Shopping for an over-the-range microwave is about more than finding the lowest sticker number. This appliance has to do three jobs at once. It heats your food, it vents smoke and cooking odors, and it fits into a space above your cooktop. A good deal on a unit that is too small, too loud, or hard to install can cost you more over time than paying a little extra for the right model. This guide looks at five over-the-range microwaves from the current research set, explains what each one offers, and helps you decide which one gives you the best value for your kitchen.
Our Picks: Best Deal On Over The Range Microwave reviews
Below is a quick side-by-side look at the five models. Product names link to their Amazon listings so you can check current details, including price, before you buy.
| Product | Capacity | Power | Ventilation | Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1000W | 300 CFM, adjustable fan speeds | Listed as available | Shoppers who want the most auto cook options |
| BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1000W | 300 CFM, 2-speed | Listed as available | Buyers who want a straightforward, full-size unit |
| Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel | 1.7 cu. ft. | Not listed in the data | Not listed in the data | Listed as unavailable | Shoppers who prefer a known brand name |
| Black+Decker 1.6 Cu. Ft. 1000 Watt Over The Range Microwave Oven with LED Display, Child Safety Lock, Black | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1000W | 300 CFM, 2-speed | Listed as available | Households with children or those wanting a black finish |
| Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 cu.ft., 1000 Watts Stainless | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1000W output, 1550W input | Not listed in the data | Listed as unavailable | Cooks who want a potato program and weight-based defrost |
Midea Over the Range Microwave: Strong Feature Set for the Money
The Midea over-the-range microwave is a 1.7 cubic foot unit with a 1000-watt output and a stainless steel finish. It is designed to sit above your cooktop and handle everyday reheating, defrosting, and cooking tasks. What sets it apart in this group is its control layout. The smart touch panel and 18 auto cook menus cover a wide range of foods, from popcorn and pizza to rice and potatoes. For a busy household, that can mean fewer guesses about timing and power levels.
The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a big rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza, according to the product details. That matters because a turntable that is too small forces you to cut food or cook in batches. The unit also offers 10 power levels, which gives you more control when you are reheating delicate foods instead of blasting everything at full power.
On the ventilation side, the 300 CFM fan has adjustable speeds and is meant to pull cooking fumes and odors away from your stove. A bright cooktop light helps you see what you are cooking. Buyers often note that the auto menus make the unit approachable for people who do not want to program every cooking step by hand. Some users also appreciate that the large interior makes it easier to work with bulky dishes.
The Midea is best suited to people who want the most cooking presets in this lineup and a full-size interior at a sensible value. Its main weakness is the learning curve that comes with a larger touch panel. If you prefer simple dial controls or a very minimal layout, you may find the menu system more involved than you need. Compared with the BLACK+DECKER models, the Midea offers more automatic programs, while the BLACK+DECKER units focus on a more streamlined set of controls.
Pros:
- 18 auto cook menus cover many common foods without manual timing
- 1.7 cubic foot interior with a 12.4-inch turntable fits large plates and pizzas
- Ten power levels allow gentle reheating as well as high-heat cooking
- 300 CFM fan with adjustable speeds and a cooktop light
Cons:
- The touch panel and menu layout take some time to learn
Verdict: The Midea is a strong pick if you want the most automatic cooking options and a full-size interior without paying for extras you may not use. It is a solid all-around choice for busy households.
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: A Practical Full-Size Option
This BLACK+DECKER model is a 1.7 cubic foot over-the-range microwave with a 1000-watt output and a stainless steel exterior. The listed exterior measurements are 13.2 inches deep, 29.9 inches wide, and 16.4 inches high. Those dimensions are useful to check against your cabinet space before you commit, since over-the-range units need to fit both the width of your cooktop area and the height above it.
Inside, you get a 12.4-inch turntable and a set of 10 cooking levels. The product includes six quick menus for common tasks such as popcorn, beverages, melting or softening, reheating, and defrosting. For quick jobs, the number pads let you run 100% power for one to three minutes. The multi-stage cooking feature is a practical touch. It lets you run one power level and then switch to a lower one in a single cycle, which helps with dishes that need gentle finishing after a hot start.
The ventilation system is rated at 300 CFM and uses a two-speed fan. An integrated light gives you focused illumination over the cooktop. In everyday use, many owners appreciate that the controls are direct and easy to understand. Buyers also tend to value the balance of size and simplicity, since this model does not try to overwhelm you with dozens of presets.
This unit suits someone who wants a full-size microwave, a clear control layout, and reliable ventilation without a complex menu system. It is a good fit for families who cook daily and want predictable results. The trade-off is that it offers fewer automatic programs than the Midea. If you rely heavily on one-touch cooking for many different foods, the Midea may be the better match. Still, for many kitchens, this model covers the essentials well.
Pros:
- Full 1.7 cubic foot capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable
- Simple control layout with six quick menus and direct number-pad cooking
- Multi-stage cooking lets you change power levels within one cycle
- 300 CFM two-speed vent fan with integrated light
Cons:
- Fewer automatic menus than some competing models
Verdict: This BLACK+DECKER model is a dependable, no-frills choice for people who want a full-size over-the-range microwave with straightforward controls. It is a sensible buy if you value ease of use over a long list of presets.
Frigidaire FMOS1746BS: A Known Name With Limited Listing Details
The Frigidaire FMOS1746BS is an over-the-range microwave with a 1.7 cubic foot capacity and a stainless steel finish. Frigidaire is a recognizable appliance brand, and that familiarity can be reassuring when you are choosing a unit that will stay in a permanent spot above your stove for years. The listing highlights quick start options, bright exterior lighting, and an interior designed to hold larger dishes and bowls.
The main challenge with this model is the amount of detail available in the supplied data. Power output, fan rating, and turntable size are not included, so it is harder to compare it directly with the other picks on performance. Before you buy, check the full specification sheet on the product page for wattage, ventilation rating, and exterior dimensions. Those details matter more than brand name when you are sizing a unit for your kitchen.
Shoppers who want a familiar brand and a clean stainless look may find this model appealing. The quick start options suggest it is built for simple, fast cooking. Still, the listing is currently marked as unavailable, which limits its value as a deal for now. If you like the design but cannot find it in stock, the Midea or the BLACK+DECKER full-size models are more dependable options in this group.
Pros:
- Recognized brand name with a stainless steel finish
- 1.7 cubic foot interior designed for larger dishes
- Quick start options for fast, everyday cooking
Cons:
- The listing is marked as unavailable, and key specs are missing from the supplied data
Verdict: The Frigidaire is worth considering if it returns to stock at a price you like and its full specifications match your kitchen. Confirm the wattage, fan rating, and dimensions before you order.
Black+Decker 1.6 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Compact Controls and Child Safety Lock
This BLACK+DECKER model is a 1.6 cubic foot over-the-range microwave with a 1000-watt output and a black finish. It is slightly smaller in interior capacity than the other full-size units in this list, but the difference is modest. For many households, a 1.6 cubic foot interior still handles plates, mugs, and most casserole dishes without trouble.
The feature list is more practical than flashy. It includes eight one-touch automatic cooking menus, an LED display, a 30-second quick start button, and an express cook option for one to six minutes. You also get weight and time defrost, a kitchen timer, and multi-stage cooking. The child safety lock is a useful addition for homes with curious children, since it helps prevent accidental button presses.
Ventilation comes from a two-speed, 300 CFM fan. The listing describes it as an external fan, which suggests the vent is designed to work with an outside exhaust path. Check your existing ductwork and your installation plans before buying, since venting style affects how well the unit performs in your kitchen.
This model is a good fit for families who want clear, simple controls and a child lock, or for anyone who prefers a black finish that blends with other appliances. It may be less appealing to buyers who want a large cooking area or the most automatic menus. Compared with the Midea, it offers fewer presets, but the LED display and child lock make it easy to use every day.
Pros:
- Child safety lock adds peace of mind for busy households
- Eight one-touch automatic menus and a 30-second quick start
- Weight and time defrost plus a kitchen timer for everyday tasks
- Black finish offers a different look from the stainless models
Cons:
- Slightly smaller 1.6 cubic foot interior than the 1.7 cubic foot models
Verdict: This is a practical, family-friendly choice for shoppers who value safety features and simple operation. If you need the largest possible interior, consider one of the 1.7 cubic foot models instead.
Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave: Solid Cooking Options With Limited Availability
The Farberware over-the-range microwave offers a 1.7 cubic foot interior, a stainless steel finish, and 1000 watts of cooking output. The listing also gives an input rating of 1550 watts, which is useful to know if you are checking electrical requirements for your kitchen. The unit is aimed at active kitchens where you need dependable heating for a range of foods.
What stands out is the cooking menu. The listing mentions options for vegetables, snacks, auto cook, and a potato program. It also includes intelligent time and weight defrost settings and a quick plus-30-seconds function. Melt and soften options add to the everyday convenience. For people who cook a lot of baked potatoes or who thaw meat often, these built-in programs can save effort.
Buyers often value a microwave that handles both quick reheating and more specific tasks without requiring a lot of manual adjustments. The Farberware leans into that idea with its preset menus. The main drawback is availability. The listing is marked as unavailable, and the supplied data does not include ventilation details, so it is harder to judge the vent performance against the other models in this list.
This model is worth a look for cooks who like preset programs and value weight-based defrosting. If you can find it in stock at a fair price, it offers a solid feature set for a full-size unit. If not, the Midea gives you a similar number of automatic options with better documented availability.
Pros:
- 1000-watt output with a 1550-watt input rating for efficient heating
- Potato program, vegetable and snack options, and auto cook settings
- Weight and time defrost settings for more accurate thawing
- Quick plus-30-seconds and melt/soften functions for everyday tasks
Cons:
- The listing is marked as unavailable, and ventilation details are missing from the supplied data
Verdict: The Farberware has a strong set of cooking presets, but its unavailable status makes it hard to recommend as a buy right now. Watch for restocking and confirm the venting specs before you order.
How to Choose the Right Over-the-Range Microwave
Buying an over-the-range microwave is different from buying a countertop model. The unit does two jobs at once, and it has to fit a specific space. The sections below walk you through the factors that matter most so you can compare models with confidence and spot a genuinely good deal.
Measure Your Space Before You Shop
Start with measurements. Over-the-range microwaves are designed for a specific height above the cooktop, and the cabinet space above the stove varies from home to home. Measure the width of the area, the height from the cooking surface to the bottom of the cabinet, and the depth available. Then compare those numbers with the exterior dimensions listed on each product page. A unit that is even a little too tall or too wide can make installation difficult or leave you with a gap that looks unfinished.
Think Carefully About Capacity
Most over-the-range models in this group offer about 1.6 to 1.7 cubic feet of interior space. That is generally enough for everyday meals, reheating leftovers, and popping popcorn. Look at the turntable size as well. A 12.4-inch turntable can handle many dinner plates and some larger dishes, but if you often cook a big roast or a large pizza, double-check that the interior height and turntable diameter match your needs.
Understand Power and Cooking Levels
Wattage affects how quickly food heats, but it is not the only factor. A 1000-watt unit is a common output for this category and works well for most households. More important for daily use is how finely you can control the power. Models with multiple power levels let you reheat delicate foods, melt butter or cheese, and finish dishes gently. Multi-stage cooking is also helpful when you want one setting to shift to another without restarting the cycle.
Compare Ventilation Performance
The vent fan is what makes an over-the-range microwave different from a countertop unit. Airflow is commonly measured in CFM, and the models here list 300 CFM. Higher airflow generally helps clear smoke and odors more effectively, but the venting path matters just as much. Some units recirculate air through a filter, while others vent outside through ductwork. Check which setup your kitchen supports before you buy, and make sure the fan speed options match the way you cook. If you fry or sear often, a stronger fan with multiple speeds is a better fit.
Look at Controls and Ease of Use
Controls can make or break your daily experience. Touch panels with many auto menus can save time once you learn them, but they may feel complicated at first. Simpler layouts with a few quick menus and direct number entry are easier for people who want quick, predictable results. Consider who will use the microwave most. If children or older family members will operate it, a clear display and a child safety lock are worth prioritizing.
Consider Features That Add Everyday Value
Beyond the basics, a few features can make a real difference. Defrost settings based on weight or time take the guesswork out of thawing. Quick start buttons save steps for simple reheating tasks. An interior light and a cooktop light help you see what you are cooking, especially on busy evenings. A kitchen timer is handy when the microwave is your main timekeeper. Choose the features you will actually use rather than paying for a long list of options you will never touch.
Check Availability and Finish Before You Buy
Stock levels change often, and a model that is unavailable today may return later. Confirm that the unit you want is in stock and shipping before you plan a kitchen project around it. Finish matters too. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it blends with many appliance styles, while black finishes can look sleek with darker cabinetry. Pick the look that matches your kitchen so the microwave feels like a natural part of the space.
Judge the Deal by Total Value, Not Just Price
The best deal is the one that fits your kitchen, meets your cooking habits, and works reliably for years. A slightly higher price can be a better value if the unit fits your space, offers the controls you need, and comes with a fan that suits your cooking style. Compare the features side by side, confirm the dimensions and venting requirements, and only then decide whether the price makes sense for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an over-the-range microwave worth it compared with a countertop model?
For many kitchens, yes. An over-the-range microwave saves counter space and includes a built-in vent fan that a countertop model usually lacks. The trade-off is installation. You need the right space above your cooktop and an appropriate venting setup. If your kitchen is small or your stove has no space above it, a countertop unit may be the more practical choice.
What size over-the-range microwave should I buy?
Most models in this category offer about 1.6 to 1.7 cubic feet of interior space, which suits everyday cooking for most households. Check the exterior dimensions against your cabinet space first, then confirm the interior capacity and turntable size match the dishes you use most often.
How much power do I need?
A 1000-watt output is a common and practical choice for this category. It heats food efficiently for reheating, defrosting, and general cooking. If you mainly warm drinks and leftovers, that output will be more than enough. Models with multiple power levels give you better control over delicate foods.
Does the vent fan really help with cooking smoke and odors?
A vent fan can help clear smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your stove area, especially when you cook with strong spices or high heat. Airflow ratings such as 300 CFM are a useful guide, but the venting setup in your kitchen also matters. Make sure you understand whether the unit vents outside or recirculates air before you install it.
Are auto cook menus worth paying extra for?
They can be, if you cook many different foods and want less guesswork. Auto menus handle common tasks such as popcorn, potatoes, and defrosting with a single press. If you mostly reheat leftovers or use the microwave for simple tasks, a model with fewer menus may be just as useful and easier to learn.
Why do some of these models show as unavailable?
Availability changes often because of stock levels, seasonal demand, and retailer inventory. A listing marked as unavailable means you cannot order it at the moment. Check the product page for restock details, or consider a similar model that is currently available so you do not have to wait.
Which over-the-range microwave should I choose overall?
For most shoppers, the Midea is the strongest all-around pick in this group. It offers 18 auto cook menus, a 1.7 cubic foot interior, a 12.4-inch turntable, and a 300 CFM fan with adjustable speeds. If you want simpler controls or a child safety lock, the BLACK+DECKER models are sensible alternatives. Before you buy any of them, confirm the dimensions, venting setup, and availability for your kitchen. That final check is what turns a good product into a genuinely good deal.