Imagine this: you’re in your kitchen, trying to make a quick snack, but your countertop is already crammed with appliances. Where can you possibly put that new microwave? If this sounds familiar, then you’re probably thinking about an under-cabinet microwave. It’s a smart solution for saving precious counter space, but choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle.
The truth is, the world of under-cabinet microwaves is full of choices. You have to think about size, power, features, and how it will actually fit and look in your kitchen. It can be confusing to know what’s important and what’s just extra. Many people feel overwhelmed by all the technical terms and options, unsure if they’re picking the best fit for their cooking needs and their kitchen’s style.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you cut through the clutter. We’ll break down what makes a great under-cabinet microwave, from how to measure for the perfect fit to understanding the different cooking functions. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to choose a microwave that not only saves you space but also makes your kitchen life a whole lot easier.
Our Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under Cabinet 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: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers plenty of space for your cooking needs. It’s designed to make meal prep easier and faster. Plus, this bundle includes a special protection plan for extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking features simplify common tasks.
- Easy-to-use controls make operation a breeze.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for cleaner air.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- GE USA authorized means you’re getting a quality product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are listed as 13″D x 16″W x 9″H, which might be a bit confusing as width is usually the larger dimension for over-the-range microwaves. Clarifying the exact installation dimensions would be helpful.
This GE microwave bundle is a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen. You get a reliable appliance and extended protection, making it a value-packed purchase.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power and smart features to make meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space while adding a touch of modern style to your kitchen.
What We Like:
- Effortless cooking with pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, snacks, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and frozen breakfast.
- Powerful 1000-watt heating with ten adjustable power settings for precise cooking.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for better visibility.
- A strong 400 CFM venting fan system effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- The Turntable On/Off function lets you cook larger dishes without issues.
- Convenient 30-second express cooking and a child lock feature add safety and speed.
- Generous internal dimensions provide ample space for various meal sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation instructions, while available online, are not physically included with the unit.
- The exterior finish may be prone to fingerprints, requiring frequent wiping.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone seeking convenience and power in their kitchen. It simplifies cooking and enhances your kitchen’s functionality.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a large capacity and powerful cooking features, making meal prep easier and faster. This microwave is designed to be a helpful assistant in your cooking adventures.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior holds plenty of food. The 12.4-inch turntable fits large plates and dishes easily. It’s like having an extra helper in the kitchen for all your meals.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: With 1000 watts of power, you can cook food fast. It has easy-to-use settings for popcorn, drinks, melting, reheating, and defrosting. This makes preparing common foods super simple.
- Speedy Cooking: Need food in a hurry? Just press 1, 2, or 3. This sets the microwave to 100% power for one to three minutes. It’s perfect for quick snacks or reheating leftovers.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting up two cooking stages at once. You can cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes automatically. This means your food cooks perfectly without you watching it.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The strong vent fan clears out cooking smells and smoke. It has two speeds to choose from. An built-in light shines down on your stovetop, giving you good visibility while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, could be quieter for some users.
- The 1000-watt power is good, but some very dense foods might take a bit longer to cook than in higher-wattage models.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It combines convenience and power to make cooking a breeze.
4. Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 9.4/10
The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in white is a great addition to any busy kitchen. It offers powerful cooking and smart features to make meal prep faster and easier. Its large capacity handles big meals, and the over-the-range design saves valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W cooking heats food quickly and evenly, perfect for families.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. size easily fits large dishes and multiple servings.
- Many cooking options like Veggies, Snacks, and a special Potato program simplify cooking.
- Smart Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing frozen foods by time or weight.
- Quick +30 seconds and Melt/Soften features are super handy for quick tasks.
- The Child Safety Lock keeps little hands safe from accidentally turning it on.
- It includes an LED timer, a useful vent fan, and a light for your stovetop.
- You can adjust the alert sound volume to your preference, from quiet to loud.
- Mounting it over the range frees up precious counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many auto cook settings, some users might prefer more customizable manual control options.
- The “Easy Clean” feature is helpful, but deep cleaning might still require some effort.
This Farberware microwave offers a blend of power, convenience, and space-saving design. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a reliable and feature-rich appliance.
5. Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – a powerful and spacious addition to any busy kitchen. With 1000 watts of cooking power, this microwave heats and cooks food quickly and evenly. Its large 1.7 cubic foot capacity means you can fit bigger dishes, making it perfect for family meals or preparing snacks for a crowd. Plus, its sleek stainless steel finish looks great over your stove.
What We Like:
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: 1000W power cooks food fast and uniformly, perfect for busy kitchens.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: The 1.7 cu. ft. size holds a variety of dishes, from small snacks to large meals.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COOKING: Offers settings for vegetables, snacks, auto cook, and potatoes for flexible meal prep.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: Smart time and weight defrost options thaw food effectively.
- RAPID COOKING FEATURES: Quick +30 seconds and melt/soften options add convenience for daily use.
- EASY TO USE: Simple controls and helpful presets make operation straightforward.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: This feature keeps little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- INSTALLATION: Over-the-range microwaves can be tricky to install and might require professional help.
- NOISE LEVEL: Some users find the fan to be a bit loud during operation.
- INTERIOR LIGHT: The interior light could be brighter for better visibility.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and powerful appliance. It handles everyday cooking tasks with ease.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Under Cabinet Microwave Companion
Why Choose an Under Cabinet Microwave?
Tired of your countertop looking cluttered? An under cabinet microwave is a smart solution. It saves valuable counter space. It also keeps your kitchen looking neat and organized. These microwaves mount directly above your stove or cooktop. This makes them a popular choice for many kitchens.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. A smaller microwave is good for reheating snacks. A larger one can handle bigger meals or dishes.
- Compact (0.7 – 1.0 cu. ft.): Great for small kitchens or single users.
- Mid-size (1.1 – 1.5 cu. ft.): Suitable for most families.
- Large (1.6 cu. ft. and up): Ideal for big households or frequent cooks.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most under cabinet microwaves have between 900 and 1200 watts. More watts cook food faster and more evenly.
3. Ventilation System
This is super important! Under cabinet microwaves often double as range hoods. They need a good fan to remove smoke and smells from your cooking. Look for:
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Higher CFM means a stronger fan. For most kitchens, 300-400 CFM is usually enough.
- Ducting Options: Some vent outside (ducted), while others recirculate air (ductless). Ducted is usually more effective.
4. Control Panel and Features
Modern microwaves have lots of cool features. Think about what you’ll use most.
- Digital Display: Easy to read and set cooking times.
- Sensor Cooking: The microwave figures out the best cooking time and power for your food.
- Turntable: Helps food cook evenly. Some have a large turntable for bigger plates.
- Preset Cooking Options: Buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or defrosting.
- Child Lock: Keeps little hands from turning it on by accident.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and easy to clean the microwave is. Most are made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is strong. It can sometimes show fingerprints, though.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Good One?
- Sturdy Construction: The microwave should feel solid and well-built.
- Effective Ventilation: A strong fan that really clears the air.
- Even Cooking: Food cooks through without hot or cold spots.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: The buttons and display are clear and simple.
- Quiet Operation: It shouldn’t be too loud when running.
What Can Make it Less Good?
- Flimsy Build: If it feels cheap or wobbly.
- Weak Fan: If it doesn’t clear smoke well.
- Uneven Heating: If food is cooked poorly.
- Confusing Controls: If it’s hard to figure out how to use it.
- Short Lifespan: If it breaks down quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
An under cabinet microwave is perfect for anyone who wants more kitchen space. It’s great for small apartments or homes where every inch counts. Families can use it for quick meals. Busy professionals can reheat lunches fast. It’s also a good choice for people who like a clean, minimalist kitchen look.
Imagine this: you’re cooking dinner on the stove. The under cabinet microwave above is also working hard, reheating leftovers. The fan is quietly clearing the steam. Your counter is clear for chopping vegetables. This is the convenience an under cabinet microwave offers.
Top 10 FAQs About Under Cabinet Microwaves
Q: How do I install an under cabinet microwave?
A: Installation usually involves mounting it securely to the underside of your cabinets or to a wall bracket. It also needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Some models require connecting to a vent system. It’s often best to have a professional do the installation, especially if you’re not comfortable with tools or electrical work.
Q: How much space do I need for an under cabinet microwave?
A: You need enough space for the microwave’s dimensions, plus some clearance for ventilation. Check the product’s manual for exact measurements. Also, make sure there’s enough room to open the door fully.
Q: Can I use an under cabinet microwave as a regular microwave?
A: Yes, you can use it just like any other microwave. You can reheat, defrost, and cook food with it.
Q: What is the difference between ducted and ductless ventilation?
A: Ducted ventilation pushes air and smoke outside your home through a vent pipe. Ductless ventilation filters the air and sends it back into your kitchen. Ducted is generally more effective at removing odors and smoke.
Q: How do I clean my under cabinet microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. The exterior can be wiped down with a stainless steel cleaner or a damp cloth. Make sure to clean the filter regularly if it has one.
Q: Are under cabinet microwaves noisy?
A: Noise levels can vary by model. Some are very quiet, while others can be a bit louder, especially when the fan is on high. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter model.
Q: How long do under cabinet microwaves typically last?
A: Like most appliances, under cabinet microwaves can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the brand, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained.
Q: Do I need a special outlet for an under cabinet microwave?
A: Most under cabinet microwaves use a standard household outlet. However, it’s always a good idea to check the power requirements in the product’s specifications to ensure your electrical system can handle it.
Q: What are the benefits of sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking takes the guesswork out of reheating and cooking. The microwave detects the humidity from the food and adjusts the cooking time and power automatically for perfect results. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in an under cabinet microwave?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use aluminum foil in any microwave. Metal can cause sparks and damage the appliance. Always check your microwave’s manual for specific instructions on what materials are safe to use.
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.