Best over-the-range microwaves 2024: stylish solutions that will save you space

Best over-the-range microwaves 2024
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Best over-the-range microwaves 2024: Jump Menu
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 The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: LG LMHM2237ST
2. Best for small portions: GE JVM3160RFSS
3. Best for budget meals: Samsung ME16K3000AS
4. Best for cooking many meals at once: Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF
5. Best for power: ZLINE MWO-OTR-30
FAQs
Buying advice

If you're curious about the key differences between a regular microwave and one of the best over-the-range microwaves, it's that the latter not only cooks and reheats meals as usual, but it also serves as an extractor fan, eliminating smoke, steam, and odors from the cooking area.

This makes it a superior appliance to have in your kitchen and, being over-the-range, saves valuable space on your countertop, keeping your kitchen clutter-free. However, when selecting an over-the-range microwave, it's important to consider the effectiveness of the fan, along with conventional features such as cooking power, capacity, and any additional 'smart' features.

For instance, a model that can extract over 300 cubic feet of air per minute is recommended for those who want a really good extractor fan. Similarly, a capacity of over two cubic feet and features like split-level racks are ideal for those cooking for larger families, as they provide more space and flexibility to cook bigger portions. 

Some of the best over-the-range microwave models also come with advanced 'smart' features like 'Sensor Cook,' which detects humidity levels inside the microwave oven to prevent food from overcooking. Pre-sets and auto-cooking modes are also designed to make cooking easier and save time.

Our aim at Top Ten Reviews is to offer you detailed evaluations of the finest over the range microwaves available in the market. Although we may not have had the chance to personally test each model, we have carried out extensive research and analysis to identify the most highly rated brands and most desirable features.

Check out our top picks below, and for more options, refer to our guides to the best microwaves and best compact microwaves.

The quick list

To help you navigate this page quickly, we have provided a brief overview of what each model offers. For a more in-depth look at exactly what makes each model tick and which is the best fit for you, you can check our full analysis, which continues further down the page.

The best over-the-range microwaves we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

We're on a mission at Top Ten Reviews to review everything we feature in our buyer's guide in person. While we haven't been able to test every entry in this guide hands-on, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands that we trust and used our knowledge of the best over-the-range microwaves to give you the best information to help you make the right decision.

The best over-the-range microwave overall

1. LG LMHM2237ST

The best over-the-range microwave overall

Specifications

Capacity (cubic feet): 2.2 cubic feet
Power (W): 1000
Fan speed (CFM): 400
Sensor Cooking: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Generous capacity
+
Sensor Cooking detects when food is done
+
Fan and ventilation minimizes odors

Reasons to avoid

-
Only comes in two colors
-
Expensive
Buy it if

✅ You don’t like odors: Along with a fan speed of 400 CFM, the LG LMHM2237ST has a built-in ventilation system that extracts odors and smoke before they seep into your living spaces.

✅ You have a large family: With 2.2 cubic feet of space inside the microwave, you have a lot of space to work with if there are many mouths to feed within your family.

✅ You’re prone to overcooking: This over-the-range microwave model can step in before your potatoes shrivel up, as its Sensor Cook technology monitors the humidity levels and turns the appliance off before food overcooks.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You’re on a budget: In keeping with its premium features and large capacity, the LG LMHM2237ST isn’t very budget-friendly. It costs $500 to place this top-notch microwave in your kitchen.

❌ You want a splash of color: If you have a vision for a glossy, white microwave or a splash of color, you’ll need to look elsewhere because this microwave only comes in stainless steel or black stainless steel.

❌ You don’t eat a lot: If you don’t use your microwave much, and when you do, it’s for tiny portions of leftovers, you may find that the 2.2 cubic feet capacity is overkill.

The bottom line

🔎 The LG LMHM2237ST is the best over-the-range microwave overall, with a formidable range of features, including sensor cooking, ten cooking powers, an impressive 400 CFM fan speed, and built-in ventilation to remove odors and smoke. ★★★★.5

Packed with premium features and a generous 2.2 cubic feet capacity, the LG LMHM2237ST should be a prized addition to any kitchen. For what it offers - which includes sensor cooking, a 400 CFM fan speed, and built-in ventilation - the $500 price mark is self-explanatory.

Features: The LG LMHM2237ST brings a lot of features to the table. Firstly, it has a 2.2 cubic feet capacity, making it well-suited to families with many mouths to feed. Secondly, its Sensor Cook technology helpfully detects the humidity levels within the microwave and turns off the power before your food shrivels or overcooks. A touch control panel lets users intuitively select between ten generous cooking powers.

We liked the cooktop lighting, three settings, and the energy-saving mode. The microwave only comes in stainless steel or black steel, leaving you with few choices if you care about appearance.

Performance: Having 1000 watts of power is fairly standard for an over-the-range microwave. However, the mode's fan speed of 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM) is far more than the standard offering of 300 CFM among other models we've seen. This, coupled with the built-in ExtendaVent 2.0 extraction system, helps to remove smoke and odors far more quickly than most microwaves.

On Home Depot reviews, the LG LMHM2237ST is praised for its quiet performance and the ability to turn the sound or the turntable off. A few users picked at the clock being hard to read and the quality of the door handle feeling ‘plasticky.’

Value: At $500, the LG LMHM2237STX is a premium over-the-range microwave. Here, the phrase 'you get what you pay for' applies. Some of the cheaper models we've looked at provide more variety in terms of appearance, but the spacious LG model packs lots of premium features, including sensor cooking. It also comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor and a 10-year warranty on the magnetron, the most expensive part of the microwave. 

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesPremium features including Sensor Cooking.★★★★★
PerformancePowerful fan and ventilation removes smoke and odors.★★★★★
ValueYou get what you pay for in terms of features.★★★★

The best over-the-range microwave for small portions

Best over-the-range-microwaves: GE JVM3160RFSS

(Image credit: Home Depot)

2. GE JVM3160RFSS

The best over-the-range microwave for small portions

Specifications

Capacity (cubic feet): 1.6
Fan speed (CFM): 300
Sensor cooking: No

Reasons to buy

+
 Turntable turns off 
+
 Good quick cook options  

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn’t have sensor cooking 
-
Short warranty  
Buy it if

✅ You have a small family: The 1.6 cubic feet of space provided by the GE JVM3160RFSS is perfect for a small family of three or four.

✅ You want a microwave that’s easy to use: The microwave’s automatic features mean that you don’t have to overthink reheating or cooking food, and to add to that, the touch controls are quick and intuitive to use.

✅ You want to save power: The turntable and the microwave light can be turned off manually, meaning that you can save energy and do your bit for the environment (and the energy bills).

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a large family: If you have lots of people to cater to, a microwave with a capacity over two cubic feet may prove more useful for fitting larger portion sizes.

❌ You’re budgeting: At $290, the GE JVM3160RFSS sits nicely in the middle of budget and premium options. There are cheaper options if you sacrifice a few fancier features for the budget's sake.

❌ You want sensor cooking functionality: Sensor Cook, which detects humidity levels and prevents food from being overcooked, does not come as part of the package with this microwave model.

The bottom line

🔎 The GE JVM3160RFSS is a small but mighty microwave that packs in a generous amount of features, including two fans to clear odors, a removable charcoal filter, and automatic modes - it’s a good choice for preparing smaller portions with little mess and little stress.  ★★★★

The 1000W GE JVM3160RFSS over-the-range microwave is a 1.6 cubic feet capacity model that comes in a sleek and minimal design with digital controls. That, and the fact it comes in five different colors, should make this a top pick to pair with your current kitchen layout. But it will do so much more, thanks to a 300 CFM venting system.

Features: This microwave, capable of cooking and defrosting with helpful auto settings, also uses two fans to clear your kitchen when cooking on the hob. It even comes with a removable charcoal filter and behind-the-door grille. All that should mean odors are wicked away by the charcoal, while the grille ensures your microwave is kept clean and as efficient as possible. Since the filter is in the front of the unit, it's easily removed by opening the door for quick access, a huge help in keeping your space odor-free.

Controls are made easy with quick and automatic features. You even have the helpful option of turning the turntable on or off as you need or controlling the surface light. 

The venting is external, and there is an easy mount system, which should make the installation and running of this model straightforward and effective. 

Performance: At BestBuy, this model has an impressive 4.5/5 rating. On the positive side, users say that it has a great dimming light, is easy to set up and use, and that quick cooking is helpful. Some negative reviews point to issues with the build quality being average. It’s also surprisingly quiet, which will benefit if you have babies you don't want to disturb.

Value: Costing around $290, the GE JVM3160RFSS is neither budget-friendly nor premium; it lands nicely in the middle, with a range of helpful features but a lack of a sensor cooking function. Like the Samsung ME16K3000AS, its two-speed fan works at 300 cubic feet per minute (CFM). The Samsung model is cheaper but lacks some of the GE model’s fancier features. Plus, you also get a 10-year warranty on the magnetron.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesGreat premium features but lacks sensor cooking.★★★★
PerformanceWorks a treat for cooking small portions quietly.★★★★
ValueGood value for high-end features but it's not budget-friendly.★★★★

The best over-the-range microwave for budget meals

3. Samsung ME16K3000AS

The best over-the-range microwave for budget meals

Specifications

Capacity (cubic feet): 1.6
Power (W): 1000
Fan speed (CFM): 300
Sensor Cooking: No

Reasons to buy

+
Great value
+
Good warranty
+
Sleek aesthetic

Reasons to avoid

-
No sensor cooking
-
Limited features
-
Turntable doesn't turn off
Buy it if

✅ You want value for money: The Samsung ME16K3000AS has a powerful 300 CFM fan and 1000 watts of power, features which you would generally expect from a far more expensive model.

✅ You want lots of cooking modes: This over-the-range microwave comes with ten different preset cooking modes, meaning you can leave the microwave to decide the optimum temperature and time.

✅ You don’t like fumes: A powerful 300 CFM consistently works to extract any smoke, steam, or odors emitted while your food is cooking, keeping your kitchen free from powerful odors.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want niche features: This over-the-range microwave model has a limited number of features compared to other higher-end offerings, especially regarding niche things.

❌ You’re hoping for sensor cooking: The Samsung ME16K3000AS doesn’t have a sensor cooking mode, which helps to prevent you from overcooking food by letting the microwave self-monitor humidity levels.

❌ You want your microwave to feel expensive: Some users have criticized the plastic door handle on the Samsung ME16K3000AS for feeling and looking inexpensive.

The bottom line

🔎 The Samsung ME16K3000AS may have limited features compared to some premium over-the-range microwaves, but it offers excellent value for money with a powerful 300 CFM fan and 1000 watts of power. ★★★.5

If you want to stick to a budget while ensuring that your over-the-range microwave is backed by a known brand with a good record for reliability and performance, the Samsung ME16K3000AS is ideal. This microwave offers some of the best value for your money around.

Features: For one thing, the Samsung ME16K3000AS certainly looks like a premium microwave with all that brushed metal and digital controls. The features are limited, but what you get is on the premium end of the scale. 

A 300 CFM fan deals with odors, steam, and smoke as capably as any over-the-range microwave. When it comes to cooking, this punches well above its price point, too, thanks to a powerful 1000 watts of cooking grunt. 

There are ten cooking settings, including boil, defrost, eco mode, and reheat. This might not pack in some of the more unique features of pricier models, but for covering the basics – and most needs – it does a very good job. Details like the turntable being flush with the bottom of the microwave for easier use show a high-end manufacturer has made this. The control panel is also intuitive.

Performance: The Samsung ME16K3000AS performs well, and this is reflected in the user reviews, which only really criticize the plastic handle and lack of features. During use, the vent fan can be a little noisy, but the microwave turns out well-cooked food.

Value: If you don't need features like sensor cooking but want to save a few bucks, the Samsung ME16K3000AS is a great option for your next over-the-range microwave. At most retailers, it costs around $200, which saves $100 - $200 compared to some of the other models in our round-up. You also get the backing of that brand name in the form of a whopping 10-year warranty for the magnetron and a one-year warranty on parts.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesLimited features but a very powerful fan and wattage.★★★
PerformancePerforms similar to more premium over-the-range microwaves.★★★★
ValueGreat value for money considering its features and power.★★★★★

The best over-the-range microwave for cooking many meals at once

Best over-the-range-microwaves: Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF

(Image credit: Home Depot)
The best over-the-range microwave for cooking many meals at once

Specifications

Capacity (cubic feet): 1.7
Fan speed (CFM): 300
Snsor cooking: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful venting fan
+
Rack for multiple meals
+
Smudge-proof

Reasons to avoid

-
No light dimming
Buy it if

✅ You’re a multi-tasker: If you’re the type to have several dishes on the go at one time, you’re likely to love the built-in rack that comes with the Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF because it means you can cook or reheat two dishes at once.

✅ You don’t want to overcook food: The premium Sensor Cook function works by detecting the humidity levels in the microwave and stopping the food cycle before your food overcooks.

✅ You’re opposed to odors: An effective 300 CFM fan is built into this over-the-range microwave, which helps to extract any unwanted fumes before they make their way into your kitchen and living spaces.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need lots of space: The Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF has 1.7 cubic feet of space, which is reasonable for a couple or a small family but might be quite a squeeze for larger families.

❌ You’re budgeting: If you want this premium microwave with its Sensor Cooking and powerful fan, you’ll need to pay $390 - more than many people's budget.

❌ You’re bothered by beeping: The Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF alarm will keep beeping until you bother to turn it off, so if you’re bothered by the idea of having to run back to the kitchen to tend to the alarm, you might want to look elsewhere.

The bottom line

🔎 The Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF is a dream for cooking multiple foods at once, thanks to its 100 watts of power and a built-in rack, and it also has a sought-after Sensor Cook function which can step in to prevent you from overcooking your food. ★★★★

If you envision your over-the-range microwave as your home cooking hub, churning out many cooked meals simultaneously, the Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF is a superb pick. Thanks to 1000 watts of power, it can cook meals very quickly, making it good for families who want to cook a few dishes back to back. However, the real appeal here is a built-in rack that allows you to actually cook more than one meal at a time in your microwave. 

Features: While you must work out timings based on more items being in the microwave at once, with that 1000W of power, you should still be cooking quickly, even when it is full.

If you do want to cook a specific food, then this microwave is very helpful thanks to a selection of preset buttons that let you tap and go. These include cooking veggies, softening food, cooking popcorn, and more, with ten functions in total. You can activate or stop the turntable, too, making it great no matter what type of food you need to cook.

This model comes with a powerful 300 CFM fan, meaning it should make short work of venting any cooking steam, odors, or fumes from your kitchen when you cook on the hob below.

It's tough to find negatives here, but at a push, the clock can't be dimmed, and the alarm beep is constant until you turn it off – but even that could be a positive if it motivates you.

Performance: According to Amazon reviews, the Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF operates at a low noise level and is easy to set up and use. The fan works effectively to remove smoke and steam, plus with a built-in sensor that monitors the cooking process, it’s easier than ever to get precision-cooked meals each time.

Value: The Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF costs $390, which is generally considered a mid to premium range price for an over-the-range microwave. Not many models have sensor cooking, which is one reason why this model is priced higher than others, and it also has a very attractive 300 CFM fan speed and an effective ventilation system. This only means that if you’re on a budget, this won’t be the best option for you. 

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesSensor Cooking and a powerful fan are some standout features.★★★★
PerformanceEasy to set up and use, plus it's quiet.★★★★
ValueOn the expensive side due to having premium features.★★★★

The best over-the-range microwave for power

Best over-the-range-microwaves: ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 review

(Image credit: Home Depot)

5. ZLINE MWO-OTR-30

The best over-the-range microwave for power

Specifications

Capacity (cubic feet): 1.5
Fan speed (CFM): 300
Sensor cooking: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful  
+
Sensor cooking  

Reasons to avoid

-
Causes a fair amount of condensation 
-
Slow heat-up times 
Buy it if

✅ You want food cooked quickly: The ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 has 1500 watts of power, so if you want your food done pronto, this model will do it. 

✅ You sometimes overcook food: Even with all that power, it’s uncommon for your food to end up overcooked because it comes with a Sensor Cook mode, which detects when to stop the microwave based on the humidity levels in the interior.

✅ You want a premium appliance: With 1500 watts, sensor cooking, and a powerful ventilation fan, the ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 packs in many attractive premium features and exceptional power.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don’t require power: The best part about the 1500-watt ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 is that it outperforms many other over-the-range microwaves in the power department. If you simply don’t need speed, you can save money by buying a less powerful microwave.

❌ You like a longer warranty: This over-the-range microwave only comes with a two-year parts warranty, which is disappointing considering its price and the warranty on similar microwave models.

❌ You’re a popcorn addict: According to user reviews, this microwave isn’t so talented in the popcorn department, with users saying that it doesn’t cook the popcorn through fully.

The bottom line

🔎 The ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 cooks food quickly and evenly, thanks to having 1500 watts of power in its arsenal and a Sensor Cook mode to detect when food is cooked through. However, for such a premium price point, its warranty is disappointing. ★★★★

The ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 might have a name that makes your lips get in a twist, but the cooking and venting features should set your mind at ease. This over-the-range microwave is incredibly powerful, with 1500 watts to its name, meaning that it’s very quick and effective at cooking and reheating. 

Features: First up is the power of this machine, which packs in a far-better-than-most 1500 watts of juice. If you want pure cooking speed, this is the model to go for because most over-the-range microwave models have 1000 watts of power.

While this model comes with presets for food like vegetables, popcorn, snacks, melting, and more, it also features a sensor. This will measure the humidity and prevent food from overcooking, which is ideal if you're not sure about timings and want to let the microwave just work it out for you.

There is also a DiamondTech interior, as the company calls it, which creates a reflective heat system and ultimately should mean that your food is all cooked more evenly. That means no more removing food that's hot around the edges but cold in the middle.

The fan on this model is also plenty powerful at 300 CFM, which should make short work of odors, steam, and smoke coming from the hob below.

Performance: The microwave seems to have some problems properly cooking through popcorn, according to reviews on HomeOutletDirect. However, with a 4.79/5 star rating, it seems that most users appreciate the great microwave functions and its well-rounded results across all food types.

Value: All that power comes at a price, so this is one of the more expensive microwave units you can buy. If you want the ultimate speed when cooking, then you'll need to be prepared to pay a little more than most upfront. The ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 costs around $600, which is over $300 more than some of the cheapest over-the-range microwave models in our round-up. There is only a two-year parts warranty, which isn't the best and is especially disappointing at this high price point.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesImpressive cooking speed and 1500 watts of power.★★★★
PerformanceConsistently performs on all food types aside from popcorn.★★★★
ValuePremium price and lacks a good parts warranty.★★★

How to choose the best over-the-range-microwave

When picking the best over-the-range microwave, you may want to keep a few facts and figures in mind to ensure you get the perfect model for your needs. Power and performance are worth considering as you may want a model that can cook your food the fastest, or you may prefer something that uses less energy to save on bills. Either way, it's the wattage figure that you need to look at when deciding on this point.

Features like an extractor are worth considering - since this is over your hob, you will likely need to have the option to extract smells and smoke out of your kitchen. Look for the CFM figure to judge the power of this with a higher number, meaning a faster fan speed. Most models will have this feature, but if you find one that's a lot cheaper and seems like a good deal, be sure to check if it has an extractor feature. Some also have convection cooking capabilities for evenly cooked, oven-like results, so that's also worth having if you can include that in your price range.

Design can be important since this will likely be a big feature in your kitchen over the top of your oven, clearly in the line of sight. Most are designed with this in mind but look into things like color and material, where some models may have various options to suit your kitchen style.

Warranty and support are also worth considering as these can denote a model that will last, where the warranty period is longer - brands that offer these are more trustworthy and are likely to have better customer support. Speaking of, good support means you can have more peace of mind knowing that even if there is an issue – as there will be at some point with any kind of appliance – you're in good hands to get a fix.

Over-the-range-microwave FAQs

How much do the best over-the-range microwaves cost?

Whatever your budget, you can find an over-the-range microwave for you. Prices range from $200 to $600. You can expect to pay between $150 and $250 if you’re looking for a budget-friendly device that does the job without breaking the bank. 

Inexpensive units

You get what you pay for, so the budget models tend to be no-frills devices. Look out for options like a dishwasher-safe turntable to make cleaning fuss-free as a basic requirement. You may also opt for one with a 30-second button, which is handy for adding time to an existing countdown or to warm food for shorter blasts. We recommend checking the cooking pre-set buttons for specific food types - like popcorn, for example - if you use these a lot.  

Expensive units

The more expensive models come with premium features. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you may want to go for a device with a larger capacity. Other touches we love are non-stick interiors and fingerprint resistance, making your over-the-range microwave a breeze to clean. 

Premium models benefit from high-tech features. Examples include convection ovens for quick and balanced heating. Look out for sensor cooking, a nifty feature that assesses and adjusts your cooking time accordingly. 

The more expensive over-the-range microwaves come with smartphone compatibility and even scan-to-cook technology for ultimate convenience. This allows you to scan the barcode on frozen food packages with an app that automatically sets the correct cooking time - a huge help for home cooks.

Katie Treharne

Katie is a journalist who covers everything from hobbies to luxury travel and wellness. Also an editor for a luxury travel magazine, she is fascinated with the digital sphere and how it helps to inform and inspire people to get the most out of their lives.

With contributions from