A good over-the-range microwave can save you a lot of time, money, and counter space. But what makes a good over-the-range microwave? Here, we’re going to take a quick look at the main factors to consider when choosing such a microwave, including our top picks from the options available on the market today.
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Best Rated Over-the-Range Microwave Comparison Table
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Over-the-Range Microwave Reviews
Frigidaire has become a household name when it comes to home appliances and rightfully so. The company has been delivering an excellent level of quality since the brand’s inception. The Frigidaire FGMV176NTF 30" Gallery Series Over the Range Microwave offers you a classy alternative to its traditional design. The immense level of detail that has gone into the design of this microwave is easily visible right out of the box.
Apart from its sturdy, stainless-steel frame, this premium quality microwave oven from Frigidaire offers you an exceptional level of style and functionality that is hard to achieve with most of the other microwave brands available in the market today. This microwave oven offers quite a few features that make it an instant hit with homemakers. One of the standout features of the Frigidaire microwave is its easy-to-clean interior. The smooth surface interior makes it easy to clean spills without much effort. The microwave can also adjust power levels automatically, along with cooking time, which makes it extremely easy to use. Powerful LEDs light up the cooking area, making it easy to see the dishes while they’re being warmed.
As if that wasn’t enough, you also get to choose from up to 30 settings, making it easier to cook everything from snacks to chicken wings. There’s also a dedicated Reheat button for you to warm food on the fly. You also get a specially designed SpaceWise rack so that you can cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
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The GE 1.7 Cu. Ft. White Over-The-Range Microwave Oven is another great option if you’re searching for a sturdy, well-built microwave that also delivers an exceptional level of functionality. This premium microwave oven comes from General Electric Company (GE), which is a US-based multinational conglomerate that’s headquartered in Boston. The brand is well-known for its innovative design, which is easy to see in this microwave.
This over-the-range microwave boasts a simple white exterior with the GE logo right above the viewing glass. It has a straightforward control panel where you can set the device for heating or cooking. You also get a graphic display on the control panel, which makes the device easier to use. Apart from providing you with a convenient way to cook your food, this highly functional microwave also includes a recirculating charcoal filter kit if you’re going to be using the microwave for non-vented applications.
Overall, this is a nicely designed microwave that’s large enough to prepare a single meal. The microwave comes with a dual-position oven rack and a 300-CFM venting system. You also get a sturdy exterior and a solid door handle. The lightweight design and easy controls make this a great choice if you’re looking for a microwave oven that’s sturdy, durable, and offers you plenty of functions.
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The Daewoo KOR07R3ZEM Microwave is a compact model from Daewoo that has been aptly named “The Classic.” This compact-sized microwave has been conveniently designed to easily fit in the smallest of kitchens, even if you happen to be living in an RV. Daewoo has gone old-school with the design of this microwave by taking inspiration from classic microwave ovens.
Also, the compact microwave that makes up the 3rd lineup of retro microwaves from Daewoo offers plenty of features that make it easily stand out from the rest. The retro style microwave makes good use of its front space, with the LED display fixed right at the top right-hand corner of the microwave. Below the display are the four quick-access options that the microwave offers, such as “Auto Cook,” “Defrost,” “Power Level,” and, of course, “Popcorn.” The two start and stop buttons are located right below the main dial, which gives you easy access to all of the controls in one place.
Some of the other features that make this microwave oven a great choice apart from its cool, retro design are the 5 power levels, a 5-auto cook menu, and a recessed turntable. You also get the Conclave Reflex System (CRS), which is a great addition to this portable oven considering its reasonable price point. If you’re looking for a charming and affordable microwave oven for your home, then the Daewoo KOR07R3ZEM 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave oven is just the thing you’re looking for.
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The Avanti MOTR13D3S Over-The-Range microwave will easily hit your sweet spot with its smart design and multitude of options. The first thing that you’re going to notice is its premium quality build. Those looking for a strong over-the-range microwave that can go the distance are not going to be disappointed with what they see in this microwave.
The main selling point of this microwave is its large size — the Avanti MOTR13D3S 24" Over-The-Range Microwave delivers an impressive amount of cooking space for an over-the-range microwave. Apart from the large size that makes it easy to prepare more food than your average over-the-range microwave, you also get access to plenty of features. All of this makes using this microwave an absolute joy.
This microwave oven boasts a sleek stainless steel finish with up to 1000 watts of cooking power. You also get up to 10 power levels and automatic cook functions that make it easier for you to cook, defrost food, or prepare popcorn in no time. The rotating turntable ensures that all foods are heated equally. You also get a child-safety lock for more protection.
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The GE PVM9005SJSS Microwave Oven is another premium quality over-the-range microwave that delivers an incredible amount of power with its 1050 watt motor. This microwave is from the GE Profile lineup of microwave ovens that have enjoyed much success since their launch. If the GE microwave mentioned earlier on this list was to plain for you, then this one is going to be right up your alley. With the GE Profile microwave oven, you get a whole range of setting options that allows you to prepare meals with an incredible amount of ease.
One of the main selling points of this GE microwave oven is its large size, which allows you to prepare or reheat more food at a time. This not only saves time but also allows you to save on the electricity bill. Some of the other features of this amazing over-the-range microwave are its sleek, stainless-steel design and a solid body that can easily last you for years to come.
The main highlight of this over-the-range microwave is not only its large cooking capacity but also its well laid out control interface, which takes the guesswork out of just about everything you would want to use this microwave for. The sensor cooking options are all located right at the bottom of the microwave. There is where you can reheat, defrost or steam your meals. There’s also an auto cook option and other settings that you can use. The other half of the control panel consists of the buttons for the Express Cook option, along with the cooking timer settings.
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Best Rated Over-the-Range Microwave Buyers Guide
Buying an over-the-range microwave oven is going to be a significant investment. This means that you’ll want to make sure that you’ve made the right decision with the OTR microwave you choose. Luckily, there are some easy ways to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck the next time you’re in the market for a new OTR microwave.
Over-the-Range Microwave Features
Wattage
An over-the-range microwave oven comes in various sizes and wattage. It’s up to you to choose the best one depending on your needs and requirements. So, what is wattage? This is basically the cooking power of the microwave. Normally, OTR microwaves come in wattages that range between 900 to 1000 watts, which is more than enough for everyday home use.
Needless to say, the amount of cooking or heating time is going to increase in a microwave with less wattage. This is the reason why higher wattage microwaves are usually more expensive. The ideal over-the-range microwave is going to be one that isn’t too large or small for your kitchen and offers multiple functions that make it easy to use.
Size
When it comes to the size of the over-the-range microwave, it all depends on what you plan on using it for and how many people are going to use it every day. While there are multiple options that you can choose from, the average over-the-range microwave comes in a size range between 1.5 and 1.7 cubic feet. This size can go up to 2 cubic feet if necessary. When choosing the size of the OTR microwave, you will want to invest in one that you can comfortably place a plate in and not have to transfer your food into another container.
Build Quality
The materials that are used for the construction of the over-the-range microwave are going to vary depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you invest in a well-built OTR microwave. While there are plenty of options available, going with a reputable brand will ensure that you get one that’s been built to last using the best materials and latest manufacturing processes.
Ventilation
This is one area that usually doesn’t get enough attention. OTR microwaves normally do not feature ventilation systems that are as good as a range hood. That said, you can find an OTR microwave that works with either a ductless system or a fully vented system. But, before you do, it’s important to know the difference between the two. For example, in the ductless system, the air is forcefully pulled through the charcoal filter before being circulated back into the kitchen. In the fully vented system, the air is forced outside via a system of ducts. The best OTR microwaves are those that offer both types of ventilation.
Functionality
Another major factor that is going to determine your decision is the settings or functions of the over-the-range microwave. OTR microwaves come in various sizes and setting options depending on the manufacturer. This means you will need to shop around before you can find one that suits your needs. Understandably, the best OTR microwave is one that offers you the most options.
Some of the most sought-after features when it comes to over-the-range microwaves include an automatic defrost button, intuitive task buttons, and easy setting options, along with a nicely laid out user interface that will help take the guesswork out of the cooking process. After all, you don’t want to guess which button you have to press to make yourself a casserole. This is also where sensor settings come in. The best over-the-range microwaves are those that have intuitive sensors that can detect and make adjustments to the cooking temperature and timer on the fly.
Additional Features
Special features in an over-the-range microwave may include additional options that are not available in other OTR microwaves. While some brands offer additional features that make it easy to use the microwave, others do not. When it comes to OTR microwaves, the number of extra features that are offered will mainly depend on the brand. Additional features make cooking or preparing food a breeze.
Some of the most common additional features that you can expect in an OTR microwave normally include a removable rack, 30-second keys that extend the cooking time, and other features that simplify the cooking process while using an OTR microwave.
Final Words
As the name implies, over-the-range microwaves are mounted right above the stove. The design of OTR microwaves enables homeowners to free up space on their countertop, which makes it a great option to create a cleaner, more organized kitchen space. If you’re thinking about getting an over-the-range microwave for your home, then the aforementioned tips should give you all the information you need to make a more informed decision.
