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What’s the Best over the range microwave in 2018? Editor’s Choice and Buyer’s Guide

An over the range microwave makes meal preparation simpler and more convenient. With one of these fixtures in your kitchen, you save yourself time, space, and energy when heating up your family’s favorite foods. You can choose the best over the range microwave oven that will serve you well for years by knowing what 10 models are known for offering the highest level of performance, power, and convenience.

Table of Contents

Comparison Table

ModelSizeColor 
General Electric JVM3160RFSS30 inchesStainless steel

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Samsung ME 16K3000AS1.6 cubic feetBlack

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General Electric JVM3160DFBB30 inchesBlack

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LG LMV2031ST2.0 cubic feetStainless steel

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General Electric JVM3160DFWW1.6 cubic feetWhite

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Frigidaire FFMV162LB1.6 cubic feetBlack

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General Electric B01H5FNHG61.7 cubic feetBlack

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Whirlpool 1191651.9 cubic feetStainless steel

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Frigidaire MWV150KW1.5 cubic feetWhite

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Sharp 1100 watts R-12141.5 cubic feetStainless steel

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Our Reviews on the Top Ten Rated Products 2018

General Electric JVM3160RFSS 30″

http://amzn.to/2iOQUns(Editor’s Overall Choice) – General Electric has long been a brand associated with top-quality home appliances. It upholds its reputation with its GE JVM3160RFSS 30 inch over the range oven, which comes with an appealing stainless steel exterior finish. This particular GE model has a 1.6 cubic foot and a 1000 watt capacity. It can cook and defrost food easily and also features a host of auto programming options.

It also comes with a turntable and a see-through glass door so that you can keep an eye on your food as you prepare it. Made in the USA, this over the range microwave measures 33.5 by 19.4 by 20.2 inches and weighs a hefty 62 pounds, making it one of the larger models on the market.

The major drawback of this product is that it is priced a bit higher than some of the other GE models available today. Given its large size and heavy weight, it can also be difficult for some people to install by themselves without professional installation help.
Pros
  • 1.6 cubic foot food prep capacity
  • Baking, defrost, and other auto programming options
  • See-through glass door for easy viewing
Cons
  • Large size
  • Questionable ventilation performance
  • Higher price tag

Overall, the GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ is a great selection for people who want a powerful over the range microwave that is capable of baking, cooking, defrosting, and more. It may not be perfect for people who live in homes with smaller kitchens or who want a lower priced microwave oven.

Samsung ME 16K3000AS

samsung-me16k3000as(Editor’s Budget Choice) – Samsung is a brand typically associated with high-quality electronics like cell phones and TVs. However, the company also makes high performance household appliances like over the range microwave ovens. It proves that it is a brand to be taken seriously in this market with its Samsung ME 16K3000AS-model, which comes in a sleek and easy-to-clean black finish and features a 1.6 cubic foot capacity.

The ME 16K3000AS also offers all of the expected functions from cooking and baking to defrosting food. It comes with several auto programming functions for your convenience. However, its affordable price tag may be its most appealing factor for people on the lookout for a top-quality oven without overspending their budget.

The major drawback of the Samsung ME 16K3000AS is that it does not come with an exhaust fan. It also is one of the smaller ones available today, measuring just 29 7/8 by 16 29/32 by 15 5/32 inches.
Pros
  • Affordable price tag
  • Auto programming features
  • 1.6 cubic foot capacity
Cons
  • Smaller than other ovens for sale
  • No exhaust fan

The final verdict for the Samsung ME 16K3000AS is that it is a great choice for people who are on a tight budget and need a reliable microwave oven. It may not be ideal for people who need a larger and more powerful oven or one that comes with an exhaust fan.

General Electric JVM3160DFBB 30″

ge-jvm3160dfbb(Editor’s High-Performance Choice) – General Electric’s JVM3160DFBB 30″ could be one of the easiest to use yet most powerful over the range microwave ovens on the market. With its 1.6 cubic foot food prep capacity, it comes in an elegant black finish and also features a rotating turntable that can operate at two different speeds.

It comes with a host of auto programming options to make food prep and defrosting easier. It also comes with options for making popcorn, baked potatoes, and other foods that you often prefer to prepare quickly and easily. Measuring 33 by 20 by 19 inches, this oven weighs 62 pounds, making it relatively easy to install. It also comes with a price tag that many shoppers should find affordable.

The major drawback for the GE JVM3160DFBB 30″ is that it tends be noisy when used. The ventilation system is not quiet but blows rather noisily. The vent system can also be confusing to install even if you follow the setup instructions included with the microwave oven.
Pros
  • Two-speed rotating turntable
  • Convenient cooking options for snacks like popcorn
  • Auto programming for other food preparation
Cons
  • Confusing installation instructions
  • Noisy when in use

The final verdict for GE’s JVM3160DFBB 30″ is that it is a great selection for people who want an affordable and powerful microwave oven that comes with a host of auto and fast food prep options. It may not be perfect for people who are not skilled at installing these appliances or want one that operates quietly.

LG LMV2031ST

lg-lmv2031stLG’s LMV2031ST comes in an industrial chic stainless steel finish that is easy to clean and goes great with any kitchen décor in your home. With its powerful 2.0 cubic foot cooking capacity, it is the perfect complementary appliance that makes meal prep fast and easy.

Its 1000 watt cooking capacity lets you bake, cook, defrost, and heat up food or beverages in seconds. The microwave oven has a see-through glass door and a rotating turntable that heats up food evenly. The oven itself measures 15.9 by 29.9 by 16.4 inches and weighs 63 pounds, making it a sizable oven that can be fitted easily over most ranges.

The major drawback of the LG LMV2031ST is its price tag, which is about $50 to $60 more than other comparable products on the market. The weight itself also may be a turnoff for people who want an oven that is easier to lift when installing.
Pros
  • Stainless steel finish
  • 2.0 cubic foot cooking capacity
  • Food prep options like defrost, baking, and cooking
Cons
  • Higher price tag
  • Heavy weight

The final verdict for the LG LMV2031ST is that it is a great choice for people who want a powerful microwave oven that does all of the basics like cooking, baking, and defrosting. It may not be a good choice for people who want a more affordable model or one that does not weigh as much as this LG model.

General Electric JVM3160DFWW

ge-jvm3160dfwwGeneral Electric’s JVM3160DFWW is a basic yet practical and convenient over range microwave oven that lets you prepare food fast and easily. It comes in an appealing white finish that blends in with any kitchen decorations. It also comes with a range of electronic touch control options that let you program and use your oven easier.

It also has a glass rotating turntable as well as a two-speed exhaust fan. While it does have a higher price tag than others on the market, it also comes with a 10-year warranty at no extra cost.

The major drawback of the GE JVM3160DFWW is its noisy operation, which can be annoying or distracting to some people. The oven’s turntable also frequently comes loose and either skips or spills the food being prepared.
Pros
  • Electronic touch control programming options
  • Free 10-year warranty
  • Chic white finish
Cons
  • Higher price tag
  • Turntable prone to skipping
  • Noisy operation

The final verdict for the GE JVM3160DFWW is that is an appealing choice for fans of the GE brand or people who want an easy-to-use microwave oven. It may not be ideal for people who are on a tight shopping budget or prefer one with a sturdier turntable.

Frigidaire FFMV162LB

frigidaire-ffmv162lbFrigidaire is a brand name that is commonly associated with high-quality refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and other kitchen appliances. Frigidaire FFMV162LB upholds this reputation for quality with its 10 different power levels and 1.6 cubic foot cooking capacity.

Available in a stylish black finish, this microwave oven also features a 1000 watt performance and a two-speed ventilation system. It measures 15.1 by 29.9 by 16.5 inches, making it perfect for installing above any standard kitchen range.

The major drawback of the Frigidaire FFMV162LB is its heavier than normal weight at 69 pounds. It also comes with a price tag that is just slightly higher than comparable models available today.
Pros
  • Two-speed ventilation system
  • 1000 watt power capability
  • 10 different power levels
Cons
  • Heavier than other models
  • Slightly higher price tag

The final verdict for the Frigidaire FFMV162LB is that it is a good choice for people who want a basic yet convenient microwave oven that gives them the food prep power they want. It may not be a wise choice for people who want a lighter model or one that is more in line with low-end budgets.

General Electric 1.7 Cubic Foot Over the Range Microwave Oven

ge-1-7-cu-ft-black-over-the-range-microwave-ovenGeneral Electric’s 1.7 cubic foot microwave oven may look very basic at first glance. However, it offers all of the basic functions that you want and expect from a top-quality product and comes in an appealing black finish that is easy to keep clean.

It can easily prepare a host of foods from main entrees to side dishes and desserts. It comes with a rotating glass turntable and a see-through glass door. It also has easy-to-use touchscreen buttons that let you program the oven each time you use it.

The major drawback for General Electric’s 1.7 cubic foot microwave oven is its relatively high price. It costs about $60 more than others in its size. It also weighs 35 pounds, making it one of the smaller microwave ovens on the market.
Pros
  • Touchscreen programming options
  • Glass turntable
  • Black finish
Cons
  • High price tag
  • Small dimensions and weight

The final verdict for GE’s 1.7 cubic foot microwave oven is that it is a good choice for people who want the convenience of a touchscreen microwave oven or one that has a glass turntable. It may not be ideal for people who need a larger microwave oven to fit over their range.

Whirlpool 119165

whirlpool-microwaves-119165Whirlpool is another brand that is well-known for its top performing and long-lasting home appliances. The Whirlpool 119165 does the Whirlpool brand proud with its powerful 1.9 cubic foot capacity and 1000 watt performance.

This oven comes in an attractive stainless steel finish and measures 30 by 17.2 by 16 inches, making it well suited to fit above any standard kitchen range. It also has an easy-to-use touchscreen interface that lets you program it for defrosting, baking, cooking, and other functions.

The major drawback of the Whirlpool 119165 is its heavy weight. Weighing 73 pounds, this oven is much heavier than other comparable models on the market. Its weight could be a detriment when installing it in your kitchen. It also is made in China, which may not appeal to people who prefer American made appliances for their home.
Pros
  • 1.9 cubic foot cooking capacity
  • Stainless steel finish
  • Touchscreen interface for easy programming
Cons
  • Heavy weight

The final verdict for the Whirlpool 119165 is that it is an attractive selection for people who prefer a powerful microwave oven or one that is easy to program with touchscreen buttons. It may not be perfect for people who prefer American made appliances or an oven that is lighter and easier to install.

Frigidaire MWV150KW

frigidaire-mwv150kwFrigidaire’s MWV150KW features a 1.5 cubic foot capacity and a variety of food prep options designed for your convenience in mind. It comes in a clean white finish and makes available an assortment of one-touch options that let you program and use your microwave oven easily.

It also comes with an extra large 14-inch diameter glass turntable that is perfect for cooking entrees, side dishes, and desserts. It measures a compact 15 by 29.9 by 16.3 inches, making it well-suited for installing in smaller kitchens.

The major drawback of the Frigidaire MWV150KW is the fact that you cannot remove the turntable, which makes keeping the oven clean more challenging. It also only has a limited 12 month warranty that does not cover some of the more vulnerable parts in the oven.
Pros
  • One-touch programming
  • 14-inch diameter turntable for easy food preparation
  • Perfect for using in smaller kitchens
Cons
  • Turntable cannot be removed
  • Limited warranty

The final verdict for the Frigidaire MWV150KW is that it is a good choice for people who want a dependable appliance for a smaller kitchen. It may not be a wise investment for people who want an oven that is easier to keep clean or one that has a more practical warranty.

Sharp R-1214

sharp-r-1214Sharp is brand that is well-known for its user-friendly and affordable kitchen appliances.The Sharp R-1214 upholds this reputation with its 1 ½ cubic foot capacity and compact size that makes it perfect for using in smaller kitchens.

This oven comes with 24 different automatic settings as well as seven digit, two color LED display. It also offers smart sensor technology that makes it perfect for warming up, cooking, baking, or defrosting foods. It even comes with convenient settings for keeping foods hot, heating up water, or popping a bag of popcorn.

The major drawback of the Sharp R-1214 microwave oven is its lack of a fan unit. Some users have also reported that the oven has a tendency to blow fuses quite easily.
Pros
  • 24 automatic settings
  • Seven digit, two-color LCD display
  • Settings for popcorn, hot water, and more
Cons
  • No fan unit
  • Can blow fuses often

The final verdict for the Sharp R-1214 is that it can be a great choice for people who want a user-friendly appliance that comes with a host of convenient settings and interfaces. It may not be a good choice for people who prefer their microwaves to have fans or stay functional without blowing fuses.

Guide – How to Choose the Right One

Even with these reviews, you still may have questions about how you can recognize the best over the range microwave for your particular household needs and budget. As you shop for one of these appliances, you should keep these important criteria in mind.

Size

 

Of course when you are on the lookout for an over range microwave oven, you want to find those that will fit suitably above the range in your kitchen. To help you narrow in on one that you can actually use, you should take measurements of the space allotted for this appliance.

You may not need to buy a microwave oven that is a perfect fit inside the space you have above the range. However, it should not be so large that you cannot install it at all. Likewise, you should consider whether or not you can install it on your own or if you may need someone to help you with the task.

Microwave ovens that are lighter in weight can be installed relatively easily by one person. However, if you prefer a heavier model, you may need to enlist the help of a friend or neighbor or hire someone to install it for you.

Power

 

Another factor to keep in mind centers on how powerful you want your microwave oven to be and for what purposes you will use it. Do you plan on cooking and baking entire meals in it or will you use it primarily to warm up leftovers or pop a bag of popcorn once in awhile?

The answers to these questions should influence your decision in selecting the right model that gives you the power that you need in this appliance. If you plan on using it for regular meal prep, you may choose a model that offers a higher level of performance than one that you can use primarily just for warming up snacks or leftovers. You should not pay for more power in a microwave oven if you do not plan on utilizing it often.

Price

 

Before you shop for one, you should set a budget so that you know beforehand how much you can afford on this appliance. As you can tell from the reviews, they come in a variety of price ranges. The smaller and less powerful ones tend toe less expensive than the larger and more powerful models.

Your budget should influence what kind of microwave oven you buy for your own kitchen. If you are on a tighter budget, you can still find high-performance ovens that will allow you to cook, defrost, and more with ease. Models from brands like Sharp and GE tend to be priced affordably and still give you the power and function you need in this kind of appliance.

Brand

 

Finally, you may take into consideration the brand of the microwave oven you plan on buying for your kitchen. Brand can come into play for several important reasons. First, if you want a microwave oven that will fit well above your range, you may choose one made by the same brand that made your stove and oven.

Second, you may be a fan of a certain brand yourself because you recognize the quality and performance that its appliances offer. When you consider the brand that you want or need, you better narrow your search and also can decide on other factors like the price you may need to pay for one.

Conclusion

Microwave ovens have been a mainstay in modern kitchens for decades. When you want an innovative and powerful over range microwave oven but have questions about choosing the best model for your own kitchen, you can find answers in these top 10 over the range microwave reviews as well as the helpful buyers guide. These resources highlight the features and conveniences for which you should search as you shop for a microwave oven that will make all of your food prep tasks easier.

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