Once, over-stove microwaves mainly solved one problem: heating food above the range. Now, the best over stove Microwaves can also shape ventilation, cooking capacity, and countertop space, making the category more useful but less uniform.
As you compare ten models, small differences in capacity, wattage, finish, and added functions can matter more than flashy labels. The guide that follows sorts those details into practical checkpoints, so keep reading before choosing the unit that fits your kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- Choose 1.7 cubic feet or more if you regularly heat large plates, casseroles, or family-size dishes.
- Compare wattage closely, since higher cooking power usually shortens heating time and improves performance with dense foods.
- Check the microwave’s ventilation rating, especially if it will replace a range hood rather than simply recirculate air.
- Confirm the required 30-inch installation width, cabinet clearance, and venting setup before placing an order.
- Select useful functions such as sensor cooking, air fry, auto defrost, or a child lock only when they match your routine.
| Balanced Kitchen Pick |  |
GE Over-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft. | 30-inch over-range format | 1,000-watt power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Stainless Choice |  |
Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 1.7-cubic-foot capacity | 1,000-watt output | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High-Capacity Venting |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu. Ft. | Largest listed capacity | 400 CFM ventilation | 1,000-watt power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Everyday Cooking Workhorse |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | Practical 1.7-cubic-foot size | 1,000-watt cooking power | Over-range configuration | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dark Finish Favorite |  |
BLACK+DECKER Black Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | Black exterior finish | 1.7-cubic-foot capacity | 1,000-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Kitchen Match |  |
BLACK+DECKER White Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | White exterior finish | 1.7-cubic-foot capacity | 1,000-watt power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Air Frying Multitasker |  |
BLACK+DECKER Air Fryer Microwave 1.5 Cu. Ft. | Built-in air fryer | Compact 1.5-cubic-foot size | Over-range design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Familiar Brand Option |  |
Kenmore Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 1.7-cubic-foot capacity | Stainless steel finish | Over-range format | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Roomy Stainless Performer |  |
Frigidaire Over-Range Microwave 1.8 Cu. Ft. | Spacious 1.8-cubic-foot cavity | Stainless steel finish | Over-range installation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Feature-Ready Value |  |
Farberware Black Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | Auto-cook settings | Child safety lock | Easy-clean design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
GE Over-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft.
The GE is a sensible choice for kitchens that need a 30-inch over-the-range microwave with familiar 1,000-watt cooking power. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity fits everyday reheating, defrosting, and cooking without taking up counter space.
The main limitation is the lack of listed information about ventilation performance and special cooking programs. If you need a specific CFM rating or advanced functions, confirm those details before purchase.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:30-inch width
-
Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
Choose the Midea if you want slightly more interior capacity than the GE while keeping a standard 1,000-watt output. The 1.7-cubic-foot cavity gives you useful room for larger plates and family-size portions.
Its stainless steel finish suits many kitchen layouts, but the available listing does not identify ventilation strength or specialty cooking functions. That missing information may matter if the microwave also needs to manage heavy stovetop cooking.
- Brand:Midea
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Larger interior capacity
-
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu. Ft.
For households that regularly heat large dishes, the BLACK+DECKER 1.9-cubic-foot model offers the biggest stated capacity in this roundup. Its 400 CFM ventilation rating also gives it a clear advantage for kitchens where removing cooking odors and steam matters.
The 1,000-watt output supports everyday microwave cooking, although the larger design may require more careful cabinet and range clearance planning. Check installation dimensions before committing, because a roomy cavity is useful only if it fits the space.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Ventilation:400 CFM
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Built-in ventilation
- Additional Feature:Large cooking cavity
-
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
This BLACK+DECKER model fits the middle ground nicely, pairing a 1.7-cubic-foot capacity with 1,000 watts for routine meals, reheating, and defrosting. It suits you if you want a practical over-range appliance without moving to the largest cavity in the group.
The listing does not provide a ventilation rating, finish, or specialty-program details. That makes the core capacity and wattage clear, but leaves a few installation and feature questions for the product page.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Standard-size cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Built-in microwave format
-
BLACK+DECKER Black Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
The black-finish version is a strong fit for kitchens built around dark appliances or a more uniform black-and-stainless color scheme. You get a useful 1.7-cubic-foot interior and 1,000 watts, enough capacity and power for standard household cooking.
The listing does not specify ventilation performance or automatic cooking programs. Its black exterior can coordinate well, but it offers less finish flexibility than a stainless model if your kitchen already uses lighter appliances.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
- Additional Feature:Standard cooking capacity
-
BLACK+DECKER White Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
A white over-the-range microwave can help keep a light-colored kitchen looking consistent, especially alongside white cabinetry or appliances. This BLACK+DECKER model combines that finish with a 1.7-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000-watt power.
The white exterior is the defining difference in the listing, while ventilation and extra cooking functions are not identified. If your kitchen uses stainless steel or black appliances, the finish may require a bit more visual coordination.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:White
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:White exterior
- Additional Feature:Standard cooking capacity
-
BLACK+DECKER Air Fryer Microwave 1.5 Cu. Ft.
This model is aimed at you if you want an air fryer and microwave combination above the range. Its 1.5-cubic-foot capacity is more compact than several models here, while the 900-watt output places it below the 1,000-watt options.
The added air-fryer function expands the appliance’s cooking role, but the smaller cavity may limit the size of dishes or batches you can prepare. The listing does not provide a ventilation rating, so confirm that detail if stovetop exhaust is a priority.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Air fryer microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Additional Feature:Air-fryer function
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Microwave cooking
-
Kenmore Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
Kenmore’s model makes sense if you want a 1.7-cubic-foot over-range microwave from a familiar appliance brand. Its stainless steel construction and stated capacity suit everyday kitchen use, including reheating larger plates and preparing routine meals.
The listing does not state wattage, ventilation capacity, or special cooking modes. That makes the basic size and finish clear, but you should verify power and installation specifications before comparing it directly with the 1,000-watt models.
- Brand:Kenmore
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cubic feet
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Large cooking cavity
-
Frigidaire Over-Range Microwave 1.8 Cu. Ft.
The Frigidaire gives you a roomy 1.8-cubic-foot cavity, making it a good match for families or anyone who often heats broad dishes. Its stainless steel finish also keeps the appearance compatible with many modern appliance suites.
The listing does not include wattage, ventilation details, or automatic program information. Capacity is the clearest advantage here, but confirm the power rating if quick cooking times are part of your buying decision.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.8 cubic feet
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Spacious cooking cavity
-
Farberware Black Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
Farberware’s model offers a 1.7-cubic-foot capacity with 1,000 watts, plus clearly listed conveniences such as auto-cook settings and defrosting. It suits you if you want practical controls for common meals rather than a microwave focused only on basic reheating.
The black finish works best with darker appliance packages, and the listing does not identify ventilation performance. Its child safety lock is useful for family kitchens, though the available information does not specify the full set of automatic programs.
- Brand:Farberware
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Auto-cook settings
- Additional Feature:Defrost function
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
Frequently Asked Questions
What size over-the-range microwave should I buy?
A 30-inch-wide model fits the standard range width and is the most common choice, but measure the actual cabinet opening first. Also check the unit’s height and depth, since a deeper microwave can extend noticeably beyond the cabinets. Make sure the interior is large enough for your usual dishes. A turntable around 12 to 14 inches works for most dinner plates, while wider cookware may require a larger cavity.
How much ventilation power do I need?
A fan rated around 300 to 400 CFM is suitable for many kitchens, particularly for electric ranges and routine cooking. Gas ranges, frequent frying, and high-heat cooking may benefit from stronger ventilation, provided your kitchen’s ductwork can support it. External venting generally removes smoke and moisture better than recirculation. If ducting outside is not practical, choose a model with a good charcoal filter and plan to replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
Can any over-the-range microwave go above a gas stove?
No. Confirm that the microwave is approved for installation above your specific gas range, then follow the required clearance between the cooktop and the bottom of the unit. Gas burners can produce more heat, so installation instructions matter. A professional installer may be wise if you need new ductwork, electrical changes, or reinforcement for the mounting bracket. Improper placement can damage the appliance and create a safety hazard.
Are over-the-range microwaves hard to install?
Installation is often manageable when the cabinet, wall bracket, outlet, and vent path are already in place, but the appliance is bulky and usually requires two people to lift safely. Most models attach to a rear wall bracket and the cabinet above. Installation becomes more involved when you need external ducting, a new outlet, or changes to the cabinet. Read the installation template before purchase, since a small mismatch in stud or outlet location can create a large headache.
How often should I replace the microwave filter?
Replace or clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, commonly every 6 to 12 months for charcoal filters in recirculating setups. Grease filters are often washable, but they still need regular cleaning to maintain airflow. A filter that looks greasy, smells unpleasant, or allows odors to linger is overdue for attention. Turn off the microwave before removing a filter, and use only the replacement type specified for that model.
