Comparison: What Are The Best Over The Range Microwave (Updated | Jul 29th)

If you have a busy kitchen that produces a lot of steam and smoke, the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a serious contender because of its 400 CFM venting fan. Most microwaves in this price bracket settle for 300 CFM, so that extra boost in suction power is a legitimate real-world upgrade for anyone who actually uses their stovetop for high-heat searing. I also really appreciate the Turntable On/Off function; it’s one of those features you don’t think about until you have a massive rectangular casserole dish that keeps getting stuck against the walls of a rotating tray.

This model is the ideal choice for a larger family or a “power user” who needs that 1.9 Cu.ft capacity to handle oversized frozen dinners or family-sized sides. The 1000 Watts of power ensures you aren’t waiting forever for a potato to bake, and the LED cooktop lighting is surprisingly crisp compared to the yellow-tinted bulbs on older units.

However, the trade-off here is the sheer footprint. At nearly 30 inches wide and over 16 inches tall, it’s a beast. If you are retrofitting this into an older kitchen with low-hanging cabinets, you might find the clearance between the microwave and your pots feels a bit cramped. Measure your vertical space twice before committing to this one.

There is something classic and clean about a white appliance, and the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-WH delivers that traditional look without feeling like a relic from the 90s. What stands out to me is the multi-stage cooking feature. It allows you to program the microwave to start at a high power to get things moving and then automatically drop to a lower power level to finish cooking gently—perfect for defrosting meat without “cooking” the edges or making a delicate sauce.

I’d recommend this specifically for homeowners or landlords who want a reliable, standard-sized 1.7 cu. ft. unit that fits a 12.4-inch turntable. It’s a workhorse for daily tasks like reheating coffee or popping corn using the One-Touch Auto Cooking buttons. The 300 CFM vent is sufficient for standard apartment cooking where you aren’t necessarily stir-frying at max heat every night.

The honest downside is the white finish itself. While it looks sharp out of the box, it is a magnet for yellowing over time if it’s exposed to heavy grease or sunlight, and every splash of tomato sauce shows up instantly. If you aren’t someone who wipes down their appliances daily, the maintenance might become a bit of a chore.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS is essentially the stainless steel twin of the previous model, but that finish completely changes the vibe of the kitchen. It feels much more modern and high-end. The Speedy Cooking buttons (1, 2, and 3 minutes) are the real stars here for someone who just wants to hit a button and walk away. It’s built for efficiency, giving you 1000 Watts of power across 10 cooking levels so you have total control over how your food is treated.

This is the “safe bet” for a kitchen remodel. It’s the perfect mid-range option for a homeowner who wants the 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and the sleek look of stainless steel without paying a premium for a “pro” brand. It handles the basics—popcorn, beverages, and defrosting—with zero learning curve.

One thing to keep in mind is that while it claims 300 CFM of suction, the fan can be quite loud on its highest setting. It’s a common trade-off with over-the-range units, but if you value a silent kitchen while you’re simmering soup, the hum of this vent might be a bit distracting. It’s a functional fan, just not a whisper-quiet one.

The GE JVM3160RFSS is a bit of a legend in the world of appliances because of its reputation for being a straightforward, reliable “drop-in” replacement. What makes this specific bundle stand out is the inclusion of the 2 Year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack. Over-the-range microwaves are notorious for having magnetron or touch-pad issues after a year or two, so having that extra layer of security on a GE unit is a massive peace of mind for the buyer.

This is the best choice for someone replacing an existing GE unit, as the mounting brackets often align, making installation a breeze. It’s a 1.6 Cu. Ft. model, which is slightly smaller than some competitors, but it’s plenty of room for a standard dinner plate. The Charcoal filter system is great for those whose kitchens don’t vent to the outside, as it does a decent job of trapping odors behind that top grille.

The downside is that it feels a bit “old school.” You aren’t getting fancy sensor cooking or modern LED displays; it’s a very utilitarian machine. If you are looking for the latest tech or a “smart” appliance, this isn’t it. It’s built to heat food and vent air, nothing more, nothing less.

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS really leans into the “smart” side of cooking with its Smart Touch Panel and a whopping 18 Auto Menus. While most microwaves give you five or six presets, this one covers everything from softening cream cheese to cooking rice. It’s the variety that makes it stand out; it feels like the manufacturer actually thought about what people eat today rather than just sticking to “popcorn” and “pizza.”

I think this is a great pick for someone who isn’t a confident cook and relies on presets to get things right. The 1.7 cu.ft capacity and 12.5-inch turntable are standard, but the 1000W output feels punchy and consistent. The 300 CFM ventilation handles the basics well, and the stainless steel finish is easy enough to keep clean.

The trade-off here is the touch panel itself. Because it is a “smart touch” interface rather than physical buttons, it can sometimes be finicky if your hands are wet or greasy while cooking. You might find yourself tapping a button twice to get it to register, which can be a minor annoyance when you’re in the middle of a hectic meal prep session.

The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. microwave is all about providing a high-capacity, high-power experience at a price point that usually gets you much less. It stands out because of its 1550W input power, which translates to a very efficient 1000W output. It heats incredibly fast. I also like the inclusion of a Child Safety Lock, which is a must-have if you have curious toddlers who like to press every glowing button they see at eye level.

This is a fantastic budget-friendly option for a rental property or a first home. It has all the “must-haves” like Weight Defrost and a Melt/Soften feature for butter or chocolate, which is surprisingly handy for bakers. The white finish gives it a very clean, “scrubbed” look that brightens up a darker kitchen corner.

However, the easy-clean interior is a bit of a marketing stretch. While it wipes down fine, the interior lighting isn’t as bright as some of the LED-equipped models, making it a little harder to see if you’ve actually gotten all the splatters off the back wall. It’s a basic, functional unit that trades some “premium feel” for a lower price tag.

The ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. microwave is a bit of a newcomer compared to the big heritage brands, but it stands out by offering a very sleek, all-black aesthetic that looks incredibly sharp in a modern kitchen. The LED lighting is a highlight here; it’s positioned to give you a really clear view of your stovetop, which is often an afterthought on cheaper units. The 360° rotating glass turntable is removable and easy to toss in the dishwasher, which I love.

This is a great choice for someone who wants a modern, “stealth” look in their kitchen without the fingerprint-magnet issues of stainless steel. It’s a solid 1000 Cooking Watts performer with 300 CFM of venting, making it a well-rounded mid-tier appliance for a standard family household.

The trade-off is the brand recognition and long-term part availability. Unlike a GE or a Black+Decker, finding a specific replacement part or a local repair technician who knows ThermoMate inside and out might be a bit more challenging five years down the road. You’re trading brand heritage for a very stylish, high-performing modern design.

The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS is a powerhouse in terms of pure interface. With 27 Touch Pad Buttons, it gives you more direct control over specific functions than almost any other microwave in its class. It stands out because of its 1.8 cu. ft. capacity, which hits that “Goldilocks” zone—larger than the standard 1.6 or 1.7 units, but not quite as massive as the 2.0+ monsters. It feels spacious without dominating the entire wall.

This is the best option for people who hate digging through menus. Everything you need is right there on the face of the unit. It’s a 1000 Cooking Watts machine that feels sturdy and well-built, and the non-ducted venting option makes it very versatile for different types of kitchen installations.

The honest downside is that the Recirculating Kit is sold separately. If you don’t have an external vent and you need to recirculate the air back into the room, you’re going to have to spend extra money and time sourcing that specific kit. It’s an annoying extra step that isn’t always clear when you’re just looking at the base price of the unit.