7 Best Over-the-Range Microwaves of 2020
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A microwave is a kitchen must-have. Over-the-range microwaves (or OTR microwaves) are microwaves that can be installed over your stove. Instead of a countertop microwave, these appliances free up counter space and to give your kitchen a neat, streamlined look.
Unlike countertop models, OTR microwaves are not portable, and they boast a higher price tag: However, they also have built in exhaust fans, which serve as a stove-top ventilation system to eliminate smoke, steam, and cooking odors. An over-the-range microwave takes the place of a range hood, and almost all building codes require a venting system to be installed over a kitchen stove but keep in mind an over-the-range microwave ventilation system typically won't vent as well as a range hood.
It can be overwhelming to parse through all the important information on over-the-range microwaves to figure out which model is right for you. That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab has done the work for you. Pulling from over a century of experience testing appliances from toaster ovens to air fryers and beyond, we narrowed down the enormous field to 22 microwaves and put them through a gamut of tests over two months, like melting cheese, defrosting 44 pounds of ground beed, baking 88 potatoes, popping popcorn, and reheating a dinner plate.
We also assess how easy each product is to use, scoring everything from the control panel and the alert tones to the helpfulness of the user manual, ability to monitor food cooking inside the microwave, and ease of cleaning. Lastly, after considering each products' price, warranty, most useful features, we weigh the scores to find the best OTR microwaves on the market. Here are our top picks:
Samsung Over-the-Range Microwave
Pros
- 1.8 cu. ft. interior
- Best value
Cons
Aside from an impressive 10-year limited warranty, Samsung's microwaves also come a in four fingerprint-resistant finishes, has great features, and boasts a very affordable price tag. It features 1.8 cubic feet of cooking space, sensor cooking, nine pre-set cook modes, the ability to disable the glass turntable, and child locks. The manufacturer claims the ceramic enameled interior is scratch-resistant and easy to clean and reviewers say it's easy to install, too. It's also our best value pick thanks to its affordable price range.
Whirlpool Over-the-Range Low Profile Microwave Hood Combination
Pros
- Low profile
- 1.1 cu. ft. interior can still fit a 9x13 dish
Cons
This low-profile model from Whirlpool is only 10 ¼ -inches tall, but low profile does not equate to low performance. The 1.1 cubic foot microwave has an impressive 1000 watts, sensor cooking, a 400 CFM venting system with four fan speeds, and a nonstick interior for easy cleaning: You will still be able to fit a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and 4-cup measuring cup inside. We like its sleek design, which hides the control panel (but not the clock) behind the door and its five finishes, including a chic sunset bronze.
Sharp Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
Pros
- Multifunctional capabilities to replace additional appliances
- Multiple power settings and size options
Cons
A convection over-the-range microwave serves as both a typical microwave and a small oven. If you live in an RV or you're just in the market for a microwave that can also bake, roast, and broil, you'll want to check out this convection microwave from Sharp. It comes in two sizes (1.1 cubic feet and 1.5 cubic feet), has eleven power settings, eight sensor programs, and a range-illuminating work surface light so you can better view what's cooking on the range below. Keep in mind that some reviewers do complain about condensation building up behind the glass.
FRIGIDAIRE Over-the-Range Microwave
Pros
- Space-wise rack to cook multiple dishes at once
Cons
This 1000- watt model has sensor cooking with 30 preset options and 1.7 cubic feet of cooking space. It also comes with its signature "space wise rack," a two level cooking system that lets you cook more than one item at a time. If that's not enough to love, it also comes in an on-trend black stainless steel finish.
GE Profile Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven
Pros
- 2.1 cu. ft. interior yet a small footprint
Cons
Even with an impressive 2.1 cubic feet of cooking space, GE's 1050 watt microwave still fits neatly into a 30-inch wide cabinet opening. Its most unique feature is the Chef Connect bluetooth function which connects with a GE range to turn on the cooking lights and keep the clocks in sync. It's equipped with ten power levels and a four-speed 400CFM venting system too. Reviewers love its sleek design but say that the location of the control panel means that it is more affected by steam and heat from range cooking than side-paneled models.
GE Profile Over-the-Range Oven with Advantium Technology
Pros
- Huge range of custom and pre-set cook times
- True European convection for fast, even cooking
Cons
It's hard to find a microwave more custom features than this GE that combines halogen light, microwave energy, and true European convection. GE claims these technologies work together to provide the exact amount and type of heat your food needs to cook food faster than in a conventional oven. This 1.7 cubic foot microwave comes with 175 pre-programmed menu selections and the ability to save up to 30 custom recipe times. Reviewers love that the control panel is backlit and the two removable convection cooking racks so you can cook more than one item at a time.
Pros
- 2.2 cu. ft. interior, the largest we tested
- Pull-out drawer for increased venting
Cons
With over 2.2 cubic feet of cooking space and a 14.6-inch turntable, LG claims this sensor microwave to be the largest on the market. Its most distinguishable feature, however, is its Extendavent, a drawer that can pull out to increase the venting capabilities. It also has "easy-clean" technology to make wiping stains simple, an energy saving feature, ten power levels, and a melt/soften function that bakers will love. Reviewers' only complaint is the loud and incessant beeping that follows after your food is finished cooking.
What to look for in an over-the-range microwave
- Size: OTR microwaves are sized to fit neatly over standard-sized ranges. The smallest over-the-range microwave is built to fit over a 24-inch range and the largest over a 30-inch range (helpfully, these are also the same widths of standard double door cabinetry). "Cubic feet" refers to the amount of space inside a microwave, but remember that much of that space comes from the height. The average size for an over the range microwave is 1.5 to 1.7 cubic feet, which is plenty of cooking space to fit a dinner plate. Height is typically only important if you have a convection microwave oven and want to cook on two racks. Low profile models that have lower footage (1.1 to 1.5) will still fit tall glasses wide plates just fine.
- Wattage equates to cooking power and for a standard sensor cooking microwave, you’ll want to look for a microwave with 900-1000 wattage. Any lower and the cooking time will be slower and the microwave may have difficulty heating food evenly. Keep in mind that OTR microwaves with higher wattage are typically more expensive since they're more powerful.
- Pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of the cooking time. Common task buttons (such as popcorn, add a minute, soften, and melt), and automatic one-touch defrost can be extremely helpful. A glass turntable that locks so you can cook casseroles is also a great feature to have in a convection oven.
- Sensor settings detect the steam being emitted from the food and automatically adjust the cooking times and power accordingly. This means you’re less likely to overcook your food or end up with a food explosion, and you’ll save on cooking time and therefore energy.
- Control panel: If you are shorter, you might appreciate a control panel that runs along the bottom of the microwave rather than the side. For a sleeker look, some models have control panels hidden behind the doors. Another nice feature to look for is one that lights up so you can use in dim kitchen lighting.
Anna Helm Baxter is a recipe developer, food stylist, video producer, cake maker and on-air talent. She was previously the Deputy Food Editor at the the Hearst Lifestyle Group: Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Dr Oz, and Country Living. She continues to freelance as a recipe developer and stylist and is the author of multiple cookbooks, including Salad in a Jar, Soups Made Simple, 10 Minute Desserts, and One Skillet.
Jessica (she/her) is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a longtime product tester, reviewer, writer and editor of beauty and lifestyle content. She has over a decade of industry experience, previously as beauty editor at USA Today's Reviewed where she launched the Beauty vertical and tested hundreds of products and has covered trends for publications like The Boston Globe and The New York Times. You can usually find her sorting through piles of beauty products — and testing the best ones on camera.
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