Comparison: Best Black Microwave Above Stove (Updated | Jul 27th)

When I look at the GE JVM3160DFBB, it feels like the dependable workhorse of the kitchen. What really makes this unit stand out in a real-world setting is the turntable on/off feature. It sounds minor until you realize you can finally fit those oversized, rectangular casserole dishes that usually get stuck while trying to rotate in smaller models. GE has also bundled this with a 2-year protection pack, which adds a nice layer of security for a major appliance purchase.

I’d recommend this for someone who values a straightforward, no-nonsense interface. It’s perfect for a busy family kitchen where you just need to hit a button and get results without navigating a complex menu. The 300-CFM venting system is solid enough to handle the steam from a boiling pot of pasta or the smells of a morning fry-up.

The trade-off here is the capacity. At 1.6 cu. ft., it is the smallest on this list. While it’s plenty for most plates, if you are used to massive 1.9 or 2.0 cubic foot models, the interior might feel a bit tight for tall items. It’s a reliable choice, but you are sacrificing a bit of volume for that GE brand consistency.

The black version of the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-BK is a sleek addition to a modern kitchen, offering a generous 1.7 cu. ft. of space. What catches my eye here is the multi-stage cooking capability. It’s incredibly useful for recipes that require an initial blast of high heat followed by a simmer, allowing you to program both stages at once so you don’t have to keep returning to the kitchen to adjust the power levels.

This is a great fit for the “set it and forget it” cook who wants a bit more automation in their daily routine. The express cooking keys (1-3 minutes) are a lifesaver when you’re in a rush to get a snack or a quick meal on the table. It looks sharp in an all-black kitchen suite and provides a decent 300 CFM of suction to keep the air clear.

One thing to keep in mind is the control panel layout. While it’s functional, the buttons are quite dense, and some users might find them a little small to read in a dimly lit kitchen. It’s a minor aesthetic gripe, but worth noting if you prefer large, high-contrast text on your appliances.

The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. microwave stands out because of its focus on “culinary flexibility.” Unlike some models that just give you a generic “cook” button, this one includes specific programs for things like potatoes and vegetables that actually seem to understand the moisture requirements of those foods. The 1000 watts of power is delivered efficiently, ensuring you don’t end up with those annoying cold spots in the middle of your leftovers.

I think this is the best choice for families with small children. The child safety lock is robust and easy to engage, providing peace of mind in a high-traffic kitchen. It’s also built for the “active kitchen” where the microwave is being used multiple times an hour, thanks to its easy-clean interior that resists the usual splatters and stains.

If there is a downside, it’s that the Farberware doesn’t emphasize its venting power as much as the competition. While it clears steam well enough for casual cooking, it might struggle a bit if you’re doing heavy-duty searing on the range below. It’s a cooking-first machine rather than a ventilation-first machine.

This BLACK+DECKER model is essentially the stainless steel twin of the earlier black version, but don’t let the title fool you—it is part of the “best black microwave” search for a reason, often featuring dark accents that blend into a black-themed kitchen. The standout feature remains the 1.7 cu. ft. capacity paired with a 12.4-inch turntable, which is large enough to handle a full-sized dinner plate with room to spare.

It’s an ideal choice for someone who wants a professional look without the professional price tag. The 300 CFM vent fan is integrated well, and the one-touch auto cooking menus for popcorn and beverages are calibrated nicely. It’s a solid middle-of-the-road performer that handles everyday tasks like melting butter or reheating coffee with zero fuss.

The honest trade-off here is the noise level. When the vent fan is on its high setting, it’s definitely noticeable. It’s powerful, yes, but you might find yourself turning up the TV in the next room while you’re clearing smoke from the stove. It’s the price you pay for effective suction in this price bracket.

The ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. microwave is a bit of a hidden gem in this category. What makes it stand out is the LED lighting system. Many over-the-range microwaves use dim, yellow incandescent bulbs that make your stovetop look dreary, but the ThermoMate uses crisp LEDs that actually let you see the color of the food you’re sautéing below. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in the cooking experience.

This is the perfect match for a DIY renovator looking for a modern, sleek aesthetic. The scratch-resistant finish is a huge plus, as over-the-range units often take a beating from steam and grease. It also features a 360° rotating turntable that ensures very even heat distribution, which is great for defrosting delicate meats without cooking the edges.

The trade-off is brand recognition. ThermoMate isn’t a household name like GE or Black+Decker, which might make some shoppers nervous regarding long-term parts availability. However, the build quality feels substantial enough to compete with the big players for daily kitchen duty.

If you have a large family or love to meal prep, the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is the heavy hitter you need. The standout feature is clearly the 1.9 cu. ft. capacity—it’s noticeably deeper and wider than the standard 1.6 or 1.7 models. This extra volume, combined with a 400-CFM venting fan, makes it a powerhouse for serious home cooks who are actually using their stove and microwave simultaneously.

I’d recommend this for anyone who uses large glass baking dishes or wants to reheat entire family-sized pizzas. The turntable on/off function is included here too, which is essential given the extra space. It also features express cooking and a wide array of pre-programmed menus ranging from bacon to frozen breakfast items.

The downside is the sheer footprint. Because it’s a 1.9 cu. ft. unit, it might hang a bit lower or feel more imposing over your stove than a compact model. You’ll want to measure your clearance carefully to ensure you still have enough room to reach your tallest stockpots on the back burners.

The GASLAND 1.9 Cu. Ft. microwave is probably the most feature-rich option on the list. What really sets it apart is the removable rack, which effectively creates a double cooking area. Being able to heat two different dishes at once is a game-changer during the dinner rush. It also boasts sensor cooking, which detects steam to adjust time and power automatically, taking the guesswork out of reheating.

This is the best buy for the “tech-forward” cook who wants every possible bell and whistle. With 11 power levels and a 400 CFM fan, it’s designed to be a high-performance hub for the kitchen. The two-stage cooking is also great for complex tasks like defrosting and then immediately roasting a dish without manual intervention.

The trade-off is the complexity of the interface. With so many options—9 presets, sensor modes, and rack configurations—there is a bit of a learning curve. If you just want to heat up a cup of water, you might find the control panel a bit overwhelming compared to simpler, more traditional models.

The GE JVM6175DKBB is a step up from the base model, offering 1.7 cu. ft. of space and a more refined set of controls. What makes this one stand out is the inclusion of the recirculating charcoal filter kit right in the box. Many over-the-range microwaves require you to buy these separately if you aren’t venting to the outside, so having it included makes the installation process much smoother.

I would suggest this for apartment dwellers or homeowners whose kitchens aren’t set up for external ducting. It’s a very reliable “bundle” that ensures you have everything you need for a clean install. The GE name also brings a level of trust regarding the convenience cooking controls, which are some of the most intuitive in the industry.

The honest downside is the price point relative to the features. You are paying a bit of a premium for the GE brand and the included protection plan. While it’s a rock-solid machine, you can find similar specs in other brands for less, though you might lose out on that specific GE longevity and ease of repair.

The Black+Decker 1.9 Cu Ft (Stainless Steel/Black) is all about volume and precision. The sensor menus are the star of the show here; they measure the humidity inside the microwave to stop the cooking process exactly when the food is done. This prevents that “rubbery” texture that often plagues microwaved leftovers, making it feel more like a true oven and less like a quick-heat box.

This is the ideal choice for someone who actually “cooks” in their microwave rather than just using it for popcorn. The 1-6 minute express cook buttons make it very fast to operate, and the 300 CFM fan does a decent job of keeping the kitchen air fresh. The LED display is bright and easy to read from across the room, which is a nice touch.

A potential trade-off is the 300 CFM fan speed. While 300 is standard, on a microwave this large (1.9 cu. ft.), I’d almost expect a 400 CFM fan to match the heavy-duty capacity. If you’re doing a lot of smoky frying on the stove, this fan might just barely keep up with the output of a 30-inch range.

The GASLAND 30 Inch 1.7 Cu.ft. model stands out for its Dual Heat Zones. It’s designed to maximize that 1.7 cubic foot interior by allowing you to prepare two dishes simultaneously, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to get a main and a side dish on the table at the same time. The smart defrost by weight is also incredibly accurate, preventing that annoying issue where the middle stays frozen while the edges start to cook.

I’d recommend this for someone who wants a modern, brushed-look appliance that fits a 30-inch opening perfectly. It feels very sturdy, and the two-speed 300 CFM exhaust is efficient for most standard cooking needs. The easy-clean interior is specifically designed to resist stains, which is great if you have kids who tend to leave a mess behind.

The trade-off here is the lighting. While it has LED lamps, they are positioned in a way that provides great light for the stovetop, but the interior light of the microwave itself can feel a little dim compared to the bright external LEDs. It’s a minor point, but it can make it slightly harder to see through the door while your food is cooking.