Choosing an over-the-range microwave is different from choosing a countertop model. It has to fit your cabinet space, vent properly above your cooktop, and handle daily cooking without making your kitchen feel cramped. Black finishes are popular because they hide fingerprints and blend with most modern appliance packages. This guide looks at five black over-the-range microwaves so you can compare their sizes, power levels, ventilation, and everyday features. Use it to find the model that fits your kitchen and your cooking habits.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Power | Ventilation | Stock Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave with Vent Fan | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1000W | 300 CFM, 2 speeds, with light | Listed as available |
| ThermoMate 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave Oven | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1000W, 10 power levels | 300 CFM, 2 speeds, LED light | Listed as available |
| Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, Black | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1000W output, 1550W input | Not specified in listing data | Currently unavailable |
| Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave, Black | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1000W | 300 CFM, 2 speeds, 3-way venting | Currently unavailable |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave with LED Display | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1000W | 300 CFM, 2 speeds | Listed as available |
Our Picks: Best Black Over The Range Microwave Oven reviews
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave With Strong Venting and Six Quick Menus
This BLACK+DECKER model is a full-size over-the-range unit with a 1.7 cubic foot interior and a 12.4-inch turntable. The listed exterior measures 29.9 inches wide, 16.4 inches tall, and 13.9 inches deep. That gives you enough room for a large dinner plate, a casserole dish, or a family-size bowl of leftovers. It runs at 1000 watts and offers 10 cooking levels, which gives you more control than basic models that only offer a few settings.
The control panel is built around quick actions. Pressing the number keys 1, 2, or 3 starts cooking at full power for one to three minutes, which is handy for reheating a cup of coffee or warming a plate. The multi-stage cooking feature is also useful. You can set one stage at 90 percent power and a second stage at 50 percent, so dense foods heat through without drying out the edges. The six quick menus, including popcorn, potato, beverage, melt or soften, reheat, and defrost, cover the most common tasks in a typical week.
The ventilation system is a strong point. The 300 CFM fan has two speeds and an integrated light. In everyday cooking, a fan of this rating can handle moderate frying and sautéing, though very heavy searing may still need a fan speed setting higher than what this unit provides. The built-in light helps you see the cooktop clearly, which matters when you are working with small pans or checking for doneness.
The listing copy describes this unit as stainless steel in some places, even though the title says black. Before you buy, confirm the exact finish on the product page so it matches the rest of your appliances. Many owners appreciate the blend of a large interior and a compact footprint, but the unit still needs careful measuring before installation. This model suits households that want a dependable all-around microwave with a fan that works well for daily cooking.
Pros:
- Large 1.7 cubic foot interior with a 12.4-inch turntable
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking for better control
- 300 CFM two-speed fan with a built-in light
- Six quick menus cover common everyday tasks
Cons:
- The listing mentions stainless steel in places, so the finish should be confirmed before buying
Verdict: This is a practical, well-equipped choice for most kitchens. It offers a generous interior, reliable power, and a fan that handles everyday cooking. If you want the most complete feature set in this group and your cabinet space matches its dimensions, this is the model to choose.
ThermoMate 30-Inch Over-the-Range Microwave With Ten Power Levels
The ThermoMate is a 30-inch over-the-range model with a 1.7 cubic foot capacity. The listed size is 29.92 by 15 by 16.42 inches. Its 1000-watt output comes with 10 power levels, which lets you move from gentle warming to full power with more precision than many basic units allow. The glass turntable is removable and rotates a full 360 degrees, which helps food heat more evenly, especially with plates that have thick centers.
Four auto-cook programs handle reheating, popcorn, baked potatoes, and beverages. These settings adjust power and time for you, so you do not need to guess. The one-touch buttons make it easy to start a common task quickly. A quick cook feature adds 30 seconds at a time, which is a simple way to finish a dish without resetting the whole cycle. The safety lock is useful in homes with young children who may press buttons out of curiosity.
Ventilation is rated at up to 300 CFM with two speeds. The LED lighting gives extra light over the stove, which makes it easier to check on food while you cook. The listing also highlights an easy-to-wipe interior. In everyday use, a smooth interior like this is valuable because microwave spills can harden quickly if left alone. Owners who cook often tend to appreciate a simple cleaning routine.
This model is a good fit for people who want a wide range of power settings and a slightly larger, more precise cooking experience. It is less focused on preset menus than the BLACK+DECKER model, so buyers who rely heavily on one-touch cooking may find the program list shorter. Measuring your opening is still important, since the 30-inch format needs to match your installation space.
Pros:
- Ten power levels give you finer control over heating
- Removable glass turntable rotates 360 degrees for more even heating
- Two-speed ventilation with LED light over the cooktop
- Safety lock and one-touch buttons make daily use simple
Cons:
- Only four auto-cook programs, which is fewer than some competing models
Verdict: The ThermoMate is a strong choice for cooks who value power control and a practical design. Its size, lighting, and easy-clean interior make it a sensible option for everyday meals. If you want precise heating settings more than a long list of presets, this model deserves a close look.
Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave With Time and Weight Defrost
The Farberware is a 1.7 cubic foot over-the-range microwave with a 1000-watt output. The listing also states a 1550-watt input, which is the power drawn from your home outlet. The unit is designed for steady, everyday heating, and its interior is large enough for common dishes and family-size portions. The model is marketed for active kitchens, where the microwave gets used several times a day.
Its feature set focuses on convenience. The listing mentions auto cook options for vegetables, snacks, and potatoes, along with a potato program. Time and weight defrost settings give you two ways to thaw food, which is useful if you want to match the setting to the size of a roast or a bag of vegetables. The quick plus-30-seconds button and the melt or soften setting cover the small adjustments that come up during cooking, such as softening butter or warming a sauce.
The listing data does not include details about the fan, so this review cannot judge the ventilation performance. Buyers who cook with strong odors or frequent high-heat methods should check the full product specifications before they buy. The product also appears as currently unavailable, so you may need to check back later or compare it with a model that is in stock.
For shoppers who want a straightforward microwave with dependable defrost options and common auto-cook programs, the Farberware has clear appeal. It is less detailed in its listing than the BLACK+DECKER and ThermoMate models, which makes it harder to compare on ventilation and dimensions. That gap is worth noting when you weigh your options.
Pros:
- 1000-watt output with a 1.7 cubic foot interior
- Time and weight defrost settings add flexibility
- Auto cook options for vegetables, snacks, and potatoes
- Quick plus-30-seconds and melt or soften functions for small tasks
Cons:
- Listing data does not clearly describe the ventilation system, and the model is currently unavailable
Verdict: The Farberware is a solid, simple microwave for people who want common cooking features and good defrost control. Its availability and missing ventilation details make it harder to recommend without more information. If it is in stock and you have confirmed the fan and dimensions meet your needs, it is a reasonable option.
Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave With Carbon Filters and Cooktop Light
The Kenmore is a 1.7 cubic foot over-the-range microwave with a 1000-watt output and a 12.4-inch rotating glass turntable. The turntable is large enough for bigger dishes, and the glass surface is easy to remove and wash. The unit is aimed at everyday meals, from reheating leftovers to cooking full plates. It also includes six preset cooking options, which keep common tasks simple.
Ventilation is one of the strongest parts of this model. The 300 CFM fan has two speeds and three-way venting options, so you can match the setup to your kitchen layout. The listing also notes carbon air and grease filters, which help trap odors and airborne particles while you cook. The interior LED light helps you watch food, and the cooktop light illuminates your range below. Having both lights is practical, since you can monitor the microwave and the stove without switching between them.
The child safety lock adds a layer of protection in homes with kids. The controls are straightforward, which helps when you want to heat something quickly without reading a long manual. The overall design favors reliable function over flashy extras, and that approach suits most households.
The Kenmore is currently listed as unavailable, which limits how useful it is as an immediate option. It is worth bookmarking if you want its venting setup and lighting. Compared with the BLACK+DECKER and ThermoMate, it offers fewer power levels in its listing, so cooks who want fine control may prefer another choice.
Pros:
- 300 CFM fan with two speeds and three-way venting options
- Carbon air and grease filters help manage odors
- Interior LED light and cooktop light improve visibility
- Large 12.4-inch glass turntable and child safety lock
Cons:
- Currently unavailable, and the listing does not highlight multiple power levels
Verdict: The Kenmore is a well-rounded microwave with a strong ventilation setup and useful lighting. Its best qualities are the flexible venting and the cooktop light. If it returns to stock and fits your kitchen, it is a dependable choice for households that cook often.
BLACK+DECKER 1.6 Cu. Ft. Microwave With LED Display and Eight Auto Menus
This BLACK+DECKER model is a 1.6 cubic foot over-the-range microwave with a 1000-watt output. It is slightly smaller inside than the 1.7 cubic foot models in this list, which may matter if you often cook large dishes. For smaller households or kitchens with limited space, that difference may not matter at all. The LED display gives a clean, easy-to-read interface, and the unit uses sensor menus and eight one-touch automatic cooking programs.
The 30-second quick start and the express cook option, which runs from one to six minutes, make quick tasks fast. Weight and time defrost settings add flexibility for thawing. The kitchen timer is a useful extra for cooking tasks that need timing outside of microwave use, and the child lock helps keep settings from being changed by accident.
Ventilation is rated at 300 CFM with two speeds. The listing describes the fans as external, which is worth understanding before installation because it affects how the unit is vented in your kitchen. Check the installation requirements carefully and confirm that your ductwork or venting plan matches the product setup.
This model suits buyers who want a clear display, simple auto programs, and standard ventilation at a size that works well for smaller kitchens. It is less focused on power level customization than the ThermoMate, and its smaller interior may feel limiting for large family meals. Still, it covers the basics well.
Pros:
- Clear LED display with eight one-touch automatic cooking menus
- Express cook and 30-second quick start for fast tasks
- Weight and time defrost, plus a kitchen timer
- Child lock and 300 CFM two-speed ventilation
Cons:
- Slightly smaller 1.6 cubic foot interior may feel tight for large dishes
Verdict: This BLACK+DECKER model is a practical, easy-to-use microwave for smaller households or kitchens with tighter space needs. Its display, auto menus, and child lock are strong features. If you do not need the extra interior room of the larger models, it is a sensible choice.
How to Choose the Right Black Over-the-Range Microwave
Measure Your Space Before Anything Else
Over-the-range microwaves must fit a specific opening above your cooktop. Most models in this category are sized for standard cabinet widths, but the exact fit depends on your cabinet, wall, and ceiling height. Before you shop, measure the width, height, and depth of the space. Compare those numbers with the product dimensions on the listing. A unit that is even half an inch too large can make installation frustrating or impossible. Also check the distance between the cooktop and the bottom of the microwave, since installation guidelines often specify a minimum clearance for safe use.
Think About Interior Capacity and Turntable Size
Most of the models here offer about 1.6 to 1.7 cubic feet of interior space. That is a comfortable range for reheating dinner plates, covering dishes, and cooking popcorn. A larger turntable makes it easier to fit wide dishes and rotate food evenly. If you often cook for a family or use large casserole dishes, a 12.4-inch glass turntable and a full-size interior will serve you better. If you mainly warm single portions, a slightly smaller unit may be enough and still take up less visual space in your kitchen.
Compare Power Levels and Cooking Controls
Wattage affects how quickly food heats, but control matters just as much. A 1000-watt microwave is a common and reliable output for everyday use. The number of power levels determines how gently you can heat delicate foods such as cheese, custards, or leftover rice. Models with ten power levels give you more control than those with fewer settings. Auto-cook programs and one-touch menus are helpful if you want to press a button and let the microwave handle the timing. Think about how you cook most often, then choose the control style that matches your routine.
Check the Ventilation System Closely
An over-the-range microwave is also a range hood, so the fan is a major part of its value. Look at the CFM rating, which describes airflow, and the number of fan speeds. Higher speeds are useful when you are frying, searing, or cooking strong-smelling foods. Some units offer venting options that let you vent air upward or out through a wall, which can affect how the unit fits into your kitchen. Also consider the lighting. A built-in cooktop light and an interior light both make cooking easier, especially when you are watching food closely. Carbon filters are another feature to check, since they help manage odors when the unit is not vented outside.
Consider Finish, Color, and Kitchen Style
Black is a popular finish because it works well with stainless steel appliances, dark cabinetry, and modern kitchen designs. Still, finishes can vary between product photos, listing text, and the actual unit. If the listing mentions a different finish in its description, confirm the exact color before you buy. Matching finishes across your range, dishwasher, and refrigerator helps the kitchen look cohesive. A black microwave can also hide smudges better than a light color, which can save you time on cleaning.
Think About Safety Features and Everyday Use
A child safety lock is useful if young children visit your kitchen or live in your home. It prevents accidental starts and makes it harder for little hands to change settings. Other useful features include a kitchen timer, quick start buttons, and defrost settings. Consider how often you will use each function. A feature that seems minor on a product page can become important after a few weeks of daily cooking. Choose the model that supports your real habits rather than the one with the longest feature list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size opening do I need for an over-the-range microwave?
The required opening depends on the model. Most products in this category are designed for standard cabinet widths, but you should always compare the listed dimensions with your own measurements. Check the width, height, and depth of the space, and confirm the installation guidelines before ordering. If you are unsure, measure twice and keep the product specifications nearby while you shop.
Do over-the-range microwaves vent air outside?
Some models can be installed to vent air outside, while others use recirculating filters that clean air and return it to the kitchen. Venting options vary, so check the installation details for each model. Carbon filters can help with odors when the unit is not vented outdoors, but they may need periodic replacement according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Is 1000 watts enough for everyday cooking?
Yes, for most households, 1000 watts is a practical output. It heats leftovers, warms beverages, cooks popcorn, and handles frozen foods without much trouble. Higher wattage can speed up some tasks, but the number of power levels and the turntable design also affect how evenly food heats. For most people, a 1000-watt model with good controls covers daily needs well.
Why does the turntable size matter?
The turntable determines how large a dish can be while still rotating freely. A larger turntable makes it easier to fit wide plates, baking dishes, and family-size bowls. It also helps food heat more evenly because the entire dish passes through the microwave field as it turns. If you cook large meals often, a 12.4-inch turntable is a good target.
How important is the fan in an over-the-range microwave?
The fan is a key feature because this type of microwave doubles as a range hood. A 300 CFM rating with two speeds is a common and useful setup for everyday cooking. The fan helps remove steam, smoke, and cooking odors, which can keep your kitchen fresher. For heavy frying or high-heat cooking, you may want a model with stronger airflow or a dedicated range hood.
Can I use a black microwave with stainless steel appliances?
Yes. Black and stainless steel are a common pairing in modern kitchens. The best match depends on the exact shade and finish of your other appliances. Compare photos in person if possible, and check whether the product finish is described as black, stainless steel, or both. A consistent look often makes the kitchen feel more polished.
Which model is best for most people?
For most buyers who want a full-featured black over-the-range microwave, the BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cubic foot model is the strongest all-around pick in this group. It offers a generous interior, ten power levels, multi-stage cooking, and a two-speed fan with a light. If you prefer a smaller footprint and simpler controls, the 1.6 cubic foot BLACK+DECKER model is a good alternative.
Final Recommendation
After comparing these five models, the BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cubic foot over-the-range microwave stands out as the best overall choice. It combines a large interior, a 12.4-inch turntable, ten power levels, six quick menus, and a 300 CFM two-speed fan with a built-in light. It is the most complete option in this list that is currently listed as available. The ThermoMate is an excellent alternative for cooks who value precise power control and a 30-inch format. The BLACK+DECKER 1.6 cubic foot model suits smaller kitchens that want simple auto menus and a clear display.
Before you buy, measure your space, confirm the finish, and check the ventilation requirements for your kitchen. Those steps matter as much as any feature on the list. Choose the model that fits your opening, supports your cooking habits, and matches the look of your kitchen. With the right fit, a black over-the-range microwave can save counter space, improve airflow, and make everyday cooking easier.