Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
An above-range microwave does double duty: it clears kitchen fumes and reheats leftovers fast. But the wrong choice can be a noisy headache that sits awkwardly above your stove. This guide sorts the quiet, powerful, and well-fitted options so you get the balance right the first time.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You need an above range microwave that clears smoke from stir-fries without drowning out conversation — so the right one balances vent power (measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute), interior capacity, and noise level for your kitchen.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Above Range Microwave
An over-the-range microwave must fit between your cabinets, handle steam from the stove, and heat food evenly every day. Here are the specs that matter most when comparing models.
Capacity and Turntable Size
Look at the turntable diameter, not just the cubic-foot rating. A 12.4-inch or larger turntable handles a 12-inch pizza or a large casserole dish without scraping the walls. Interior height also matters — if you often heat tall mugs or a rotisserie chicken, check the clearance from turntable to ceiling.
Venting Power (CFM)
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute — the volume of air the fan moves. A 300 CFM vent is standard for most home kitchens and handles moderate smoke and steam well. Higher CFM numbers clear fumes faster but often run louder. Many models offer two fan speeds so you can run a quieter lower speed for everyday cooking and crank it up when needed.
Noise Level and Motor Type
Some microwaves hum louder than others, especially during venting. Transformer-based models tend to produce an audible hum, while inverter designs are quieter. Reading what other owners say about the hum during cooking and venting is the best way to know what you are getting.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Turntable | Vent CFM | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft.★ Best Overall | High review volume | 1.7 cu. ft. | 12.4-inch | 300 CFM | Amazon |
| Sharp R1874TConvection King | Convection cooking | 1.1 cu. ft. | 13-inch | — | Amazon |
| ThermoMate 1.7 cu. ft.Sleek & Silent | Quiet performance | 1.7 cu. ft. | — | 300 CFM | Amazon |
| Frigidaire 1.8 cu. ft. | Largest interior | 1.8 cu. ft. | 12.5-inch | 300 CFM | Amazon |
| Cosmo 1.34 cu. ft. | Compact 24-inch fit | 1.34 cu. ft. | 13.6-inch | — | Amazon |
| Frigidaire FFMV1846VS | Value at 30-inch wide | 1.8 cu. ft. | — | 300 CFM | Amazon |
| Farberware 1.7 cu. ft. | Low profile fit | 1.7 cu. ft. | — | — | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 6-in-1 | Multi-function cooking | 1.5 cu. ft. | 13.6-inch | 300 CFM | Amazon |
| Midea 1.7 cu. ft. | Budget-friendly basics | 1.7 cu. ft. | 12.4-inch | 300 CFM | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W
Our pick — over 4★ from 12,000+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crowd-favorite OTR microwave with over 12,000 ratings backing it up.
This BLACK+DECKER packs a 1.7 cu. ft. interior, a 12.4-inch turntable, and 1000W of cooking power into a 30-inch-wide stainless steel body (29.9 inches wide, 16.4 inches tall, 15.4 inches deep). Six quick menus handle popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, reheat, and defrost with one touch. You can also set multi-stage cooking — 90% power for 10 minutes followed by 50% power for 20 minutes in a single sequence. The 300 CFM two-speed vent fan clears smoke and odors while the integrated light illuminates the cooktop.
The touchscreen control panel makes operation simple. A child safety lock prevents accidental use. The stainless steel interior is easy to wipe clean. Quality is the top reason owners choose this model, followed by the generous size. Noise level and reliability both receive mixed feedback — some owners find it quiet, others say it is loud, and a few report issues after extended use. Buyers mention the shipping box can arrive dented, but the unit itself tends to survive well.
What makes it a crowd favorite: Over 12,000 ratings and a very strong positive signal on quality (432 mentions) and size (267 mentions).
Honest note: Reliability is the most-discussed topic, and it is mixed — most units work for years, but a fraction stop working early.
Best for: Buyers who want a well-reviewed, well-priced all-rounder with strong community consensus.
Think twice if: You need a nearly silent microwave — noise level varies here.
2. Sharp R1874T 30 in. Over the Range Convection Microwave
Bakes, broils, roasts, and microwaves from one slot above your stove.
This Sharp goes far beyond reheating. With 850W of cooking power and a 13-inch turntable inside a 1.1-cu. ft. stainless steel interior, it browns, bakes, broils, crisps, and roasts just like a full second oven. The interactive touchscreen paired with Smart and Easy sensor settings lets you select from 12 convection programs and 8 sensor programs, so you don’t have to guess the time for a baked potato or a roasted chicken. It fits standard 30-inch openings with outer dimensions of roughly 30 by 16.3 by 15.3 inches.
The built-in exhaust system includes a hood light and a powerful fan, though buyers report you may need to manually flip the fan for external venting. Durability gets mixed marks — a small number of owners mention a loud hum after a few months. The unit comes with both low and high racks, plus a turntable you can turn off in convection mode to slide in a rectangular pan.
Who it fits: Home cooks who want to bake cookies or roast vegetables without turning on the big oven.
One trade-off: At 1.1 cu. ft., the interior is smaller than many standard over-the-range models, so a large turkey roaster won’t fit.
Best for: Anyone who values convection cooking and sensor presets over raw interior space.
Look elsewhere if: You need the largest possible microwave cavity for giant casserole dishes.
3. ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over the Range Microwave Oven
So quiet you may forget it is running — until the food is perfectly hot.
Owners consistently call this ThermoMate model quiet, with one reporting it was so silent she thought it wasn’t working. The 1000W output and 1.7 cu. ft. capacity come in a 30-inch-wide stainless steel body measuring about 29.9 x 15 x 16.4 inches. A 360-degree removable glass turntable ensures even heat distribution for everything from a single bowl of soup to a full casserole.
The 300 CFM two-speed ventilation handles smoke and steam from the cooktop below. One-touch cooking buttons include reheat, popcorn, baked potato, and beverage presets, plus a 30-second quick-cook function. A child safety lock is standard. The stainless steel interior is simple to wipe down. Build quality gets strong praise here, and after several weeks of daily use, owners say performance remains solid.
Why owners pick it
- Surprisingly quiet operation — owners say it’s the quietest microwave they have owned
- Even heating without cold spots
- Simple DIY installation with the included hardware
The honest trade-offs
- No convection or air fry mode — standard microwave only
- Noise level gets mixed feedback, though most find it quiet
Reach for this if: A whisper-quiet microwave with even heating and strong venting is your top priority.
skip it if: You need a convection oven or air fryer built into the microwave.
4. Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave
Slides a 13×9 baking dish inside without a sideways struggle.
This Frigidaire offers the biggest interior on this list: 1.8 cu. ft. of cooking space with an extra-large 12.5-inch glass turntable. You can fit a 13-by-9-inch baking dish flat, so lasagnas and sheet-pan dinners reheat evenly. The 1000W output powers through leftovers quickly, and the two-speed 300 CFM vent clears smoke from the stovetop below.
Better cooktop visibility comes from the built-in LED lighting, which stays bright while food cooks. The interior has an LED light that stays on during cooking. The zero-clearance door opens to a full 90 degrees without touching adjacent walls, a real help in tight kitchen layouts. One-touch buttons for baked potato, popcorn, beverage, veggies, and add-30-seconds make daily operation simple. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints. Functionality gets mixed feedback — some customers note the unit stops working after two years — but most find it easy to use and a perfect fit for their cabinet opening.
Standout feature: The Fits-More design that accommodates large cookware up to a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Honest note: The interior material is plastic, not stainless steel, which some owners wish was metal for durability.
Best for: Families who regularly reheat big casserole dishes and need a generously sized cavity.
Think twice if: A fully stainless steel interior is a must-have for you.
5. Cosmo 24 in. Over the Range Microwave Oven
The exact fit for 24-inch cabinets that need a full-featured microwave hood.
Most over-the-range microwaves measure 30 inches wide, but many kitchens or RVs have a 24-inch opening. The Cosmo fits that narrower space exactly, with exterior dimensions of 23.8 inches wide. Despite the compact width, the 1.34 cu. ft. cavity uses a 13.6-inch turntable — larger than many full-size models — so a 12-inch pizza fits easily. It delivers 1000W of power with 10 levels.
Sensor reheat and cook modes automatically detect when food is done and shut off, preventing overcooking. The integrated range hood vents smoke and odors. Touch presets handle melting, softening, defrosting, and popcorn. The black glass and stainless steel front pairs well with a Cosmo range. Owners praise its strong blower and the LED downlight with multiple brightness settings. The biggest gripes are the persistent beeping until the door opens and a small window that makes it hard to check food without opening the door.
Why people love it
- Fits 24-inch wide cabinets and RVs perfectly
- 13.6-inch turntable is surprisingly large for the size
- Sensor cooking shuts off automatically at the right moment
What to know
- Loud, persistent beep until the door is opened
- No backlit control panel — buttons are hard to see in dim light
Best for: Anyone retrofitting a microwave over a 24-inch stove, especially in an RV or small kitchen.
pass on it if: You need a 30-inch model or want the largest possible interior.
6. Frigidaire FFMV1846VS 30″ Over The Range Microwave
Heavy-duty interior space wrapped in a straightforward 30-inch package.
This Frigidaire matches the largest 1.8 cu. ft. cavity with 1000W of cooking power and a 300 CFM two-speed vent. At 29.87 inches wide, 15.62 inches tall, and 15.75 inches deep, it fits standard cabinets. The 27 touch-pad buttons include auto defrost, a timer, and multi-stage cooking options — you can set 90% power for 10 minutes followed by 50% power for 20 minutes in one go.
The vent operates at 105 CFM on low and 300 CFM on high. The non-ducted recirculating kit is sold separately if you need it for non-vented installations. A child safety lock comes standard. The stainless steel finish fits most kitchen designs. Reliability gets mixed feedback — while some owners say it works perfectly, others note the touch pad can be hard to read on the bottom row. Installation requires two people, as the unit weighs 35 pounds.
What stands out: Multi-stage cooking lets you set high power then low power in one sequence, great for slow-cooked dishes.
One caveat: The bottom row of touch buttons lacks backlighting, making it tough to see in a dim kitchen.
Reach for this if: You want the largest standard microwave cavity with multi-stage cooking and don’t mind a few button-light quirks.
Think twice if: You need a fully backlit control panel.
7. Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Slips under a low cabinet with just 10.4 inches of vertical clearance.
The Farberware is a low-profile over-the-range microwave at only 10.375 inches tall — a big help if your upper cabinets sit close to the stove. despite the slim build, it still offers a 1.7 cu. ft. interior and 1000W output. The 1550W input powers efficient, uniform heating. Cooking programs include auto cook, vegetables, snacks, potato, and intelligent time and weight defrost. A quick +30-seconds button and melt/soften options handle everyday convenience.
The two-speed vent and interior LED light support stovetop cooking. The interior height is about 6.5 inches, so tall mugs may not fit upright. The control buttons are not illuminated, which owners mention can be hard to see in dim light. The grease filter placement can be a bit tricky during cleaning. The unit runs slightly louder than some previous models, though the consensus is it is not a bother.
What wins people over
- Low 10.375-inch profile fits under shallow cabinets where standard microwaves won’t
- 1000W with even heating and accurate presets for melt/soften
- Easy installation in a standard 30-inch opening
The trade-offs
- 6.5-inch interior height limits tall containers and mugs
- Non-illuminated control buttons are tough to read at night
Best for: Kitchens with low upper cabinets that need a slim over-the-range microwave.
Look elsewhere if: You regularly heat tall beverages or deep bowls.
8. BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
One appliance that replaces your microwave, air fryer, and convection oven.
This BLACK+DECKER does more than reheat. It offers six cooking modes: microwave, air fryer, convection, combi grill, bake, and roast — all in one 1.5 cu. ft. unit that mounts above your range. The 900W output powers microwave functions, while the convection and air fry modes produce crispy results with less oil. A 300 CFM two-speed vent fan clears kitchen air, and the integrated LED light provides focused cooktop illumination.
The 13.6-inch turntable spins food evenly. Sensor reheat maintains the original texture of leftovers by detecting when food is done. The unit measures about 15.4 x 29.9 x 16.4 inches and fits standard 30-inch openings. Owners love the versatility, especially that it frees up counter space by combining multiple appliances. Functionality and quality both get over 700 positive mentions. The main trade-off is that some owners say the unit feels light, so pressing the door button can shift the whole microwave. Noise level is split — some call it quiet, others the noisiest they have owned.
Why owners love it
- Six cooking modes (microwave, air fryer, convection, bake, roast, combi grill) in one unit
- Sensor reheat that stops at the perfect moment
- Quiet enough for some owners to call it “surprisingly quiet”
What to consider
- At 900W, it is less powerful than the 1000W models for straight microwave use
- The light weight means the unit can wobble when you press the door button
Reach for this if: You want to declutter your counter by combining a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven into one overhead appliance.
it’s not for you if: Maximum microwave wattage (1000W+) is your top priority for pure reheating.
9. Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W
An OEM workhorse that often costs less than the brands it builds for.
Midea is a major OEM manufacturer that makes microwaves for other well-known brands, so this 1.7 cu. ft., 1000W unit often delivers the same quality at a lower price. The smart touch panel includes 18 auto cook menus — popcorn, pizza, defrost, soften cream cheese, rice, potato, and more. The 12.4-inch turntable fits a large rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza. A 300 CFM vent with adjustable fan speeds clears smoke and odors.
The bright cooktop light provides a clear view of your stovetop. Ten power levels let you fine-tune the 1000W output. Owners give the strongest positive marks to functionality and quality. The noise level gets mixed feedback, with one owner saying it hums louder than a Samsung while cooking. The interior illumination also gets mixed reviews for being dim. The sturdy door handle is appreciated. Controls are intuitive, and the stainless steel finish looks clean and modern.
Standout angle: Midea manufactures for other premium brands, so you often get similar internals for less.
Honest note: The interior light is not the brightest, and the transformer hum is more noticeable than on inverter models.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want 18 presets and solid build quality without overspending.
look elsewhere if: A very dim range light will bother you or you want silent operation.
Understanding the Specs
Wattage and Cooking Power
Most over-the-range microwaves offer between 850W and 1000W of cooking power. 1000W is the standard for fast, even reheating. 900W models, like the BLACK+DECKER 6-in-1, work well but take a few extra seconds. Lower wattage, like 850W on a convection model, is a trade-off for having multiple cooking modes — you get slower microwaving but the ability to bake and roast.
CFM — Venting Power
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, the volume of air the fan moves. A 300 CFM rating is typical and sufficient for moderate home cooking. Higher CFM values clear smoke faster but tend to produce more noise. Two-speed fans let you use a quieter low speed for everyday cooking and a faster high speed when you are searing or stir-frying.
FAQ
Will any 30-inch over-the-range microwave fit my cabinet opening?
Can I install an over-the-range microwave myself?
What is the difference between 300 CFM and higher CFM vents?
Do over-the-range microwaves come with an air fryer function?
What turntable size do I need for a 12-inch pizza?
Why is my microwave humming louder than I expected?
Can I use metal pans in a microwave?
How long does an over-the-range microwave typically last?
Can I use an over-the-range microwave in an RV?
What does sensor reheat do?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the above range microwave winner is the ThermoMate 1.7 cu. ft. because it combines a nearly silent operation, even heating, and a 300 CFM fan at a competitive price. If you want the biggest interior to fit large baking dishes, grab the Frigidaire 1.8 cu. ft. And for those craving cooking versatility without buying separate appliances, the BLACK+DECKER 6-in-1 is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gadgets Feed earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.