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

If you are looking for a reliable “sous chef” that doesn’t overcomplicate things, the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS is a solid contender. What really stands out to me is the Multi-stage Cooking feature. It’s a game-changer for those tricky meals that need high heat to start and a lower simmer to finish; you can program it to drop from 90% to 50% power automatically so you aren’t hovering over the stove. The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable are plenty spacious for family-sized dinner plates.

I’d recommend this for the busy home cook who appreciates the “express” life. Having those 1, 2, and 3-minute quick-start buttons makes a huge difference during a hectic morning. It’s a practical, mid-sized workhorse for anyone upgrading a standard kitchen suite. However, while the 300 CFM vent fan is decent, it might struggle a bit if you’re doing heavy-duty searing or frying on the range below. It’s great for steam and light odors, but don’t expect it to clear a smoke-filled room instantly.

There is something undeniably clean and classic about a white appliance, and this Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. model nails that aesthetic. Beyond the looks, it stands out for its Smart Defrosting logic. Instead of just guessing how long to zap a frozen block of ground beef, you can toggle between time and weight settings to ensure you aren’t accidentally “cooking” the edges while the center stays frozen. It feels like a very intentional piece of machinery for a kitchen that sees a lot of meal prep.

This is the perfect choice for a family kitchen where safety and simplicity are top priorities. The Child Safety Lock is a must-have for peace of mind, and the specialized Potato and Snack programs make it easy for older kids to grab a bite safely. The trade-off here is the white finish itself; while it looks sharp, it tends to show every splash of tomato sauce or grease flick from the stove more prominently than stainless steel, so keep a microfiber cloth handy.

The black version of the Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. microwave offers a sleek, moody alternative to the standard silver box. What I find most impressive here is the 1550W input power paired with the 1000W output, which ensures that the energy flow is consistent enough for uniform heating. You won’t find those annoying cold spots in your leftovers as often. The Melt/Soften function is also surprisingly precise, making it a dream for home bakers who constantly need room-temperature butter or melted chocolate on short notice.

I’d suggest this for someone with a modern or dark-themed kitchen who wants their appliances to blend into the cabinetry rather than pop out. It’s a great “active kitchen” unit. The honest downside is that the Black finish can sometimes make the control panel a bit harder to read in low-light conditions compared to higher-contrast models. You’ll definitely want to use the LED lighting on the underside to help illuminate your workspace.

The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS is built for people who actually use their microwave for real cooking, not just reheating coffee. The standout feature is definitely the Fits-More Capacity. At 1.8 cu. ft., it is noticeably roomier than the standard 1.7 models, even fitting a full 13″ x 9″ baking dish. If you’ve ever had a casserole dish get stuck while trying to rotate, you’ll appreciate the extra breathing room here. The Zero-Clearance Door is also a brilliant design touch, allowing you to install it flush against a wall without worrying about the door hitting the side when it swings open.

This is the best fit for homeowners with tight kitchen layouts or those who frequently host large dinners. The LED lighting both inside and over the cooktop provides a crispness that old-school bulbs just can’t match. On the flip side, while Frigidaire is a premium name, this model keeps the interface fairly basic. It lacks some of the hyper-specific sensor cooking modes found in high-end competitors, focusing more on size and build quality than “smart” bells and whistles.

The ThermoMate 1.9 Cu. Ft. model is a beast in the best way possible. It’s the largest on this list, and that 1.9 cu. ft. capacity combined with a removable rack means you can actually cook two things at once. But the real star is the 400 CFM ventilation. Most over-the-range units top out at 300, so that extra 100 CFM of suction makes a massive difference in keeping your kitchen air clear. It also features Sensor Cooking, which detects steam to adjust time and power automatically.

If you have a large family or you’re a serious home cook who does a lot of sautéing on the range, this is the one to get. The power and airflow are top-tier. However, the trade-off for all that space is the physical footprint. It’s a large unit, and you’ll want to double-check your cabinet clearances carefully. It might feel a bit imposing in a very small, cramped kitchen where every inch of vertical space above the stove is precious.

The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ takes a completely different approach by going Slim. In real life, this is a lifesaver for kitchens where the microwave usually sits too low, making it hard to see into tall stockpots on the stove. By trimming the height but keeping a powerful 1000W motor and 400 CFM vent, it manages to be both a high-performing hood and a capable microwave. It even features Voice Control and smartphone integration, which feels very futuristic when your hands are covered in flour.

This is the definitive choice for someone living in an apartment or a home with low-hanging cabinets who doesn’t want to sacrifice Sensor Cooking technology for space. It’s smart, sleek, and efficient. The obvious downside is the 1.2 cu. ft. capacity. While it’s wide enough for most plates, you won’t be fitting any tall containers or large upright items inside. It’s a trade-off of vertical interior space for better stove-top visibility.

The GE JVM3160RFSS is the “old reliable” of the group. What makes it stand out isn’t a fancy touchscreen, but its proven track record for durability and the inclusion of a 2-year extended protection plan. It features a charcoal filter system designed specifically for those who need to recirculate air because they don’t have external venting. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense machine that does exactly what it says on the box.

I would recommend this for landlords, property managers, or homeowners who want an appliance that is easy to service and simple for anyone to operate. It’s the classic choice for a reason. One honest trade-off, however, is the 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, which is the smallest of the full-sized units here. It’s perfectly fine for a standard dinner plate, but if you’re used to the massive interiors of modern premium models, it might feel a little snug.

The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 stands out because of its Turntable On/Off function. This is a rare and highly underrated feature in this price bracket; it allows you to stop the rotation so you can fit oversized, rectangular platters that would otherwise clunk against the walls. Combined with Sensor Cooking and a sleek Screen Touch Control panel, it feels much more expensive than it actually is. It’s a very versatile piece of equipment for someone who experiments with different dish shapes.

This is best for the “power user” who wants high-end features like 9 auto-menu programs (including bacon and rice!) without the high-end price tag. It’s a great value-for-money play. The downside is that the 300 CFM fan is a bit noisier than some other models. If you’re sensitive to the hum of a ventilation system while you’re trying to have a conversation in the kitchen, the fan’s “strong suction” might be a bit loud for your liking.

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is all about variety and ease of use. While most microwaves give you five or six presets, this one offers 18 Auto Menus. Whether you’re softening cream cheese for a frosting or steaming rice, there is a specific button for it. The Smart Touch Panel is very responsive, and the 12.5-inch turntable is slightly larger than average for a 1.7 cu. ft. model, giving you just enough extra room for a rotisserie chicken or a large pizza box.

This is the ideal microwave for someone who hates manual programming and just wants to press a button and walk away. It’s built for convenience and variety. The trade-off here is the aesthetic branding; the Midea logo and the touch panel design are a bit more prominent than the minimalist look of a Frigidaire or GE. If you’re trying to achieve a perfectly “seamless” look with other appliance brands, this unit might stand out a little more than you’d like.

The ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. in White is a great example of a balanced appliance. It focuses heavily on Easy to Clean surfaces, using a scratch-resistant finish that doesn’t let grease bond to it. In a kitchen where the microwave is positioned directly over a steaming stove, that “easy-wipe” factor is a massive benefit. It’s a 1000W machine with a standard 300 CFM fan, providing a very consistent experience for everyday tasks like popping corn or baking a potato.

I’d recommend this for someone looking for a clean, bright look in their kitchen who wants a dependable, middle-of-the-road performer. It’s a great “daily driver.” One thing to keep in mind is that it only has four auto-cook programs. Compared to other models on this list that have nine or even eighteen, this one is much more basic. If you rely heavily on the microwave to “think” for you across a dozen different food types, you might find the interface a bit too simplified.