A backlit keypad can make an over-the-range microwave easier to use in a dim kitchen, but the product details available for these five models do not confirm that their keypads are illuminated. If backlighting is a must-have, check the manufacturer’s specifications or ask the seller before you buy. The picks below offer different combinations of capacity, ventilation, cooking features, and form factor, so you can compare their confirmed features while verifying keypad lighting separately.
Quick Comparison
| Microwave | Capacity | Cooking power | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1,000W | 300-CFM, two-speed vent; turntable on/off |
| TOSHIBA 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.9 cu. ft. | 1,000W | Sensor cooking; 400-CFM vent; soft-close door |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000W | Six quick menus; 300-CFM vent |
| Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000W | Quick-start options; bright exterior lighting |
| Samsung 1.1 Cu. Ft. Smart Slim Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1,100W | 550-CFM hood vent; Wi-Fi and voice control |
Our Picks: Best Over The Range Microwave With Backlit Keypad reviews
GE 1.6 Cu. Ft.: A Straightforward Choice with Flexible Turntable Control
This 30-inch GE combines a microwave with a range vent, freeing up counter space while adding basic cooking and ventilation functions. Its 1.6-cubic-foot interior and 1,000 watts of cooking power suit everyday reheating, defrosting, and quick meals. The listed exterior dimensions are about 29.9 inches wide, 16.1 inches high, and 15.6 inches deep, so measure your cabinet opening and available clearance before ordering.
Controls include one-touch express cooking, four convenience settings, a digital display, and 10 power levels. The turntable can be switched off, which may help when you need to heat a larger or unusually shaped dish. For ventilation, the two-speed fan is rated at 300 CFM, and a replaceable charcoal filter is included for filtering cooking fumes and odors.
This is a practical pick if you want familiar controls and a useful set of core features without moving to a smart or sensor-heavy model. The main caveat for this search is that the supplied product information does not say whether the keypad is backlit. It also has less capacity and lower listed ventilation power than the Toshiba and Samsung options.
Pros:
- 10 power levels and convenient one-touch settings
- Turntable can be turned off for larger or awkward dishes
- Two-speed, 300-CFM ventilation with a replaceable charcoal filter
- Child lock can be disabled when it is not needed
Cons:
- Backlit keypad is not confirmed in the available specifications
- 1.6-cubic-foot capacity is smaller than the Toshiba’s
Verdict: Choose the GE if you want a conventional, easy-to-operate microwave with flexible turntable settings, but verify keypad lighting before buying.
TOSHIBA 1.9 Cu. Ft.: Roomy Interior and Higher-Capacity Venting
The Toshiba offers the largest stated capacity in this group at 1.9 cubic feet, making it a good fit for households that regularly heat larger plates or prepare several servings. It has 1,000 watts of output power, a 13.5-inch turntable, and 11 power levels. The stainless steel design includes a soft-close door with a hydraulic damper, which is intended to reduce abrupt closing.
Its cooking features go beyond basic timed heating. Sensor cooking adjusts heating based on food moisture, while ChefDefrost is designed to speed up defrosting. The microwave also lists 24 preset menus. A two-speed, 400-CFM exhaust fan provides the strongest stated ventilation of the standard-size models here, which may appeal if you cook often and want more airflow than the GE or BLACK+DECKER offers.
Owners have described the controls as easy to learn and noted the quiet door action and roomy interior in everyday use. Installation is still a key consideration: although the redesigned flip-and-lock bracket is presented as an installation aid, the unit weighs about 54.7 pounds, so plan for appropriate help and confirm the mounting requirements. As with the other picks, the provided details do not confirm a backlit keypad.
Pros:
- Largest listed capacity in this comparison
- 400-CFM, two-speed exhaust fan
- Sensor cooking, ChefDefrost, and 24 preset menus
- Soft-close door and redesigned installation bracket
Cons:
- Keypad backlighting is not confirmed in the available information
- Its weight makes careful installation planning important
Verdict: The Toshiba is the strongest all-around choice here for shoppers who value a large cavity, automatic cooking features, and higher-capacity ventilation.
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft.: Simple One-Touch Cooking in White
This BLACK+DECKER model provides 1.7 cubic feet of cooking space and 1,000 watts of output. Its white finish gives it a different look from the stainless steel options in this comparison. The listed dimensions are about 29.9 inches wide, 16.4 inches high, and 13.9 inches deep; check those measurements against your existing setup before purchasing.
The controls include six quick menus for common tasks such as popcorn, beverages, reheating, and defrosting, along with 10 power levels. A multi-stage cooking function lets you set two power levels in one cooking sequence, and the number keys can start short cooking cycles. Underneath, the two-speed fan is rated at 300 CFM and works with an integrated light over the cooking area.
Some owners find the controls straightforward and the size suitable for routine meals, though the 12.4-inch turntable is smaller than the Toshiba’s. One point to check before relying on quick-start behavior is the operating instructions for the exact model. Backlighting is not specified in the supplied details, so this option is not a confirmed match if illuminated keypad buttons are essential.
Pros:
- Six quick menus and 10 power levels
- Multi-stage cooking for recipes that need more than one power setting
- 300-CFM, two-speed vent with an integrated light
- White finish offers an alternative to stainless steel
Cons:
- Keypad lighting is not confirmed
- 12.4-inch turntable is smaller than the Toshiba’s
Verdict: Consider the BLACK+DECKER if its white finish and simple quick-cook functions suit your kitchen, but choose another model if you need a larger turntable.
Frigidaire FMOS1746BS: A Basic Stainless Steel Model with Quick Starts
The Frigidaire FMOS1746BS is a stainless steel over-the-range microwave with a 1.7-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000 watts of listed cooking power. Its stated features are comparatively simple: quick-start options, bright exterior lighting, and room for larger dishes and bowls. If you prefer a familiar appliance without a long list of smart features, this may be worth considering.
The available specifications list dimensions of about 29.9 inches wide, 16.4 inches high, and 15.4 inches deep. They do not provide much detail about ventilation strength, keypad layout, or a range of power levels, so compare the full manufacturer information with your needs before choosing it over better-documented options. The provided information also does not confirm that the keypad is backlit.
Everyday use reports suggest the unit performs as expected and looks at home in a stainless steel kitchen. That straightforward experience may be enough for someone replacing a basic microwave, but shoppers who want strong documented ventilation or a wide range of cooking programs have clearer options in the Toshiba, GE, or BLACK+DECKER.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot capacity for larger dishes and bowls
- Quick-start options for convenient operation
- Bright exterior lighting
- Stainless steel finish
Cons:
- Backlit keypad is not confirmed
- Available details provide limited information about ventilation and cooking controls
Verdict: The Frigidaire is a reasonable basic option if its confirmed features meet your needs, but verify the keypad and vent specifications before choosing it for a feature-focused kitchen.
Samsung Smart Slim 1.1 Cu. Ft.: A Space-Saving Design with a Strong Hood Vent
Unlike the other microwaves here, the Samsung uses a slim, low-profile design and has a smaller 1.1-cubic-foot cavity. That may help when preserving space above the range is a priority, but the reduced capacity is a tradeoff for families who regularly heat large plates or multiple servings. Its listed dimensions are about 29.9 inches wide, 19.1 inches deep, and 10.8 inches high, so check the depth carefully against your cabinets and installation space.
The model lists 1,100 watts of power, Wi-Fi, voice control, and a 550-CFM hood vent. It also includes an 11.5-inch turntable and five power levels. These features make it the most connected option in this group and give it the highest stated vent capacity, though the product details do not confirm a backlit keypad.
Some owners value the smart-home features and the low-profile format, while the available owner reports also point to mixed experiences with long-term reliability. The supplied warranty information lists one year of parts and labor and 10 years of parts coverage on the magnetron. Consider whether the slim cavity and connected functions match your routine before paying more for features you may not use.
Pros:
- 550-CFM hood vent, the highest stated rating in this comparison
- Slim, low-profile design
- Wi-Fi and voice-control features
- 1,100 watts of listed power
Cons:
- Smallest listed capacity and turntable in this group
- Keypad backlighting is not confirmed
Verdict: Pick the Samsung if a slim profile, connected controls, and stronger vent capacity matter more to you than interior space.
How to Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave with a Backlit Keypad
Confirm That the Keypad Is Actually Backlit
Do not assume that a digital display or touchscreen means the buttons light up. The product details available for the five models above do not confirm keypad backlighting. Look for a clear statement about illuminated keypad buttons in the manufacturer’s specifications or instruction manual. If it is not listed, ask the seller to confirm the feature for the exact model number before ordering.
Measure Your Cabinet Opening and Installation Space
Measure the width, height, and depth of the space above your range, then compare those numbers with the microwave’s listed dimensions. The models in this roundup are around 30 inches wide, but their depths and heights vary. Also check the manufacturer’s installation instructions for clearance and mounting needs. A microwave that fits the width may still extend too far or sit too low for your kitchen.
Choose Capacity for the Dishes You Use
Capacity gives you a rough sense of interior room, but the turntable diameter also matters. The Toshiba has the largest stated cavity at 1.9 cubic feet and a 13.5-inch turntable. The Samsung is much smaller at 1.1 cubic feet with an 11.5-inch turntable. Think about the bowls, plates, and cookware you heat most often instead of choosing by capacity alone.
Compare Cooking Power and Controls
Higher wattage can support faster heating, but easy-to-use controls and helpful cooking functions also affect daily convenience. The GE and BLACK+DECKER include 10 power levels, while the Toshiba lists 11 and adds sensor cooking and preset menus. The Samsung lists 1,100 watts and smart features. Check whether you prefer simple timed cooking, one-touch options, sensor programs, or connected controls.
Match Ventilation to Your Cooking Habits
Check the stated CFM rating and fan speeds if you plan to use the microwave as a range hood. The Samsung lists a 550-CFM vent, Toshiba lists 400 CFM, and GE and BLACK+DECKER list 300 CFM. The Frigidaire information provided here does not give a CFM figure. Vent performance is only one part of the decision, so also confirm the installation setup and filter requirements for your kitchen.
Check Finish, Lighting, and Everyday Fit
Look at the finish alongside your range and cabinets, and consider whether the microwave’s included lighting suits your cooking area. The BLACK+DECKER model is listed in white, while the other options are stainless steel. If keypad visibility is your main concern, distinguish it from cooktop lighting: a light beneath the microwave does not necessarily mean the keypad itself is illuminated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any of these models have a confirmed backlit keypad?
The supplied product information does not confirm keypad backlighting for any of the five models. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or contact the seller for confirmation before purchasing if this feature is essential.
What is the largest microwave in this comparison?
The Toshiba has the largest listed capacity at 1.9 cubic feet. It also has a 13.5-inch turntable, which is larger than the listed turntables on the GE, BLACK+DECKER, and Samsung models.
Which model has the strongest stated ventilation?
The Samsung lists a 550-CFM hood vent. The Toshiba lists 400 CFM, while the GE and BLACK+DECKER list 300 CFM. The available Frigidaire details do not state a CFM rating.
Is a slim over-the-range microwave right for every kitchen?
No. A slim model can be useful when a lower-profile design matters, but its cavity may not fit the dishes you use most. The Samsung has a 1.1-cubic-foot capacity and an 11.5-inch turntable, so compare those dimensions with your normal cookware.
Can I install an over-the-range microwave by myself?
Installation depends on the model, mounting setup, and your experience. These appliances mount above a range, and some models are heavy, so review the installation instructions and arrange help when needed. The Toshiba’s listed weight, for example, is about 54.7 pounds.
What does an over-the-range microwave’s charcoal filter do?
A charcoal filter helps remove fumes and odors in the air drawn through the microwave’s ventilation system. The GE product details specifically identify a replaceable charcoal filter. Check the instructions for any model you consider to understand its filter type and replacement needs.
Final Recommendation
The Toshiba is the most versatile pick in this group thanks to its roomy interior, sensor cooking, soft-close door, and 400-CFM ventilation. Choose the Samsung if you want a slim design and smart features, or the GE if you prefer straightforward controls and a turntable that can be switched off. However, because backlit keypad operation is not confirmed for any model in the supplied product details, verify that specific feature before buying rather than relying on the product category or display type.
