A common mistake is treating every microwave beneath a cabinet as the same kind of installation. Countertop, over-the-range, and built-in models each place different demands on space, ventilation, and surrounding cabinetry.
This comparison brings together the best under cabinet Microwaves across those formats, with attention to the details that shape everyday use. Keep reading to see which specifications deserve the closest look.
Key Takeaways
- Measure the available width, depth, and height before comparing models, especially near doors, cabinets, and the range.
- Match the installation type to your kitchen, since countertop, over-the-range, and built-in microwaves require different setups.
- Treat cooking wattage as a key performance indicator, with 1,000 watts generally offering quicker, more even heating.
- Check ventilation capacity in CFM for over-the-range models, and confirm the venting arrangement suits your kitchen.
- Compare interior capacity with your usual dishes, because a larger cavity may require more cabinet or wall space.
| Countertop Convenience |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | 1.2 cu. ft. capacity | 1,000 watts | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Space Saver |  |
Danby Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Compact 0.7 cu. ft. size | Stainless steel finish | Useful for small spaces | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Range Companion |  |
GE Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft. | 30-inch over-range format | 1.6 cu. ft. capacity | 1,000 watts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Refined Countertop Fit |  |
GE Profile Countertop Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Practical 1.1 cu. ft. size | Stainless steel finish | GE Profile design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High-Capacity Venting |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu. Ft. | Large 1.9 cu. ft. cavity | 400 CFM ventilation | 1,000 watts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Largest Built-In Capacity |  |
Frigidaire Gallery Built-In Microwave 2.2 Cu. Ft. | Largest 2.2 cu. ft. capacity | Built-in configuration | Frigidaire Gallery series | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dark Finish Classic |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 1.7 cu. ft. capacity | 1,000 watts | Black exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Narrower Over-Range Option |  |
Stellar Coll Over-Range Microwave 1.3 Cu. Ft. | 24-inch width | 1.3 cu. ft. capacity | Built-in vent fan | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Kitchen Workhorse |  |
Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 1.7 cu. ft. capacity | 1,000 watts | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Feature-Rich Venting |  |
ThermoMate Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 10 power levels | 300 CFM ventilation | LED cooktop lighting | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Toshiba Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
The Toshiba countertop microwave suits kitchens that need 1.2 cubic feet of cooking space without a permanent over-the-range installation. Its 1,000-watt output should handle everyday reheating, defrosting, and cooking tasks with useful speed.
The stainless steel exterior offers a practical, easy-to-coordinate finish, but this is a countertop model, not a true under-cabinet or over-the-range unit. You will need dedicated counter space and a nearby outlet.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Wattage:1,000W
- Installation:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:1,000-watt cooking power
- Additional Feature:Countertop installation
-
Danby Countertop Microwave 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Choose this Danby model for a small kitchen, office, dorm, or secondary cooking area where every inch of counter space matters. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity keeps the footprint modest while still covering basic heating and defrosting needs.
The stainless steel finish gives it a clean, neutral appearance, but the smaller cavity limits room for large plates, casserole dishes, and bulky containers. It is also a countertop microwave, so it does not provide built-in ventilation or under-cabinet mounting.
- Brand:Danby
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Installation:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop design
- Additional Feature:Danby Designer series
-
GE Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft.
This GE microwave fits kitchens that need a 30-inch over-the-range appliance with more capacity than a compact countertop model. The 1.6-cubic-foot interior gives you room for everyday dishes, while its 1,000-watt rating supports routine cooking and reheating.
Its over-the-range format helps keep the countertop clear and places the microwave above the cooktop. Installation is more involved than setting a countertop unit in place, and the listing does not provide enough detail to confirm its ventilation or lighting specifications.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Wattage:1,000W
- Installation:Over-the-range
- Additional Feature:30-inch width
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
- Additional Feature:Over-range installation
-
GE Profile Countertop Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft.
The GE Profile model works well for a mid-size countertop setup that needs more room than a compact microwave but less bulk than a large family-size unit. Its 1.1-cubic-foot capacity offers a practical middle ground, while the stainless steel finish suits contemporary kitchens.
At 800 watts, it provides less cooking power than several larger models in this roundup, so cooking and reheating may take longer in some cases. Its countertop installation also means you must reserve work-surface space rather than mounting it beneath a cabinet.
- Brand:GE Profile
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Wattage:800W
- Installation:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Countertop configuration
- Additional Feature:800-watt cooking power
-
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.9 Cu. Ft.
For larger households, this BLACK+DECKER model brings a 1.9-cubic-foot cavity to the over-the-range format, giving you extra room for wide plates and family-size portions. Its 1,000-watt power pairs with a listed 400 CFM ventilation rate, a useful combination for cooking areas that need stronger airflow.
The over-range installation keeps the countertop open and places the microwave directly above the cooktop. Because it is a larger appliance, cabinet measurements and installation clearance deserve careful attention before purchase.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1,000W
- Installation:Over-the-range
- Additional Feature:400 CFM vent fan
- Additional Feature:1,000-watt cooking power
- Additional Feature:Over-range configuration
-
Frigidaire Gallery Built-In Microwave 2.2 Cu. Ft.
This Frigidaire Gallery microwave is suited to a built-in kitchen design where a generous 2.2-cubic-foot capacity matters. It offers the largest listed cavity in this group, making it a strong fit for large dishes, frequent family meals, and kitchens designed around integrated appliances.
The key limitation is clear in the name: the trim kit is sold separately, so the finished built-in appearance requires an additional component. The listing also does not state wattage or the exact material, so those details should be confirmed before installation.
- Brand:Frigidaire Gallery
- Type:Built-in microwave
- Capacity:2.2 cu. ft.
- Installation:Built-in
- Additional Feature:Trim kit sold separately
- Additional Feature:Gallery series design
- Additional Feature:Large cooking cavity
-
BLACK+DECKER Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a sensible choice for a standard over-the-range setup that needs a roomy 1.7-cubic-foot interior. Its 1,000-watt output supports everyday cooking, while the black finish can coordinate neatly with darker appliances and cabinetry.
The over-range design saves counter space, but it requires proper mounting above the stove and suitable cabinet clearance. Compared with the stainless steel options here, the black exterior may be less flexible in kitchens built around lighter finishes.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Material:Black finish
- Wattage:1,000W
- Installation:Over-the-range
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
- Additional Feature:1,000-watt cooking power
- Additional Feature:Over-range installation
-
Stellar Coll Over-Range Microwave 1.3 Cu. Ft.
The Stellar Coll model targets kitchens that want an over-the-range microwave without stepping up to a large 1.7- or 1.9-cubic-foot cavity. Its 1.3-cubic-foot capacity provides a balanced amount of cooking space, while the listed vent fan adds useful functionality above the cooktop.
The product title identifies a 24-inch width, which can suit narrower kitchen layouts, but that measurement must match your existing cabinet and range arrangement. The listing does not specify wattage, airflow rate, or detailed control features, so confirm those before committing.
- Brand:Stellar Coll
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.3 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Installation:Over-the-range
- Additional Feature:24-inch configuration
- Additional Feature:Integrated vent fan
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel finish
-
Midea Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
Midea’s over-the-range model gives you a 1.7-cubic-foot cavity and 1,000 watts, a practical pairing for regular family cooking. It fits shoppers who want to clear the countertop while keeping enough interior room for standard dinner plates and larger containers.
The stainless steel finish works across many kitchen styles, and the over-range format places the appliance where ventilation can be useful. Still, the supplied listing does not state the fan’s CFM rating, so you should confirm ventilation performance if stovetop airflow is a priority.
- Brand:Midea
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Wattage:1,000W
- Installation:Over-the-range
- Additional Feature:Over-range configuration
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:1,000-watt cooking power
-
ThermoMate Over-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft.
ThermoMate packs a useful set of controls into a 30-inch over-the-range design, including one-touch operation and 10 power levels. The 1.7-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000-watt output make it a flexible fit for routine cooking, reheating, and defrosting.
A listed 300 CFM vent fan and LED lighting add practical above-range features, especially in kitchens where one appliance needs to handle several jobs. The main consideration is installation complexity, since an over-range microwave requires accurate mounting, electrical access, and proper cabinet clearance.
- Brand:ThermoMate
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.7 cu. ft.
- Material:Stainless steel
- Wattage:1,000W
- Installation:Over-the-range
- Additional Feature:One-touch controls
- Additional Feature:300 CFM vent fan
- Additional Feature:LED lighting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Any Microwave Be Mounted Under A Cabinet?
No. Choose a model specifically approved for under-cabinet installation or an over-the-range design with the correct mounting hardware. Standard countertop microwaves usually lack the required bracket, ventilation design, and heat-clearance rating. Check the installation manual before purchase, not just the product photos. The manual should list the required cabinet depth, wall support, clearances, and electrical arrangement.
Are Under-Cabinet Microwaves Safe Above A Range?
Yes, provided the model is designed for that position and installed with the required cooktop clearance. The manufacturer’s instructions take priority because minimum distances vary by unit and by cooking surface. Use the built-in exhaust fan and keep grease filters clean. Gas ranges may require greater clearance than electric or induction cooktops, so verify the specified distance before installation.
Do Under-Cabinet Microwaves Need Outside Venting?
Not always. Many models can recirculate air through a charcoal filter, while others can connect to an exterior duct through the wall or roof. External venting usually removes smoke, heat, and odors more effectively. Recirculation is simpler and often less expensive, but filters require regular replacement and cannot send cooking air outdoors.
What Size Microwave Fits Under A Cabinet?
Measure the available width, depth, and height, then compare those figures with the manufacturer’s installation dimensions. Leave room for the door to open fully, for ventilation, and for the mounting bracket. Low-profile units commonly stand around 10 to 12 inches tall, but cabinet depth and underside trim can still create problems. Also check the interior turntable or cooking surface if you use large plates or baking dishes.
How Much Should An Under-Cabinet Microwave Cost?
A practical budget is about $250 to $500 for many standard models. Units with stronger exhaust fans, sensor cooking, quieter motors, premium finishes, or specialized installation requirements may cost $600 to $1,000 or more. Include installation in the total budget, especially if the microwave needs external ductwork, a new outlet, cabinet alterations, or additional wall reinforcement. A low sticker price can become less charming once the tools come out.
