Unlike your countertop microwaves, over the range microwaves – or under mounted microwaves – are a little bit trickier to purchase, if only because there are so many different things you need to focus on that you don’t have to consider when you’re just going to plop this appliance down on the counter.
Not only do you need a microwave that’s going to effortlessly mount underneath your counters or on top of your range, but you’re also going to need one that blends in with your kitchen aesthetics, adds to the functionality of your kitchen, and provides plenty of capability without detracting from the way your kitchen looks and feels. The question now is, what is the best over the range microwave for you? Read our guide and let us recommend the best options on the market right now.
Choosing an Over The Range Microwave
Here are some important things to think about before you pull the trigger on this kind of purchase.
Focus on key measurements- Cooktops and ranges are produced in a variety of standard widths, with the most common widths coming in at 30 inches and 36 inches – and you’ll want to figure out what those measurements are before you go shopping for the best over the range microwave.
You also want to make sure that you are factoring in the distance between your microwave exhaust fans and the cooktop surface itself, particularly if you do a lot of stovetop cooking. Filtration is another big piece of the puzzle, but that’s something you’ll have to factor later down the line.
Special Features – It’s also a good idea to consider the kind of special features you want your new over the range microwave to feature as well. Some people want a microwave that does little more than reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and defrost frozen vegetables while others want essentially a secondary miniature oven ready to rock ‘n’ roll.
Think about energy efficiency, think about ease of use, and think about all the different bells and whistles you might like your new microwave to include. This is going to be a major part of your kitchen from here on out and a big time appliance investment so you’ll want to feel that it is as future proof as possible.
Pay attention to reviews – It’s obviously a good idea to invest in as high quality an over the range microwave as your budget allows, but really pay attention to the reviews and testimonials you can find online regarding the specific model and the manufacturer you’re thinking about moving forward with.
Best Over The Range Microwave – Our Top Picks
There are lots of over the range microwaves available on the market, so you can choose the one you like. On the other side, some are better than the others. Today, we’re going to list some options which really hit the target with consumers. Each one is affordable and comes from a trusted manufacturer.
• Kenmore 80333
• Insignia NS-OTR16SS8
• GE JVM3160RFSS
• Whirlpool WMH75021HZ
• Samsung ME16K3000AS/AA