Which microwave belongs above your stove? The answer depends on how you cook, how much room you have, and what kind of everyday convenience matters most. The right fit can make a busy kitchen feel calmer, while the wrong one becomes a bulky box with buttons.
This roundup compares 10 popular models across practical category details, giving you a clearer view of the best above stove Microwaves for different kitchens and routines. Keep reading to sort the contenders with less guesswork.
Key Takeaways
- Measure cabinet width, appliance depth, and door clearance before choosing a properly sized model.
- Match capacity to your cookware and household needs, since larger interiors require more overhead space.
- Prioritize wattage for faster, more consistent heating, especially when reheating larger portions.
- Check the ventilation rating and ducting options if strong stovetop ventilation matters in your kitchen.
- Confirm the required installation setup, electrical connection, finish, and available control features before ordering.
| Balanced Kitchen Pick |  |
GE Over-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft. | 1000W cooking power | 1.6 cu. ft. capacity | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Space Saver |  |
Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Compact 1.2 cu. ft. size | 1000W cooking power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family Meal Workhorse |  |
Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | Larger 1.7 cu. ft. cavity | 1000W cooking power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High-Capacity Ventilation |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu. Ft. | Largest listed capacity | 400 CFM airflow | 1000W cooking power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Practical Mid-Size Option |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | Mid-size 1.7 cu. ft. capacity | 1000W cooking power | Space-saving placement | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dark Finish Favorite |  |
BLACK+DECKER Black Over-Range Microwave | Black appliance finish | 1.7 cu. ft. capacity | 1000W cooking power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Air Fry Flexibility |  |
BLACK+DECKER Air Fry Microwave 1.5 Cu. Ft. | Built-in air fryer | 1.5 cu. ft. capacity | Space-saving design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Kitchen Match |  |
BLACK+DECKER White Over-Range Microwave | White appliance finish | 1.7 cu. ft. capacity | 1000W cooking power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Stainless Choice |  |
TOSHIBA Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu. Ft. | Large 1.9 cu. ft. capacity | 1000W cooking power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Everyday Performer |  |
Frigidaire Over-Range Microwave 1.8 Cu. Ft. | Spacious 1.8 cu. ft. capacity | Stainless steel finish | Counter-saving installation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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GE Over-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft.
The GE model is a sensible fit for kitchens that need 30-inch compatibility, 1.6 cubic feet, and 1000 watts of cooking power. That combination suits everyday reheating, defrosting, and routine meal preparation without taking up the space of a larger-capacity unit.
Its stainless steel finish should coordinate with many kitchen appliances, while the over-the-range design keeps counter space available. The main limitation is the sparse listing information, which does not confirm specialty cooking modes, ventilation details, or included accessories.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:30-inch width
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
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Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
Small kitchens may benefit most from this Midea model, which pairs a compact 1.2-cubic-foot interior with 1000 watts of cooking power. It can handle daily reheating and smaller dishes while leaving more visual and physical room around the range.
The stainless steel finish gives the unit a conventional appliance look, and the over-the-range format helps preserve counter space. Its honest drawback is the smaller cavity, which may feel restrictive with wide plates, large serving bowls, or family-size cookware.
- Brand:Midea
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
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Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
For households that regularly heat larger portions, this Midea offers a 1.7-cubic-foot capacity with 1000 watts of power. The larger interior should provide more flexibility for dinner plates, casserole dishes, and multiple items during busy meal times.
You also get a stainless steel exterior and the space-saving benefit of above-range installation. The tradeoff is that the listing does not identify special programs, ventilation performance, or other conveniences beyond its core size and power.
- Brand:Midea
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
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BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu. Ft.
This BLACK+DECKER model is built for kitchens that need both large 1.9-cubic-foot capacity and listed 400 CFM airflow. Its 1000-watt output covers standard microwave tasks, while the stronger ventilation figure may help manage cooking odors and steam above the range.
The generous interior is useful for larger plates and family portions, and the over-range layout saves counter space. Its limitation is straightforward: the listing does not provide details about venting modes, controls, or specialty cooking functions.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Airflow:400 CFM
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
- Additional Feature:Built-in ventilation
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BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
A 1.7-cubic-foot cavity makes this BLACK+DECKER a practical choice for everyday cooking without moving into the largest microwave sizes. The 1000-watt output is suitable for reheating meals, defrosting ingredients, and handling common microwave recipes.
Its above-range placement keeps the countertop clear, and the mid-size interior offers more room than compact models. The available listing leaves out the finish and any specialty functions, so shoppers seeking a specific appearance or cooking program will need additional details.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
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BLACK+DECKER Black Over-Range Microwave
The black finish gives this BLACK+DECKER model a clear identity, making it a natural match for kitchens built around dark appliances or a high-contrast design. With 1.7 cubic feet and 1000 watts, it offers useful capacity and standard cooking power for daily meals.
The above-range format preserves counter space, while the roomy cavity can accommodate larger dishes than compact units. The main limitation is that the listing does not specify ventilation capacity, preset programs, or other controls that could affect convenience.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
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BLACK+DECKER Air Fry Microwave 1.5 Cu. Ft.
This BLACK+DECKER combines microwave cooking with a listed air fryer function, giving you more than one way to prepare food in a single above-range appliance. Its 1.5-cubic-foot capacity is suited to everyday portions, while 900 watts provides useful but slightly lower microwave power than the 1000-watt models here.
The air fryer setting may appeal to kitchens short on countertop appliances, particularly when crisping food matters as much as reheating it. The limitation is the smaller capacity and lower wattage, and the listing does not specify airflow or air-fry performance details.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Air fry over-range microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Additional Feature:Air fryer function
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
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BLACK+DECKER White Over-Range Microwave
Choose this BLACK+DECKER when a white appliance finish fits your kitchen better than stainless steel or black. The 1.7-cubic-foot cavity and 1000-watt output provide a useful balance for everyday reheating, defrosting, and larger dinner plates.
Its over-range design helps keep work surfaces open, and the generous mid-size interior suits routine family use. The listing does not identify airflow, preset cooking programs, or additional functions, which limits how precisely its feature set can be assessed.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:White
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
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TOSHIBA Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu. Ft.
TOSHIBA gives you one of the largest listed interiors, with 1.9 cubic feet of capacity and 1000 watts of cooking power. That makes it a strong fit for larger households, broad dinner plates, and meals that need more room than compact microwaves provide.
The stainless steel finish supports a coordinated appliance setup, while above-range installation protects valuable counter space. The tradeoff is the lack of listed information about airflow, presets, and special cooking modes, so its core specifications tell most of the story.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
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Frigidaire Over-Range Microwave 1.8 Cu. Ft.
Frigidaire’s 1.8-cubic-foot model offers a roomy interior for households that regularly heat full plates, leftovers, and larger containers. Its stainless steel finish also fits the familiar look of many contemporary kitchen appliance suites.
The above-range design keeps the microwave off the counter and places it near the cooking area. The listing does not provide wattage, airflow, or specialty-function details, so you should confirm those specifications before making a final decision.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.8 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Above-stove installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Are above-stove microwaves a standard size?
Many models are built for a 30-inch opening, but their height and depth vary. Before ordering, measure the cabinet opening, backsplash height, wall space, and distance from the cooktop to the cabinet above it. Also check the microwave’s door swing and front depth. A unit can fit the opening yet protrude too far into the kitchen or interfere with a nearby cabinet.
Can an above-stove microwave replace a range hood?
It can provide basic range ventilation when the model is approved for that use and installed correctly. External venting generally removes heat, smoke, and odors more effectively than recirculating filtration. A microwave hood may not match the performance needed for a high-output gas or professional range. Check the manufacturer’s CFM rating and your local installation requirements before replacing a dedicated hood.
Is 1,000 watts enough for an above-stove microwave?
Yes, 1,000 watts is suitable for most reheating, defrosting, and everyday cooking. Models with lower wattage may need longer cooking times, while higher-wattage units can heat food faster. Use the cooking instructions as a starting point, then adjust for portion size and container shape. Sensor cooking can help reduce guesswork by measuring steam as food heats.
How much clearance should an above-stove microwave have?
Clearance requirements vary by model and range type, so use the manufacturer’s installation guide rather than a generic measurement. Many installations require roughly 13 to 16 inches between the cooktop surface and the microwave’s underside, but gas ranges may require more. Never place the microwave lower than the specified clearance. Too little space can expose the appliance to excess heat and make it difficult to use large pots safely.
Can I install one without existing ductwork?
Often, yes. Many models support recirculating installation, which uses a charcoal filter and returns air to the kitchen instead of sending it outdoors. Recirculation is simpler, but it does not remove heat and moisture as effectively as an external duct. If you cook frequently with high heat, check whether adding ductwork is practical before choosing the microwave.
