After I broke down and decided to buy a new microwave, I spent hours researching possible solutions. Below are the 10 best microwave ovens as a result of this research.
This list will be helpful for anyone that needs a new over-the-range microwave but isn’t sure which one to buy. If you’re like me, you realize that this is a big decision that will have an impact on your family for years to come. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use this guide to make that
In addition to the list of 10 microwaves, I included a brief description of the microwave, the product specifications, why this microwave made the list, and possible drawbacks. Finally, each microwave on this list includes comments from verified purchases.
You will find this list important because it strips away all of the marketing associated with the microwaves. Because there are some many brands competing for your dollar, each microwave appears to be the perfect solution for your needs. I expect that this post, which is based on my independent research will assist you and finding the best product for you.
Definitions
Before we look at the 10 best over-the-range microwave ovens, I want to spend a moment defining common terms that you will see throughout this post.
Oven capacity: Oven capacity is the size inside the microwave. This is the amount of food that can be cooked at one time. Oven capacity is measured in cubic feet. Cubic feet is calculated by multiplying length, width, and height. Domestic microwaves have an oven capacity range between 0.5 – 2.5 cubic feet.
Watts: The wattage is how the food is cooked in your microwave. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. In addition, the higher the wattage, the more versatile your microwave will be. Domestic microwaves have a wattage range of 550 – 1500. All of the microwaves on this list have a minimum 1000 watts.
Features: Features are addons to the microwaves ability to cook food. Features can include everything from nonstick internal surface to express cooking. I will include a few of the features for each microwave on this list.
For any in-depth description of the various features, click here
Price per watts: I use price per watts for comparing two microwaves. The equation (price / watts) helps you understand what you are really paying for in a microwave. I think the marketing around microwaves is used to confuse customers and make comparing two microwaves difficult.
Using the price per watt calculation, it factors the two most important features of a microwave: price and watts.
Footprint: Footprint is the external size of the microwave. The footprint is stated as depth x width x height. It is important to note that not all of these microwaves will fix all spaces. Be sure to measure your opening before buying an over-the-range microwave.
Also, note that the drawbacks listed are more nitpicking than anything else. Also if these microwaves are very good microwaves that would be great additions to your home or kitchen. I thought it was important to point out concerns that I would have if I was considering any of these microwaves.
While these microwaves are numbered 1 – 10, they aren’t necessarily ranked in the order I would purchase them.
Now that we understand the definitions, let’s take a look at the 10 best over-the-range microwave ovens.
1. Whirlpool WMH53521HV Over-the-Range Microwave oven
The Whirlpool WMH53521HV over-the-range microwave has 1000 watts of cooking power. In addition, this microwave has a large oven capacity of 2.1 cubic feet. This microwave features a wide 14 inch turntable and sensor cooking. Finally, this microwave includes the following features:
- +30 seconds
- Steam cooking
- Turntable on/ off
- one button cooking
Finally, this microwave is finished with black stainless steel and a cooking light.
What I Like
I like that this microwave has 4 fan speeds, sensor cooking, and 19 one-button cooking setting. Recently I began using sensor cooking and it really takes the guesswork out of cooking.
Also, I like the price per watt. This microwave has one of the lowest PPW of the microwaves listed. A low PPW means your money goes further. Finally, the oven capacity is huge. You will have a difficult time filling this microwave up.
Drawbacks
This microwave does not have convection cooking. This microwave would be classified as a “solo microwave.” In addition, stainless steel adds an additional premium on microwaves that isn’t really needed. Stainless steel can be difficult to keep clean.
Also, this microwave is not ENERGY STAR Certified or ADA Compliant. Finally, a microwave of this size could use a slightly larger wattage, but this shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Design
- Features
- Ease of use
Cons
Customers hoped for improvement in these areas:
- Stove top light
- Door
- Venting
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 2.1 Cubic feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: yes (control lock)
- Footprint: 16 x 29.93 x 17.12
- Warranty: One year limited
- Price per watt: $0.42
- Where to buy: Whirlpool, Home Depot, Amazon, Lowes, Best Buy
2. LG LMHM2237BD Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The LG LMHM2237BD microwave has a large 2.2 cubic feet cooking capacity and 1000 watts of cooking power. In addition, this microwave includes digital controls, sensor cooking, and an EasyClean interior.
In addition, here are other features included in with this microwave:
- Enhanced ventilation
- Energy saving system
- Auto defrost
- Nightlight
Also, this microwave includes 8 one-touch presets, 4 fan speeds, and 10 power levels. Finally, this microwave includes a removable air filter and a turntable that can be turned on and off.
What I Like
The turntable is the largest on this list. In addition, I like that this microwave has a grilling function and the microwave has the ability to go into “eco” mode. Finally, I like that his microwave is very conscious of its noise level, by including a noise reduction system. The 4 fan speeds will help prevent the smoke detector from alarming while you are cooking with the oven.
Drawbacks
In general, I’m not a huge fan of stainless steel. In my opinion, stainless steel isn’t needed unless you are running a professional kitchen. Stainless steel adds an unnecessary premium of microwaves. In addition, a microwave with 2.2 cubic feet of oven capacity should include more wattage. Finally, while this microwave is eco conscious, this microwave is not ENERGY STAR Certified.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Venting
- Features
- Ease of use
Cons
Customers hoped for improvement in these areas:
- Noisy
- Digital display
- Material
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 2.2 Cubic feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: Yes
- Footprint: 15.87 x 29.87 x 17.72
- Warranty: One year limited
- Price per watt: $0.49
- Where to buy: Sears, Lowes, Best Buy, LG, Home Depot
3. KitchenAid KMHS120EBL Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The KitchenAid KMHS120EBL microwave includes 1000 watts of cooking power, 2.0 cubit feet of oven capacity, and 16 one-touch settings. In addition, this microwave includes sensor cooking, a keep-warm setting and electronic controls. Finally, this microwave includes a steam/ simmer cycle to help prevent food from drying out and a cooking light.
What I Like
I like the keep-warm feature. The keep-warm feature, combined with the 2.0 oven capacity, can help keep your food nice and warm even when food is ready at different times. Also, I like the sensor steam/ simmer function. One of the biggest challenges with microwaves is if food is overcooked slightly, it becomes completely dried out.
Drawbacks
This price per watt for this microwave is one of the highest on this list. Also, this microwave does not include convection or grill cooking and isn’t fingerprint resistant. Usually, fingerprint resistance is a standard for stainless steel microwaves. In addition, this microwave “only” includes 3 fan settings. Finally, I would like to see an easy clean feature included with this microwave.
This microwave is not ENERGY STAR Certified or ADA compliant.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Quiet
- Setup
- Cooking
Cons
Customers hope for improvement in these areas:
- Light
- Noisy
- Digital display
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 2.0 Cubic Feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: Yes
- Footprint: 16.25 x 30 x 17.12
- Warranty: one year limited
- Price per watt: $0.58
- Where to buy: KitchenAid, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes
4. Frigidaire FFMV1645TW Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The Frigidaire FFMV1645TW microwave features 1.6 cubic feet of oven capacity and 1000 watts of cooking power. In addition, this microwave includes built-in sensors for assisting your cooking, grease filter to control odors, and an LED cooktop light. Also, this microwave includes 2 fan speeds, 10 power levels, and 6 one-touch presets. Finally, this microwave includes basic features like child lock, defrost, and turntable
What I Like
The price per watt is by far the cheapest on this list. If you are looking for a basic over-the-range microwave, this microwave is for you. This microwave includes 1000 watts, which is great for this microwaves oven capacity. As mentioned, this microwave includes all of the basic features you may be looking for when buying a microwave.
Drawbacks
This microwave is very small for its class. The oven capacity is the smallest on this list, and it’s missing a lot of the features that are included with microwaves that are on this list. For example, this microwave doesn’t have sensor cooking, convection or grill cooking, and only 2 fans. Finally, this microwave has “only” 6 one-touch presets, the fewest on this list.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Design
- Price
- Setup
Cons
Customers hoped for improvement in the following areas:
- Beeping
- Features
- Convection
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 1.6 Cubic feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: yes
- Footprint: 15.25 x 29.87 x 16.40
- Warranty: one year limited
- Price per watt: $0.24
- Where to buy: Frigidaire, Lowes, Best Buy, Home Depot, Amazon
5. Whirlpool WMH53521HB Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The Whirlpool WMH53521HB microwave is the second on our list. This microwave includes 1000 watts of cooking power, a 14-inch turntable, and 2.1 cubic feet of oven capacity. In addition, this microwave includes electronic touch controls, steam and sensor cooking, and a CleanRelease non-stick interior. Finally, this microwave includes a 90 degree door hinge, and
What I Like
I like that this microwave includes sensor cooking and a wide turntable. In addition, I like the unique 90-degree door hinge and the oven capacity. This microwave includes all of the standard features including:
- Timer
- Child lock
- Defrost
- Removable turntable
Finally, I like that this microwave includes 19 one-touch presets, 4 fan speeds, and 10 power levels.
Drawbacks
While this microwave is UL listed, it is not ENERGY STAR Certified or ADA compliant. Also, this microwave should include more wattage and a premium feature like a grill feature. I do wonder about the learning curve required for a microwave that has 19 one-touch presets.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Price
- Design
- Cooking
Cons
Customers hoped for improvement in the following areas:
- Venting
- Door
- Light
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 2.1 Cubic Feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: Yes
- Footprint: 16 x 29.93 x 17.12
- Warranty: One year limited
- Price per watt: $0.33
- Where to buy: Whirlpool, Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot
6. LG LMHM2237ST Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The LG LMHM2237ST microwave includes 2.2 cubic feet of oven capacity, 1000 watts of cooking power, and includes a stainless steel finish. In addition, this microwave includes a 14.2-inch turntable, digital microwave controls, an EasyClean interior. Finally, this microwave includes an all-new venting system to proved a quiet and powerful ventilation system and an energy saving feature.
What I Like
This microwave is very similar to the other LG listed. I do like the hidden vent system, child lock, and auto defrost. In addition, I like sensor cooking, the glass controls and the unique location, and the oven capacity. This microwave includes 10 power levels and 4 fan speeds. Finally, I like the charcoal filter, a Bilevel cooking rack, and the 8 preset programs
Drawbacks
The price per watt for this microwave is among the highest of this list. In addition, this microwave includes a stainless steel finish, which may be difficult to keep clean. Also, this microwave is not ENERGY STAR Certified, and does not include convection or grill cooking. Finally, this microwave could have a higher wattage considering the oven capacity.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Easy of use
- Features
- Venting
Cons
Customers hoped for improvement in these areas:
- Noisy
- Material
- Digital display
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 2.2 Cubic feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: Yes
- Footprint: 15.87 x 29.87 x 17.72
- Warranty: One year limited, 10 years limited: magnetron
- Price per watt: $0.46
- Where to buy: LG, Best Buy, Home Depot, Amazon
7. KitchenAid KMHS120ESS Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The KitchenAid KMHS120ESS microwave includes 2.0 cubic feet of oven capacity, 1000 watts of cooking power, and a 14-inch turntable. In addition, this microwave features electronic microwave controls, sensor cooking, and a stainless steel finish. Finally, this microwave includes 16 one-touch presets, 3 fan speeds, and cooktop lighting.
What I Like
I like the large 2.0 cubic feet of oven capacity, the sensor cooking features, and the turntable. In addition, this microwave includes all of the standard features like timer, child lock, defrost, and removable turntable. Finally, I like that this microwave has 3 fan speeds, 10 one-touch presets, and 10 power levels.
Also, I like the warranty that is included with this microwave. This microwave has a 5 year limited warranty on the electric element, solid state touch control system. In addition, this microwave includes a 10 year limited warranty on the stainless steel oven cavity and inner door.
Drawbacks
This microwave is the heaviest on this list. While this isn’t a major drawback, it is something to consider when mounting to the wall/ cabinets. Also, this microwave has one of the highest
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Setup
- Ease of use
- Cooking
Cons
Customers hoped for improvement in these areas:
- Light
- Noisy
- Door
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 2.0 Cubic feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: Yes
- Footprint: 16.25 x 30 x 17.12
- Warranty: One year limited; 5 years limited: electric element, 10 years limited stainless steel
- Price per watt: $0.45
- Where to buy: KitchenAid, Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon
8. Samsung ME21M706BAS Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The Samsung ME21M706BAS microwave oven includes 1000 watts of cooking power, 2.1 cubic feet oven capacity, and a stainless steel finish. In addition, this microwave includes a wide 14.18-inch turntable, electronic microwave controls, and sensor cooking. Finally, this microwave includes glass touch controls and a LED cooktop light.
What I Like
I like that this microwave includes a ceramic enamel interior, which makes for an easy cleanup of messes. Also, I like that this microwave includes an “eco-mode” which is a built-in energy saving feature. In addition, I like that this microwave includes a
Drawbacks
This microwave does not include convection cooking but does include a grill function. In addition, this microwave could use a slightly higher wattage considering the large oven capacity. This microwave is not ENERGY STAR Certified and only has a standard 1-year warranty on all parts and labor (excluding the magnetron). Finally, this microwave has a stainless steel finish that will be difficult to keep clean.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Cleaning
- Features
- Cooking
Cons
Customers hoped for improvement in these areas:
- Buttons
- Quick minute
- Noisy
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 2.1 Cubic feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: yes
- Footprint: 16.5 x 29.87 x 17.06
- Warranty: one year limited; 10 years magnetron
- Price per watt: $0.33
- Where to buy: Samsung, Best Buy, Home Depot
9. Maytag MMV1174FZ Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The Maytag MMV1174FZ microwave oven includes 1.7 cubic feet of oven capacity, 1000 watts of cooking power, and a 12-inch turntable. In addition, this microwave includes a LED display with touchscreen controls. In addition, this microwave includes all of the standard features including defrost, cooktop lighting, timer, and child lock.
What I Like
I like the price per watt for this microwave. In addition, I like the wattage considering the oven capacity. Also, I like that Maytag included all of the standard features microwave users have come to expect. Finally, I like that this microwave includes a turntable that can be turned on or off and 10 power levels.
I also like the 10-year limited warranty on the cavity and magnetron.
Drawbacks
This microwave is very basic. This microwave does not include convection, grill, or sensor cooking. Also, this microwave only has 7 one-touch presets. This microwave has one of the smallest oven sizes on this list. Finally, I would like to see a consistent warranty policy, if you have 10 years on the cavity and magnetron, include 10 years on the entire microwave.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Price
- Cleaning
- Ease of use
Cons
Customers hoped for improvement in these areas:
- Light
- Warranty
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 1.7 Cubic feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: Yes
- Footprint: 16.75 x 29.87 x 17.12
- Warranty: One year limited; 10 years limited on cavity and magnetron
- Price per watt: $0.27
- Where to buy: Maytag, Lowes, Best Buy, Home Depot
10. Amana AMV2307PFS Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
The Amana AMV2307PFS microwave includes 1000 watts of cooking power, 1.6 cubic feet of oven capacity, and a 12-inch turntable. In addition, this microwave includes electronic microwave controls, automatic defrost, and a stainless steel finish. Finally, this microwave includes all of the standard features you’d expect from a microwave.
What I Like
The price per watt is the lowest for this microwave. In addition, this microwave includes all of the standard features. This microwave has 10 power levels, a removable filter, and includes a nightlight.
Drawbacks
This microwave is very small and very basic. This microwave does not include convection or grill functions, does not include an eco mode, and includes only a 12-inch turntable. Finally, this microwave does not have sensor cooking and only has 8 one-touch presets.
What Customers are saying
Here are a few pros and cons listed by customers.
Pros
Customers really liked the following:
- Design
- Features
- Setup
Cons
Customers looked for improvement in the following areas:
- Noisy
- Fan
Specifications
- Cooking power: 1000 watts
- Oven Capacity: 1.6 Cubic feet
- Power levels: 10
- Child lock: yes
- Footprint: 15.87 x 30 x 17.37
- Warranty: One year limited
- Price per watt: $0.16
- Where to buy: Amana, Home Depot, Best Buy
Conclusion
That is the list of 10 best over-the-range microwave ovens. A few things I hope you noticed in this list. First, most of these microwaves have the same con, which is the microwave is noisy. This could be related to the fan, the beeping, or the microwave itself. Also, it may be possible that there is an unrealistic expectation that these microwaves shouldn’t make any sound.
Also, all of these microwaves have a cooking power of 1000 watts. This wattage is most associated with high-quality microwaves because of
Also, all of these microwaves include a child lock. The child lock is a very underrated feature that should be standard on every microwave.
What do you think? Is your microwave on this list? Is there a microwave that isn’t on this list but should be.
Comment below!
Additional Questions
Which Brand of Microwave is best?
This is going to be based on personal experience and people within your circle, but I like Whirlpool as a brand. The brand has been around for a long time, offers a number of variations, features, and pricing tiers. Also, the best is best on perception, if you expect your microwave to last 40 years, you will be disappointed when it breaks down in 10.
One brand I will stay away from is GE. GE appears to have the same problem across most of their microwave models. We had our microwave for less than 6 years before it began to break down.
For a complete list of microwave brands, see my list of 12 best microwave brands, and 1 brand I’ll never buy again.
How Many Inches does a Microwave have to be Above a Stove?
The space between the microwave and stove is between 13 and 16 inches. While there is no official distance between the microwave and stove, there is a required distance between the microwave and floor (66 inches). The distance between the microwave and stove depends on the height of the stove and microwave.
Is it Safe to put a Microwave Above a Gas Stove?
Yes, it is safe to put a over-the-range microwave above a gas stove.
How Long Should a Microwave Last?
On average, microwaves last about 9.5 years. There are a few factors that have an impact on the length of time microwaves last including: manufacturer, usage, cleaning schedule, and environment.
For a more in-depth discussion on the length of time microwaves last, click here.
Is it safe to Use an old Microwave?
Yes, it is safe to use an old microwave as long as you test before use. You are looking to see if the seal is broken along the microwave door, holes in and around the
There are YouTube videos that show you how to test for leakage without a leakage tester, but the safest route is to use an approved tester.