At a Glance:
Over-the-Range Microwaves: Space-Efficiency and Performance
Benefits of Over-The-Range Microwaves
Top Picks: Microwaves Under $300
Things To Consider When Choosing an Over-the-Range Microwave
Do you have a microwave in your kitchen? If you do then you’ll certainly agree that microwaves could be labeled as a “must-have” for every kitchen. This is largely because microwaves offer a certain advantage in terms of cooking variability; something you just won’t be able to get with other kitchen appliances. With a microwave in your kitchen set up, you’ll always be able to explore more cooking techniques and enjoy exceptional cooking results.
However, the story isn’t all positive for microwaves because, despite their usefulness and immense contribution to improving cooking efficiency and comfort, they do have their disadvantages. The most significant drawback of having a microwave in your kitchen is that microwaves tend to take up significant space. This often means that if your kitchen is small or you have limited countertop space, you’ll find that your microwave is always getting in your way. Not to worry though, there’s a perfect solution!
If you’re looking to enjoy the benefits of having a microwave in your kitchen without having to worry about not having enough installation room, an over-the-range microwave is precisely what you need! What’s an over-the-range microwave? Read on to find out!
Shop Over the Range Microwaves Under $300
Shop Over the Range Microwaves Under $300
Discover options from LG, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and more!
Over Range MicrowavesOver-the-Range Microwaves: Space-Efficiency and Performance
Over-the-range microwaves are a type of microwave with a unique built-in design. Unlike regular built-in microwaves, however, over-the-range microwaves are designed to be installed directly above a cooking range in your kitchen and their installation usually takes the space of a kitchen cabinet. Although their installation location is unique, what really makes these kinds of microwaves special is that they are actually two appliances in one! That’s right, every over-the-range microwave is designed such that it also effectively doubles as a hood vent. When functioning as a hood vent, over-the-range microwaves help to ensure that your kitchen’s air circulation remains fresh.
Some over-the-range microwave options also have a special lighting design that allows them to also function as a source of overhead kitchen lighting. So, you could say that over-the-range microwaves are three appliances in one! The best part about using an over-the-range microwave is that you don’t even have to choose between each of these functions that they offer, you’ll be able to use your microwave to cook whatever you want while simultaneously enjoying perfect overhead lighting and air circulation. Awesome right?
Benefits of Over-The-Range Microwaves
Here are some reasons why you should seriously consider getting an over-the-range microwave for your kitchen:
- Space Saving Design: As earlier mentioned, one of the major problems with regular microwaves is that they tend to take up countertop space. As a result, they could even get in your way as you go about your cooking activities. There’s also the fact that some kitchens don’t even have countertop space as a result of their small size. People with these kitchen types usually have to do without microwaves in their kitchen space.
Unlike regular microwaves, however, over-the-range microwaves have a built-in design that pretty much ensures you won’t have to worry about installation space with them. You’ll be able to install an over-the-range microwave directly into an overhead kitchen cabinet space. This, of course, frees up your countertop and ensures you have more than enough space available.
- Dual Functioning: How often do you cook in your kitchen? If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, then you’ll certainly agree that air circulation is very important. When you spend some time cooking, your kitchen will naturally get hot and stuffy, making it quite uncomfortable. To fix this, people opt for getting hood vents that will be responsible for ensuring optimal air circulation. The problem, however, is that this often translates into additional expenses since you’ll have to get a hood vent and pay for its installation.
With an over-the-range microwave, you won’t have to worry about this again. This is because over-the-range microwaves perfectly double as fully functional hood vents. So aside from offering you the oven cooking space you need, over-the-range microwaves will also help you ensure your kitchen remains fresh and cool. Talk about a two-for-one special!
- Efficient Cooking Process: Do you have a microwave you’re currently using in your kitchen? If you do, then you most likely have to walk back and forth around your kitchen whenever you want to use it. This is because more often than not, countertop microwaves are not placed close to cooktops or ranges to ensure they remain in perfect working condition. Unfortunately, all of these living around in your kitchen can be very tiring, especially when you’ve had a long day and you have several things to cook.
There’s also the fact that the chances you’ll spill something while cooking is higher with all of the moving around. With an over-the-range microwave, however, you get to have all your cooking appliances situated in one zone. This ensures you won’t have to move around as before, and you’ll get to save time and energy while cooking.
So, if you’re looking to build a kitchen space that’s optimized for space efficiency and energy conservation, an over-the-range microwave is definitely one of the appliances you should consider adding to your layout.
Because they’re so impressive and functional, over-the-range microwaves tend to be pretty expensive with some costing as high as $2000! However, getting quality cooking results and enjoying maximum comfort while cooking doesn’t have to be so expensive, and it certainly isn’t if you know where to look! You see there are still some high-quality over-the-range microwaves that cost as little as $300!
That’s right, so you certainly don’t have to break the bank just to get an over-the-range microwave for yourself. Read on to discover some of the best over-the-range microwave options available for $300 and below!
The LG 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Microwave
Chances are slim that you’ve never heard of the LG brand before today and this is an impressive testament to their success as a company. Over the years, LG has built a name for itself as a manufacturer that offers premium-quality appliances at very affordable prices and the LG 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel over-the-range Microwave is a testament to that! This LG over-the-range microwave combines an impressive 1.7 Cu. Ft capacity with exceptional cooking power and seamless control, taking the term “comfort cooking” to a whole new level!
Key Features
- 1.7 Cu. Ft Capacity
- 1000 Watts
- 10 Power Levels
- 8 Auto Cook Options
- 300 CFM Exhaust
- Child Lock
- One Touch Settings
- EasyClean® Interior
Pros
✅ This over-the-range microwave has a 1.7 Cu. Ft capacity that’s certainly one of the largest on the market. Thanks to this, you’ll have all the oven space you need to cook whatever you want!
✅ This over range microwave has up to 10 different power levels! This means you’ll always be able to select the particular power level you want to get precise cooking results.
✅ The child lock feature ensures you won’t have to worry about children playing with the microwave and accidentally hurting themselves when you’re not around.
✅ The EasyClean® Interior feature guarantees you’ll be able to easily wipe off the microwave’s interior in the event of a spillage.
✅ This LG over-the-range microwave is one of the cheapest over-the-range microwave options on the market!
✅ This LG over-the-range microwave also has an energy-saving design that ensures its LED display is turned off when the microwave isn’t in use. Sony won’t have to worry about it running up your electricity bills.
Cons
❌ No AirFry Feature
❌ Not Wi-Fi or smartphone compatible
User Reviews:
“This microwave is the best in the world, go get it!”
“Works great and looks great!”
The Samsung 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel over-the-range Microwave
There is only one thing that should come to mind whenever you see or use a Samsung appliance and that is unrivaled performance! And why not? After all, Samsung has set itself apart as a manufacturer of all things elegant and sophisticated with exceptional operational performance, just take a look at this Samsung 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Microwave, for example.
This Samsung over-the-range microwave has a 1.6 Cu. Ft oven capacity, that’s certainly more than enough for all your cooking needs. Beyond this, however, it also has a 2-speed 300 CFM ventilation system featuring 1000W cooking power that combines perfectly to ensure you’re able to enjoy fast and efficient cooking in the most comfortable kitchen environment. All of these features are as you would expect, wrapped up in Samsung’s trademark elegant build style!
Key Features
- 1.6 Cu. Ft Capacity
- 2-speed 300 CFM Ventilation System
- 1000W Cooking Power
- Pre-programmed Settings
- ECO Mode
- LED Display
- Child Lock Feature
- Defrost Setting
Pros
✅ This Samsung over-the-range microwave’s 1.6 Cu. Ft capacity is more than sufficient for all your cooking needs.
✅ The 2-speed 300 CFM Ventilation System ensures you’ll be able to enjoy excellent air circulation while you’re cooking. It also helps to easily and quickly eliminate unwanted cooking odors.
✅ This over-the-range microwave’s 1000W cooking power is powerful enough to guarantee you fast and perfectly thorough cooking results.
✅ Not sure how long you should program your microwave to warm a dish? No problem! This over-the-range microwave has pre-programmed settings that can help you easily estimate the perfect cooking time from the weight of the food. Cool right?
✅ This microwave also has an LED display that makes it easy to program and monitor the microwave while you’re using it.
Cons
❌ There are over-the-range microwave options with larger oven capacities.
❌ Not Wi-Fi or smartphone compatible
❌ No AirFry Feature
User Reviews:
“For the price, this Samsung microwave definitely exceeded our expectations!”
“Its performance is excellent and we love the way it looks.”
The Hotpoint® 1.6 Cu. Ft. White Over-the-Range Microwave
Hotpoint may not be as popular as the earlier manufacturers mentioned in this review, but they do have one of the best over-the-range microwave options under $300! The Hotpoint® 1.6 Cu. Ft. White over-the-range Microwave is a highly functional over-the-range microwave that combines a 1.6 Cu. Ft capacity with intelligent cooking performance to ensure you’re always able to get the best results out of every use. If you want an over-the-range microwave that’s both easy to use and highly functional, this Hotpoint over-the-range microwave is just the thing for you!
Key Features
- 1.6 Cu. Ft Capacity
- 1000 Watts Cooking Power
- Convenience-style Controls
- Two-speed, 200-CFM Venting System
- Weight and Time Defrost
- Digital Display
Pros
✅ This over-the-range microwave has a digital display that makes it easy to program and monitor the microwave’s settings
✅ The Two-speed, 200-CFM Venting System ensures you’ll always be able to enjoy perfect kitchen ventilation and air circulation.
✅ This microwave’s controls are designed for maximum comfort and easy operability, so you won’t have any problem setting it to do what you want it to. There’s even an “add 30 seconds” button you can use to extend the oven time if you’re not quite satisfied with the current results.
✅ It also has a weight and time defrost feature that ensures you’ll be able to enjoy perfect food-defrosting results.
Cons
❌ No temperature probes
❌ No AirFry feature
❌ Not smartphone or Wi-Fi compatible
❌ There are over-the-range microwave options with larger capacities.
User Reviews:
“Good for the money.”
“I love it and would buy it again if needed!”
Explore more reviews from current users
The Maytag® 1.9 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Microwave
A 1.9 Cu. Ft capacity, durable stainless-steel cavity, a charcoal odor filter, and so much more all wrapped up in an elegant fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish! What more could you want in an over-the-range microwave that the Maytag® 1.9 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel over-the-range Microwave doesn’t offer? The answer? Very little! If you want an over-the-range convection microwave that offers a perfect blend of capacity, elegance, and intelligent build, look no further than this Maytag over-the-range microwave.
Key Features
- 1.9 Cu. Ft Capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant Finish
- 10 Power Levels
- Fan Speed Indicator
- Night Light Feature
- Flush Hidden Vent
- Charcoal Odor Filter
- Stainless Steel Cavity
Pros
✅ This Maytag over-the-range microwave’s 1.9 Cu. Ft capacity is one of the largest you’ll find on the market.
✅ The fingerprint-resistant finish ensures you won’t have to worry about stains or smudges on your microwave. When the microwave does get stained, you’ll always be able to easily wipe it off.
✅ This over-the-range microwave offers 10 power levels that pretty much guarantee optimal cooking precision, thanks to perfect heat regulation.
✅ This oven also has a stainless steel cavity that’s both easy to clean and guarantees optimal heat circulation!
Cons
❌ No AirFry Feature
❌ Not Wi-Fi and smartphone compatible
User Reviews
“Works great, heats fast, and looks good installed.”
“Quiet and efficient operation.”
The Sharp® 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel over-the-range Microwave
Want an over-the-range microwave that offers stylish design and impressive performance while simultaneously being very easy to use? If you do, then the Sharp® 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel over-the-range Microwave is where you’ll want to put your money in. There aren’t that many over-the-range microwaves that offer impressive aesthetics, but this Sharp over-the-range microwave certainly does. It has an edge-to-edge stainless steel design coupled with a black glass build and this ensures anyone who looks at it will certainly fall in love with it. Beyond aesthetics, it also has an LED display for easy control and monitoring and a chrome grill accessory perfect for multi-level cooking and reheating!
Key Features
- 1.6 Cu. Ft Capacity
- LED Display
- Edge-to-edge Design
- Chrome Grill Accessory
- Touch Control
- 300 CFM
- Removable Turntable
- 1000W Cooking Power
- 3 Fan CFM fan Speed options
Cons
❌ Not Wi-Fi or smartphone compatible
❌ There are over-the-range microwaves that offer much more than the 1.6 Cu. Ft oven capacity this one does.
Things To Consider When Choosing an Over-the-Range Microwave
- Cleanup Ease: it’s almost impossible to totally eliminate food spoils in microwave ovens. As such it is important you choose a microwave option that is designed to allow for easy cleanup. Some over-the-range microwave options have a non-stick stainless steel interior that makes them very easy to clean in the event of spills.
- Oven Size: As earlier mentioned, there are lots of microwave options available on the market. You should know that these over-the-range microwaves differ in terms of the oven size they offer amongst other things. If you often have to cook lots of things, you’ll want to make sure you select an over-the-range microwave with a large oven capacity.
- Included Features: Some over-the-range microwaves also come with some preprogrammed features that help to ensure maximum operations ease. So whenever you want to select an over-the-range microwave, you’ll certainly want to consider what features it has as this will help you enjoy perfect cooking experiences every time you use it.
- User Reviews: User reviews are a great way to know if a particular product is worth your time and money. This is because these reviews usually come from current or previous owners and they help you easily identify if the product can actually do all it claims to offer. So before settling on an over-the-range microwave choice, make sure to read user reviews first.
Why Trust Arnold’s Appliance?
Arnold’s Appliance started in the summer of 1956 when it opened its doors as Lakeshore Appliance in Redmond, Washington. John Arnold and his family have since grown the store from just a few brands to the large appliance store it is today and moved to Bellevue in 1999 in search of a larger building. Arnold’s Appliance now offers high-end innovative products from over 45 manufacturers.
In addition to extensive product knowledge, Arnold’s has been providing fine appliances to Northwest builders, remodelers, designers, architects, and developers for over 47 years. Arnold's currently supplies products and installations to many of the finest custom and spec home builders in the Pacific Northwest. Along with single-family housing, Arnold's has also supplied products for some of the largest multi-unit projects in the area. Arnold’s Now the third generation of the Arnold’s Family is dedicated to bringing the best quality products, delivery services, and installation to customers for years to come.
Shop Over The Range Microwaves At Arnold’s Appliance
Stop by Arnold’s Appliance Bellevue, WA location to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop our over-the-range microwaves online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best over-the-range microwave for you— whether you call us at 425-454-7929, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Best Kitchen Appliance Packages for New Build Homes