Finding the best over-the-range microwave for the money means balancing cooking capacity, ventilation, useful controls, and a fit that works with your kitchen. The BLACK+DECKER and Kenmore models below are over-the-range units; the other two products are countertop appliances, so they are not direct replacements for an over-the-range microwave. Compare the installation type and dimensions before you choose.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Capacity and power | Standout feature | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. OTR Microwave | Over-the-range | 1.7 cu. ft.; 1,000W | 300 CFM fan and one-touch menus | Everyday cooking and reheating |
| Kenmore 1.7 Cu. Ft. OTR Microwave | Over-the-range | 1.7 cu. ft.; 1,000W | 300 CFM fan and three-way venting | Shoppers who want flexible ventilation |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.9 Cu. Ft. OTR Microwave | Over-the-range | 1.9 cu. ft.; 1,000W | 400 CFM fan and turntable-off option | Larger dishes and stronger venting |
| TOSHIBA OptiChef Basic Microwave Air Fryer | Countertop | 0.9 cu. ft.; 900W microwave power | Microwave, air fry, convection, and broil | Small kitchens needing a multi-use appliance |
| GE 1.4 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave | Countertop | 1.4 cu. ft.; 1,100W | Sensor cooking and weight defrost | Countertop use and simple reheating |
Our Picks: Best Over The Range Microwave For The Money reviews
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft.: A Practical Everyday OTR Pick
This BLACK+DECKER is a straightforward over-the-range model with a 1.7-cubic-foot interior, 1,000 watts of cooking power, and a 300 CFM vent fan. Its listed dimensions are 29.9 inches wide, 13.2 inches deep, and 16.4 inches high. Measure your cabinet opening and installation area carefully before ordering.
Six quick menus cover common tasks such as popcorn, beverages, reheating, defrosting, and melting or softening. Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking add flexibility when a recipe calls for changing the power during one cooking cycle. The two-speed fan and built-in light also help it serve as a range-area appliance rather than just a microwave.
This is a good match for households that want familiar microwave functions without paying for a larger capacity or extra cooking modes. The 1.7-cubic-foot size should suit many everyday dishes, though it offers less room than the 1.9-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER below. The supplied product information lists a one-year warranty.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable
- Ten power levels and six quick-cook menus
- 300 CFM fan with two speeds and a cooktop light
- Multi-stage cooking supports changing power levels in one cycle
Cons:
- The 300 CFM fan is less powerful on paper than the 400 CFM option in the larger BLACK+DECKER model
- Check the stated dimensions against your cabinet and vent setup before purchase
Verdict: Choose this model if you want a capable, no-frills OTR microwave with useful everyday settings and a 300 CFM fan.
Kenmore 1.7 Cu. Ft.: Flexible Venting for Everyday Kitchens
The Kenmore is another 1.7-cubic-foot, 1,000-watt over-the-range option. It has a 300 CFM ventilation fan, two fan speeds, and three-way venting, which can make it worth considering if your kitchen layout calls for more than one exhaust direction. Its listed dimensions are 29.9 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep, and 15.8 inches high.
Simple controls and six preset cooking options aim to keep common tasks easy. The model also includes interior LED lighting, a cooktop light, carbon air and grease filters, and a child safety lock. Its stainless steel finish gives it a familiar look alongside many kitchen appliances.
There is one detail to confirm before buying: the supplied product information gives conflicting turntable measurements. The feature description lists a 12.4-inch turntable, while the specifications list 8.46 inches. Check the current listing or contact the seller if that measurement matters for your dishes. This model is best for shoppers who value its stated venting flexibility and are comfortable verifying the fit and specifications.
Pros:
- Three-way venting offers options for different kitchen layouts
- 300 CFM fan with two speeds
- Interior LED and cooktop lighting
- Includes child safety lock and grease and carbon air filters
Cons:
- The listed turntable size is inconsistent across the supplied product details
- Its 300 CFM fan has less stated airflow than the 400 CFM BLACK+DECKER model
Verdict: Consider the Kenmore if three-way venting suits your kitchen, but verify the turntable size and installation details before placing an order.
BLACK+DECKER 1.9 Cu. Ft.: More Room and a 400 CFM Fan
This larger BLACK+DECKER OTR microwave offers 1.9 cubic feet of capacity, 1,000 watts, and a two-speed 400 CFM vent fan. Its listed dimensions are about 29.9 inches wide, 13.9 inches deep, and 16.4 inches high. It also has a 13.6-inch turntable, with an option to turn the turntable off for dishes that need more room or do not rotate well.
Nine pre-programmed menus handle foods such as potatoes, vegetables, pizza, bacon, and frozen meals. Ten power settings, a 30-second express cook function, and a child lock round out the controls. Owners have described the controls as easy to use and the microwave as a convenient fit for everyday meals, though one owner found the timer behavior took some getting used to.
Compared with the 1.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER, this model gives you more interior space and a stronger stated fan. It is a sensible choice for larger plates, frequent cooking, or kitchens where ventilation capacity is a priority. Its bigger interior does not remove the need to check the cabinet opening and exhaust arrangement before installation.
Pros:
- 1.9-cubic-foot capacity and 13.6-inch turntable
- 400 CFM two-speed ventilation fan
- Turntable can be switched off for certain larger dishes
- Includes nine auto-cook menus, ten power levels, and cooktop LED lighting
Cons:
- At 57.4 pounds, it is heavier than the two 1.7-cubic-foot OTR options listed here
- Timer behavior may take some users a little time to learn
Verdict: Pick this model over the smaller OTR options if you will use the extra capacity and stronger stated ventilation.
TOSHIBA OptiChef Basic: A Compact Countertop Multi-Cooker
This TOSHIBA is a countertop appliance, not an over-the-range microwave. Its 0.9-cubic-foot interior is paired with microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, and combination cooking functions. The listed outside dimensions are 19.5 inches wide, 17.6 inches deep, and 11.5 inches high, making it a possible fit for a small counter or secondary kitchen setup.
The product information lists 900 watts of effective microwave cooking power, Origin Inverter technology, 27 one-touch auto menus, and 10 air-fry presets. It also includes a turntable, bake tray, and wire racks. Owners have noted that the microwave and air-fry functions are useful and that the appliance runs quietly, while its many cooking modes can take time to learn.
Because it does not mount above a range and has no listed range hood fan, it cannot take the place of an OTR microwave where cooktop ventilation is needed. It makes more sense if you want several cooking functions in one countertop unit and can spare the counter space.
Pros:
- Combines microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, and combination cooking
- Compact 0.9-cubic-foot interior for smaller spaces
- Includes multiple presets and cooking accessories
- Some owners find its operation quiet and its core functions useful
Cons:
- Countertop design is not a substitute for an over-the-range unit or range ventilation
- Learning the settings for less familiar functions may require consulting the manual
Verdict: Choose the TOSHIBA only if you want a compact countertop multi-cooker rather than an OTR microwave.
GE 1.4 Cu. Ft.: A Straightforward Countertop Option
The GE is another countertop model, so it is not a direct option if you need an appliance mounted above your range. It offers 1.4 cubic feet of capacity and 1,100 watts of cooking power, along with sensor cooking, weight and time defrost, and a rotating turntable. The listed dimensions are 21.5 inches deep, 18.39 inches wide, and 13.11 inches high.
Controls include one-touch instant start, number-pad express cooking, adjustable power levels, and a control lockout. Its two-step child lock can be turned off if you do not need it. Owners have found the controls easy to use and the size roomy, but the listed dimensions are worth checking against your counter space before ordering.
This is a practical choice for a countertop setup, pantry shelf, or other space that can support a freestanding microwave. It does not offer the built-in fan or cooktop light found on the three actual OTR models in this guide.
Pros:
- 1,100 watts of cooking power and 1.4-cubic-foot capacity
- Sensor cooking and weight-based defrost functions
- One-touch start and express cooking controls
- Child lock and control lockout provide options to prevent unintended use
Cons:
- Countertop installation means it does not provide over-range ventilation
- Its depth may require more counter space than expected
Verdict: Consider this GE for a countertop kitchen, but not as a replacement for an over-the-range microwave.
How to Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave
Confirm the Installation Type and Fit
Start by confirming that the model is designed for over-the-range installation. Measure the available width, height, and depth, and compare those numbers with the product specifications. Also consider the appliance’s weight and the mounting requirements. If you are replacing an existing microwave, do not assume the new model will fit simply because it has a similar capacity.
Match the Venting to Your Kitchen
Over-the-range microwaves can help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors, but fan ratings and vent arrangements differ. The models here list either 300 CFM or 400 CFM, and the Kenmore specifies three-way venting. Check how your kitchen currently vents and whether the unit needs to exhaust outdoors or recirculate air. Confirm that its vent setup is compatible before you buy.
Choose Capacity for Your Usual Dishes
A 1.7-cubic-foot interior suits many everyday cooking and reheating tasks, while the 1.9-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER offers more room for larger dishes. Capacity is only part of the fit: turntable diameter and interior layout also matter. Compare those measurements with the plates and cookware you use most often. For the Kenmore, confirm the turntable measurement because the supplied specifications conflict.
Consider Power and Cooking Controls
All three OTR options in this guide list 1,000 watts of microwave power. Preset menus can speed up common tasks, while adjustable power levels help with gentler heating and defrosting. If you often prepare food that needs different power settings at different stages, look for multi-stage cooking support, as offered by the 1.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER.
Think About Cooktop Lighting and Ease of Use
An over-the-range microwave also sits above your cooking surface, so its cooktop light and fan controls can matter as much as its microwave settings. Check whether the light and fan meet your needs and whether the controls feel clear enough for daily use. A model with more presets is not automatically easier to operate if you prefer simple manual controls.
Compare Value, Not Just the Feature List
A good value depends on the price you see at the time of purchase, the features you will actually use, and the cost or effort of installation. This guide does not assume a live price. Compare the current listing details for each model, including warranty information, included parts, venting, and dimensions. Avoid paying extra for capacity or cooking modes you do not need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best over-the-range microwave in this guide for everyday use?
The BLACK+DECKER 1.7-cubic-foot model is a balanced choice for routine reheating and cooking. It includes 1,000 watts of power, a 300 CFM fan, six quick menus, and multi-stage cooking. Your kitchen fit and ventilation needs should still guide the final choice.
Which listed OTR microwave has the strongest fan?
The BLACK+DECKER 1.9-cubic-foot model lists a 400 CFM fan. The other two over-the-range models list 300 CFM fans. The best fit also depends on your kitchen’s vent path and installation setup.
Are the TOSHIBA and GE models over-the-range microwaves?
No. Both are countertop appliances. The TOSHIBA is a microwave and cooking-function combo, while the GE is a conventional countertop microwave. Neither is listed with the range ventilation features of the OTR models.
How much space should I leave for an over-the-range microwave?
Follow the installation instructions for the exact model and measure your available cabinet and range area before ordering. Check width, height, depth, mounting needs, and vent compatibility. If you are unsure whether your space meets the installation requirements, ask a qualified installer.
Is a 300 CFM fan enough?
It depends on your cooking habits and how your kitchen is vented. The models here list 300 CFM or 400 CFM, but the fan rating alone does not confirm that the microwave will work with your duct or recirculation setup. Verify the installation requirements and vent path.
Which model is best for larger dishes?
The 1.9-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER has the largest listed capacity among the OTR options here, plus a 13.6-inch turntable that can be turned off. Check your cookware dimensions to make sure it will fit comfortably.
Final Recommendation
For a practical everyday over-the-range choice, start with the BLACK+DECKER 1.7-cubic-foot model. Choose the larger BLACK+DECKER if extra interior space and its listed 400 CFM fan are priorities. The Kenmore may suit kitchens that need its three-way venting, but confirm the turntable specification before ordering. The TOSHIBA and GE are countertop products, not OTR substitutes. Before you decide, compare current listing details with your kitchen measurements and ventilation setup.
