitchens up to 1200 cubic feet (L x W x H)
More Ways to Save
With a considerable rating of 4.4 from over 20,300 buyers, this best-rated over-the-range microwave with ventilation is a best-seller at a price that’s hard to beat. And with four available finishes (Black, Slate, Stainless Steel, and White), there’s a style option for every buyer.
Best Convection Oven Microwave Combo: Frigidaire Professional
Recommended for: Shoppers looking to include extra oven capacity in the kitchen at an affordable price.
With exclusive PowerPlus™ Convection cooking and standard microwave settings, the Frigidaire Professional® 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over the Range Convection Microwave (FPBM3077RF) could just as easily be a contender for our high-end microwave pick. However, the lower cost of this 2-in-1 microwave oven makes it ideal for shoppers looking to add more cooking options into the kitchen.
The Convenience of Convection
Convection cooking uses a fan and heating element to evenly circulate heat throughout a cooking chamber. Typically, this feature is found in ovens, but this best over-the-range microwave convection oven combo provides the perk in an affordable, space-friendly package.
This is especially great for shoppers who like the idea of a wall oven microwave combo, but don’t have the space or budget for the layout. Instead, this substitute fits over a range, replicating the configuration without requiring special installation.
Winning Microwave Features
With 1.8 cubic feet of space, this hood microwave one of the largest on our list, and is followed by an equally impressive lineup of features:
- PowerBright® Cooktop and Interior LED lighting provide vibrant illumination to help monitor cooking and for food preparation
- A powerful PowerPlus® 4-Speed fan provides 400 cubic feet of ventilation, as much as our luxury pick
- A removeable accessory rack gives users two levels to cook more items
- 1050 Watts of cooking performance to quickly heat items
Together, with a designer handle, bottom touch controls, and Smudge-Proof® stainless steel finish, this Frigidaire over-the-range microwave is a stylish winner every serious home cook would be proud of having in the kitchen.
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