Over-the-range microwaves combine cooking space with a vent fan and cooktop light, but the best deal is not always the lowest price. Compare capacity, ventilation, cooking controls, and installation needs before you buy. The picks below range from simple quick-start models to larger options with more cooking presets; sale prices and availability can change, so check the listing for current details.
Quick Comparison
| Microwave | Capacity | Cooking Power | Vent Fan | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 300 CFM, two speeds | Quick-start keys and multi-stage cooking |
| Frigidaire FMOS1746BS | 1.7 cu. ft. | Not specified | Not specified | Quick-start options and bright exterior lighting |
| MAGNAVOX HOME 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 300 CFM, two speeds | 11 power levels and ductless installation support |
| Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 300 CFM, adjustable speeds | 18 auto-cook menus |
| TOSHIBA 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.9 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 400 CFM, two speeds | Sensor cooking and soft-close door |
Our Picks: Best Over The Range Microwave Sales reviews
BLACK+DECKER: A Straightforward Pick With Handy Quick-Start Controls
This 1.7-cubic-foot BLACK+DECKER model pairs a 1,000-watt microwave with a two-speed, 300-CFM vent fan. Its listed size is 29.9 inches wide, 13.2 inches deep, and 16.4 inches high, so measure your cabinet opening and clearance before ordering.
For everyday meals, the six quick menus cover options such as popcorn, beverages, reheating, defrosting, and softening. The number keys also provide one-, two-, or three-minute cooking at full power. Multi-stage cooking lets you set two power levels in one program, which can be useful when a recipe calls for a change in intensity.
The 12.4-inch turntable suits many common dishes, while the cooktop light and vent fan add functions a countertop microwave cannot provide. The stated fan capacity is lower than the Toshiba’s, and this model does not list sensor cooking. Its strengths are practical controls and a useful feature set, rather than advanced automation.
Pros:
- 1,000W output and 10 cooking levels
- Quick-start keys and six menu options
- Two-speed, 300-CFM vent fan
- Multi-stage cooking supports changing power levels
Cons:
- Does not list sensor-cooking functions
- Confirm the listed dimensions fit your installation space
Verdict: Choose the BLACK+DECKER if you want familiar controls, multi-stage cooking, and a built-in vent without paying for a long list of automated menus.
Frigidaire FMOS1746BS: A Simple Option With Bright Exterior Lighting
The Frigidaire FMOS1746BS is a 1.7-cubic-foot over-the-range microwave in stainless steel. Its listed highlights are quick-start options, bright exterior lighting, and room for larger dishes and bowls. Those details make it a potential fit if you want a straightforward appliance and value added light over the cooktop.
The available product information does not specify cooking wattage, fan capacity, dimensions, or the number of power levels. That makes it harder to compare this model with the BLACK+DECKER, Midea, or Toshiba on cooking speed and ventilation. Check the product listing and installation documents for those details before deciding whether it meets your needs.
The supplied listing data does not show this model as available. Availability can change, but it is worth confirming that you can order it before comparing it with the other picks. If it is listed for sale, check its fit and venting requirements rather than relying on capacity alone.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot capacity
- Quick-start options are listed
- Bright exterior lighting
Cons:
- Key specifications such as wattage and fan capacity are not provided here
- The supplied listing data does not show it as available
Verdict: Consider the Frigidaire only if you confirm its availability, installation fit, and missing specifications in the current listing.
MAGNAVOX HOME: Flexible Power Settings and Ductless Vent Support
This MAGNAVOX HOME microwave has a 1.7-cubic-foot interior and 1,000 watts of output. It offers 11 power levels, which gives you more options for low-power tasks than a basic quick-start model. Its 300-CFM, two-speed vent fan is listed as supporting ductless installation, a useful detail if your kitchen does not have an exhaust duct.
Cooking features include auto defrost by weight or time, popcorn and beverage presets, and multi-stage cooking. The controls include an LED display and a number keypad, with English and French language options. The product information also describes a white oven cavity, an interior light, child lock, and operation at a stated 60 dB.
Its cooking and ventilation specifications are competitive with the BLACK+DECKER and Midea, but the supplied listing data does not show this model as available. Verify availability and read the installation guidance closely, especially if you plan to use the ductless setup. Its listed fan capacity is below the Toshiba’s 400 CFM.
Pros:
- 1,000W cooking power with 11 adjustable levels
- 300-CFM, two-speed fan supports ductless installation
- Includes auto defrost and multi-stage cooking
- Child lock and English/French display options
Cons:
- The supplied listing data does not show it as available
- Fan capacity is lower than the Toshiba’s listed 400 CFM
Verdict: The MAGNAVOX HOME is worth considering for its power-level choices and ductless support, provided the current listing confirms availability and suits your installation.
Midea: Many Auto Menus in a Compact 1.7-Cubic-Foot Size
The Midea combines a 1.7-cubic-foot interior with 1,000 watts of cooking power and a 300-CFM fan. Its 12.4-inch turntable is listed as large enough for a 12-inch pizza or a rotisserie chicken, giving you useful room without moving up to a larger-capacity appliance.
The main draw is its set of 18 one-touch auto-cook menus, including options for popcorn, pizza, rice, potatoes, defrosting, and softening cream cheese. Ten power levels give you some manual control when a preset is not the right fit. The adjustable fan speeds and cooktop light round out the everyday features.
Compared with the BLACK+DECKER, the Midea offers more listed auto menus, while both have the same stated capacity, output, and fan rating. The product details do not list sensor cooking, so the menu count should not be confused with food-sensing automation. It is a good match if you expect to use presets but still want direct power-level control.
Pros:
- 18 auto-cook menus for common foods
- 1,000W output and 10 power levels
- 300-CFM fan with adjustable speeds
- 12.4-inch turntable fits a 12-inch pizza, according to the product details
Cons:
- Does not list sensor cooking
- Capacity is smaller than the Toshiba’s 1.9 cu. ft.
Verdict: Pick the Midea if you want a broad range of one-touch cooking menus in a standard 1.7-cubic-foot capacity.
TOSHIBA: The Largest Capacity and Strongest Listed Vent Fan
The Toshiba is the largest option in this group, with 1.9 cubic feet of capacity and a 13.5-inch turntable. It has 1,000 watts of output and a 400-CFM, two-speed exhaust fan—the highest stated fan capacity among these five models. That may make it the more appealing choice for a busy kitchen, though fan performance also depends on your installation and vent setup.
Its cooking features include sensor cooking, which detects food moisture to adjust heating, along with ChefDefrost, 24 preset menus, and 11 power levels. The soft-close door is designed to close quietly, and the product details describe a flip-and-lock bracket intended to shorten installation time. Its listed outside dimensions are 29.9 inches wide, 13.8 inches deep, and 16.4 inches high.
This model stands out for capacity and automation, but those features matter most if you regularly heat larger dishes or use preset and sensor functions. It is wider inside than the 1.7-cubic-foot choices, yet its listed exterior dimensions still need to be checked against your cabinet space. The stated input power is 1,500 watts, so consider the electrical requirements in the installation instructions.
Pros:
- 1.9-cubic-foot capacity and 13.5-inch turntable
- 400-CFM, two-speed exhaust fan
- Sensor cooking, ChefDefrost, and 24 preset menus
- Soft-close door and redesigned installation bracket
Cons:
- Larger capacity may be unnecessary if you mainly heat small portions
- Confirm cabinet clearance and electrical requirements before installation
Verdict: Choose the Toshiba if you need the most listed capacity, a stronger vent fan, and sensor-assisted cooking.
How to Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave
Measure the Space Before Comparing Features
Check the width, depth, and height of the opening, along with the space between the cooktop and the bottom of the cabinet or microwave. Compare those measurements with the appliance’s outside dimensions and installation instructions. Do not assume that two models with the same capacity will have the same exterior size.
Match Capacity to Your Dishes
A 1.7-cubic-foot model can suit everyday reheating and many family dishes. A larger interior, such as the Toshiba’s 1.9 cubic feet, may help if you often heat multiple plates or use larger cookware. Turntable size also matters: check the listed diameter against your plates and containers.
Compare Vent Fan Capacity and Installation Type
Fan capacity is listed in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. Among these picks, the stated ratings range from 300 to 400 CFM. A higher number can be a useful point of comparison, but it does not tell the whole story: your kitchen’s ductwork and installation affect how the vent performs. If you need a ductless setup, confirm that the model supports it and follow its installation instructions. The MAGNAVOX HOME listing specifically notes ductless support.
Choose Controls That Fit How You Cook
Quick-start keys are handy for short heating tasks, while auto menus can simplify common foods. More presets are not automatically better if you prefer setting time and power yourself. Sensor cooking is a separate feature: the Toshiba listing describes sensors that detect food moisture, while the other supplied product details do not list that function.
Check Lighting and Everyday Details
A cooktop light can make it easier to see what you are doing at the range, and the fan helps remove cooking odors and steam. If you value features such as a soft-close door, a child lock, a particular display language, or multi-stage cooking, confirm that the exact model includes them. Small convenience features can matter more over time than a long menu list.
Review Installation and Electrical Requirements
Over-the-range microwaves attach above the cooking area, so installation involves both the cabinet space and the mounting method. Check the included installation documents to see what tools, brackets, wiring, and vent setup are required. The Toshiba listing gives an input-power figure of 1,500 watts; verify the electrical requirements for any model before purchase and arrange professional installation if needed.
Compare the Full Deal, Not Just the Sale Label
Prices and availability can change. Before buying, compare the current listing details, delivery options, installation costs, and any required accessories. A discount is only useful if the microwave fits your kitchen and has the cooking and ventilation features you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best over-the-range microwave in this list for a larger family?
The Toshiba has the largest listed capacity at 1.9 cubic feet and a 13.5-inch turntable. It may be a better fit for larger dishes or multiple plates, but measure your space before choosing it.
Which model has the strongest listed vent fan?
The Toshiba has a listed fan capacity of 400 CFM. The BLACK+DECKER, MAGNAVOX HOME, and Midea models each list 300 CFM. Actual ventilation also depends on the installation and duct setup.
Which microwave supports ductless installation?
The MAGNAVOX HOME product information specifically says its two-speed vent supports ductless installation. Confirm the required setup in the manufacturer’s instructions before buying.
Does a higher number of auto menus mean better cooking performance?
Not necessarily. Auto menus provide one-touch settings for selected foods, but they do not replace manual power controls or sensor cooking. Think about which features you will use regularly rather than choosing by menu count alone.
Do these microwaves all have the same cooking power?
No. The supplied details list 1,000 watts for the BLACK+DECKER, MAGNAVOX HOME, Midea, and Toshiba. The Frigidaire information provided here does not specify its wattage, so check its current product details.
What should I check before ordering an over-the-range microwave?
Measure the opening and clearances, confirm the microwave’s outside dimensions, check the required electrical setup, and make sure its venting method works for your kitchen. Review the installation instructions before you place an order.
Final Recommendation
For a feature-rich option, the Toshiba stands out with the largest listed capacity, a 400-CFM fan, and sensor cooking. The Midea is a strong alternative if you want many one-touch menus in a 1.7-cubic-foot size, while the BLACK+DECKER offers practical quick-start and multi-stage controls. Check current availability, sale details, and installation requirements before choosing any model.