Best Quiet Over The Range Microwave: Top Picks Compared

If you want an over-the-range microwave that won’t add unnecessary noise to your kitchen, look for clear sound information—not just a powerful vent fan or a soft-close door. Of these five options, the MAGNAVOX HOME model is the only one whose description gives an operating-noise figure. The TOSHIBA adds a soft-close door and a stronger 400 CFM fan, but its quietness claim applies to the door closing, not the microwave’s overall operating sound.

Here’s how the options compare on the available specifications, capacity, and ventilation features. Since sound levels aren’t provided for most of these models, consider the stated noise details carefully and check current product information before you buy.

Our Picks: Best Quiet Over The Range Microwave reviews

MAGNAVOX HOME: Best for a Stated Operating-Noise Level

The MAGNAVOX HOME is the clearest match for shoppers who put quiet operation first. Its product description lists low 60 dB performance, the only specific operating-noise information among these five options. The listing doesn’t explain how or where that figure was measured, so treat it as a useful point of comparison rather than a guarantee of how loud the microwave will seem in your kitchen.

For everyday cooking, it offers a 1.7-cubic-foot interior, 1,000 watts of power, and 11 power levels. The two-speed, 300 CFM fan supports ductless installation, according to the product description. Auto-defrost, popcorn, beverage, and melt settings cover common tasks, while multi-stage cooking and a child lock add flexibility.

The stainless-steel trim and handle pair with a black door, giving the unit a two-tone look. Its stated ventilation capacity is in line with the BLACK+DECKER and Midea models, but unlike those descriptions, MAGNAVOX also provides an operating-noise figure. The key caveat is that the sound measurement’s conditions aren’t stated, and a running vent fan may sound different from the microwave’s cooking operation.

Pros:

• Only model in this group with a stated operating-noise figure
• 1,000 watts and 11 power levels
• Two-speed, 300 CFM fan with ductless installation support
• Includes auto-cook functions, multi-stage cooking, and a child lock

Cons:

• The listing doesn’t explain the conditions behind its 60 dB figure
• Its 1.7-cubic-foot capacity is smaller than the TOSHIBA’s

Verdict: Choose the MAGNAVOX if you want the strongest available evidence of quieter operation, while keeping in mind that its sound figure lacks measurement context.

BLACK+DECKER: A Practical Pick for Quick Menus and Flexible Cooking

This BLACK+DECKER model combines a 1.7-cubic-foot interior with 1,000 watts of cooking power and a 12.4-inch turntable. Its listed dimensions are 29.9 inches wide, 13.2 inches deep, and 16.4 inches high, which makes checking cabinet and installation clearances important before ordering.

The controls include six quick menus for tasks such as popcorn, beverages, melting or softening, reheating, and defrosting. You can also use the number keys for one-to-three-minute cooking at full power, or set two power levels in a multi-stage cycle. A two-speed, 300 CFM fan and integrated cooktop light round out the main features.

There’s no operating-noise figure in the supplied product information, so the fan’s airflow rating shouldn’t be taken as a measure of quietness. This is a good feature-focused alternative to the MAGNAVOX if quick controls and multi-stage cooking matter more to you than having a listed sound level.

Pros:

• 1,000-watt output with 10 cooking levels
• Six quick menus and multi-stage cooking
• 300 CFM, two-speed vent fan
• Dimensions and turntable size are specified

Cons:

• No operating-noise information is provided
• Capacity is smaller than the TOSHIBA’s 1.9 cubic feet

Verdict: Pick the BLACK+DECKER for accessible cooking shortcuts and a clearly specified fan, but don’t choose it specifically for quiet operation without checking for more sound information.

Frigidaire FMOS1746BS: A Simple Option with Quick-Start Controls

The Frigidaire FMOS1746BS is a stainless-steel, 1.7-cubic-foot over-the-range microwave. The available product details are brief, highlighting quick-start options, bright exterior lighting, and room for larger dishes and bowls. Those features point to a straightforward appliance focused on convenient operation and visibility near the cooktop.

There’s less specification detail here than with the other models. The supplied information doesn’t state its wattage, fan capacity, fan speeds, sound level, turntable size, or cooking presets. That makes it harder to compare its heating and ventilation performance—and especially its quietness—with the MAGNAVOX, BLACK+DECKER, Midea, and TOSHIBA.

If you’re considering this model, confirm the installation and ventilation details that matter for your kitchen before buying. Its quick-start controls may suit someone who wants simple operation, but the available information doesn’t establish it as a particularly quiet choice.

Pros:

• 1.7-cubic-foot capacity in a stainless-steel design
• Quick-start options are highlighted
• Bright exterior lighting is listed
• Described as accommodating larger dishes and bowls

Cons:

• No operating-noise or vent-fan specifications are provided
• Available details are limited for comparing cooking features

Verdict: Consider the Frigidaire if its basic controls and lighting fit your needs, but seek more specifications before choosing it for a quiet kitchen.

Midea: Best for a Wide Range of Automatic Cooking Menus

The Midea offers 1.7 cubic feet of capacity, 1,000 watts of output, and a 12.4-inch turntable. Its 18 auto menus cover options including popcorn, pizza, defrosting, softening cream cheese, rice, and potatoes. That variety may be useful if you like preset controls for everyday cooking rather than setting every cycle manually.

For ventilation, it has a 300 CFM fan with adjustable speeds and a bright cooktop light. The listing describes the fan as helping remove fumes and odors, but it doesn’t give a sound level. Because a fan’s airflow and noise are separate considerations, the 300 CFM figure alone can’t tell you how quiet it will be.

Compared with the BLACK+DECKER, the Midea emphasizes a larger set of auto menus. Both list 1.7 cubic feet of capacity, 1,000 watts, a 12.4-inch turntable, and 300 CFM ventilation. If quiet operation is your top concern, the MAGNAVOX has a more relevant listed sound detail; the Midea is a stronger fit if automatic cooking options are your priority.

Pros:

• 18 auto-cook menus for a range of common foods
• 1,000-watt output with 10 power settings
• 300 CFM fan with adjustable speeds
• 12.4-inch turntable and cooktop light

Cons:

• No operating-noise figure is provided
• Capacity is smaller than the TOSHIBA’s

Verdict: Choose the Midea for its broad preset menu selection and listed ventilation features, not on the assumption that its fan is quiet.

TOSHIBA: Best for More Capacity and a Soft-Close Door

The TOSHIBA has the largest stated capacity in this group at 1.9 cubic feet, along with a 13.5-inch turntable. Its product description says the interior can hold multiple plates at once, making the extra room worth considering if you often heat larger dishes or several portions. It lists 1,000 watts of output and 11 power levels.

Its soft-close door uses a hydraulic damper, which the description says helps prevent slamming and gives the door a quiet close. That’s a useful noise-reducing detail, but it doesn’t tell you how loud the cooking cycle or ventilation fan will be. The two-speed 400 CFM exhaust fan has more stated airflow than the 300 CFM fans on the MAGNAVOX, BLACK+DECKER, and Midea, but its sound level isn’t provided.

For cooking, the TOSHIBA includes sensor cooking, ChefDefrost, and 24 preset menus. Its description also highlights an installation bracket designed to shorten installation time. These features make it the most capable option on paper for capacity and automated cooking, while the MAGNAVOX remains the clearer pick if your main concern is a stated operating-noise figure.

Pros:

• Largest listed capacity at 1.9 cubic feet
• Soft-close door is designed to reduce slamming noise
• 400 CFM, two-speed exhaust fan
• Sensor cooking, ChefDefrost, and 24 preset menus

Cons:

• No sound level is provided for cooking or fan operation
• Its soft-close feature addresses door noise, not overall appliance noise

Verdict: Pick the TOSHIBA if you want more interior space, a soft-close door, and a higher stated fan capacity; choose the MAGNAVOX instead if an operating-noise figure matters most.

How to Choose a Quiet Over-the-Range Microwave

Look for a Sound Level That Applies to Operation

A listed decibel figure is the most direct way to compare noise, but check what the number describes. A quiet-closing door is not the same as a quiet cooking cycle or fan. In this group, the MAGNAVOX lists low 60 dB performance but doesn’t explain the measurement conditions. The other models don’t provide an overall operating-noise figure in the supplied descriptions.

Consider the Vent Fan Separately

Over-the-range microwaves also ventilate the cooktop area, and fan specifications matter if you cook often. The models here list fans from 300 to 400 CFM, but airflow capacity doesn’t establish how loud a fan sounds. Check whether the unit supports the ventilation setup your kitchen needs, and look for fan-noise details if available.

Match Capacity to Your Cookware and Meals

A 1.7-cubic-foot interior suits many everyday uses, while the TOSHIBA’s listed 1.9 cubic feet and 13.5-inch turntable offer more room on paper. Compare the microwave’s interior and turntable dimensions with your largest plates and dishes. Also check the external dimensions against the space above your range.

Choose Cooking Controls You’ll Actually Use

Presets can make common tasks quicker, while adjustable power levels and multi-stage cooking provide more control. The Midea lists 18 auto menus, the TOSHIBA lists 24 presets and sensor cooking, and the BLACK+DECKER includes six quick menus and multi-stage cooking. Think about whether you prefer one-touch programs or manual settings before choosing.

Check Installation and Venting Requirements

Over-the-range units must fit the available cabinet space and work with your kitchen’s ventilation setup. Compare the listed outside dimensions with your opening, and confirm the installation and venting instructions for the specific model. The MAGNAVOX description mentions ductless installation support, while the TOSHIBA highlights a redesigned bracket; don’t assume those details apply to the other models.

Compare Quietness Claims Carefully

Product descriptions may use “quiet” to refer to one part, such as a door, rather than the whole appliance. The TOSHIBA’s soft-close feature is about closing the door. If minimizing noise while cooking is your goal, prioritize a clearly stated operating figure and check whether it covers the fan, microwave cycle, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which microwave in this group gives an operating-noise figure?

The MAGNAVOX HOME description is the only one that lists an operating-noise figure: low 60 dB. It doesn’t explain the measurement conditions, so use it as a point of comparison rather than a guaranteed sound level in your kitchen.

Does a soft-close door mean the microwave operates quietly?

No. The TOSHIBA’s soft-close door is designed to close quietly and prevent slamming. Its description doesn’t provide a sound level for cooking or fan operation.

Does a higher CFM rating mean a quieter vent fan?

No. CFM describes airflow, not sound. The TOSHIBA lists a 400 CFM fan, while several other models list 300 CFM, but the supplied information doesn’t provide comparable fan-noise figures.

Which model has the most interior space?

The TOSHIBA lists 1.9 cubic feet of capacity. The MAGNAVOX, BLACK+DECKER, Frigidaire, and Midea each list 1.7 cubic feet.

Which option offers the most cooking presets?

The TOSHIBA lists 24 preset menus, while the Midea lists 18 auto menus. The BLACK+DECKER lists six quick menus. The available Frigidaire details highlight quick-start options but don’t specify a menu count.

Can I use any of these microwaves without exterior ductwork?

The MAGNAVOX description specifically mentions support for ductless installation. For the other models, check the product’s installation instructions and confirm that its ventilation setup matches your kitchen.

Final Recommendation

The MAGNAVOX HOME is the most direct choice for shoppers searching for a quiet over-the-range microwave because it is the only option here with a stated operating-noise figure. That number lacks measurement context, so it isn’t a promise of a particular sound level. If you’d rather prioritize extra interior room, a soft-close door, and a 400 CFM fan, the TOSHIBA is a strong alternative—but its quietness claim applies to door closure, not overall operation. For any model, verify current specifications, fit, and ventilation requirements before ordering.