Does your kitchen feel a little cramped? Maybe you dream of more counter space for tasty creations. Over the Range (OTR) microwaves can be a real game-changer for kitchens of all sizes. They tuck neatly above your stove, saving precious room below. But choosing the right one? That can feel like a maze!
You need to think about size, power, and features. Will it fit perfectly? Does it vent smoke well? Many people feel overwhelmed by all the choices and technical terms. Getting it wrong means a microwave that looks awkward or doesn’t work right.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know before buying an OTR microwave. You will learn the key features that matter most for your cooking needs and space.
Ready to find the perfect microwave that blends function and style? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Over The Range microwaves!
Top Over The Range Microwaves Recommendations
- Large Capacity: 15.4"D x 29.9"W x 16.4"H. Featuring a spacious interior, this 1.7 cubic feet microwave oven includes a 12.4-inch turntable and will serve as your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With aa 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: For quick action, press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for using the 100% power level at 1-3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by cooking with 90% microwave power for 10 minutes and then cooking with 50% power for 5 minutes in one time setting.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
- Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, vegetable, pizza, snack, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and frozen breakfast..Rated Voltage : 120V - 60Hz
- 1000 Watts with ten power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking and child lock.
- Cooktop LED lighting that offers a clear and bright vision for your meals on cooktop.
- Two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system.
- Turntable On/Off function allows you to cook large dishes.
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus, and you can make popcorn, pizza, defrost, soften cream cheese, rice, potato, and so on. Feel free to create delicious dishes efficiently and easily.
- 1.7 cu.ft capacity with 12.5 inch turntable can easily hold your big rotisserie chicken and 12 inches pizza.
- 10-level power settings satisfy your different heating needs. (With 1000W outcome power)
- CFM 300 strong suction power with adjustable fan speeds, effectively removes the unpleasant fumes and odor.
- Bright cooktop light to serve your cooking with a clear view.
- GE USA AUTHORIZED - Includes 2 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL
- Charcoal filter replacement for microwaves with behind the door grille | 1.6 cu. ft. capacity | Convenience cooking | controls | Dimensions: 13"D x 16"W x 9"H
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel
- 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan
- Large Capacity: 15.4"D x 29.9"W x 16.4"H. Featuring a spacious interior, this 1.7 cubic feet microwave oven includes a 12.4-inch turntable and will serve as your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With aa 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: For quick action, press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for using the 100% power level at 1-3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by cooking with 90% microwave power for 10 minutes and then cooking with 50% power for 5 minutes in one time setting.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
- GE USA AUTHORIZED - Includes 2 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL Manufacturer Protection
- 1.6 cu. ft. capacity - 1000 Watts (IEC-705 test procedure)
- Two-speed, 300-CFM venting system - Removes smoke, steam and odors
- Turntable On/Off - Controls turntable operation
- Auto and time defrost - Defrosting times and power levels are programmed automatically or manually for optimal results
- Better cooktop visibility with LED lighting Make meal preparation and cooking simple with LED lighting that offers a clear, bright view of your cooktop.
- Interior LED Lighting LED interior microwave light stays on while your dish cooks.
- Fits-More Capacity Extra-Large microwave provides 1.8 cu. ft. of cooking space to accommodate larger cookware - even a 13" x 9" baking dish.
- One-Touch Cooking Options Our microwaves feature easy-to-use one-touch buttons so you can cook baked potatoes, popcorn or even add 30 seconds with the touch of a button.
- Zero-Clearance Door The microwave door opens to a 90° angle without touching any adjacent walls.
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: 1000W output and 1550W input for efficient, uniform cooking – ideal for active kitchens.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 1.7 cu. ft. capacity accommodates a range of dishes, from quick bites to large meals.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COOKING: Includes options for vegetables, snacks, auto cook, and a potato program for culinary flexibility.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: Intelligent time and weight defrost settings for effective thawing.
- RAPID COOKING FEATURES: Quick +30 seconds function and melt/soften options for everyday convenience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Over-The-Range Microwaves
Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves are fantastic kitchen helpers. They save counter space by fitting right above your stove. Choosing the best one requires knowing a few important things. This guide will help you pick the perfect microwave for your cooking needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Good OTR microwaves offer more than just heating food. Think about what features matter most in your busy kitchen.
Power and Capacity
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves between 900 and 1200 watts for quick results.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This measures how much food fits inside. Smaller families might need 1.5 cubic feet. Larger families should look for 2.0 cubic feet or more.
Ventilation Power
Since these microwaves sit above your range, they need strong fans to pull out smoke and steam.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This number shows the fan’s strength. Higher CFM (around 300-400) means better ventilation.
- Venting Options: Check if the microwave can be vented outside (better) or if it only recirculates air back into the kitchen (ductless).
Convenience Features
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time based on the steam coming off your food. It prevents overcooking.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: Non-stick interiors make wiping up spills much simpler.
2. Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your microwave lasts and how it looks.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This is very popular. It looks modern and resists rust well. Fingerprint-resistant coatings are a huge bonus!
- Black or White Enamel: These are classic and often cost less. They are easy to wipe clean but might show scratches more easily than stainless steel.
Interior Construction
The inside should handle heat and splatters.
- Painted Steel: Common and durable.
- Ceramic or Porcelain Enamel: These interiors are smoother, making them easier to clean when food splashes.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all microwaves are built the same. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Boosters
- Sturdy Door Hinges: A microwave door that feels solid when you open and close it usually lasts longer.
- Inverter Technology: This technology delivers consistent, even power, which cooks food more evenly than traditional methods.
Quality Reducers
- Flimsy Buttons: If the control panel feels cheap or mushy, the electronics might fail sooner.
- Weak Lighting: Bright LED lights under the microwave make seeing your stovetop easier. Dim lighting is a small but annoying quality issue.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you actually use your kitchen.
For Busy Families
If you reheat leftovers often, prioritize quick start buttons and sensor reheating. A large capacity helps when preparing big meals.
For Serious Cooks
If you use the stovetop a lot, the ventilation power (high CFM) is your most important factor. You need good smoke removal. Also, look for clear, easy-to-read controls for precise timing.
Remember, the best OTR microwave fits your space, matches your cooking style, and offers the right balance of power and convenience features.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Over-The-Range Microwaves
Q: What is the standard size for an OTR microwave?
A: Most OTR microwaves are 30 inches wide. This size fits perfectly over standard kitchen ranges. Always measure your space before buying!
Q: Do I need professional installation for an OTR microwave?
A: Installation involves mounting the unit securely and connecting it to the electrical outlet. If you need to connect it to ductwork for external venting, professional help is often recommended. Otherwise, many handy homeowners can manage the basic install.
Q: What is the difference between ducted and ductless venting?
A: Ducted (or externally vented) pulls smoke and steam out of your house through a vent pipe. Ductless (or recirculating) pulls air through a filter and blows the cleaned air back into the kitchen. Ducted is much more effective.
Q: How much louder are OTR microwaves when the fan is on high?
A: Fan noise varies greatly. Microwaves with higher CFM ratings are often louder. Check reviews specifically for comments about fan noise if silence is important to you.
Q: Can I use the stovetop light without turning on the fan?
A: Yes, almost all models allow you to turn on the light underneath the microwave separately from the ventilation fan.
Q: How high above the cooktop should the microwave be mounted?
A: The general rule is that the bottom of the microwave should be 54 to 66 inches above the cooking surface. Check your specific model’s manual for exact measurements.
Q: What is the purpose of the “Add 30 Seconds” button?
A: This button is a quick starter. Pressing it instantly starts the microwave for 30 seconds at full power. It is great for quickly heating drinks or finishing food.
Q: Are fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finishes worth the extra cost?
A: If you have kids or cook frequently, yes. These finishes dramatically reduce the need for constant wiping and polishing.
Q: What happens if my new microwave doesn’t match my existing range hood space?
A: You must measure carefully. If the new microwave is wider or taller than the old space, it will not fit properly and might look awkward or block cabinets.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of an OTR microwave?
A: With regular use and cleaning, most OTR microwaves last between 8 and 12 years. Good maintenance, especially keeping the filters clean, helps them last longer.