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Over-the-stove microwaves are a perfect combination of a microwave and a range hood. These are also called over-the-range (OTR) or over-the-counter (OTC) microwaves. Mostly used in kitchens with limited spaces, these microwaves are installed above the stove area.
Hence, they end up saving a lot of precious counter space in your kitchen. Moreover, these microwaves do away with steam, smoke, and odor from the kitchen air. Over-the-stove microwaves are a positive addition to the design and look of the kitchen.
- GE JNM3163DJBB 1.6 cubic ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
- Frigidaire FGMV176NTF 30" Gallery Series Over the Range Microwave
- Samsung ME16K3000AS Over-The-Range Microwave
- GE JVM3160RFSS 30" Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel
- Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
- Magic Chef 1.6 cubic ft. Over-the-Range Microwave in White
- LG LMV2031ST Over-the-Range Microwave
- Sharp R-1214 Over-the-Counter Microwave
What are the best over-the-stove microwaves to buy?
We know that checking out all these factors for each microwave is a tedious task. You may not always know which brand is best for you. To make it easier for you, we have come up with a list of the best over the stove microwaves.
One of the most popular choices for OTR microwaves. The microwave has some great features for convenience cooking. For instance, making popcorns, potatoes, beverages, and reheating food become easy.
These microwaves have a cooking capacity of 1.6 cubic ft. The power consumption is 950 Watts, which can be considered fairly good compared to the cooking capacity. The dimensions of the microwave are 29 7/8″ w x 16 7/16″ h x 15 7/8″ d, which requires 30 inches of cabinet space for installation.
Along with this, the power level and defrost time have options for both automatic and manual operation.
Also, the two-speed venting system is 300 CFM, which successfully removes smoke, steam, and odor.
In conclusion, this is among the best over the stove microwaves available online. You can read the customer reviews to know better.
Pros.
- Automatic/ manual control of defrosting time and power level
- A specialized feature like convenience cooking
- Adjustable speed of venting system
- Controllable turntable operations
Cons.
- The fan generates some amount of noise
- The door is less sturdy
This Frigidaire microwave is in the race for best over the stove microwave. The sleek body and great features make the microwave worth buying. Made with stainless steel, this microwave has a cooking capacity of 1.7 cubic ft.
The power consumption is 1000 watts. Also, microwave provides some unique features like sensor cooking and two-speed fan at 105 and 300 CFM.
To sum up, this Frigidaire microwave will fulfill all personal requirements, with a wide cooking area and a powerful venting system. The microwave is spacious and user-friendly.
Pros.
- It has special features like auto cook, melt and auto defrost
- Microwave lighting is good
- Easy to clean
- Low fan noise
Cons.
- Beeping until the door is opened
- Installation can be tedious, with an already existing cabinet frame
With a long history of dealing with electronic items, Samsung has earned the trust of millions of buyers.
Made with stainless steel, this Over-the-range microwave has a cooking space of 1.6 cubic ft. The dimensions would fit in an already existing 30 inches cabinet space.
Along with auto-defrost settings, the microwave also provides pre-settings for potatoes, veggies, or pizza.
This microwave is a sleek design made with stainless steel. In short, it has all features of a good microwave. Go ahead and check out the images for better understanding.
Pros.
- Easy to install
- Contains Dual speed venting fan
- Looks nice and stylish
Cons.
- No backlighting in the control panel
Another great choice for an over the stove microwave is this GE Stainless Steel microwave. The most impressive features are the convenience of cooking and controllable turntable settings.
The microwave has a cooking capacity of 1.6 cubic ft with 1000 watts power consumption. Defrost time and power levels controls are both automatic and manual for optimal use.
With a stylish grey look and durable stainless steel material, this microwave is certainly a good option.Along with the look, the venting system is efficient with two-speed fans of 300 CFM.
In conclusion, the microwave is a great combination of a cooking device and a venting system. The control settings are quite useful for everyday use.
Pros.
- Includes convenience cooking options for popcorns, potatoes, etc
- Powerful low and high fans remove smoke, steam, and odor
- Auto and manual defrost time and power levels
Cons.
- No backlight in the control panel
- Breakable door
The Sharp microwave is perfect for use in RVs. With the convection cooking features, it is highly desired.
This one of a kind microwave is loaded with features for daily use. The microwave has a cooking space of 1.1 cubic ft and power consumption of 850 watts. With multiple venting options, the microwave is very convenient for range-top cooking. The unique feature in this microwave is a convection system for browning, baking, crisping, and broiling.
The microwave has 25 automatic settings and enables two-level baking with multiple racks. Hence, it is a great choice.
Pros.
- Horizontal vertical or ductless recirculation
- Easy installation
- Features Convection burner
- Special microwave features like sensor cooking, auto cook
- Hood lights
Cons.
- The only con could be a smaller size as compared to other competitors.
This white over the range microwave makes for a good choice.
This microwave by Magic Chef is the most affordable appliance with the given features. Make sure to check it out for further details.
It is highly cost-effective for a 1.6 cubic ft cooking space. The microwave easily fits into the existing cabinet space of 30 inches and also adapts to the existing venting system.
It has auto cooking options for beverages, frozen vegetables or frozen pizza, etc. The defrost and power level settings are also available.
Pros.
- Includes safety locks
- Auto cooking features like defrost, boiling and re-heating
- High and low speed for vent fans
- Easy installation
Cons.
- The fan creates a loud noise
- Lacks the 30-second timer button
The LG over-the-range microwave is made up of Stainless Steel with 2.0 Cu. Ft. cooking capacity. Its unique feature is its 400 CFM venting system, which makes it much more powerful than its competitors. These two features make this microwave suitable for larger family sizes.
With the wattage of 1000 watts, the microwave has a width of about 30 inches. The microwave has certain sensor cooking and custom cooking options.
Pros.
- Easy to clean
- Easy to install
- Certified as frustration-free
- Has a key for energy saving
Cons.
- The exhaust fan is loud
- Higher vertical length than standard microwaves
This Sharp microwave is also in line for the best over the stove microwaves. With a 1.5 cubic ft capacity, the wattage is 1100 watts. The microwave is great to keep the food warm for 30 minutes after cooking.
It has an LCD display with lighting, which makes it easy to use. The interactive cooking system provides custom help in 3 languages – English, French, and Spanish. Besides, the features also include advanced techniques for reheat and instant sensors.
Other than the wattage, Sharp R-1214 is an appreciable choice for over-the-range microwaves. It provides some unique features that cannot be found in many other microwaves. In conclusion, the overall cooking experience is wonderful with this appliance.
Pros.
- Instant sensors for potatoes, popcorns, vegetables, reheating, and frozen products
- Provides custom help in cooking
- Option to switch between accent light and task light
- Sleek look with stainless steel
Cons.
- Requires 100 watts extra than standard microwaves of 1.5 cubic ft
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Things to consider while buying the best over the stove microwave
If you are looking for the best over the stove microwave, you have landed in the right place. There are a lot of factors to consider before making the purchase. Read further to find out what comprises the best over the stove microwave.
1. Capacity
In the best over the stove microwaves, there are two different capacity measurements. The first capacity refers to the interior cooking area. The cooking capacity differs from family size or usage. Typically, the size varies between 0.5 cubic feet (for lighter cooking) to over 2.0 cubic feet (for heavy use).
The second capacity to keep in mind is the CFM (Cubic feet per meter) of air movement. The CFM of the microwave usually lies between 300 and 400. The air movement will reduce with a CFM capacity below this.
2. Dimensions
The microwave should fit the space available over the counter. Hence, you need to carefully measure the available space for microwave installation before finalizing your purchase.
Factors to keep in mind are easy accessibility and a minimum of 2.5 feet distance between the counter and the appliance. The width of a standard OTR microwave lies between 30 to 36 inches.
3. Venting system
As your microwave is doubling up as a ventilation system, consider the features of the exhaust. The standard CFM is 300. The microwave has either venting or non-venting features.
In a venting system, for instance, there are two exhausts – interior and exterior. The exhaust air is directly thrown out of the kitchen. This system requires ducting, and is hence, more expensive.
In a non-venting system, the air filters through carbon filters and re-circulates inside. The filters need periodical replacements.
4. Additional features
An advantage of over the stove microwaves over regular countertop ones is more number of features. The best over the stove microwaves come with one or more of these features:
- Sensor cooking
- Smart homes enabled settings
- Auto-defrost settings
- Lockable glass turntable
- Night lights
- Child locks
5. Power
The power-use adds up to the variable cost of the microwave. Moreover, a higher wattage is proportionate to the product pricing. If pricing is not an issue, a higher wattage equates to faster cooking. The standard range for an over the stove microwave should be between 700-1000 watts.
However, your choice might vary according to family size and cooking requirements. The ideal choice is to keep a balance between the two factors.
6. Ratings
Customer reviews and ratings are an essential part of any electrical purchase. The customer reviews provide an honest picture of the appliance. Hence, factors such as the number of purchases, positive reviews, negative reviews, and overall product ratings should be considered.
7. Customer service
Another important point to consider is to know more about the quality of the customer service of the brand. It is always a good idea to choose a trustable brand that will make the exchange process seamless in case of faulty products. The brand should also honor the warranty period and value customer feedback.
A Final Word
This guide gives an overview of the best over the stove microwaves. All eight microwaves have some unique features. Hence, the last option depends on your specific requirements. Hopefully, the article helps you in purchasing the right microwave.
