Do you ever feel like you’re playing Tetris in your kitchen, trying to fit everything in? Counter space is precious, right? That’s where the Over The Range (OTR) microwave comes in! It’s a smart solution that saves space and makes cooking easier.
Choosing an OTR microwave can be tricky, though. There are so many different models! You have to think about size, power, and features. It can feel overwhelming. Plus, you want a microwave that looks good and works well. No one wants a clunky appliance that doesn’t heat food properly.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll explore everything you need to know about OTR microwaves. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect one for your kitchen and your cooking style. We’ll also cover important features and things to consider before you buy. Get ready to become an OTR microwave expert! Let’s dive in and find the perfect microwave for you!
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.3/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS microwave is a great addition to your kitchen. This stainless steel over-the-range microwave is a convenient appliance for cooking. It has a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity. The bundle also includes a 2-year extended protection plan. This plan adds extra peace of mind. You also get a charcoal filter replacement for your microwave. This microwave is easy to use and install.
What We Like:
- It has a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, which is enough for most needs.
- The included 2-year protection plan is a great bonus.
- It’s easy to use with its simple controls.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and clean.
- It comes with a charcoal filter.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are specific to your kitchen. You should measure before buying.
- Some users might prefer more advanced features.
This GE microwave is a good choice for most kitchens. It is a convenient and reliable appliance. You can cook your food easily with this microwave.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a powerful kitchen appliance. It has a 1.9 Cu.ft capacity and 1000 Watts of power. This microwave oven is designed to fit over your range, saving counter space. It also comes with a built-in venting fan. This model offers several convenient features for easy cooking.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed auto menus make cooking simple. You can easily cook popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, and more.
- It has ten power settings. You can control the cooking intensity.
- The built-in clock and kitchen timer are helpful.
- The 30 seconds express cooking button is convenient.
- A child lock helps keep kids safe.
- The cooktop LED lighting gives you a clear view of your food.
- A two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan removes smoke and odors.
- The turntable can be turned on or off. This is helpful for large dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the installation instructions difficult to follow.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a good choice for many kitchens. It offers many features to make cooking and meal prep easier.
3. GE JVM6175SKSS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
The GE JVM6175SKSS is a 1.7 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave oven. It’s made of stainless steel. This bundle comes with a 2-year extended protection plan. The microwave has a sensor for cooking food. It also has a venting system to remove smoke and odors. This microwave is a good choice for any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The microwave has a good size for most kitchens.
- It has a two-speed venting system. This helps clear out cooking smells.
- The included charcoal filter is a nice addition.
- The extended protection plan gives you peace of mind.
- It’s a GE product, made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people may find the controls a bit basic.
- Over-the-range microwaves may need professional installation.
This GE microwave is a good buy for your kitchen. The added protection plan is a great bonus. This microwave will be a great addition to your home.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a smart choice for your kitchen. It’s a space-saving appliance that fits above your stove. This stainless steel microwave offers many features for easy cooking. It has 1000W of power and several cooking options. This microwave helps you cook quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- Space-saving design frees up counter space.
- Powerful 1000W cooks food quickly.
- Sensor technology makes cooking simple.
- Various cooking modes, like popcorn and potatoes, are available.
- Melt/Soften feature is great for ingredients.
- Defrost options by weight or time are helpful.
- Stovetop light adds extra visibility.
- Vent fan keeps your kitchen fresh.
- Child lock provides added safety.
- Modern LED display is easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the controls a bit complex at first.
- The size may not be ideal for large families.
This Farberware microwave is a good option for those needing a powerful and space-saving appliance. It’s a great way to upgrade your kitchen!
5. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE JVM7195SKSS is a 1.9 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave. It is made of stainless steel. This microwave has a sensor that helps you cook food perfectly. It also has a special melt feature for butter and chocolate. It comes with a charcoal filter kit. You also get an extra 2-year protection plan. This microwave is a great choice for your kitchen.
What We Like:
- Large 1.9 cu. ft. capacity gives you plenty of room.
- The melt feature melts things like butter easily.
- Easy clean interior with steam clean makes it simple to wipe down.
- The included charcoal filter helps with odors.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be too big for some kitchens.
This GE microwave offers many great features. It is a good option for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use over-the-range microwave.
Over-the-Range Microwave Oven: Your Kitchen Hero Guide
Choosing a new microwave can be tricky. An over-the-range microwave oven (OTR) is a great choice! This guide will help you pick the right one for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
You need to know what makes a good OTR. Here are some important things to consider:
- Size and Power: OTR microwaves come in different sizes. Measure your space before you buy! Look for power measured in watts. More watts mean faster cooking. Usually, 900-1100 watts is a good range.
- Cooking Options: Does it have a lot of buttons? Look for features like popcorn settings, defrost options, and sensor cooking. Sensor cooking adjusts cooking time automatically.
- Ventilation: OTR microwaves have a built-in vent. This helps remove smoke and odors from your cooking. Check the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. A higher CFM means better ventilation.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Look for turntables that can be turned off if you need them to be.
- Lighting: Many OTR microwaves have lights. These lights are for illuminating your cooktop. Make sure the light is bright enough for you.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in an OTR microwave matter. They affect how long it lasts and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior: Most OTR microwaves are made of stainless steel or have a stainless-steel finish. This material looks good and is easy to clean. Some have black or white finishes.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of stainless steel or painted steel. Stainless steel is easier to clean.
- Control Panel: The control panel is usually made of plastic or glass. Some panels have touch controls.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all OTR microwaves are created equal. Some things help make them better. Others can make them worse.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making quality appliances. Do some research on brands before you buy.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer trusts their product. Look for microwaves with a long warranty.
- Build Quality: Check the door and hinges. Are they sturdy? Does the microwave feel well-made?
- Reviews: Read online reviews. See what other people say about the microwave. Are there problems?
4. User Experience and Use Cases
An OTR microwave is useful in many ways.
Use Cases: You can use an OTR microwave for almost everything. You can reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, and make popcorn. It also clears up counter space. It is especially helpful in small kitchens.
Ease of Use: OTR microwaves should be easy to use. The control panel should be simple. The door should open and close smoothly. You want it to be easy to wipe clean.
Over-the-Range Microwave Oven FAQs
Here are some common questions about OTR microwaves:
Q1: How do I measure for an OTR microwave?
A: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space above your stove.
Q2: What is CFM?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It measures the power of the vent.
Q3: How do I clean my OTR microwave?
A: Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside and outside. You can also use microwave cleaner.
Q4: How much power do I need?
A: A good range is between 900 and 1100 watts.
Q5: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking automatically adjusts the cooking time based on the food.
Q6: Is it hard to install an OTR microwave?
A: Installation can be tricky. It is best to get a professional.
Q7: What if my vent doesn’t work well?
A: Make sure the vent is properly connected. You might need to clean or replace the filter.
Q8: What if the light bulb burns out?
A: You can usually replace the light bulb yourself. Check the owner’s manual.
Q9: Can I cook metal in my OTR microwave?
A: No! Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave.
Q10: Where can I read more reviews?
A: Check online retailers like Amazon or Best Buy. You can also look at review websites.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.