Finding the perfect over the range microwave can change your daily life. You might be upgrading a kitchen, replacing an old unit, or maximizing limited counter space.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Cooking power, ventilation strength, smart features - they all matter.
We've spent weeks testing the top over the range microwaves. Some impressed us, others disappointed. Real-world use reveals the truth.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which products actually deliver and which to skip.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS OTR Microwave | (Not Available) | PRICES |
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BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave | (Not Available) | PRICES |
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BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-BK OTR Microwave | (Not Available) | PRICES |
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BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven | (Not Available) | PRICES |
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Midea MOR17BSA-SS Over Range Microwave | (Not Available) | PRICES |
BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS OTR Microwave
This BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave is designed to save valuable counter space by mounting above your stove. It combines a 1000-watt microwave with an integrated ventilation system. The stainless steel finish offers a sleek, modern look for most kitchens.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful 1000-watt cooking and reheating performance
- ✓ Integrated vent system effectively clears smoke and odors
- ✓ Convenient one-touch auto-cook settings for common foods
Cons
- ✗ Installation can be challenging and may require a professional
- ✗ The interior light is somewhat dim for illuminating the stovetop below
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, value-oriented over-the-range microwave that performs its core functions well. While it lacks some high-end features, it offers excellent utility for the price. I would recommend it for anyone needing a reliable, space-saving appliance.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS excels in its primary role as a capable microwave oven. The 1000 watts of power heat food quickly and evenly, and the 1.7 cubic foot capacity is spacious enough for most dinner plates and cookware. The one-touch auto-cook buttons for items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages are genuinely useful and take the guesswork out of timing. The stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe clean and maintains a professional appearance that blends into a variety of kitchen decors.
Where this unit truly proves its worth is as a dual-purpose appliance. The built-in vent, with its two-speed fan, does a commendable job of pulling steam, smoke, and cooking smells from the stovetop below, which is a major advantage in smaller kitchens. However, the installation process is not for the faint of heart, as it requires secure mounting to a cabinet and potentially connecting to an external duct, which might necessitate a handy friend or a hired installer. Once in place, it operates quietly and reliably, making it a practical centerpiece for a functional cooking space.
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a space-saving over-the-range microwave designed for modern kitchens. It combines a powerful 1000-watt cooking system with an integrated 400 CFM ventilation hood. This model aims to deliver convenience with its one-touch controls and auto-cooking features.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful 1000-watt cooking ensures fast and even heating
- ✓ Effective 400 CFM ventilation fan handles light to moderate cooking fumes well
- ✓ One-touch buttons and auto-cook presets simplify daily use
Cons
- ✗ Installation can be complex and may require professional help
- ✗ The 1.9 cubic foot interior is adequate but not spacious for larger dishes
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, value-oriented over-the-range microwave that performs its core functions reliably. It's best suited for smaller to medium-sized households that need to maximize counter space. While not packed with high-end features, it gets the job done efficiently.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 excels in its primary role as a compact kitchen workhorse. The 1000 watts of power is more than sufficient for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, and defrosting frozen foods quickly. The ventilation system, while not the strongest on the market, does a commendable job of clearing out steam and light smoke from the stovetop below, which is a crucial function for any over-the-range unit. The exterior has a clean, fingerprint-resistant black finish that blends well with most kitchen decors.
Where this microwave truly shines is in its user-friendly operation. The one-touch buttons for common items like pizza, potatoes, and beverages eliminate guesswork. The interior light is bright, and the turntable is quiet and reliable. However, the cavity size might feel a bit restrictive if you frequently need to heat large, wide platters. Overall, for its price point, it delivers dependable performance and essential features without unnecessary complexity.
BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-BK OTR Microwave
This BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave is designed to save valuable counter space by mounting above your stove. It combines a 1000-watt microwave with an integrated ventilation system. The one-touch auto-cooking features aim to simplify meal prep.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful 1000-watt cooking and efficient venting system
- ✓ Space-saving over-the-range design frees up counter space
- ✓ Convenient one-touch auto-cooking for popular foods
Cons
- ✗ Installation can be complex and may require professional help
- ✗ At 1.7 cu. ft., interior capacity is modest for larger dishes
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, functional microwave for anyone needing to maximize kitchen space. It performs its core heating and venting duties reliably, though it lacks some premium features. For the price, it offers good value for a basic, space-efficient appliance.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-BK excels in its primary role as a space-saving kitchen workhorse. The 1000 watts of power provide quick and even heating for most everyday tasks, from reheating leftovers to popping popcorn. The integrated vent, with its two-speed fan, does a commendable job of pulling steam and light smoke from the stovetop below, though it's best for everyday cooking rather than heavy-duty ventilation. The sleek black finish integrates well with most kitchen decors.
Where this microwave truly shines is in its simplicity and straightforward operation. The one-touch buttons for items like pizza, potatoes, and beverages remove the guesswork from cooking times. The interior light is sufficiently bright, and the turntable ensures even cooking. However, the 1.7 cubic foot cavity can feel a bit tight for oversized plates or certain baking dishes, so it's important to check your dish dimensions. Overall, it delivers reliable performance without unnecessary complexity.
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven
This BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to save counter space. It combines standard microwave functions with air frying, convection, and baking capabilities. Its 1.5 cubic foot capacity and stainless steel finish make it a practical and modern choice.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent multi-functionality with air fry, convection, and bake modes
- ✓ Space-saving over-the-range design with built-in ventilation
- ✓ Powerful 900-watt microwave performance for quick cooking
Cons
- ✗ Installation can be complex and may require professional help
- ✗ The air fryer basket capacity is somewhat limited for larger families
My Honest Opinion
This is a fantastic appliance for anyone wanting to maximize their kitchen's functionality without sacrificing space. While it excels at combining several cooking methods into one unit, the installation hurdle is real. Overall, it delivers great value for its feature set.
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave truly shines as an all-in-one kitchen workhorse. The primary microwave function is powerful and reliable, heating food evenly and quickly. However, the real game-changers are the specialized modes; the air fryer produces crispy results comparable to a dedicated unit, and the convection bake mode is perfect for roasting vegetables or even baking small batches of cookies. The stainless steel exterior is easy to clean and integrates seamlessly into most kitchen decors.
Despite its strengths, potential buyers should be aware of the installation process. Mounting it securely over a range and properly venting it to the outside requires careful measurement and some DIY skill or a hired professional. Furthermore, while the 1.5 cu.ft. interior is spacious for microwaving, the included air fryer basket is best suited for meals for two or three people. For larger families, cooking in batches becomes necessary when using the air fry function.
Midea MOR17BSA-SS Over Range Microwave
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a modern over-the-range microwave designed to save counter space and provide powerful cooking. It features a smart touch panel and a suite of automated functions. This model aims to be a stylish and functional centerpiece for your kitchen.
Pros
- ✓ Powerful 1000-watt cooking with an auto menu for easy one-touch operation
- ✓ Effective 300 CFM ventilation system to clear smoke and cooking odors
- ✓ Sleek stainless steel finish and smart touch panel for a modern look
My Honest Opinion
This is a solid, feature-rich microwave that performs its core functions very well. While the installation hurdle is real, the end result is a powerful and space-saving appliance. For the price, it offers excellent value for most home cooks.
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS excels in daily use. The 1000 watts of power heats food quickly and evenly, and the various sensor cook and auto menu options take the guesswork out of reheating common items like potatoes, pizza, and beverages. The touch controls are responsive, and the stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe clean, maintaining its sleek appearance with minimal effort. The ventilation fan is notably effective at its highest setting, making it a reliable partner for stovetop cooking.
Where this microwave shows some compromise is in its finer details. The internal light is not as bright as one might hope, making it slightly difficult to monitor food without opening the door. Furthermore, while the included installation template is helpful, the process of mounting it securely over your range and venting it properly is not a simple DIY task for everyone; securing help is a recommended and potentially added cost. Despite these points, its cooking performance and vent power make it a highly competent kitchen appliance.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Size and Capacity: Measure your cabinet space carefully and choose a capacity (like 1.5, 1.7, or 1.9 cu. ft.) that fits your kitchen and your typical meal sizes.
Factor 2
Ventilation Power: Look at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating; a higher CFM (like 400) is better for strong stovetop venting, especially if you cook often.
Factor 3
Cooking Features: Decide if you need basic auto-cook buttons or advanced functions like an air fryer and convection baking for more versatile cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "over the range" mean?
It means the microwave is designed to be installed above your stove, replacing a range hood and saving counter space.
Do I need special tools to install it?
Yes, installation typically requires drilling into cabinets and walls, and connecting to an electrical outlet and possibly an external vent. Professional installation is often recommended.
What is CFM and why does it matter?
CFM measures how much air the vent fan moves. A higher CFM means better smoke and odor removal from your stovetop.
Can these microwaves be used as a regular oven?
Most are just microwaves, but some models with convection and bake modes can function like a small oven for roasting and baking.
Are all these models the same brand?
In this review, most are BLACK+DECKER models, but we also included a Midea model to show a different option with a smart touch panel.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these over-the-range microwaves, the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 (1.9 Cu.ft) takes the crown. It offers the best balance of large capacity and powerful 400 CFM ventilation for most kitchens.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you want multi-cooking features, the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS with Air Fryer is a fantastic alternative. For a sleek, modern interface, consider the Midea MOR17BSA-SS.