A low-profile microwave can reclaim several inches of space without shrinking into a glorified snack warmer. That compact height matters most above a range, where every inch affects sightlines, storage, and ventilation.
This roundup compares the best low profile Microwaves across over-the-range and countertop designs, from full-power cooking to compact everyday use. Keep reading to see how the specs stack up.
Key Takeaways
- Check the microwave’s actual height and width against the cabinet opening, especially for over-the-range installation.
- Prioritize at least 900 watts for faster reheating and more even everyday cooking.
- Choose capacity based on dish size, since 1.2 cubic feet handles larger plates while smaller models save counter space.
- Compare ventilation strength, measured in CFM, if the microwave will sit above a range.
- Look for sensor cooking, express buttons, mute controls, and child locks if convenience and household safety matter.
| Best Overall Fit |  |
GE Profile Microwave, 400 CFM | 400 CFM ventilation | 1,000 watts | LED cooktop lighting | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Space Saver |  |
Midea Over-Range Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft. | 1,000 watts | 1.2-cubic-foot capacity | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Kitchen Match |  |
GE Profile Microwave, White Finish | White appliance finish | 400 CFM ventilation | Auto defrost | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Steel Option |  |
GE Profile Microwave, Stainless Steel | Stainless steel finish | 400 CFM hood vent | 1,000-watt cooking power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Connected Cooking Pick |  |
ThermoMate Microwave, Voice Control | Voice control | Sensor cooking | 400 CFM ventilation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Flexible Countertop Choice |  |
GE Profile Countertop Microwave, 800W | Countertop placement | 1.1-cubic-foot capacity | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Larger Interior Pick |  |
GE Over-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft. | Larger 1.6-cubic-foot cavity | 1,000 watts | Over-range installation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Dark Finish |  |
Toshiba Microwave, Black Stainless | Black stainless finish | Compact 0.9-cubic-foot size | 900 watts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Steel Basic |  |
Toshiba Microwave, Stainless Steel | Stainless steel finish | Compact footprint | 900-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget-Friendly Compact |  |
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 700W | Six cooking presets | Child safety lock | Mute button | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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GE Profile Microwave, 400 CFM
If you need a low-profile over-the-range microwave that also handles everyday ventilation, this GE Profile model is a strong match. Its 1.2-cubic-foot capacity, 1,000-watt cooking power, and 400 CFM hood vent suit compact kitchens without giving up useful performance.
The LED lighting and auto defrost simplify routine cooking, while the installer-friendly design may reduce installation headaches. The main limitation is the relatively compact interior, which may not fit oversized casserole dishes comfortably.
- Brand:GE Profile
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Vent CFM:400 CFM
- Additional Feature:Auto defrost
- Additional Feature:LED lighting
- Additional Feature:Installer-friendly design
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Midea Over-Range Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft.
Midea keeps the setup straightforward with a 1.2-cubic-foot over-the-range microwave in a stainless steel finish. Its 1,000-watt output provides practical cooking power for reheating meals, warming drinks, and handling standard microwave recipes.
The capacity works well for kitchens that need an over-range appliance without an oversized cavity. Because the available details do not list ventilation strength or specialty cooking programs, this model may be better for basic use than feature-focused cooking.
- Brand:Midea
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
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GE Profile Microwave, White Finish
Choose this GE Profile model if you want low-profile over-range cooking with a lighter finish. The 400 CFM hood vent, 1,000-watt power, and 1.2-cubic-foot cavity cover the core needs of a compact kitchen.
Auto defrost and LED lighting add useful everyday convenience, and the installer-friendly design can help simplify the setup process. The white exterior will not suit every appliance scheme, and the compact cavity may limit larger cookware.
- Brand:GE Profile
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:White
- Vent CFM:400 CFM
- Additional Feature:LED lighting
- Additional Feature:Auto defrost
- Additional Feature:Installer-friendly design
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GE Profile Microwave, Stainless Steel
For a coordinated stainless kitchen, this GE Profile microwave delivers a slim over-range format without cutting back on the key specifications. You get 1,000 watts, a 1.2-cubic-foot interior, and 400 CFM ventilation for cooking and light-duty smoke removal.
The LED lighting helps brighten the cooktop, while auto defrost handles a common kitchen chore with less guesswork. Its main drawback is the modest interior size, especially if your cookware tends toward the family-sized end of the spectrum.
- Brand:GE Profile
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Vent CFM:400 CFM
- Additional Feature:Auto defrost
- Additional Feature:LED lighting
- Additional Feature:Installer-friendly design
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ThermoMate Microwave, Voice Control
ThermoMate is aimed at cooks who want a low-profile over-range microwave with more control options built in. Alongside 1,000 watts and a 400 CFM vent, it lists sensor cooking, voice control, and multi-stage cooking for more flexible meal preparation.
The 1.2-cubic-foot capacity keeps the appliance relatively compact, while multi-stage cooking can combine settings in one programmed sequence. The added controls may feel unnecessary if you prefer simple buttons and manual cooking.
- Brand:ThermoMate
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Vent CFM:400 CFM
- Additional Feature:Multi-stage cooking
- Additional Feature:Sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Voice control
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GE Profile Countertop Microwave, 800W
This GE Profile model makes more sense for a kitchen that needs countertop placement rather than over-range ventilation. Its 1.1-cubic-foot capacity offers a little more interior room than several slim over-range models, while 800 watts handles common reheating and cooking tasks.
The stainless steel finish gives it a familiar appliance look, and countertop placement avoids wall-mount installation. It does not provide a hood vent, so it cannot replace an over-the-range microwave where cooktop ventilation is required.
- Brand:GE Profile
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Wattage:800 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
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GE Over-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft.
Choose this GE model when interior capacity matters more than the shortest possible profile. Its 1.6-cubic-foot cavity gives you more room for larger plates and cookware, while 1,000 watts supports standard microwave cooking.
The stainless steel finish works with many kitchen designs, and over-range placement preserves counter space. Its larger cavity may require more vertical clearance than a true low-profile model, which can be a concern in compact installations.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range design
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Toshiba Microwave, Black Stainless
Toshiba’s black stainless model suits kitchens that need a compact microwave with a darker appliance finish. The 0.9-cubic-foot capacity and 900-watt output are well suited to reheating, beverages, and smaller portions.
Its compact footprint can conserve counter space, but the smaller cavity will restrict larger dishes and cookware. The available product details do not identify over-range installation or hood ventilation, so plan on countertop use unless the installation documentation says otherwise.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Microwave oven
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop format
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Toshiba Microwave, Stainless Steel
This Toshiba model offers a small stainless steel microwave for straightforward everyday cooking. With 0.9 cubic feet of capacity and 900 watts, it fits the needs of smaller households, offices, dorm-style kitchens, and compact counters.
The reduced size is useful where space is tight, although it also limits the dishes you can place inside. Since the listed information does not include hood ventilation or over-range mounting, this is best treated as a countertop option.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Microwave oven
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop format
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Chefman Countertop Microwave, 700W
Chefman keeps the format compact and approachable with a 0.7-cubic-foot countertop microwave and 700 watts of cooking power. Ten power levels, six presets, and one-touch express cooking give you practical control for common meals and quick reheating.
The child safety lock and mute button are useful in shared homes, while eco mode can reduce standby energy use. The small cavity and lower wattage are the clear tradeoffs, so large dishes and fast cooking are not its strongest territory.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Ten power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco mode
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a microwave low profile?
A low profile microwave is a shorter over-the-range model, usually about 10 to 12 inches tall, compared with roughly 16 to 18 inches for many standard units. The reduced height leaves more room above the cooktop and can improve visibility across the kitchen. The tradeoff is a smaller cooking cavity, so check the interior height and turntable size before buying. Large stockpots and very tall containers may not fit.
Are low profile microwaves powerful enough for everyday cooking?
Yes. Most provide about 900 to 1,000 watts, which is enough for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, steaming vegetables, and preparing many microwave recipes. Cooking performance also depends on container shape, food quantity, and power settings. Use lower power for delicate foods and stir or rotate larger portions for more even results.
Can a low profile microwave replace a range hood?
It can often provide cooktop ventilation, but the performance depends on the model and installation method. Recirculating units filter air and return it indoors, while ducted installations vent smoke and moisture outdoors. Check the airflow rating, usually listed in cubic feet per minute, and confirm whether the unit supports your home's duct direction. A microwave hood is convenient, but it may not match the ventilation strength of a dedicated range hood.
Will standard dinner plates fit inside a low profile microwave?
Most standard plates fit, but the answer depends on the turntable diameter and the plate's shape. Many models accommodate plates around 11 to 12 inches, though square or unusually wide dishes may be difficult. Review the interior dimensions before purchase, especially if you use large serving bowls or casserole dishes. Capacity figures can look generous on paper while the usable space feels more modest.
Are low profile microwaves safe above gas ranges?
They can be safe when installed according to the manufacturer's clearance instructions and local building requirements. The correct mounting height, ventilation setup, and distance from the burners all matter. Avoid blocking the microwave's vents, and confirm that the model is approved for use above your specific cooktop. Professional installation is wise if the project involves gas appliances, new ductwork, or uncertain cabinet support.