If you’re searching for the best 12-inch-high over-the-range microwave, check the listed height carefully: a slim design can free up more space above your cooktop, but none of the five models below is exactly 12 inches tall. The COSMO is the closest, at 10.3 inches high; the other options are about 15 to 16.4 inches high. Compare the full dimensions—not just capacity—before choosing a replacement, and confirm that your cabinet, mounting space, and vent setup are compatible.
Our shortlist includes one slim-profile model and four taller alternatives with more interior capacity. The right choice depends on whether you value clearance, a larger cooking space, stronger stated ventilation, or simple everyday controls.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Capacity | Listed height | Cooking power | Ventilation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel | 1.7 cu. ft. | 16.4 in. | 1,000 watts | 300 CFM, 2 speeds |
| COSMO Slim 1.2 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range | 1.2 cu. ft. | 10.3 in. | 1,000 watts | Vent fan included; CFM not stated |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.9 Cu. Ft. 400 CFM | 1.9 cu. ft. | 16.4 in.* | 1,000 watts | 400 CFM, 2 speeds |
| Kenmore 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range | 1.7 cu. ft. | 15.8 in. | 1,000 watts | 300 CFM, 2 speeds |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Black | 1.7 cu. ft. | 16.4 in. | 1,000 watts | 300 CFM, 2 speeds |
*The product information gives different depth and height figures in separate sections. Confirm the dimensions with the manufacturer or installation instructions before ordering.
Our Picks: Best 12 Inch High Over The Range Microwave reviews
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel: A Practical Everyday Option
This stainless steel BLACK+DECKER is a standard-height over-the-range microwave, not a slim 12-inch model. It measures 16.4 inches high and offers a 1.7-cubic-foot interior with a 12.4-inch turntable. Its 1,000-watt output and 10 power levels suit routine tasks such as reheating meals, defrosting food, and warming drinks.
Six quick menus cover common jobs, including popcorn, beverages, reheating, and defrosting. The microwave also supports multi-stage cooking, so you can program two power levels in one sequence. Its two-speed, 300-CFM fan and cooktop light add useful range-area functions, though the listed airflow is lower than the 400-CFM BLACK+DECKER option below.
People using this model for everyday meals may appreciate its straightforward controls and familiar capacity. Some users find the settings take a little getting used to, so give yourself time to learn the control behavior. At 16.4 inches high, it is not the pick for a tight vertical opening.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot capacity for everyday dishes
- 1,000 watts and 10 power levels
- Two-speed, 300-CFM vent fan with cooktop light
- Quick menus and multi-stage cooking
Cons:
- Its 16.4-inch height is not suited to a slim installation
- Ventilation airflow is lower than the 400-CFM model in this list
Verdict: Choose this BLACK+DECKER if you want a conventional-height microwave with useful presets and a 300-CFM fan, rather than a genuinely low-profile design.
COSMO Slim 1.2 Cu. Ft.: The Closest Match for Low-Clearance Spaces
The COSMO is the standout choice when height is your main concern. Its listed exterior dimensions are 30 inches wide by 18.5 inches deep by just 10.3 inches high, making it the shortest model here. The trade-off is a smaller 1.2-cubic-foot interior, so it gives up space compared with the 1.7- and 1.9-cubic-foot alternatives.
It provides 1,000 watts, 11 power levels, and seven automatic cooking options. Sensor cooking and sensor reheating are designed to adjust the cooking process based on the food’s heat, while timed and weight-based defrost options add flexibility. The product information also lists LED lighting and a vent fan, but does not specify the fan’s CFM rating.
This is the most relevant option if you are trying to gain clearance above the range or want a shallower-looking profile. Check the 18.5-inch depth against your cabinetry, and make sure the smaller cooking cavity works for your usual plates and cookware. The listed product title identifies a black finish, while its product information also references stainless steel materials, so confirm the finish shown on the current product page before buying.
Pros:
- 10.3-inch height is the shortest in this group
- 1,000 watts with 11 power levels
- Sensor cooking and sensor reheating are included
- Seven automatic cooking options and timed or weight defrost
Cons:
- 1.2-cubic-foot capacity is smaller than the other picks
- Listed ventilation CFM is not provided
Verdict: If low height matters more than maximum capacity, the COSMO is the clearest fit in this roundup; measure your space and verify the finish and vent details before ordering.
BLACK+DECKER 1.9 Cu. Ft.: More Room and a Stronger Listed Fan
This BLACK+DECKER model is for shoppers who want a larger cooking cavity and more stated airflow, not a short microwave. Its 1.9-cubic-foot capacity is the largest among these five picks. It runs at 1,000 watts and has 10 power settings, a turntable-off function for larger dishes, and a two-speed vent fan rated at 400 CFM.
Nine pre-programmed menus cover foods such as vegetables, pizza, rice, and frozen meals. The unit also includes cooktop LED lighting, a child lock, and a 13.6-inch turntable. Those features make it a more flexible choice for households that use the microwave for larger plates or frequent cooking.
There is an important sizing caveat: the product description lists dimensions of 29.9 by 13.9 by 16.4 inches, while the technical details list 16.41 inches deep and 15.41 inches high. Treat those figures as inconsistent and confirm the exact installation dimensions before purchase. Either listed height is well above 12 inches, so this is not a slim-profile substitute.
Pros:
- Largest listed capacity at 1.9 cubic feet
- 400-CFM fan with two speeds
- Turntable can be switched off for larger dishes
- Multiple auto menus and cooktop LED lighting
Cons:
- Not designed for a low-clearance, 12-inch-high opening
- Published dimensions differ between product information sections
Verdict: Pick this model if interior room and the listed 400-CFM fan matter more than a slim height, but verify its dimensions before planning installation.
Kenmore 1.7 Cu. Ft.: A Simple Option with Everyday Ventilation
The black Kenmore offers a 1.7-cubic-foot interior, 1,000 watts of cooking power, and a listed height of 15.8 inches. Its two-speed, 300-CFM fan and three-way venting give you ventilation options for different kitchen layouts. The product information also lists interior and cooktop lighting, carbon air and grease filters, and a child safety lock.
Eleven power levels and six preset options cover basic cooking tasks such as defrosting, reheating, melting, and softening. The listed dimensions are 16.5 inches deep, 29.9 inches wide, and 15.8 inches high. One detail needs checking: the product description says the turntable is 12.4 inches, while the specification section lists 8.46 inches. Verify that measurement if turntable size is important to you.
Some users report that this model was a convenient replacement for an existing Kenmore unit and describe setup and everyday operation as straightforward. Still, its 15.8-inch height means it is not the right choice when you need a true slimline design. It is a reasonable standard-height pick if you want black styling and flexible venting.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000 watts
- 300-CFM fan with two speeds and three-way venting
- Six presets, 11 power levels, and child safety lock
- Interior and cooktop lighting are listed
Cons:
- 15.8-inch height is not a slim-profile design
- Turntable diameter differs across the supplied specifications
Verdict: Consider the Kenmore if you need a conventional-height black microwave with flexible venting, but confirm the turntable size and installation fit first.
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Black: Matching Capacity in a Dark Finish
This black-finish BLACK+DECKER shares many core specifications with the stainless steel 1.7-cubic-foot model. It measures 29.9 inches wide by 13.9 inches deep by 16.4 inches high, with a 12.4-inch turntable. Its 1,000-watt output, 10 power levels, and 300-CFM two-speed fan suit everyday reheating and cooking.
The six quick menus include options such as popcorn, potato, beverage, melt or soften, reheating, and defrosting. Like the stainless version, it supports multi-stage cooking and has a child safety lock. The main practical distinction is its black appearance, which may better suit a darker appliance set or kitchen design; it does not offer the short height needed for a low-clearance installation.
Some users find the controls easy to use and say it heats food quickly. Others may need time to understand how a setting behaves, so consider whether simple one-touch operation is important to you. Because the supplied information gives the same key capacity and ventilation figures as the stainless model, choose between these two mainly by finish and dimensional fit.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot capacity with 1,000 watts
- 300-CFM fan with two speeds and a cooktop light
- Six quick menus and 10 power levels
- Black finish for kitchens where stainless steel is not preferred
Cons:
- 16.4-inch height does not meet a 12-inch-high target
- Its listed 300-CFM airflow is lower than the 400-CFM alternative
Verdict: Choose this version if you want the familiar 1.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER feature set in black and have enough room for a standard-height microwave.
How to Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave for a Low-Clearance Space
Measure the opening, not just the old microwave
Measure the width, depth, and height of the space, then compare those figures with the manufacturer’s installation dimensions. Include room for the mounting plate, cabinet overhang, and any vent connection. This matters especially with the BLACK+DECKER 1.9-cubic-foot model, whose supplied dimension sections do not match. If you are replacing an existing microwave, do not assume that a similar capacity means it will fit the same opening.
Understand what “12 inches high” means for your kitchen
Over-the-range microwaves can be much taller than a compact countertop unit. In this group, the COSMO is the closest to a 12-inch target at 10.3 inches high. The other listed heights range from 15.8 to 16.4 inches, so check the space above the cooktop and the clearance requirements for your range. Follow the appliance and range installation instructions rather than relying on a product title or a rough measurement.
Balance interior capacity with exterior height
A slim body often means less room inside. The COSMO has a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity, while the other choices range from 1.7 to 1.9 cubic feet. Think about the plates, bowls, and cookware you use most. A larger cavity may be more convenient for family portions, but it will not solve a tight vertical-space problem.
Compare fan airflow and venting needs
Three models list fan ratings: both 1.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER options and the Kenmore are rated at 300 CFM, while the 1.9-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER is rated at 400 CFM. The COSMO includes a vent fan, but the supplied information does not give a CFM figure. Also check whether your kitchen needs an external exhaust connection or a recirculating setup, and confirm that the microwave supports your planned vent path.
Choose controls and cooking features you will use
Preset menus can speed up familiar tasks, while more power levels give you finer control over cooking. The COSMO adds sensor cooking and sensor reheating; the BLACK+DECKER models offer quick menus and multi-stage cooking; and the Kenmore lists 11 power levels and six presets. Focus on the functions that match your routine instead of choosing by the number of buttons alone.
Check lighting, filters, and installation details
Cooktop lighting helps you see the range below, and filters are part of the ventilation system. The supplied details list cooktop lights for both BLACK+DECKER 1.7-cubic-foot models and the larger BLACK+DECKER, as well as lighting for the COSMO and Kenmore. Before buying, review the current product information for included mounting hardware, filter type, vent compatibility, electrical requirements, and installation steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is any microwave in this list exactly 12 inches high?
No. The COSMO is listed at 10.3 inches high. The other models are listed between 15.8 and 16.4 inches high, though the 1.9-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER has conflicting dimensions in its supplied product information. Verify the exact height before purchase.
Which option is the shortest?
The COSMO slim over-the-range microwave is the shortest listed model at 10.3 inches high. It also has the smallest stated capacity at 1.2 cubic feet.
Which microwave has the largest capacity?
The BLACK+DECKER model with 400-CFM ventilation has the largest stated capacity, at 1.9 cubic feet. It is a standard-height model, not a slim alternative.
Which models list a 400-CFM vent fan?
Only the 1.9-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER lists a 400-CFM, two-speed fan. The two 1.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER models and the Kenmore list 300 CFM. The COSMO’s fan rating is not provided in the supplied details.
Are all five models 30 inches wide?
The supplied dimensions list the models as about 30 inches wide: 29.9 inches for the BLACK+DECKER 1.7-cubic-foot models and Kenmore, and 30 inches for the COSMO. The larger BLACK+DECKER is listed at 29.9 inches wide in its description. Measure your cabinet opening and confirm the current installation specifications.
Should I replace an over-the-range microwave myself?
Installation depends on the unit, vent path, mounting setup, and your experience with electrical and appliance work. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and consider a qualified installer if you are unsure about mounting, wiring, or ventilation.
Conclusion
For a genuinely low-profile search, the COSMO is the closest match in this group, with a listed height of 10.3 inches and a smaller 1.2-cubic-foot interior. If you have room for a standard-height unit, the 1.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER models offer everyday cooking features, while the 1.9-cubic-foot version prioritizes capacity and lists the strongest fan airflow. Measure your installation space and verify any conflicting specifications before you buy.
