Comparison: Best Above Stove Microwave Ovens (Updated | May 13th)

If you are looking for a straightforward kitchen workhorse that doesn’t overcomplicate your morning routine, this BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. model is a solid contender. What really stands out in a busy kitchen environment is the multi-stage cooking feature. It allows you to program two different power levels in one go—like starting at high heat to get things moving and then automatically dropping to 50% power to finish gently—which is a lifesaver for defrosting and cooking dense proteins without drying them out.

I would recommend this for families or home cooks who appreciate speedy cooking shortcuts. The “Express Cook” buttons (1-3 minutes) are incredibly handy for those days when you just need to get leftovers on the table without fiddling with a dozen settings. It fits the standard 30-inch cabinet opening perfectly, making it a reliable replacement for an older unit.

The honest trade-off here is the 300 CFM vent fan. While it is certainly “strong” for standard steam and light odors, it might struggle if you are doing heavy indoor grilling or high-heat searing on the range below. It is a capable exhaust system, but it isn’t the most powerful air-mover in this price bracket.

This BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is the “big brother” in the lineup, and the jump to 1.9 cu. ft. of space is immediately noticeable when you’re trying to fit a large casserole dish inside. The real standout feature for me is the 400 CFM venting system. That extra boost in suction power makes a genuine difference in keeping your kitchen cabinets from getting greasy or sticky during a heavy Sunday meal prep session.

This is the ideal choice for someone who actually cooks in their microwave rather than just reheating coffee. With a Turntable On/Off function, you aren’t limited by the rotation; you can slide in a rectangular baking pan that would otherwise get stuck. It’s perfect for larger households where the microwave is a primary appliance for side dishes and frozen dinners.

One thing to keep in mind is the sheer size. While it fits a standard width, the internal depth and height are generous, which means it can feel a bit imposing in a very small, cramped kitchen. Also, while the LED cooktop lighting is crisp, some might find it a bit clinical if they prefer the warmer glow of traditional incandescent bulbs.

There is a certain peace of mind that comes with buying a GE JVM3160RFSS, mainly because it’s backed by a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack in this specific bundle. In a world where appliances seem to have shorter lifespans, having that extra layer of security stands out as a major selling point. The stainless steel finish is classic and matches almost any modern kitchen aesthetic without trying too hard.

I’d suggest this for a landlord or a homeowner who wants a “set it and forget it” appliance. It’s a 1.6 cu. ft. unit, which is slightly smaller than some competitors, but it’s exceptionally reliable for everyday tasks like popping corn or thawing meat. It’s best for those who value longevity and service support over flashy digital bells and whistles.

The downside is definitely the capacity. At 1.6 cubic feet, it’s on the more compact side of the over-the-range market. If you frequently use oversized dinner plates or large glass mixing bowls, you might find the interior a bit snug compared to the 1.9-cubic-foot giants. It’s a trade-off of space versus reliability.

The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS really shines when it comes to kitchen ergonomics, specifically because of its Zero-Clearance Door. If your stove is tucked into a corner or right next to a wall, most microwave doors will hit the wall when opened. This one opens to a full 90-degree angle without needing extra side room, which is a massive win for tight kitchen layouts.

This is the perfect match for someone living in a condo or an older home with a restrictive kitchen footprint. The 1.8 cu. ft. “Fits-More” capacity is impressive because it manages to feel huge on the inside—even fitting a 13″ x 9″ baking dish—without requiring a massive exterior footprint. The LED interior lighting is also a nice touch, as it stays bright enough to actually see if your cheese is bubbling.

One minor gripe is the 300 CFM fan. It’s adequate for most, but if you are a heavy-duty cook who generates a lot of smoke, it might feel a bit average. It gets the job done, but it doesn’t have that “industrial” suction feel that higher-rated fans provide.

This GE JVM3160DFBB comes in a sleek black finish, which is a fantastic alternative for those who are tired of the constant fingerprint-smudging that comes with stainless steel. Like its silver sibling, it includes a 2-year extended protection plan, making it a very safe investment for a high-traffic kitchen. The Turntable On/Off control is a highlight here, allowing you to use oversized cookware that needs to stay stationary.

I think this is the best pick for a sleek, modern kitchen redesign where you want the appliances to blend into dark cabinetry. It’s a 1000-watt machine that handles auto and time defrost tasks with impressive accuracy, so it’s great for the “thaw-and-go” cook who often forgets to take dinner out of the freezer in the morning.

The trade-off is the 1.6 cu. ft. capacity. While it’s efficient, it is technically one of the smaller interiors in this group. If you’re used to a massive microwave, the 13-inch depth might feel a little shallow when you’re trying to fit a large stack of plates or a particularly long steamer basket.

The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. in white is a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to brighten up their kitchen. While most brands focus on industrial steel, this clean white finish stands out for its classic, airy look. Beyond aesthetics, the specialized Potato program and Snack Menu are surprisingly well-calibrated, taking the guesswork out of common items that usually end up either cold in the middle or overcooked.

This is a great choice for a busy household with kids. The Child Safety Lock is easy to engage, and the Easy Clean interior means that when the inevitable spaghetti-sauce explosion happens, you aren’t scrubbing for an hour. It’s a practical, mid-sized unit that balances 1000 watts of power with user-friendly presets.

The honest downside is that white appliances can occasionally show yellowing over many years if exposed to high heat and grease from the stove below. You’ll want to be diligent about wiping down the exterior to keep that crisp look from fading into a duller cream color over time.

If you want the “luxury” experience without the name-brand markup, the ThermoMate 1.9 Cu. Ft. microwave is a hidden gem. What makes it stand out is the inclusion of a removable rack, allowing you to stack two layers of food at once. Combined with Sensor Cooking—which detects steam to adjust time automatically—it feels much more advanced than your average budget microwave.

This is the ultimate choice for the “power user” or a large family. If you’re often heating up multiple side dishes for a big dinner, that extra rack and the 400 CFM fan make it a true kitchen assistant. It’s 1000 watts with 11 power levels, giving you a lot of granular control over how you prep your meals.

The trade-off is brand recognition. ThermoMate isn’t a household name like GE or Frigidaire, which might make some shoppers nervous regarding long-term part availability. However, the stainless steel build quality feels heavy-duty enough to compete with the big players.

The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is a total game-changer for people who hate how bulky traditional microwaves look. Its slim body design is what makes it stand out; it takes up much less vertical space, giving you way more room to work with tall pots on the stove. Despite its low profile, it still packs a 400 CFM vent fan and 1000W of power, so you aren’t sacrificing performance for the sleek look.

I would recommend this for tech-savvy homeowners or those with limited backsplash space. It features Voice Control and SmartHome compatibility, so you can actually start the vent or check the timer from your phone. It’s perfect for a modern, minimalist kitchen where “less is more” in terms of visual clutter.

The obvious trade-off is the 1.2 cu. ft. capacity. It is significantly shorter than standard models, so you won’t be fitting a tall pitcher or a giant stack of containers inside. It’s designed for plates and low-profile bowls, so if you do a lot of “tall” cooking in the microwave, this slim design will be a frustration.

The Empava 1.7 Cu.ft. microwave stands out for its Screen Touch Control interface. Unlike many microwaves that use membrane buttons you have to press hard, this feels more like using a smartphone—very responsive and easy to wipe clean since there are no deep crevices. It also features Sensor Cooking, which is a premium touch that helps prevent your leftovers from turning into rubber.

This is a fantastic “middle-ground” option for someone who wants modern features like LED cooktop lighting and a Turntable On/Off function without spending a fortune. It’s a very capable 1000-watt unit that looks expensive thanks to the sleek silver and black glass aesthetic. It’s best for people who want their kitchen to look updated on a budget.

One thing to watch out for is the 300 CFM venting. While it’s standard, some users might find it a bit loud on its highest setting compared to more expensive “whisper-quiet” models. It’s effective, but you’ll definitely know when the fan is running.

The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. in black is the moody, sophisticated twin to the white version, and it looks incredibly sharp against stainless steel or wood cabinetry. What stands out here is the Advanced Defrosting logic. It doesn’t just blast the food; the weight defrost setting is surprisingly accurate, ensuring you don’t end up with meat that is cooked on the edges but still frozen in the center.

This is a great “all-rounder” for a rental property or a first home. It’s efficient and uniform in its heating, and the +30 seconds function is basically the only button most of us use anyway. It’s a reliable, no-nonsense appliance for someone who wants a 1000W microwave that just works every time they hit start.

The trade-off is that the black finish can make the kitchen feel a little darker if you don’t have good under-cabinet lighting. Also, while the Easy Clean interior is great, the black exterior surface tends to show dust and flour more than a white or brushed steel finish would, so keep a microfiber cloth handy.