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We all know that your kitchen cannot be complete without having a microwave. The microwave industry has evolved drastically and there are tons of features that you have to keep in mind, to avoid buying low profile best venting over the range microwave. Gone are the days when you just used a microwave to reheat leftovers – you can now bake cakes or even roast chicken.
Over the range microwaves with vent are the microwaves that are usually installed above your stove. This way they free up valuable kitchen counter space and make your kitchen look modern and sleek. Compared to average countertop microwaves, they cannot be moved around the kitchen and come with a higher price tag. However, they do come equipped with exhaust fans that remove smoke and cooking smell.
Given the fact that they have more features and there’s more information that you have to keep in mind, it can become harder to figure out which over the stove microwave is best for you. And that is exactly why we have compiled a list of the best over the range microwave 2023 on the market. We have taken all the important aspects in mind, like the manufacturer and consumer needs.
TOP 5 Best Over Range Microwaves: Comparison Chart
GE JVM3162RJSS Microwave with Convertible Venting
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven
Impecca 1.6 cu. ft. Over-the-Range 30” Microwave Oven
GE JVM3162RJSS Microwave with Convertible Venting
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven
Impecca 1.6 cu. ft. Over-the-Range 30” Microwave Oven
Best Overall: GE JVM3162RJSS Microwave with Convertible Venting
GE
- 1.6 cu. ft. Capacity Over the Range Microwave with Convertible Venting
- Microwave Settings-Defrost,Popcorn
- Dimensions: 16 7/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 7/8 D | Net Weight: 56.0 lb
- Cabinet Width: 30.0 in
- Stainless Steel Finish
Best Smart Over The Range Microwave: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
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Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor Easy Clean Interior, ECO Mode and Sound On-Off, 1.2 Cu. ft, Black Stainless Steel
- Pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies and more; Rated Voltage: 120V - 60Hz
- Black Stainless Steel exterior, 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inch (w x d x h), large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, cavity 13.07 x 15 x 9.5 inch (w x d x h), turn table 12.4 inch (diameter)
- 1100 watts with 10 power settings, clock, and kitchen timer
- Large digital display, easy-to-read control panel, glass turntable
- 1100 watts with 10 power settings, clock, and kitchen timer
Best Features Over The Range Microwave: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven
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BLACK+DECKER
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate
- 1000 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access. Control panel can be locked, which can protect your family from unintended harm.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 20.2” x 15.6” x 12.1”
Easy to Install: FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1645TS Review
Sale
FRIGIDAIRE
- Over the range
- 1000 watts/ 10 Power levels
- 2 speed ventilation/ 220 cfm/ cooktop LED lighting
- Dimensions (WHD): 29-7/8 x 16-13/32 x 15-1/4"
Quick & Easy Operation: Impecca 1.6 cu. ft. Over-the-Range 30” Microwave OvenReview
Impecca
- THE IMPECCA OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE is available in stainless steel, black or white colors. the om-1600 has all the functions you need to heat any dish in just minutes. enjoy convenience cooking controls with various pre-set menus. additional features include auto defrost, cook by weight and more. make your kitchen complete with the Impecca over the range microwave.
- CONVENIENCE COOKING CONTROLS: Operating made quick and easy, one-touch cooking menus, various shortcuts to cook or heat popular food items like popcorn etc, Add 30 seconds quickly add 30 seconds to the cooking time cooking complete reminder beeps once cooking has completed, function by time or weight, express cooking, auto and time defrost, defrosting times and power levels are programmed automatically or manually for optimal results
- VENT FAN & SURFACE LIGHT : two speed vent system use your microwave oven as a range hood with its powerful 300 cfm ventilation fan removes smoke, steam and odors, child lock prevents unsupervised operation, surface light enlighten your space with the light under the oven.
- FEATURES: large 1.6 cu. ft capacity over-the-range microwave oven with 12.4 turntable and 1000 watts gives you the power to cook foods fast also featuring a touchpad controls for easy use and clean, a digital kitchen timer you can use for any task at home, digital clock, led display, 1000 watts power, 1 year limited warranty
- DIMENSIONS: unit size: (wxdxh) 29.88” x 17.69” x 16.88” cavity size: (wxdxh) 21.31” x 14.63” x 10.19” unit weight: 55 lbs. shipping box dimenions: (wxdxh) 33” x 19.5” x 20.3” shipping box weight: 64 lbs.
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About the Best Over Range Microwave
What is an Over the Range Microwave With Vent?
An over the range microwave or over-the-range microwave or OTR microwave combines a ventilation unit and a microwave in one single appliance so that you can make better use of the space in your kitchen. They are usually mounted and have neutral designs that will match will any kitchen. They need to be installed so keep that in mind when deciding on your next purchase.
Are Most Over the Range Microwaves the Same Size?
Yes, most OTR microwaves are designed with 30” cabinet spaces in mind to be easily replaceable. 30” is the industry standard and you can expect a variance of about an inch between different models of a best small microwave.
How Long Should a Microwave Last?
Small over the range microwave will last between 9 to 10 years in most kitchens. While it may be a complex gadget, there aren’t many precautions you can take to make it last longer. All you need to do is keep it clean at all times and make sure you do not slam the microwave door.
How to Install Over the Range Microwave?
Installation greatly depends on the brand and model you have chosen. We advise not to call in a handyman directly because installing over the range convection microwave is not exactly rocket science. The first thing you need to do is secure the microwave to the wall using bolts and studs. A mounting plate connects to the bolts and once the mounting plate is in place you are almost done. Wiring the microwave is the last step in the process and if you follow the instructions it should not be a daunting task. Make sure you have all the tools necessary before you begin the installation of your best otr microwave.
How to Choose the Best Venting Over Range Microwave?
Dimensions
The most important dimensions are the outside ones for the best convection microwave. You need to make sure that it will fit in your kitchen before making the purchase. Luckily most over the range microwaves are built on the same size standards – 30”. You can expect a one-inch variation on most models so make sure you keep that in mind.
Capacity
Capacity is all about the interior cooking area for your over the range microwave with the exhaust. Most models fit in the range of 0.7 cubic feet and up to 2 cubic feet in capacity. We have included on our list models with a capacity on the higher end from 1.4 to 1.7 cubic feet. This should be enough cooking capacity for an entire family without having to cook twice with the best other microwave.
Power
There are two power measurements we need to keep in mind when looking into over the counter microwaves. The actual cooking power is measured in watts and ranges between 700 to 1000 watts. All the items we have featured in our review list have more than enough power to cook any meals you want to make. The more watts an over the counter microwave has the faster it will prepare meals.
Settings
The over the range microwaves come with an array of settings to satisfy most cooking needs. The lowest settings are designed to keep food warm or gently defrost. Defrosting is best done on lower settings because it does not cook the meat and only removes the frost. Medium settings are to be used when baking and simmering. This setting makes sure that the meat cooked will be tender and will also retain the juices that give it taste using the best over the range convection microwave. Medium settings are best used for cooking pork and beef. High settings are best used to reheat dishes using the microwave with a fan over the range. High power settings are also perfect when cooking ground meat, fish or vegetables with your microwave over cooktop.
Ventilation type
There are two types of ventilation available for over the counter microwaves: recirculating venting and external venting. The recirculating venting over the counter microwave is easier to install and is more energy-efficient but it is not as effective when it comes to ventilating as external venting. The recirculating vent uses a charcoal filter to remove odor and in general a filter can last between 6 months to a year. Frequent cooking could reduce the lifespan of the filter.
Exhaust fan speed
The exhaust fan speed is relevant for ductless over the range microwave. That means that the air is pushed inside the over the range microwave to make it pass through the filter as many times as possible, thus removing odors. The exhaust fan speed is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and you should look for 250 to 300 CFM to make sure that the air is properly cleaned in the best recirculating over the range microwave.
Noise level
A noise comes from both the convection heating unit and the ventilation system that is installed on the unit. They are both using fans in order to move the hot air around the microwave so that will be making noise. The units we have featured on our list operate quietly and sometimes you cannot even tell if they are on – luckily you can tell by the interior lights if the unit is operating.
Ease of installation
The space saver over the range microwave we have featured in our reviews can all be installed without contracting a handyman to do the installation for you. If you follow the instructions it should be pretty simple to install your ventless over the range microwave.
Price
We have featured units that have very different performance standards and fluctuate in price because of that. However, we have made sure to only feature cheap over the range microwave that is ideal when it comes to value for money.
Best Over Range Microwave Types
Standard microwaves
Over the range, microwave with front vent ovens generate radiation that excites the molecules that are present in food and it turns makes them vibrate and create heat this way. Turntables and walls that are mirrored are what microwaves used in order to cook the food evenly.
Convection/microwave combo
Convection ovens recirculate the heat using fans to cook the food evenly. By combining both microwave and convection cooking, you will cook faster. and the food will be cooked perfectly even throughout. Convection/microwave combination offers both cooking methods at the same time thus greatly reducing the cooking time required while also ensuring that the food will be perfectly cooked everywhere.
Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2023
Based on our extensive tests and comparing to the other products on our list we have reached the conclusion that the best rated over the range microwave available at the moment is the GE JVM3162RJSS Microwave with Convertible Venting. It offers enough cooking power to satisfy the needs of any household while maintaining an accessible price tag. We strongly believe that this is the best over the range microwave 2023. Mykitchenadvisor features reviews on other household items that might interest you.