Standing at the range with a cabinet-height gap that has to hold a microwave, a vent fan, and a light all at once is where this search usually begins. The listings rarely help. One promises “large capacity” without ever stating the turntable size, another mentions a vent fan but skips how much air it actually moves.
An over-the-range microwave earns its footprint by doing three jobs at once: reheating dinner, pulling smoke and steam off the cooktop, and lighting the burners below. I compared best over the stove microwaves on what the spec sheets actually state, setting interior size against real cabinet depth, cross-checking vent fan ratings, and looking at how each control panel handles a plain two-minute reheat. Every unit gets a BHK Score so the numbers sit side by side instead of scattered across seven product pages.
My overall pick for best over the stove microwaves is the BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. It pairs a 1.7 cu. ft. interior with a two-speed 300 CFM vent fan and a cooktop light, so it covers all three jobs while still fitting a standard thirty-inch slot above the range. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | BHK Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Ventilation BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Standard Kitchens BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Microwave with 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Mid-Sized Kitchens BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Medium Kitchens ThermoMate 30" Over the Range Microwave with 1.7 | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Large Meals Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven with 1.7 Cu.Ft | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts power with 10 cooking levels for versatile meal preparation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Dimensions
- 13.9 x 29.9 x 16.4 inches
- Vent Fan
- 300 CFM 2-speed
Pros
- +Large 12.4-inch turntable accommodates family-size cookware
- +Ten power levels including quick menus for common foods
- +Child safety lock adds protection for households with children
- +Two-speed vent fan with light included for stove-top use
Cons
- −Bulky 13.9 x 29.9 x 16.4 inch size may limit small kitchen fit
- −White color option may show stains more readily than stainless steel
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER microwave stands out with its 1.7 cubic feet interior, offering a 12.4-inch turntable that can handle larger dishes common in family cooking. The 1000-watt power and 10 cooking levels provide flexibility for tasks from defrosting to reheating with precise control. The over-the-range design reduces countertop clutter while the 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds helps clear cooking fumes effectively.
I see this model working best in kitchens where space above the stove is available and where a dedicated vent fan is valued. Worth knowing before you buy is its relatively large physical size, which might challenge installation in compact spaces. The white finish may require more frequent cleaning to maintain appearance compared to stainless options.
Overall, I rate this a reasonable pick for households needing both microwave cooking and ventilation combined in one appliance.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts power for versatile over-the-range cooking.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Dimensions
- 13.9 x 29.9 x 16.4 Inches
Pros
- +Large 12.4-inch turntable accommodates bigger plates or bowls
- +Multiple quick menus simplify common cooking tasks
- +Integrated light improves stovetop visibility during cooking
- +Two-speed vent fan provides adjustable ventilation power
Cons
- −Relatively deep 16.4-inch height may limit space above stove
- −Limited color option available only in black
- −No explicit dishwasher-safe parts stated for easy cleaning
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER over-the-range microwave stands out with its 1.7 cubic feet capacity and a 1000-watt output, making it suitable for cooking larger meals or reheating sizable dishes. The inclusion of a 12.4-inch turntable supports accommodating bigger plates common in family kitchens. I see this model working best in setups needing effective ventilation, as it features a 300 CFM two-speed vent fan that helps clear cooking odors. Worth knowing before you buy is the fairly tall 16.4-inch height, which could limit clearance above some cooktops. For my money, this suits households looking for a mid-sized microwave with integrated venting but who can accommodate its bulkier dimensions.
This BLACK+DECKER over-the-range microwave offers 1000 watts and a 1.9 cubic foot capacity for typical household cooking needs.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.9 Cu.Ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Venting Fan
- Two-speed 400 CFM
- Dimensions
- 29.9 x 16.4 x 13.9 inches
Pros
- +1000 watts with ten power levels for precise cooking control
- +1.9 cu.ft capacity balances space and cooking volume
- +Two-speed venting fan with 400 CFM clears common kitchen fumes
- +Cooktop LED lighting enhances stove top visibility
Cons
- −Bulky dimensions may challenge installation in smaller kitchen spaces
- −Limited color option restricts style matching to stainless steel kitchens
- −Turntable diameter limits some extra-large dishware compatibility
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER microwave features a 1.9 cubic foot capacity paired with 1000 watts of power and ten power levels which support a range of cooking tasks from reheating to defrosting. I see the two-speed 400-CFM venting fan as useful for kitchens needing moderate ventilation without a separate hood. The LED cooktop lighting is a practical addition that improves stove visibility during cooking. Worth knowing before you buy is the unit’s size of nearly 30 inches wide and over 16 inches tall which requires sufficient over-the-range clearance. I’d consider this model for households wanting a multi-function microwave with venting and lighting integrated but with enough space to accommodate typical dinnerware. The turntable on/off feature adds flexibility but may limit use with very large dishes.
Frigidaire FMOS1746BS is an over-the-range microwave with a 1.7 cubic feet interior and stainless steel finish.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Dimensions
- 15.44 x 29.88 x 16.44 inches
- Color
- Stainless Steel
Pros
- +Spacious interior to accommodate bigger plates
- +Stainless steel surface resists common stains
- +Bright lighting enhances countertop illumination
Cons
- −Countertop footprint may be bulky for very small kitchens
- −No wattage or power rating specified in product data
- −Limited color options restricted to stainless steel
Detailed Review
This microwave features a 1.7 cubic feet interior which allows it to handle larger dishes and bowls, a useful detail for bigger meal preparations. The stainless steel finish offers a contemporary look and helps resist fingerprints better than some other finishes. I see this model fitting kitchens where over-the-range mounting saves counter space but users want a reasonably sized cooking cavity.
Bright exterior lighting is an added feature that improves visibility on the cooktop below, which is helpful during cooking. The unit's footprint of just under 30 inches wide means it requires moderate space above the range.
Worth knowing before you buy is the absence of detailed power or wattage information, which makes it harder to predict cooking speed. For my money, this suits cooks who prioritize capacity and lighting over detailed performance specs.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts power with 10 cooking levels for varied meal prep.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Dimensions
- 13.2 x 29.9 x 16.4 inches
- Weight
- 49 pounds
Pros
- +Large 12.4-inch turntable accommodates bigger plates
- +Ten power levels allow precise cooking control
- +Child safety lock adds user protection
- +Multi-stage cooking saves time with programmed power changes
Cons
- −Relatively bulky dimensions may not suit small kitchens
- −Weight of 49 pounds requires sturdy mounting
- −Limited color option to stainless steel only
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER microwave features a 1.7 cubic feet capacity and a sizable 12.4-inch turntable, making it suitable for larger plates and bulkier cookware. Its 1000-watt power output and 10 cooking levels offer flexibility to handle a variety of daily meals and quick reheating tasks. The integrated 300 CFM two-speed vent fan helps clear odors from stovetop cooking while the built-in light improves cooking visibility.
I'd consider this model for kitchens that can accommodate its 29.9-inch width and 49-pound weight, which require proper installation support. Worth knowing before purchase is that the size and weight limit suitability for smaller kitchens or lighter mounting options. The stainless steel finish offers a modern look but limits color choices.
Overall, I rate this a reasonable pick for households needing a mid-sized over-the-range microwave with solid power and ventilation combined.
ThermoMate's 30-inch over-the-range microwave offers 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and 1000 watts cooking power with 10 adjustable power levels.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Ventilation
- 300 CFM Two Speed
- Dimensions
- 29.9 x 15 x 16.4 inches
Pros
- +Large 1.7 cu. ft. interior for family-sized meals
- +Multiple one-touch cooking programs for common tasks
- +Removable glass turntable rotates for even heating
- +Built-in LED lighting improves cooktop visibility
Cons
- −Limited to two ventilation fan speeds may restrict airflow control
- −No dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleaning
- −Only stainless steel color option limits kitchen style matching
Detailed Review
This ThermoMate model features a 1.7 cu. ft. capacity which is practical for households needing space for larger dishes. It delivers 1000 watts of power with 10 adjustable levels, allowing fine-tuned cooking across different foods. The built-in 300 CFM two-speed ventilation helps clear smoke and odors, though the limited speed options may not suit all cooking intensities.
I see this microwave working best in kitchens sized to fit its 29.9 x 15 x 16.4 inch footprint, a typical over-the-range size. Its stainless steel finish is scratch-resistant and straightforward to wipe clean. Worth knowing before you buy is the lack of dishwasher-safe components which could require more manual upkeep.
I'd consider this a reasonable pick for users prioritizing cooking power and capacity over advanced ventilation or color variety. The simple one-touch presets and LED lighting make it a functional stove-top companion.
Midea offers a 1.7 cu.ft stainless steel over-the-range microwave with 1000W power and 300 CFM ventilation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu.ft
- Power
- 1000W
- Ventilation
- 300 CFM
- Dimensions
- 29.88 x 16.41 x 15.41 inches
Pros
- +Large 1.7 cu.ft interior accommodates bigger meals
- +Multiple power levels offer precise heating control
- +Strong 300 CFM ventilation improves kitchen air quality
- +18 preset cooking menus provide cooking convenience
Cons
- −Weight of 52 pounds may require sturdy installation
- −Limited color options restrict design matching
- −No specific cleaning instructions provided in listing
Detailed Review
This Midea over-the-range microwave features a 1.7 cu.ft capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable, which is large enough for items like a rotisserie chicken or 12-inch pizza. Its 1000W power output and 10 power levels allow for tailored cooking settings to meet various heating needs. The built-in 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds is designed to clear cooking odors effectively while the bright cooktop light helps monitor your food without opening the door. I see this microwave working best in kitchens where space is limited but a larger interior is still needed. Worth knowing before you buy is its weight of 52 pounds, which means installation should be done carefully to ensure proper support.
FAQs
How many CFM does an over-the-range microwave need?
Roughly 300 CFM handles steam, light smoke, and everyday frying, which is what most units here carry. Move higher only if you sear or deep-fry often, and note that the ductwork behind the wall caps what any fan can pull. Check the installation instructions for your duct setup.
Will a 1.7 cu. ft. model fit my existing cabinet gap?
A 1.7 cu. ft. body usually runs about 30 inches wide, the standard slot above a range, so it drops into most existing cutouts. Depth and height still differ between brands. Measure the gap, the door swing, and the duct opening before ordering.
Can an over-the-range microwave take the place of a toaster oven?
It cannot brown or crisp food like a toaster oven, so toast and pizza crust come out soft. A separate unit still earns its counter space for those jobs, and the best toaster ovens for pizza, toast, and more explain where that line falls. Reheating and defrosting remain microwave work.
Are the one-touch auto cook menus worth using?
The presets earn their place for the foods they name, since each one sets a power level and time suited to that item. Menus differ by brand, so check which foods yours covers before you rely on the button. Trial one portion first and adjust from there.
Final Thoughts
Wattage is not the deciding factor here, because 1000 watts turns up across nearly the whole group. What separates these units is the vent fan rating, the interior size against what you actually reheat, and whether the panel makes a quick reheat easy on a busy weeknight.
The BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is the one I would point most kitchens toward. The 1.7 cu. ft. interior swallows a dinner plate or a covered casserole without a fight, and the two-speed 300 CFM fan with cooktop lighting covers the venting and lighting side of the job. It suits a household that reheats daily and cooks on the range most nights.
If cost is the deciding factor, the Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft is the value pick. It matches the capacity and 1000-watt output of pricier units and adds a deep auto menu list, which helps if you lean on presets for rice, potatoes, and defrosting. The trade-off is a lower verified rating than the top pick, so the panel and controls are worth a close look if you cook by feel rather than by preset.
For a larger household or a bigger cooktop, the BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven steps up to a 1.9 cu. ft. interior and a 400 CFM fan, which matters if you run two burners at once. The right unit really comes down to the gap above your range and how you cook, and settling those two facts removes most of the guesswork from the shelf.