5 Best Over-the-Range Microwaves (2023 Guide)

In This Guide: BLACK + DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave | Sharp Over-the-Range Convection Microwave | FRIGIDAIRE Over-the-Range Microwave | FRIGIDAIRE SmudgeProof Over-the-Range Microwave | GASLAND Over-the-Range Microwave Oven | Buyer’s Guide | Microwave Maintenance and Tips | FAQs

Over-the-range, or OTR, microwaves help homeowners maximize compact kitchens, unlike countertop microwaves. However, with varying capacities, cooking modes, styles, handle designs, and other considerations, there are many considerations before choosing the right one.

To help you decide, our small team researched the best over-the-range microwaves available for you. You can also read our comprehensive buying guide to microwaves to help you make the best purchasing decision.

Top 5 Over-the-Range Microwaves

• Best Overall: BLACK + DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave
• Best Compact Microwave: Sharp Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
• Best Large Microwave: FRIGIDAIRE Over-the-Range Microwave
• Best Medium Microwave: FRIGIDAIRE SmudgeProof Over-the-Range Microwave
• Best Turntable Design: GASLAND Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

Best Over-the-Range Microwave

Pros and Cons

✔ Has one-press quick start options ranging from one to six minutes
✔ Includes easy-to-read digital clock and timer
✔ Plugs directly into a wall outlet, so no hardwiring is necessary

✘ Has incandescent lighting inside rather than modern LED lighting
✘ Outdated appearance

What Customers Are Saying

Many satisfied customers thought this over-the-range microwave was well-priced and came with plenty of basic functionality for their needs, ultimately contributing to the overall value of the appliance. However, some users experienced premature defects several months into using the microwave, and one complained about the exhaust fans’ power.

Best Compact Over-the-Range Microwave

Pros and Cons

✔ Push-button door opens gently
✔ Can ventilate air horizontally, vertically, or through ductless recirculation
✔ Includes custom help key for easy-to-follow cooking and programming instructions

✘ At 850 watts, it’s weaker than other over-the-range microwaves
✘ More expensive than similar models

What Customers Are Saying

We found that users appreciated the compact size of this microwave, stating that it fits perfectly inside their RV or motorhome kitchen. Other customers thought the over-the-range microwave looked modern and sleek and frequently utilized the four-way convection cooking system. Alternatively, our research showed a few users found the microwave difficult to install, and others experienced issues with broken door handles.

Best Large Over-the-Range Microwave

Pros and Cons

✔ Has bright LED lighting for visibility
✔ Features smudge-proof stainless steel and modern control panel
✔ Includes a rack to separate the interior into two different compartments

✘ The door is oversized, causing some reviewers to hit their heads on it accidentally
✘ Can accidentally press cooking buttons due to their proximity to the door button

What Customers Are Saying

Most users gave this large-capacity over-the-stove microwave four or five stars in their reviews. We noticed that several customers thought the microwave oven was attractive and nicely matched their existing kitchen appliances. Customers also said that the bright LED lights helped illuminate their cooktops well. Negatively, we saw a few users that had issues with the exhaust fans, saying they were loud but didn’t ventilate air very effectively.

Best Medium Over-the-Range Microwave

Pros and Cons

✔ Has over 30 different cooking options to reheat almost anything
✔ Has a large, curved handle that’s easy to grip
✔ The stainless steel exterior is sleek and easy to clean

✘ The multitude of “food ready” beeps was annoying to some users
✘ Some customers complained about the poor quality of the packaging

What Customers Are Saying

When looking through reviews for this product, we found that most customers were happy with the looks and performance of this over-the-range microwave oven. In their positive reviews, they highlighted the microwave’s quiet noise level, powerful heating capabilities, and quality of the smudge-resistant stainless steel on the exterior of the unit. However, negative feedback we saw revolved around the thin packaging from the manufacturer, which left the microwave and its mounting hardware unprotected during transit.

Best Microwave Turntable Design

Pros and Cons

✔ Has four auto-cook programs: reheat, popcorn, baked potato, and beverage
✔ Has a 300 cubic feet per minute (CFM) recirculating exhaust system
✔ Noise level doesn’t exceed 62 decibels

✘ Has limited cooking modes compared to more robust models
✘ Some users experienced longevity issues with their microwave

What Customers Are Saying

Happy users said this over-the-range microwave oven was easy to install, and the included instruction manual was helpful and easy to understand. Unsatisfied customers also wished that there were multiple brightness settings for the cooktop lighting and said the microwave’s noise level was too loud for their liking.

Buying Guide for Over-the-Range Microwaves

Above all else, you’ll want to ensure your microwave fits flush above your cooktop and in between cabinetry. Fortunately, our research shows the sizing for over-the-range microwaves is relatively straightforward.

Additional considerations include capacity, cooking options, fan speed, materials, and wattage.

Check out our microwave buying guide or consider these quick facts to help you make an informed decision.

Microwave Capacity

In the U.S., we measure microwave oven capacity or size in cubic feet.

Our research covered small microwaves with capacities around 1 cubic foot to large units with capacities exceeding 2 cubic feet.

While this size range may sound insignificant, even half a cubic foot makes a big difference in how much food you can fit inside and how much space the microwave occupies in your kitchen.

Microwave Cooking Options

All microwaves, including over-the-range models, allow you to select exactly how long you want to reheat or cook your food. Defrost and auto-cook modes are also standard in most microwaves. You’ll also come across popular preset cooking times to heat popcorn, potatoes, fish, and other types of food.

Microwave Fan Speed

The over-the-stovetop microwaves we’ve seen usually have two fan speed settings: high and low. The same is true for most range hoods on the market, although a dedicated range hood is more likely to have three or more fan speed settings.

Material Composition

Most over-the-stove microwaves are made of stainless steel or hard plastic. While more expensive, stainless steel microwaves can also be fingerprint-resistant, a sought-after feature for many families. Black stainless steel, while less common according to our research, is also available on some high-end models.

The removable turntable inside the microwave is tempered glass.

All modern microwaves are fairly easy to wipe down and maintain thanks to the nonstick materials manufacturers apply to the interiors.

Microwave Lights

Most, if not all, over-the-range microwaves have a built-in surface light at the bottom of the unit. This illuminates the cooking surface beneath the microwave and may have multiple brightness settings.

Your microwave oven should also have an interior light that activates when the door is open and when the machine is in use.

Touch Controls and Other Features

We’ve seen that most microwave ovens have standard push buttons to control the timer, cooking duration, and other settings.

Soft-touch controls, rather than hard-press buttons, are becoming more common on countertop and over-the-cooktop microwaves.

Voice control is less common but rapidly increasing in popularity. This feature is available on newer smart appliances with Wi-Fi capabilities.

Microwave Wattage

We measure a microwave’s total cooking power in wattage. This applies to both countertop microwaves and over-the-range microwaves.

Smaller, less powerful units we researched had a 700 or 850-watt motor, while higher-end microwave ovens put out more than 1,000 watts of power.

Over-the-Range Microwave Maintenance and Tips

Our team found that microwaves tend to last up to 10 years with regular use. However, you can extend the lifespan of your over-the-range microwave if you take good care of it and only use it as designed. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your over-the-cooktop microwave.

• Clean spills as soon as they happen. No one likes using a dirty microwave, and it’s much more difficult to clean off caked-on grime and leftover food matter inside a neglected microwave. Though it takes a little discipline, wipe down any messes with a paper towel as soon as they happen. You can also use a microwave-safe food cover to place over your food to contain any spills.
• Open and close the door gently. The components on your microwave’s door can only withstand so much abuse, but they’ll last longer and won’t give you many issues if you treat them gently. Never slam the door closed or rip it open.
• Don’t run the microwave if it’s empty. A microwave oven is designed to bounce waves back and forth around the inside, warming up the water molecules in food. Over time, running an empty microwave may damage the magnetron inside.
• Don’t microwave any metal materials. Though it’s common knowledge, you should never place anything with metal in your microwave. If you clean your microwave with a steel wool pad, ensure none of the pieces remain.
• Clean the grease filter periodically. Over-the-range microwaves have a grease trap at the bottom next to the ventilation system—this collects any greasy fumes from cooking. If you frequently cook at home, we recommend checking the trap and washing it with soap and water every couple of months.
• Stick to the preset cook times as much as possible. Microwave oven manufacturers test their models to determine how long, based on the appliance’s size and power, it takes to cook different types of food. When in doubt, choose a preset option and add time after it’s done rather than running the microwave for too long.
• Check to make sure the turntable is aligned correctly. Turntables spin 360 degrees to evenly heat your food, which means less time operating your microwave oven and greater longevity.

It’s important to take great care of all of your kitchen appliances. In this episode of Ask This Old House, repairman Richie Isaacson shows host Kevin O’Connor how to get the most out of your commonly used kitchen appliances:

Frequently Asked Questions About Over-the-Range Microwaves

Can any microwave be installed over the range?

No. You should confirm that the model you’re interested in is specifically designed to install above a stovetop or range. From our experience, this designation from the manufacturer is usually clear. The sizing for most over-the-range microwaves is straightforward, too. We found that most measure around 30 inches wide, 17 inches high, and 15 to 18 inches deep, depending on whether the door is open or closed.

Do over-the-range microwaves need to be vented?

Not necessarily. Though you can choose to vent air from your microwave to the outdoors, over-the-range microwaves can also recirculate air around your kitchen. There is no requirement that your microwave requires this air duct. However, we found that venting air outdoors is generally more effective than recirculating air.

What are the advantages of having a microwave over the range?

Other than freeing valuable counter space in your kitchen, over-the-stovetop microwaves have built-in fans at the bottom of the unit, eliminating the need for an additional exhaust fan for your range or stovetop. This makes an over-the-range microwave a two-in-one appliance.

Do over-the-range microwaves work well?

Typically, yes. Over-the-range microwaves should function just as well, if not better, than a regular countertop microwave. Make sure you choose a model with your desired power level, cooking modes, design, and other considerations, so it meets your expectations.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. To date, we have written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record with trustworthy retailers, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.