He enjoys visiting factories and learning about regulatory loopholes, and has flooded our testing area only three times. It’s also one of the few models that’s still available in the classic Bisque finish. But it’s not impossible to do it on your own. Most people will leave installation up to a professional, but if you’re going to attempt to install the microwave yourself, we found that the JVM6175 is a little bit more forgiving than the other OTR models we tested. This could just be the individual unit we tried out (there can be major power differences from unit to unit among the same model), or this model could actually just be 10 to 15 percent slower than most of its competitors. A one-year warranty covers the whole microwave, but there’s also a 10-year warranty on the magnetron too. The Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF is a great over-the-range microwave that has a decent 1.7 cubic feet capacity and a smudge-proof finish so you won’t be left with fingerprints all over your microwave. White: WMH31017HW The ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 over-the-range microwave has the highest power wattage of all the models we reviewed. (A few OTR models are designed to fit over a compact 24-inch range. They usually have a capacity of 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet, but can get as large as 2.2 cubic feet - ideal for bigger dishes or meals. That’s good news if you heat up big trays or dinner plates of leftovers. The GE JVM3160RFSS over-the-range microwave is one of the more affordable options in our round up. Controls are what really make or break a microwave for most people, and the JVM6175 has the most well-rounded set we’ve seen in an affordable over-the-range model. This slim model fits in the space of most under cabinet exhaust hoods. Expensive units One element which is well-thought-out on this microwave is the position of the turntable which is flush with the bottom of the microwave. And Whirlpool Corp. has its own microwave factory in the same sub-district of the same city as Midea, interestingly. For less than $300, you will benefit from a robust and modern-looking microwave that has a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet. The GE JVM6175 has all of the convenient controls that most people seem to want in a microwave, and it heats more evenly than other over-the-range models we’ve tested. For over-the-range models in particular, the most crucial step to longevity is to make sure the installer sets up the ventilation properly. Some of these instances are certainly due to defective units, but others are also probably due to mis-installation. With built-in exhaust fans, the best venting over-the-range microwaves take the place of a range hood and work to eliminate smoke, steam, and cooking odors - great for when you’re entertaining and don’t want your whole house smelling like salmon! A good over-the-range microwave can cost under $300. The ventilation fan moves the same amount of air as the JVM6175’s fan but is noticeably quieter. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Over The Range Microwave Ovens. The ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 over-the range microwave has an impressive wattage of 1500 - that’s the highest of all the models we reviewed but it is one of the more expensive microwaves we reviewed too. Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves are popular in many homes, and as the name suggests, this style is designed to be mounted over your oven. The GE Microwave Over the range is an all type oven. The Samsung ME16K3000AS is one of the cheaper over-the-range microwaves we’ve reviewed. This best GE microwave looks good, easy to use, and performs extremely well. White: JVM6175DKWW An over-the-range microwave saves space (and usually a little bit of money) by combining a large microwave and range hood into a single appliance. Over-the-range microwave installation is a little tricky, so most people hire a pro to set their microwaves up, and that’s a perfectly reasonable choice. These brands all declined to comment on specific partnerships.). $206.25 $ 206. We’d intended to measure the volume and frequency with a sound meter in early 2020, but we couldn’t get around to it before the coronavirus pandemic shut down our office. All of the OTR models we know of can vent to both the rear and the top of the machine (depending on where your ducts are) or can work in recirculation mode. Since so many people use their over-the-range microwaves as a kitchen night-light, we favored models with yellow undermount lights and two intensity settings: one bright enough to see what you’re cooking and one dim enough for ambient background lighting. For the most part, this process was similar to how we selected countertop microwaves: We narrowed down the field by figuring out which models were made in the same factories from similar parts, then prioritized models with widely liked features, such as express buttons, door handles (instead of buttons), a mute option, and a sensor reheat mode. This is useful because you can easily slide dishes in and out. Higher-end models might blend in better with a higher-end kitchen design, but don’t expect them to reheat your lasagna more evenly, and they may or may not last longer. Best Over The Range Microwave 2020 Toshiba EM925A5A There is a sweet spot for the majority of the appliances where the performance, price, and features are all equal. This GE heats about as well as other over-the-range models we’ve tested, and it has far more controls and comes in more finishes than other microwaves at this price. Some premium appliance brands have microwaves, too, often included as a toss-in with a larger kitchen-appliance package deal. We didn’t test any due to time constraints, but based on some research, we think the stainless-steel NS-OTR16SS9 model could be essentially the same low-end microwave as the Magic Chef. Ft. Black Stainless Steel ExtendaVent 2.0 Over-the-Range Microwave: With 1000W of power, heat your snacks and melt butter quickly in this over-the-range microwave, which features a 400 cfm exhaust fan with 4 settings for flexibility. LG 2.2 Cu. Like many GE appliances, the JVM6175 comes in a half-dozen finishes, so you should be able to find something that blends in pretty well with your kitchen design: Stainless steel: JVM6175SKSS The LG LMHM2237ST has an impressive fan speed and well-designed features. 4.8 / 5 Product Rating. How much do over-the-range microwaves cost? Having good options for colors, shelving configurations, child locks, and other features can add convenience. Top Ten Reviews is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. All of the models we tested could vent three different ways, and if it’s not set to the correct mode, the microwave can easily overheat and burn itself out. The smallest over-the-range microwave is built to fit over a 24-inch range and the largest over a 30-inch range (helpfully, these are also the … It’s tall enough to fit a cup roughly the size of a pint glass. The JVM6175 is slightly easier to install than its closest competitors, and it also comes in more finishes, to better match the look of more kitchens. The common rule of thumb is that you’ll want 100 CFM in your hood for every 10,000 BTU you use on a gas stovetop. Samsung is well known for their quality products and they have certainly not disappointed when it comes to the Samsung ME21F707MJT over the range microwave. Most range hoods work fine. Our experts reviewed the top 10 Over The Range Microwave Ovens and also dug through the reviews from 106 of the most popular review sites including and more. This particular over the range microwave weighs 86 pounds with dimensions of 33.4 x 20.1 by 19 inches, a stylish handle, a stainless steel interior and an interior light to make the food inside visible while being cooked. The mounting template is easy to follow, and it needs one less screw to stay secure. Visit our corporate site. 380. The ultimate convenience in a modern kitchen comes from built-in appliances, and you are likely to find that the best over the range microwave takes the pleasure of cooking in a well-appointed kitchen to an entirely new level. The undermount light on the JVM6175 is as versatile as the best of them, with a warm color temperature and half-power setting that are well-suited to work as a night-light, and enough brightness on its full-power setting to clearly light up your stovetop. Installation is a little easier than with most of the other models we tested, and the GE JVM6175 should have no trouble sliding into an existing OTR slot, if you’re replacing an old model. The extractor fan on this over-the-range microwave has a fan speed of 300 CFM and the interior is coated with a diamond-shaped reflective pattern to help cook food more evenly. Here is what we at Groom+Style found. Doubling up as an extractor fan, this over-the-range microwave from LG has the most impressive fan speed of all models we reviewed - a brilliant 400 CFM. The primary benefit of an over-the-range microwave is that it frees up counter space and acts as a range hood to ventilate your kitchen. The warranty is also particularly impressive on this GE model. Fingerprint-resistant stainless: JVM6175YKFS Vent 2 Sharp R-1214 1-1/2-Cubic Feet 1100-Watt – Best Bilingual Compact Over-the-Range Microwave. Capacity (cubic feet): 1.5 | Fan speed (CFM): 300 | Sensor cooking: Yes. Capacity (cubic feet): 1.7 | Fan speed (CFM): 300 | Sensor cooking: Yes. The depth and height of OTR models can vary, but most of the budget-conscious models we’ve focused on for this guide are roughly the same size. It also comes in more finishes than any other microwave we looked at. Fingerprint-resistant slate: JVM6175EKES. Emerson 1.1 cubic ft. 1000 watt touch control Microwave oven MW1119W Review Cuisinart Microwave Oven CMW-100 Review Panasonic 1.2 Cu. We tested the GE JVM3160, which is the bottom-end microwave in that company’s OTR lineup. 1. At a minimum, look for a microwave that has a dishwasher-safe turntable and a nonstick interior for easy cleaning. Although we found that most countertop microwaves sold in the US are made by a single manufacturer (Midea), there’s more diversity among OTR microwaves. sharp r-1874 850w over-the-range microwave oven The best part of the Sharp R-1874 isn’t the 1.1 cubic feet of space or even the easy to clean, stylish stainless steel exterior, it’s the sheer number of settings and customization options that make this microwave a real winner. We also recommend getting one that offers a 30-second button that lets you quickly add time to an existing countdown or start a short timer. The best quietest over the range microwave according to us is the Sharp SMO2854DS over the range microwave. The best over-the-range microwaves will give your kitchen a sleek and streamlined look, not to mention freeing up valuable counter space. Since this was our first time testing over-the-range microwaves, and we weren’t sure how smoothly it would go, we kept our group of finalists pretty small, and we limited testing to popular lower-end models that usually cost less than $300. If that’s the extent of your stovetop use, an OTR microwave is probably fine. Most of the brands we’ve covered have higher-end models that we didn’t test—GE Profile models are a notable example. This Amana model proves that a quality over-the-range microwave oven doesn’t have to cost a lot. Since this is an appliance that will be featured prominently in your kitchen design, you will want something that looks good and has a sensible design. 45–47), searched import records to find the original suppliers for these microwaves, compared more than a dozen models side by side, and tested six machines in our center in Queens, New York. It’s also one of the few models we’ve seen at any price that has an option to turn off the turntable to help fit extra-large dishes. The Frigidaire FFMV1645T appears to be similar to the GE JVM3160, and it’s probably assembled in the same factory, but it has fewer express options and a white cooktop light that won’t work as a night-light. Black: JVM6175DKBB There are 10 different cooking settings including the usuals like defrost, boil, and reheat. The best over the range microwave would, of course, have additional features such a cook sensor, auto reheat, and multi-stage cooking. Microwaves basically all perform the same, but we like the Toshiba EM131A5C for its looks and its useful extra features. Whirlpool Corp. makes microwaves under the Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid labels. We found a dead spot in the center of the turntable, which is very uncommon and might make it frustrating to use. Best Seller in Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens. ft. Capacity, 30 inch, Black/Stainless Steel 3.8 out of 5 stars 11 2 offers from $308.71 GE Spacemaker eases cooking more than most of the microwaves that are available on the market. The fan on the Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF reaches a maximum CFM of 300 but some once your food has finished cooking, this microwave will continuously beep until you open the door or cancel the program. Less common is its Mute option, which lets you reheat your midnight snacks without waking up the rest of the house. If you’re remodeling and trying to decide between an over-the-range microwave or a dedicated range hood, one practical thing to consider is how you use your stovetop: If you use most of your burners most of the time, or if you have a high-end range with super-powerful burners, an OTR microwave may not move enough air to prevent your kitchen from getting smoky. (I had never installed one before I wrote this guide, and my handyman skills are well below average, but I managed to hang one in about 45 minutes on my first try.) NY 10036. It has express keys (for 1-minute through 5-minute cook times) and an Add 30 Seconds button, all of which are standard on most microwaves. But one of these can save you some space, while doing double-duty as a basic range hood. Convection microwave takes less space and power to operate. Learn more. For over-the-range models, we pored over customer reviews, read expert reviews from Good Housekeeping and Consumer Reports (Microwaves, Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2020, pp. GE also makes a slightly larger and more expensive model, the JVM7195, which is otherwise similar to the JVM6175. Design It has a modern, stylish contemporary design that will be a great addition to any kitchen. GE JNM3163RJSS Over the Range (Best convection microwave over the range 2020) Sharp Over The Range Microwave Oven (Best convection microwave over the range 2020) LG LMHM2237BD Microwave Oven (Best convection microwave over the range 2020) Whoever hooked up the microwave may not have aligned the vents correctly, or forgot to set it to the recirculation mode, so that the microwave overheated and burned itself out. It also offers a contemporary look and feel. The Magic Chef MCO165UW is usually the cheapest OTR microwave you can get, but it also has the lowest average user rating we’ve seen in the category. When it comes to choosing one of the best over-the-range microwaves, you’ll notice the fan speed and capacity can vary. Black+Decker 1.6-Cu.Ft Over-the-Range Microwave - Stainless Steel (EM044KIN-P) by BLACK+DECKER. You will receive a verification email shortly. But it also has a lower average user rating than the rest. The Samsung ME16K3000AS is one of the cheaper over-the-range microwaves we’ve reviewed. A safety long is a handy extra and you’ll also have the ability to turn off the turntable. Fingerprint-resistant black stainless: JVM6175BLTS Its key feature is the “speed cook” allowing rapid food making when … That’ll stretch the capabilities of a basic 300 CFM over-the-range microwave. The GE JVM3160RFSS over-the-range microwave has some well-designed features and a two-speed fan. Our nod for best over the range microwave oven goes to the Whirlpool WMH53521H. This microwave convection oven uses fans to force air movement and heat up the full interior of the microwave to cook food inside out. 25 $249.99 $249.99 & FREE Shipping. While they’re not tiny like the best compact microwaves, an OTR microwave is installed over your stove, freeing up precious bench space. Your installer might need to drill a few new holes to line up the new support bracket, vents, and power cord properly, but that’ll all be hidden behind the machine anyhow. The Whirlpool’s main downside is that it’s missing most of the express controls, though it does have an Add 30 Seconds button. Depending on your budget and choice of features you can pick the best over the range microwave from the above list. Over-the-range microwaves typically cost between $200 and $600. In a nutshell: Rest easy about microwave radiation, clean your microwave regularly, don’t slam the door, don’t run it empty, don’t run it with any metal utensils or foil inside, and don’t try to repair it at home. Like many Samsung appliances, it’s usually one of the cheaper major-name OTR microwaves you can get. (If you’re interested in the details, we think that, based on shipping records and side-by-side comparisons we’ve done, Midea makes Frigidaire and certain GE models; LG makes its own machines and certain GE models; ditto for Samsung. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, I’ve noticed that OTC microwaves tend to be pretty big compared to your average microwave. It comes in four different finishes: Stainless steel: WMH31017HS The GE JVM6175SKSS is another excellent over-the-range microwave that’s best of its class in the GE range of models. Get the best reviews, product advice, news and more! Like the GE JVM6175, it evenly heats its entire turntable, with minimal hot and cold spots, and has a great cooktop light, with a bright high setting and a night-light-appropriate half-power setting. It’s weight and size makes it easy to install over the range. In terms of features on offer with this ZLINE microwave, there are presets for snacks, popcorn, and melting and you’ll also benefit from sensor cooking too. Modern designs are more efficient, sleek, and convenient than ever before. One notable higher-end model is the Whirlpool WML55011 (or any of the similar models made by Whirlpool Corp.), a low-profile OTR microwave. Most standard OTR microwaves have a fan speed of around 250 to 300 CFM, with some going as high as 400 CFM. New York, Even on a basic range, the two strongest burners alone use at least 30,000 BTU combined when they’re on full power. Over-the-range microwaves are all pretty similar to one another—and they’re not notably better than good countertop models. Take a look at this over-the-range-microwave by GE. An attractive design … If our pick is sold out or you just want to save some money, the Whirlpool WMH31017 is another solid over-the-range microwave. Nearly all OTR models have the same 30-inch width. It has a cooking power of 1100 watt that cooks your food a lot faster. Wirecutter is reader-supported. Other handy features include the energy-saving mode which turns off the display when not in use, and the controls on this over-the-range microwave are also placed along the bottom of the model, making them easy to access. It’s an expensive microwave, but it solves a unique problem. Over-the-Range. Based on what we know about how microwaves are built, these are all built in the same few factories as the cheaper models, most likely around the same core components. In terms of features on offer with this microwave, there isn’t sensor cooking, however, there is a warm power setting which will be handy when you want to keep food warm but aren’t quite ready to eat just yet. Where this microwave is lacking is the inability to switch off the turntable and there is no sensor cooking function either. But after looking into 80 different models, we think the GE JVW5301 is an affordable, attractive option to check out first. The GE JVM6175 has all of the most popular express-cooking buttons (such as Add 30 Seconds), a mute option, and a warm night-light setting for its cooktop light—none of which you’re guaranteed to find on lower-end models. Some brands used to make 36-inch OTR microwaves, but none of them are currently available, as far as we’ve seen.). We favor units that come with long and strong warranties, so your investment comes with the proper protection. This microwave convection over the range is a versatile oven with its 1.1 cu.ft. Details. View on Amazon. For microwaves, you will discover that in this model, which has space for … Seamless exterior, contemporary design, meticulous cooking controls, huge interior capacity, yet reasonably priced, the GE PVM9005SJSS is truly one of the best over the range microwave ovens on the market. It doesn’t have a night-light setting, its only express control is a not-very-useful Add Minute option, and it has a dead spot in the center of the microwave. You can’t turn off the turntable. What’s good about the GE JVM3160RFSS is that you can choose between two different fan speeds and two light settings too. ft, 1200W, Silver . It’s a solid alternative to the Whirlpool WMH31017, with more express controls but less-even heating, and roughly equal lighting and fan-noise characteristics. We looked for the models that move air the fastest and provide convenient features such as night lights and automatic venting. Panasonic U905265C Stainless Steel Microwave Oven, 1.2 cu. Samsung’s over-the-range microwave isn’t packed full of features, but it also doesn’t have a sky-high price point either. We’ve included our own over-the-range microwave reviews to bring you our top picks from reputable brands. Arrives: Tuesday, Feb 16 Details. When you turn to the microwave instead of the oven, you are likely in a hurry, so the ability to cook food quickly is important in this appliance. The Sharp R-1214 can smarten up your kitchen and make it more usable. Best Budget Over the Range Microwave. It might not have lots of fancy features, but it still offers 1000 watts of cooking power and its fan has a maximum CFM of 300 which is good. More expensive units usually have high-end features. The Whirlpool WML55011HS is our top choice for a low-profile, over-the-range microwave that saves space without minimizing function. Capacity (cubic feet): 1.6 | Fan speed (CFM): 300 | Sensor cooking: No. Warranty & support We thought about making ease of installation part of our decision, but we found that it doesn’t vary much from model to model, and most people will hire a professional to hang an OTR microwave anyway. OTR microwaves don’t take up any room on your counter, can create a seamless look in your kitchen, and stand in for a range hood or exhaust fan, helping to remove odors from your kitchen while you cook. Manufacturers recommend that you remove and clean the grease filters under the microwave monthly, and if it has a charcoal filter, every six months. After talking to kitchen experts about high-end ranges, we found that Wolf and Miele are the most-respected brands, while Monogram is great for the price. The best over-the-range microwaves are brilliant double-duty space savers that are the perfect appliance for anyone who hates clutter on their countertops. The LG LVM1762ST has a lower average user rating than most of the other models we tested, which is a mark against it. After testing dozens of models, we think Anova’s fast, accurate, and affordable Precision Cooker Nano is the best tool for sous vide cooking at home. The ventilation capability is similar to that of most budget-friendly range hoods, at around 300 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air movement on affordable models, and rarely surpassing 400 CFM even on higher-end models. ft. of cooking capacity, the microwave still manages to fit in a 30-inch wide cabinet cut-out. You can look into a countertop, wall-installed, or drawer microwave instead. In our tests, the JVM6175 was a little weak—it didn’t heat soup or potatoes to temperatures as high as with most of the other OTR models we tested. If our pick is sold out or you want to save a little money, the Whirlpool WMH31017 is also worth a look. It's an over-the-counter microwave that fits all standard-sized cabinets and doesn't require a … Insignia (Best Buy’s store brand) has a few OTR models. The microwaves themselves work fine—they are not significantly better or worse than countertop or built-in microwaves in terms of heating performance, reliability, or features. You won’t miss the ventilator, though, since this model features an exhaust fan rated for a surprising 400 CFM per minute. 10. It might not have lots of fancy features, but it still offers 1000 watts of cooking power and its fan has a maximum CFM of 300 which is good. It’s not particularly expensive, either. We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices. So the main differences are in the aesthetics and control panels. *At the time of publishing, the price was $260. Featuring a fine stainless steel door and silver wrap, this 1200 watt microwave from Panasonic is a convenient and stylish addition to your kitchen. Most people will get along just fine without any of those settings, and most won’t even miss any of them, aside from the express-cook options. We may test some higher-end models later. Microwaves used to be a luxury item, but today they’re a necessity in many households. Since most models move the same amount of air (300 to 400 CFM), we favored models with quieter fans. It is important to remember that most of the time cheap turns out to be expensive. But before going to the review of all our best-picked models, just get right into the list below. In our tests, the JVM6175 did the best job of evenly heating the entire turntable, with minimal hot and cold spots. Capacity (cubic feet): 2.2 | Fan speed (CFM): 400 | Sensor cooking: Yes. Cosmo COS-3016ORM1SS Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent Fan, Smart Sensor, Touch Presets, 1000W & 1.6 cu. Also less common is an option to switch the turntable off, which can help the microwave fit a larger dish (though the hot spots will be more extreme). Whirlpool is one of the most reliable over-the-range microwave brands in our latest reliability survey, with few CR members reporting breakages before five years of use. If you regularly use more power (especially if you have a higher-end range, which tends to have stronger burners), you’ll create more smoke than the microwave can clear, and the microwave handle can get uncomfortably hot to the touch, so a range hood is probably a better option. Best Over-the-Range Microwaves Café CVM721M2NS5 CR’s take: The snazzy Café CVM721M2NS5 has a recessed handle and hidden digital controls that run along the bottom of the microwave. $250 – $300 is the ideal range for these microwave ovens. We also looked for meaningful differences in heating performance based on some food-heating tests, which included making marshmallow heat maps to gauge evenness and hot spots, and checking soup temps to measure power. That could mean that there are real differences in reliability and longevity among brands—though we don’t have enough information to know what they are, unfortunately. That’s where Whirlpool makes OTR microwaves for all of its sub-brands, including Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid. The capacity is just 1.5 cubic … Even with these negative reviews, the overall user rating for the JVM6175 is among the best we’ve seen for over-the-range microwaves, with 4.4 out of 5 stars at Home Depot, … This guide builds on the work we did there, including interviews with industry experts. Although it’s missing some express options and a few other useful controls, this affordable Whirlpool performs well and runs a bit quieter than most over-the-range microwaves. The fan on the LG LMHM2237ST has four power levels to choose from and there are also three settings for the lights which shine down on the cooktop below. We think you can expect similar performance across the board, so if you find one of the other models on sale, or you prefer the look or certain options, you’ll still be getting a good microwave. One of the best things about these units is that they combine cooking capabilities with a vent hood to control smoke from the oven. The difference in performance is not significant enough to change our recommendation, and most people will just learn to adjust the cook times. Not many features. The JVM6175 also has some sensor-based reheat, defrost, and cook modes that some people find useful and that aren’t always included in affordable over-the-range microwaves. It’s a few inches shorter than anything else, fitting into spaces with lower-mounted cabinets. The support hardware is also always included. We also found that it heats a bit more evenly than most other OTR models we tested. Thank you for signing up to Top Ten Reviews. The LG LMHM2237ST over-the-range microwave has the largest capacity out of all the microwaves we reviewed at 2.2 cubic feet, making it great for large dishes and preparing family meals. The Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF has an in-built rack so that you cook more than one thing at the same time. There’s also no mute option, no turntable-off function, no sensor-based modes—the control panel isn’t as busy, in general. It’s missing some express controls (though it does have an Add 30 Seconds button, and More or Less buttons to adjust the run time by 10 seconds). The LG LMHM2237ST comes with a one-year warranty covering parts and labor, but a 10-year warranty on the microwave’s magnetron. After testing dozens of robot vacuums, he is neither worried about AI nor holding his breath for self-driving cars. It has way fewer control options than the GE, lacking quick-start shortcuts on the number pad as well as sensor-cook settings. © 2021 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, major power differences from unit to unit among the same model. And you’ll need a buddy to help you lift the microwave into place. GE JVM3160DFCC Over-The-Range Microwave Oven © Even with these negative reviews, the overall user rating for the JVM6175 is among the best we’ve seen for over-the-range microwaves, with 4.4 out of 5 stars at Home Depot, based on more than 4,500 reviews dating as far back as 2016.