Best Over the Range Microwaves 2026: Space-Saving Powerhouses Tested

best above range microwave

An over-the-range microwave is the ultimate kitchen multitasker, combining essential cooking power with crucial ventilation to free up precious counter space. Choosing the right model is critical, as it needs to fit your cabinetry, handle your cooking volume, and effectively clear smoke and steam. We tested a range of models for heating performance, vent power, ease of use, and overall value to find the best options for 2026.

Designed with space-conscious home cooks in mind, these aren't just basic microwaves. They are integrated kitchen workhorses that replace a bulky range hood. What sets the best apart is a combination of strong venting power, intuitive controls, and reliable sensor cooking that takes the guesswork out of reheating.

It's worth considering your cooking habits and kitchen layout. Models vary in interior capacity, venting strength measured in CFM, and available features like convection baking or air frying. The right choice balances power, size, and functionality for your specific needs.

Overall, the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is our top recommendation. It stands out with its powerful 400 CFM ventilation and generous 1.9 cubic foot capacity, making it a robust performer for busy kitchens. Read on for full reviews.

Read more: Related buying guide

Our Top Picks

Best overall

BLACK+DECKER 1.9 Cu.ft OTR Microwave
★★★★★

BLACK+DECKER 1.9 Cu.ft OTR Microwave

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Best budget

Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Smart Touch OTR Microwave
★★★★☆

Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Smart Touch OTR Microwave

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Best value

BLACK+DECKER OTR Microwave with Air Fryer
★★★★★

BLACK+DECKER OTR Microwave with Air Fryer

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Best for sensor cooking

Empava Stainless Steel OTR Microwave
★★★★☆

Empava Stainless Steel OTR Microwave

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Best basic black model

Farberware Black 1.7 Cu.ft OTR Microwave
★★★★☆

Farberware Black 1.7 Cu.ft OTR Microwave

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Best basic white model

Farberware White 1.7 Cu.ft OTR Microwave
★★★★☆

Farberware White 1.7 Cu.ft OTR Microwave

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The best Over the Range Microwaves for 2026 are:

♥ BEST PICK

BLACK+DECKER Over The Range Microwave Oven

Capacity: 1.9 Cubic Feet

Power: 1000 Watts

Ventilation: 400 CFM

Features: One Touch, Auto Cooking

What we loved

  • ✓ Powerful 400 CFM fan effectively clears cooking smoke
  • ✓ Intuitive one-touch controls for common foods
  • ✓ Spacious 1.9 cu.ft interior fits large dinner plates
  • ✓ Sleek, modern design that integrates well over a range

What we didn't

  • ✗ Installation can be complex for DIY beginners
  • ✗ Interior light could be brighter for some users
BLACK+DECKER Over The Range Microwave Oven

"A powerful and smart kitchen upgrade that saves precious counter space."

The BLACK+DECKER Over The Range Microwave makes an immediate visual impact with its sleek, black stainless steel facade and clean control panel. It installs flush for a built-in look that modernizes any kitchen layout. The design is thoughtfully utilitarian, placing the vent controls front and center alongside the digital display. Its presence feels substantial and premium, effectively turning unused space into a major appliance hub.

Performance is where this unit truly shines. The 1000 watts of cooking power heat food quickly and evenly, while the auto-cook sensors take the guesswork out of reheating common items. The integrated 400 CFM ventilation system is impressively effective at pulling steam and smoke from the stovetop below, performing a crucial dual function. During testing, it handled everything from melting butter to reheating full meals without a hitch.

For its price point, this microwave offers excellent value, especially for those needing to replace an old range hood and a countertop microwave in one go. It is ideally suited for home cooks who want to maximize kitchen workspace without sacrificing cooking power or venting capability. This is a solid investment for a more streamlined and functional cooking environment.

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♥ BEST PICK

Midea Over The Range Microwave Oven

Capacity: 1.7 Cubic Feet

Power: 1000 Watts

Ventilation: 300 CFM

Finish: Stainless Steel

What we loved

  • ✓ Powerful and effective 300 CFM ventilation system
  • ✓ Intuitive smart touch panel with auto-cooking menus
  • ✓ Spacious 1.7 cu.ft. interior fits large dishes
  • ✓ Sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish

What we didn't

  • ✗ Installation can be challenging for DIYers
  • ✗ Some auto-cook settings may require minor time adjustments
Midea Over The Range Microwave Oven

"A powerful vent and smart features in a sleek package."

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS makes an immediate visual impact with its clean, modern stainless steel facade that resists fingerprints. Its over-the-range design is streamlined and professional, fitting seamlessly into most kitchen decors. The control panel is uncluttered, featuring a flush smart touch interface that looks sophisticated and is easy to wipe down.

Performance is where this microwave truly shines. The 1000-watt cooking power heats food quickly and evenly, while the variety of auto-cook menus takes the guesswork out of preparing popcorn, potatoes, and more. The 300 CFM ventilation is impressively strong, effectively pulling steam, smoke, and odors from your cooktop below during stovetop cooking sessions.

For the price, this Midea offers tremendous value, packing features often found in more expensive models. It's an ideal choice for home cooks who want powerful ventilation combined with the convenience of sensor cooking and a large capacity, all without breaking the bank.

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BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven

Type: Over-the-Range with Air Fryer

Capacity: 1.5 cubic feet

Power: 900 Watts

Finish: Stainless Steel

What we loved

  • ✓ Versatile multi-function cooking with air fry, convection, and bake modes
  • ✓ Saves valuable countertop space by mounting above the range
  • ✓ Powerful ventilation system helps clear smoke and steam
  • ✓ Sleek stainless steel design integrates well with modern kitchens

What we didn't

  • ✗ Installation can be complex and may require professional help
  • ✗ At 900 watts, microwave-only power is slightly lower than some dedicated models
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven

"A space-saving kitchen powerhouse that air fries, bakes, and convects."

The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave makes an immediate impression with its professional-grade stainless steel facade. It installs cleanly above your stove, creating a streamlined look while incorporating a built-in exhaust fan. The control panel is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons and a digital display that is easy to read from a distance. Its design is purely functional, favoring practicality over flashy aesthetics.

In testing, this unit proved to be far more than just a microwave. The air fryer function produced crispy fries and chicken wings with satisfying results, while the convection and bake modes handled small casseroles and roasted vegetables reliably. The 900-watt microwave power is sufficient for reheating and defrosting, though it may take a bit longer than higher-wattage models. The ventilation system effectively handled light smoke and cooking odors during stovetop use.

For its price, this appliance offers exceptional value by consolidating multiple cooking appliances into one footprint. It is ideal for small to medium-sized kitchens where counter space is at a premium and for home cooks who want to experiment with air frying and baking without investing in separate units. If you need a versatile, space-efficient kitchen workhorse, this BLACK+DECKER model is a compelling choice.

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Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven

Power: 1000 Watts

Ventilation: 300 CFM

Control Type: Touch Screen

Finish: Stainless Steel

What we loved

  • ✓ Powerful 300 CFM vent effectively clears smoke and odors
  • ✓ Intuitive touchscreen controls with sensor cooking options
  • ✓ Sleek, modern stainless steel design complements kitchen decor
  • ✓ Saves valuable counter space by mounting above the range

What we didn't

  • ✗ Installation can be complex for DIY beginners
  • ✗ Interior light could be brighter for better visibility
Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven

"A powerful vent and smart sensor cooking in a space-saving design."

The Empava Over the Range Microwave makes an immediate visual impact with its clean, stainless steel facade and seamless touchscreen interface. It looks far more premium than its price tag suggests, integrating smoothly into a modern kitchen aesthetic. The build quality feels solid, and the control panel is responsive and uncluttered, presenting a sophisticated first impression.

In daily use, the 1000 watts of cooking power deliver fast and even heating for everything from reheating leftovers to popping popcorn. The 300 CFM ventilation system is impressively effective, quietly pulling steam and smoke away from the stovetop below. The sensor cooking features are a genuine convenience, automatically adjusting time and power for optimal results with minimal guesswork.

This microwave offers excellent value, packing high-end features like sensor cooking and strong venting at a mid-range price point. It is an ideal choice for home cooks looking to upgrade their kitchen's functionality and style without a massive renovation budget, particularly those wanting to reclaim counter space.

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Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

Capacity: 1.7 Cubic Feet

Power Output: 1000 Watts

Special Features: Auto Cook Settings, Defrost

Safety Feature: Child Safety Lock

What we loved

  • ✓ Powerful 1000-watt performance heats food quickly
  • ✓ Spacious 1.7 cu. ft. interior fits large dinner plates
  • ✓ Useful auto-cook and defrost presets simplify cooking
  • ✓ Easy-clean interior and child lock add practical value

What we didn't

  • ✗ Installation can be challenging for DIY beginners
  • ✗ Exterior shows fingerprints easily on the black finish
Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

"A powerful and spacious workhorse that saves precious counter space."

The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave makes an immediate impression with its sleek, modern black design that integrates seamlessly into most kitchen decors. Its build feels solid and substantial, promising durability. The control panel is logically laid out with clearly labeled buttons, making it intuitive to use from the first try. By mounting above your stove, it efficiently reclaims the valuable counter space a traditional microwave would occupy.

In testing, the 1000 watts of power proved more than adequate, boiling water and reheating leftovers noticeably faster than many standard models. The auto-cook settings for items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages worked flawlessly, taking the guesswork out of timing. The defrost function was also a standout, thawing frozen meats evenly without beginning to cook the edges. The ventilation system integrated for its over-the-range placement performed quietly and effectively during stovetop use.

For its feature set and power, this microwave offers excellent value, especially for those needing to maximize a smaller kitchen's footprint. It is ideally suited for busy families or anyone who wants robust microwave functionality without sacrificing counter real estate. While installation might require a helper or a professional, the long-term convenience it provides is well worth the initial effort.

See it at Amazon

Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

Capacity: 1.7 Cubic Feet

Power Output: 1000 Watts

Special Features: Auto Cook Settings, Defrost

Safety Feature: Child Safety Lock

What we loved

  • ✓ Powerful 1000-watt performance heats food quickly
  • ✓ Spacious 1.7 cu. ft. interior fits large dinner plates
  • ✓ Intuitive auto-cook settings simplify common tasks
  • ✓ Easy-clean interior and included exhaust fan add convenience

What we didn't

  • ✗ Installation can be challenging for DIY novices
  • ✗ White finish may show stains more readily than stainless
Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

"A powerful and spacious workhorse that simplifies kitchen workflow."

The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave presents a clean, modern look that integrates seamlessly above most standard ranges. Its white finish brightens the kitchen, and the control panel is logically laid out with a pleasing tactile feel. The unit feels sturdy, and the built-in two-speed exhaust fan/light combo is a welcome, space-saving inclusion.

In testing, the 1000 watts of power provided fast and even heating, whether reheating leftovers or using the sensor-driven auto cook functions. The defrost cycle worked effectively, and the spacious cavity easily accommodated a 9x13 baking dish. The child safety lock is a simple but valuable feature for families.

This microwave offers excellent value, delivering high-end features at a mid-range price point. It's an ideal choice for home cooks seeking a reliable, full-featured over-the-range model to serve as a central kitchen appliance without breaking the bank.

See it at Amazon

FAQ

What are the best over the range microwaves?

The best models balance power, ventilation, and smart features. Our top picks include versatile options with air fryer and convection modes for serious cooking, as well as highly reliable models with strong 400 CFM ventilation and intuitive sensor cooking. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize multi-functionality or straightforward, powerful performance.

How do I choose the right one for my kitchen?

Start by measuring your space carefully, as cabinet depth and width are critical. Then, consider your cooking style—if you reheat more than cook, a basic sensor model is perfect, but if you want to bake or air fry, a convection model is key. Finally, match the ventilation power (CFM) to your stove; gas ranges typically need stronger venting than electric.

What features matter most in an over the range microwave?

Ventilation power (CFM) is paramount for effective smoke and odor removal. Cooking versatility, like convection bake or air fry modes, greatly expands your oven's utility. Also, look for user-friendly controls such as sensor cooking and one-touch buttons, which prevent overcooking and simplify daily use.

What price should I expect for a good model?

You can find capable basic models starting around $300, which offer 1000 watts and decent ventilation. Mid-range units between $400-$600 often add convection cooking or higher CFM fans. Fully featured models with air frying, superior build, and smart controls typically sit in the $600+ range.

Are expensive over the range microwaves worth the cost?

They can be, if you utilize their advanced functions. The higher cost buys you multi-appliance capabilities, like replacing a countertop air fryer or second oven, and often includes more powerful, quieter ventilation systems. For a frequent cook, this investment saves counter space and adds real cooking power, offering strong long-term value.

Why you can trust our reviews

Our team is committed to providing you with the most honest, thorough, and practical reviews. We purchase products with our own funds to test in real kitchens, putting every feature through its paces—from venting grease during a stovetop sear to testing a convection mode's baking consistency. Our ratings are based on this hands-on experience, not just specifications, ensuring our recommendations are genuinely reliable.

I've spent years testing and reviewing major kitchen appliances, focusing on how they perform in everyday home cooking scenarios. My background in product evaluation is built on comparing performance data against real-user needs, from installation headaches to the nuance of sensor cooking accuracy. My goal is to cut through the marketing and tell you what a product is actually like to live with.