If you’re searching for the best 15-inch-high over-the-range microwave, check the height carefully: the over-the-range models in this roundup are about 16.1 to 16.4 inches tall, rather than 15 inches. They also vary in capacity, controls, finish, and ventilation features, so measure your cabinet space and compare the listed dimensions before choosing. Our picks include four over-the-range models and one countertop option, which is included as an alternative—not as a direct replacement for a range hood.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Capacity | Cooking power | Listed dimensions (H × W × D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | Over-the-range | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 16.12 × 29.87 × 15.56 in. |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave, Black | Over-the-range | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 16.4 × 29.9 × 13.9 in. |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave, White | Over-the-range | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 16.4 × 29.9 × 13.9 in. |
| GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave | Countertop | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1,150W | 12.87 × 21.75 × 17.75 in. |
| Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | Over-the-range | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 16.4 × 29.9 × 13.5 in. |
Our Picks: Best 15 Inch High Over The Range Microwave reviews
GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: A straightforward stainless steel pick
This GE combines a microwave with a two-speed range-hood fan, saving counter space while adding basic ventilation above the stove. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000W cooking output suit everyday tasks such as reheating meals and preparing quick snacks. The stainless steel finish can work well in kitchens with matching appliances.
Convenience features include one-touch express cooking, four preset cook settings, 10 power levels, and a turntable that can be switched off for larger or awkwardly shaped dishes. The 300-CFM fan and replaceable charcoal filter are useful details, particularly if you need odor reduction. The listed height is about 16.1 inches, so it is among the shorter over-the-range options here, but it still does not meet a strict 15-inch height limit.
Some owners describe installation as manageable when replacing a similar unit, while others have found that mounting holes or hardware do not line up with an older microwave. Treat installation as a fresh fit check rather than assuming your existing setup will match. The supplied information also notes a 12.75-inch turntable, which is smaller than the turntables in the other 1.7-cubic-foot over-the-range choices.
Pros:
- Stainless steel finish and space-saving over-the-range design
- 300-CFM, two-speed ventilation with a replaceable charcoal filter
- Turntable-off option and 10 power levels
- At about 16.1 inches tall, the shortest listed OTR option here
Cons:
- At 1.6 cu. ft., it has less capacity than the 1.7-cu.-ft. OTR models
- Existing mounting holes and hardware may not match
Verdict: Choose this GE if you want a familiar stainless steel OTR design, useful basic controls, and a slightly shorter listed height than the other over-the-range picks.
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave in Black: More room and simple menus
This BLACK+DECKER offers 1.7 cubic feet of interior space and 1,000W of cooking power in a black finish. It is a practical size for households that want room for regular dishes without moving to a larger-capacity appliance. The 12.4-inch turntable and six quick menus cover common tasks like popcorn, potatoes, beverages, reheating, and defrosting.
The model has 10 power levels, multi-stage cooking, and one-to-three-minute express cooking. A two-speed fan rated at 300 CFM and an integrated cooktop light add range-hood functions. Its listed height is 16.4 inches, so check the cabinet clearance carefully if your search for a 15-inch-high model reflects a strict space limit.
Everyday-use accounts point to straightforward controls and quick heating as useful strengths. One possible adjustment is the end-of-cycle behavior: a user noted that the appliance’s programmed shutoff timing took some getting used to. The product listing identifies a one-year warranty; check the current listing and included instructions for full terms and installation details.
Pros:
- Spacious 1.7-cu.-ft. capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable
- Six quick menus and 10 power levels
- 300-CFM, two-speed fan and cooktop light
- Black finish for kitchens where a dark appliance suits the decor
Cons:
- At 16.4 inches tall, it is not a fit for a strict 15-inch opening
- Its end-of-cycle behavior may take some users time to learn
Verdict: This is a good option if you want a larger interior and black finish, and your cabinet space can accommodate its listed 16.4-inch height.
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave in White: A light-finish alternative
This white-finish version shares the main specifications of the black BLACK+DECKER model: 1.7 cubic feet of capacity, 1,000W output, a 12.4-inch turntable, and a 300-CFM, two-speed vent fan. It also has an integrated cooktop light, 10 power levels, six quick menus, and multi-stage cooking. The lighter finish may suit a kitchen where a black or stainless steel appliance would feel out of place.
The quick menus cover everyday food and drink tasks, while the express-cook number keys provide a fast way to begin cooking at full power. The listing gives the same dimensions as the black version: 16.4 inches high, 29.9 inches wide, and 13.9 inches deep. That makes measuring especially important if you are looking for a microwave close to 15 inches tall.
Information supplied for this model suggests it is designed for simple daily use, with familiar one-touch cooking options. As with the black version, allow time to understand the controls and confirm the installation requirements before ordering. The product information lists a one-year warranty, but read the listing for its current terms.
Pros:
- 1.7-cu.-ft. capacity and 1,000W cooking output
- Six quick menus, multi-stage cooking, and 10 power levels
- 300-CFM fan with two speeds and an integrated light
- White finish offers an alternative to black or stainless steel
Cons:
- Its listed height is 16.4 inches, not 15 inches
- Has a smaller 12.4-inch turntable than some larger models
Verdict: Pick this version if you want the BLACK+DECKER feature set in white and have enough clearance for its listed height.
GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave: A stronger alternative if you do not need OTR ventilation
This GE is a countertop microwave, not an over-the-range appliance. It does not include the range-top ventilation function described for the OTR models, so it is not a direct substitute if your kitchen needs a microwave mounted above the stove. It is included as an alternative for shoppers who have counter space or are comparing microwave cooking capacity rather than hood features.
The model has a 1.6-cubic-foot capacity and 1,150W of cooking power, the highest listed output among the products in this roundup. Its sensor cooking controls monitor moisture and adjust cooking time, while one-touch settings and eight convenience cook settings offer quick options. It also provides manual and automatic defrost modes, 10 power levels, and a 13.63-inch turntable.
Its countertop placement can make installation simpler than mounting an OTR microwave, but it needs room to breathe. The product details call for 3 inches of clearance on each side and above, 1 inch at the rear, and an unobstructed bottom. Measure your available counter area and leave the required airflow space before deciding if it will fit.
Pros:
- 1,150W cooking output and 1.6-cu.-ft. capacity
- Sensor cooking adjusts time based on moisture
- Manual and automatic defrost options
- No above-stove mounting is needed
Cons:
- It is not an over-the-range microwave and has no listed range-hood fan
- Requires clear counter space and airflow clearance
Verdict: Consider this GE only if a countertop model meets your needs; choose one of the OTR options if you need a microwave and ventilation above your stove.
Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: The most auto-menu options
Midea’s stainless steel OTR microwave provides 1.7 cubic feet of capacity and 1,000W of cooking power. Its 18 auto menus are the standout feature, with options for foods such as popcorn, pizza, rice, and potatoes, plus defrost and softening functions. If you like preset cooking choices, it offers more menu options than the BLACK+DECKER models in this roundup.
The microwave also has 10 power levels, a 12.4-inch turntable, and a 300-CFM fan with adjustable speeds. A cooktop light is included. Its listed height is 16.4 inches, so it is not suitable for a true 15-inch-high space without confirming the required installation clearances and dimensions.
Some owners describe installation as straightforward when using the included instructions and template. Others mention that the fan can be loud and the lighting could be brighter. One practical control detail to note: pressing a number key alone may not start a short cook cycle as you expect, so check the manual to learn the preferred quick-start method.
Pros:
- 18 auto menus for a wide range of common foods
- 1.7-cu.-ft. capacity and 1,000W output
- 300-CFM ventilation with adjustable fan speeds
- Stainless steel finish and included installation template
Cons:
- Listed height is 16.4 inches, not 15 inches
- Fan noise and light brightness may not suit every kitchen
Verdict: Choose the Midea if you want a stainless steel OTR microwave with a generous set of preset menus and can accommodate its 16.4-inch listed height.
How to Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave
Measure the opening, not just the appliance
Height matters, but it is only one part of the fit. Measure the available height, width, and depth, and compare those numbers with the product dimensions and installation instructions. The OTR models here range from about 16.1 to 16.4 inches tall and are close to 30 inches wide. Do not assume a microwave described as “15-inch high” will fit just because its height is close; required clearances and the mounting setup also matter.
Confirm that you need an OTR model
An over-the-range microwave is designed to mount above the stove and combine cooking with ventilation. A countertop microwave, like the GE included in this roundup, is a different appliance type and does not offer the listed OTR fan function. If you are replacing an existing hood or microwave, make sure the new unit suits your kitchen layout and installation needs.
Choose capacity and turntable size for your dishes
Capacity gives you a general sense of interior room, while the turntable diameter helps show whether your usual plates and containers can rotate inside. The OTR choices here offer 1.6 or 1.7 cubic feet, with turntables listed between 12.4 and 12.75 inches. Consider the size and shape of the dishes you use most, especially if you often heat large platters.
Compare cooking power and controls
The OTR models listed here provide 1,000W of cooking power, while the countertop GE lists 1,150W. Power is only one factor in daily convenience. Look at the available power levels, express cooking, defrost functions, sensor cooking, and auto menus to decide which controls match the way you cook.
Check ventilation details
Compare fan capacity, speed settings, filters, and lighting. The OTR models in this selection list fans rated at 300 CFM, and some specify two speeds or adjustable speeds. The GE OTR model also lists a replaceable charcoal filter. Read each product’s installation details to confirm that its ventilation arrangement works for your kitchen.
Think about finish and everyday usability
Choose a finish that fits your kitchen and is easy for you to keep clean. These options include stainless steel, black, and white. Controls and sounds matter, too: preset menus can save steps, while an unfamiliar end-of-cycle or quick-start behavior may take time to learn. Check the manual and product details before buying if you prefer simple, direct controls.
Review installation and warranty information
Replacing an older OTR microwave does not guarantee that the new unit will line up with existing mounting holes or hardware. Check what is included, review the installation template and instructions, and consider getting help if you are not comfortable mounting an appliance above a stove. Warranty coverage can vary, so confirm the current terms on the product listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any of these over-the-range microwaves exactly 15 inches high?
No. The listed over-the-range models are about 16.1 to 16.4 inches tall. If your space has a strict 15-inch height limit, check the manufacturer’s installation requirements and look for a model that fits those dimensions before ordering.
Which pick is the shortest over-the-range microwave in this roundup?
The GE 1.6-cu.-ft. OTR microwave has the shortest listed height at about 16.1 inches. It is still taller than 15 inches, so confirm that it fits your available space.
Which OTR microwave has the most preset cooking menus?
The Midea lists 18 auto menus, including options for foods such as popcorn, pizza, rice, and potatoes. The BLACK+DECKER models list six quick menus, while the GE OTR model lists four convenience cook settings.
Do all of these products include a range-hood fan?
No. The GE countertop microwave is not an OTR appliance and does not list an over-the-range ventilation fan. The other four products are OTR models and list ventilation features.
Will a new over-the-range microwave fit my old mounting holes?
Not necessarily. Even when a new microwave is replacing a similar model, mounting holes and hardware may differ. Check the installation instructions and template for the exact unit rather than assuming the old setup will fit.
What does CFM mean when comparing microwave fans?
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute and describes the fan’s airflow rating. The OTR models here list 300-CFM ventilation. Fan speeds and installation details can also affect how the ventilation works in your kitchen.
Which microwave should I choose if I need a true 15-inch-high model?
None of the listed OTR models is 15 inches tall. Measure your opening, account for the required clearances, and look for an over-the-range model whose verified dimensions meet your space requirements.
Final Recommendation
For a stainless steel over-the-range model with useful ventilation and a comparatively shorter listed height, the GE 1.6-cu.-ft. microwave is the leading option in this group. The Midea stands out for its larger set of auto menus, while the BLACK+DECKER models offer a 1.7-cu.-ft. interior in black or white. The GE countertop model is worth considering only if you do not need an OTR microwave and hood combination. Most important, none of these over-the-range picks is actually 15 inches high, so measure your space and verify installation requirements before you buy.
