The morning rush is in full swing, and you are trying to reheat last night's lasagna while simultaneously melting butter for toast.
An over-the-range appliance acts like a kitchen anchor, saving precious counter space while clearing away cooking smoke.
Let us compare the best above range Microwaves on the market right now to see which one fits your daily routine.
Key Takeaways
- Measure the exact distance between your range top and upper cabinets before buying to ensure proper clearance.
- Look for a ventilation fan with at least 300 CFM if you frequently sear meats or fry food.
- Choose a capacity between 1.5 and 1.9 cubic feet depending on how many large casserole dishes you actually use.
- Match the finish to your existing kitchen appliances for a cohesive look.
- Check the turntable size to guarantee your favorite dinner plates will spin freely without getting stuck.
| Best Overall Pick |  |
GE 30 Inch Over the Range Microwave | Reliable heating performance | Standard 30 inch width | Classic stainless steel look | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sleek Modern Choice |  |
Black Over the Range Microwave Oven | Bold black finish | Generous 1.7 capacity | Fast 1000W cooking | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Everyday Performer |  |
Black and Decker 1.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave | Dependable brand quality | Roomy 1.7 capacity | Quick 1000W heating | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Value Stainless Option |  |
Midea Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave | Attractive stainless steel | Ample 1.7 capacity | Strong 1000W performance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Superior Ventilation Power |  |
Black and Decker High CFM Microwave | Powerful 400 CFM airflow | Extra large 1.9 capacity | High 1000W output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Multi Tasking Master |  |
Black and Decker Air Fry Microwave | Built in air fryer | Space saving design | Crispy cooking results | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Simple Budget Choice |  |
Black and Decker Classic Microwave Oven | Straightforward control panel | Dependable 1000W power | Practical 1.7 capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Premium Finish Favorite |  |
Frigidaire Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave | Sleek stainless steel | Practical 1.7 capacity | Clean modern lines | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Maximum Interior Room |  |
Frigidaire Large Capacity Microwave | Very roomy 1.8 capacity | Premium stainless housing | Handles large dishes easily | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Clean Look |  |
Black and Decker White Microwave Oven | Bright white finish | Solid 1000W heating | Roomy 1.7 capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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GE 30 Inch Over the Range Microwave
Finding the right appliance for your kitchen starts with understanding your daily routine, and this model handles standard family meals with ease. You get a reliable 1.6 cubic foot capacity paired with 1000 watts of cooking power, which means everyday heating tasks finish quickly.
The classic stainless steel finish fits neatly into most kitchen designs without stealing the spotlight from your cabinetry. But you should note that the interior space might feel slightly tight if you regularly host large dinner parties.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.6 Cu. Ft.
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Over the range installation
- Additional Feature:Standard microwave controls
- Additional Feature:Interior cooking light
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Black Over the Range Microwave Oven
Kitchen updates often hinge on matching your color palette, and a dark finish creates an immediate anchor for contemporary spaces. This unit brings a 1.7 cubic foot interior along with 1000 watts of power to your cooking space, striking a solid balance between footprint and capability.
Cleaning fingerprints off a dark exterior requires a bit of attention, but the overall look adds serious style to your cooking zone. You will appreciate how smoothly it vents cooking steam away from your stove top.
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.7 cu.ft
- Power:1000W
- Material:Black finish
- Additional Feature:Surface ventilation fan
- Additional Feature:Cooktop lighting included
- Additional Feature:Digital display panel
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Black and Decker 1.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
Cooking dinner after a long workday requires equipment you can trust completely, and this 1.7 cubic foot model delivers straightforward meal prep. Equipped with 1000 watts of power, it handles everything from morning oatmeal to evening leftovers without missing a beat.
The striking black exterior hides minor smudges better than shiny metal surfaces, keeping your kitchen looking tidy. Just keep in mind that the button layout requires a firm push to register your cooking time accurately.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Material:Black
- Additional Feature:Multi stage cooking options
- Additional Feature:Built in ventilation system
- Additional Feature:Easy clean interior walls
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Midea Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
Upgrading your cooking space on a reasonable budget is entirely possible when you choose a powerhouse like this stainless steel unit. It offers a spacious 1.7 cubic foot capacity and a robust 1000 watt motor to ensure your casseroles and soups heat evenly.
The metal facade matches high end appliances nicely, giving your kitchen an expensive look without the heavy cost. One minor drawback is that the fan can sound a bit loud on its highest speed setting.
- Brand:Midea
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Exhaust fan controls
- Additional Feature:Cooktop illumination lamps
- Additional Feature:Turntable glass plate
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Black and Decker High CFM Microwave
Heavy cooking generates plenty of steam and smoke, making strong ventilation an absolute must for your kitchen layout. This model features an impressive 400 CFM exhaust fan paired with a massive 1.9 cubic foot capacity, handling large pots and heavy smoke with minimal fuss.
You also get 1000 watts of cooking power to handle large family meals quickly. The larger exterior dimensions mean you need to double check your cabinet clearance before installing it over your stove.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.9 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Additional Feature:Multi speed ventilation fan
- Additional Feature:Spacious interior cavity
- Additional Feature:Sensor cooking functions
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Black and Decker Air Fry Microwave
Counter space is precious real estate in any kitchen, and combining appliances helps keep your counters completely clear. This clever unit integrates an air fryer function right into your over the range setup, saving you from buying a separate countertop gadget.
It runs on 900 watts of power with a 1.5 cubic foot capacity, giving you plenty of room for crispy fries and roasted wings. The learning curve for combining air frying with standard microwave settings takes a couple of tries to master.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.5 Cu.Ft
- Power:900W
- Additional Feature:Dedicated air fry mode
- Additional Feature:Ventilation fan included
- Additional Feature:Interior turntable plate
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Black and Decker Classic Microwave Oven
Sometimes you just need a straightforward appliance that gets the job done without any confusing extra settings. Delivering a solid 1000 watts of power inside a 1.7 cubic foot cavity, this microwave makes daily defrosting and reheating entirely stress free.
The classic layout feels instantly familiar the moment you press the start button. It lacks advanced smart features, but the core heating reliability makes up for that simplicity.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Additional Feature:Express cook buttons
- Additional Feature:Vent fan and light
- Additional Feature:Glass rotating tray
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Frigidaire Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
Brand consistency matters when you want your kitchen to look like it was designed by a professional. This stainless steel model brings a stylish 1.7 cubic foot capacity to your cooking zone, along with intuitive controls that make dinner prep a breeze.
It integrates cleanly with existing kitchen decor while providing dependable everyday heating power. You might find the door handle sticks out a bit further than expected in tighter galley kitchens.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Multi speed exhaust fan
- Additional Feature:Task lighting for cooktop
- Additional Feature:Interior glass turntable
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Frigidaire Large Capacity Microwave
Cooking for a hungry crowd requires cookware that actually fits inside your appliances without spilling everywhere. You get an expansive 1.8 cubic foot capacity with this stainless steel unit, giving you the extra vertical room needed for tall bowls and wide casserole dishes.
The polished exterior elevates the look of your entire cooking area while resisting everyday kitchen grime. Because of the extra internal space, the unit protrudes slightly further over your back burners.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.8 Cu. Ft.
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Large interior cavity
- Additional Feature:Two speed ventilation fan
- Additional Feature:Cooktop surface lights
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Black and Decker White Microwave Oven
White appliances bring a bright, airy feel to your kitchen, making the entire room appear larger and more open. This 1000 watt model provides a dependable 1.7 cubic foot capacity, ensuring you can easily prepare all your favorite family recipes.
The clean white facade blends smoothly into white cabinetry for a seamless built in appearance. You will need to wipe down the exterior handle area regularly to keep that bright finish looking pristine.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Material:White
- Additional Feature:Built in exhaust fan
- Additional Feature:Cooktop lighting feature
- Additional Feature:Digital timer and clock
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install an above-range microwave myself?
You can definitely tackle this as a weekend DIY project if you have a helper and the right tools. Because these units are heavy and awkward to hold overhead, having two people is essential for safe installation. You will also need to locate your wall studs and secure a heavy mounting plate before lifting the unit into place. If you are dealing with complex ductwork or hardwired electrical connections, hiring a professional installer is the safer route.
What is the difference between recirculating and ducted venting?
Ducted ventilation captures smoke and grease, then pushes that air completely outside through ducts in your wall or roof. This method removes cooking odors much more effectively. Recirculating ventilation draws air through a charcoal filter to trap grease and smells, then blows the cleaned air back into your kitchen. It is much easier to install because you do not need exterior ductwork, but you must replace those filters regularly.
Do I need a filler kit if my cabinet space is wider than 30 inches?
Yes, you will likely need a filler kit to fill any unsightly gaps on the sides of the microwave. Most standard microwaves are built specifically for 30-inch openings. Manufacturers sell matching filler panels that bridge the extra space so your kitchen looks finished and professional. Measure your exact gap before ordering parts to ensure a snug fit.
How do I clean the grease filters?
Grease filters sit on the bottom of the microwave and catch oil from your stove every time you cook. You should remove and clean them every month or two to keep your ventilation working properly. Most metal mesh filters are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and painless. Just let them dry completely before snapping them back into the bottom of the unit.
Can an above-range microwave replace a traditional range hood?
It certainly can, and that is the primary reason people buy them for kitchens with limited wall space. A good above-range model acts as a range hood while freeing up valuable counter space. Just keep in mind that built-in microwaves rarely match the raw extraction power of a commercial-grade range hood. If you do a lot of high-heat searing or frying, look for a model with a higher CFM rating to handle the extra smoke.
