Ever burned popcorn in the microwave, filling your kitchen with smoke? We’ve all been there! But what if your microwave was also a powerful range hood, whisking away those pesky smells and saving you precious counter space? That’s the magic of an Above Range Microwave (or OTR microwave).
Choosing the right OTR microwave can be a real headache. There are so many different sizes, features, and price points to consider. Do you need a powerful exhaust fan? What about those fancy cooking modes? Finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Plus, it can be hard to figure out which ones are easy to install and actually work well.
This blog post is your guide to navigating the world of OTR microwaves. We’ll break down the key features, explain what to look for, and help you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose the perfect OTR microwave for your kitchen. You’ll be cooking and venting like a pro!
So, let’s dive in and explore the features that make an OTR microwave a kitchen superstar. First, we’ll look at the important things to consider, like size and ventilation power.
Our Top 5 Above Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Above Range Microwave 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 1.6 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave oven. It is made of stainless steel. This bundle includes the microwave and a 2-year extended protection plan. It also has a charcoal filter replacement for your microwave. This microwave is made for easy cooking and convenience.
What We Like:
- The microwave has a good size for most kitchens.
- It offers convenience cooking controls.
- The stainless steel design looks nice.
- You get extra protection with the 2-year plan.
- The charcoal filter is included.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are small. The microwave is good for limited space.
- Some people might want a larger microwave.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for your kitchen. The added protection plan makes this a good value for your money.
2. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.3/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS is a 30″ stainless steel over-the-range microwave. It has a 1.8 cu. ft. capacity and 1000 cooking watts. This microwave offers a child lock for safety. It also has a 300 CFM venting system to remove smoke and odors from your kitchen. It has many features to make cooking easier.
What We Like:
- This microwave is easy to clean.
- It has a good amount of cooking power.
- The child lock feature is great for families.
- You can cook different types of food with 10 power levels.
- It has a timer to help you cook food.
- The two fan speeds help clear smoke quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recirculating kit is sold separately.
- The touch pad has many buttons, which can be confusing.
This FRIGIDAIRE microwave is a good choice for many kitchens. It is a reliable appliance with helpful features.
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: 8.8/10
The GE JVM6175SKSS is a 1.7 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave oven. This stainless steel microwave is designed to fit above your stove. It has a sensor that helps cook food perfectly. It also includes a two-speed venting system to remove smoke and odors. This bundle comes with a charcoal filter and an extra 2-year protection plan. It is perfect for cooking and reheating your meals!
What We Like:
- The microwave oven has a good size.
- It includes a charcoal filter.
- The venting system works well.
- You get an extra 2-year protection plan.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might find the installation tricky.
This GE microwave is a useful appliance for any kitchen. The added protection plan gives you peace of mind. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants a reliable over-the-range microwave.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient appliance for any kitchen. It has a 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and many features. You can cook different meals quickly. This microwave is space-saving and easy to use. It also has a child safety lock, which is a great feature.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W output cooks food fast.
- Large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity fits many dishes.
- Auto reheat and multi-stage cooking make life easier.
- Melt/Soften feature is perfect for butter and chocolate.
- Child safety lock keeps kids safe.
- LED display and timer are easy to read.
- Efficient vent fan and stovetop light are helpful.
- Adjustable volume control lets you choose alert sounds.
- Over-the-range design saves space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be more detailed.
- Some users might want more pre-set cooking options.
This Farberware microwave is a good choice for busy families. It is a space-saving and useful kitchen appliance. You will enjoy using this microwave.
5. Frigidaire FFMV1846VB 30″ Black Over the Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.5/10
The Frigidaire FFMV1846VB is a 30-inch black over-the-range microwave. It has a 1.8 cubic foot capacity. This microwave is designed to fit above your stove. It helps save counter space in your kitchen. It is all black, which can match many kitchen styles. It heats food quickly and efficiently. This microwave is a good option for cooking and reheating meals.
What We Like:
- The product details are currently unavailable.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product details are currently unavailable.
Without any features listed, it’s hard to give a full review. We look forward to providing a more detailed assessment when more information is available.
So You Want an Above-the-Range Microwave? A Guide to Smart Choices
Thinking about getting an above-the-range microwave? They’re a great way to save space in your kitchen. This guide will help you pick the best one!
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an above-the-range microwave, think about what you need it to do. Here are some important features:
- Power: Microwaves use watts to show how strong they are. More watts mean faster cooking. Look for at least 1000 watts for good performance.
- Size: Measure the space above your stove. This way, you can make sure the microwave fits. Also, think about how much food you cook. Bigger microwaves hold more food.
- Ventilation: The microwave vents out steam and smoke from your stove. Check the CFM rating (cubic feet per minute). Higher CFM means better ventilation.
- Cooking Programs: Many microwaves have pre-set programs. These programs cook common foods like popcorn or potatoes. They make cooking easier.
- Turntable: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Make sure the microwave has one.
- Control Panel: Choose a control panel that’s easy to read and use. Touchscreen or button controls are both good.
Important Materials
The materials used in the microwave make a difference.
- Exterior: Most microwaves are made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean. Painted metal is less expensive.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of stainless steel or painted steel. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean.
- Door: The door is made of glass. Make sure the glass is strong enough to handle heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better or worse.
- Brand Reputation: Buy from a trusted brand. Brands like Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung make reliable microwaves.
- Warranty: A good warranty means the company stands behind its product. Look for a warranty of at least one year.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave will last longer. Check the reviews to see what other people say about the quality.
- Ventilation Power: Stronger ventilation removes smoke and odors more effectively.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for a microwave that’s easy to clean. Stainless steel interiors are a good choice.
- Price: Prices vary. Decide how much you want to spend. Don’t always pick the cheapest option.
User Experience and Use Cases
Above-the-range microwaves are great for different situations.
- Space Saving: They save space on your countertop. This is good for small kitchens.
- Cooking Convenience: They make it easy to reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, and make popcorn.
- Ventilation: They vent smoke and odors from your stove.
- Family Use: They are good for families. Kids can easily use them to heat snacks.
- Small Kitchens: These are perfect for small kitchens where counter space is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an above-the-range microwave?
A: It’s a microwave that hangs above your stove. It saves space and has a vent.
Q: How do I know if it will fit?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Check the microwave’s dimensions before you buy.
Q: What does CFM mean?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It measures how well the microwave vents.
Q: Is stainless steel better?
A: Stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean. It is often more expensive.
Q: How do I clean an above-the-range microwave?
A: Wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth. Some parts can go in the dishwasher.
Q: What if my microwave stops working?
A: Check the warranty. Contact the manufacturer for help.
Q: Do I need to install it myself?
A: No. You might need a professional to install it.
Q: What’s the best power level?
A: 1000 watts or more will cook food quickly.
Q: Are there different sizes?
A: Yes, microwaves come in different sizes. Measure your space before you buy.
Q: Why should I choose an above-the-range microwave?
A: They save space and vent your stove. They are convenient for everyday cooking.
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.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.