7 Best 24 Inch Over the Range Microwaves 2025

This budget-savvy powerhouse delivers far beyond its price tag, packing a 1.7 cu.ft. cavity, 1000W cooking power, and a robust 300 CFM ventilation system into a sleek stainless steel frame. What truly sets the Midea MOR17BSA-SS apart is its 18 auto-cook menus—a rare depth in this range—that take the guesswork out of everything from reheating pizza to defrosting meat or even softening cream cheese with precision. For home cooks craving simplicity without sacrificing functionality, this microwave eliminates the frustration of manual time-and-power juggling, making it a kitchen MVP for everyday efficiency.

In real-world use, the 12.5-inch turntable effortlessly handles oversized dishes, including full rotisserie chickens and 12-inch pizzas, while the 10-level power control ensures delicate tasks like melting butter don’t turn into culinary disasters. The 300 CFM vent fan performs admirably, clearing steam and cooking odors from moderate stovetop use, though it’s best suited for smaller kitchens or light frying—don’t expect it to replace a dedicated range hood for heavy wok sessions. The bright cooktop light is a subtle but welcome touch, illuminating your stovetop without harsh glare, and the smart touch panel remains responsive even with damp hands.

When stacked against pricier models like the Summit MHOTR241W or Impecca B097CF6S4M, the Midea holds its own by offering larger capacity and more auto-cook options at nearly half the cost. It’s the ideal pick for renters, small households, or anyone upgrading from an aging unit who wants maximum features without financial strain. While it lacks sensor cooking or ductless recirculating options, its no-nonsense reliability and spacious interior make it a smarter value than many models costing significantly more.

For kitchens where vertical space is at a premium, the KoolMore KM-MOT-OP1SS is a game-changing low-profile marvel that redefines what an over-the-range microwave can be. Its slim design fits neatly under lower cabinets without sacrificing the full 300 CFM ventilation power, making it perfect for galley kitchens, RVs, or modern apartments where every inch counts. Despite its compact 1.3 cu.ft. interior, it still delivers 1000W cooking performance and a rotating turntable for even heating—proving you don’t need bulk to get brawn.

During testing, the touch panel responded smoothly, and the on/off turntable option was surprisingly useful for flat items like lasagna trays that don’t benefit from rotation. The 300 CFM exhaust kept up with daily cooking tasks, efficiently pulling up steam from boiling pots and light frying, though it’s not designed for high-heat searing over long periods. The controllable fan and light offer customization, but the smaller cavity means 12-inch plates barely fit, and tall mugs can hit the ceiling—limiting its use for families or large meal prep.

Compared to the roomier Midea MOR17BSA-SS or BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS, the KoolMore sacrifices capacity for form, making it a deliberate trade-off for style and space-saving. It’s not the best for large households, but for singles, couples, or minimalist kitchens, it offers premium stainless steel aesthetics and strong ventilation in a sleeker footprint. It doesn’t include sensor cooking or multi-stage programming, but its clean, modern look and powerful venting justify the premium over basic models.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS isn’t just another microwave—it’s a thoughtfully engineered kitchen workhorse that earns its title as the best overall with a perfect balance of space, smarts, and simplicity. Boasting a spacious 1.7 cu.ft. interior and a 12.4-inch turntable, it handles everything from family-sized casseroles to weekend meal prep with ease. Its standout feature? Multi-stage cooking—a rare gem in this category—that lets you sear with 90% power, then gently finish at 50%, all without lifting a finger, making it ideal for complex reheats or defrost-to-cook sequences.

In daily use, the 6 quick-touch menus (Popcorn, Reheat, Defrost, etc.) are genuinely intuitive, and the ‘Speedy Cooking’ 1-2-3 buttons are a small but brilliant touch for last-minute mug meals. The 300 CFM 2-speed vent tackles smoke and odors effectively, especially in medium-sized kitchens, and the integrated light shines brightly on the cooktop without hotspots. While it doesn’t have sensor cooking or auto-reheat, its manual control precision and consistent heating performance make it more reliable than models that over-promise and under-deliver.

Against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, it trades 12 fewer auto-menus for multi-stage programming, a feature serious cooks will appreciate. Compared to the pricier Impecca or Summit models, it delivers near-top-tier functionality at a mid-range cost, making it the most well-rounded performer in the lineup. It’s the go-to choice for families, home chefs, and anyone who wants a no-fuss, high-capacity microwave that just works—without paying for flashy extras they won’t use.

The Summit MHOTR241W stands out as the most versatile ventilator in the lineup, offering three ducting options—vertical, horizontal, or recirculating—making it a dream for retrofit kitchens where venting flexibility is non-negotiable. Its 2-speed exhaust fan and included charcoal and grease filters ensure clean air whether you’re ducted or not, a feature most competitors skip entirely. With a 1.4 cu.ft. cavity and pre-programmed settings (including a handy “kids meal” function), it balances practical cooking with exceptional ventilation adaptability.

In practice, the side pocket handle gives it a clean, built-in look, and the small viewing window lets you monitor food without interrupting the cycle—though the interior lighting could be brighter. The multi-stage cooking and 10 power levels offer solid control, but the lack of sensor cooking means you’re still managing time manually. It handles everyday reheating and popcorn runs well, but the smaller turntable (compared to 1.7 cu.ft. models) limits large dish compatibility, and the top-vented design demands careful cabinet clearance.

When compared to the BLACK+DECKER or Midea, the Summit falls short on cooking capacity and automation, but it dominates in installation flexibility—a critical win for older homes or rentals. It’s not the best for large families, but for DIYers, renovators, or those in ductless setups, it’s the most future-proof ventilation choice. It delivers professional-grade venting options in a residential package, just with fewer culinary bells and whistles.

The Haier B06W9PBWML is a masterclass in minimalist engineering, designed for kitchens where clean lines and hidden mechanics matter as much as performance. Its hidden vent system is the star—streamlining the top profile for a built-in look while remaining easy to wipe down and maintain—a small detail that makes a big difference in modern kitchens. With 300 CFM suction power, it clears smoke and steam efficiently, and the sensor cooking feature automatically adjusts time and power, preventing overcooked leftovers—a real win for busy households.

In daily operation, the electronic touch controls are responsive, and the pre-programmed settings (popcorn, potato, beverage) deliver consistent results with zero guesswork. The 1.4 cu.ft. interior is adequate for most tasks, though it struggles with taller dishes or oversized containers. It performs best in small to medium kitchens where aesthetics and ease of use are top priorities, and the lack of multi-stage cooking or a large turntable keeps it from competing in the high-performance tier.

Against the KoolMore KM-MOT-OP1SS, it offers similar slim appeal but adds sensor intelligence, making it smarter for hands-off reheating. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER or Midea, it trades capacity for elegance and automation, making it ideal for design-conscious users who value a clutter-free kitchen over bulk cooking. It’s the most polished compact option—just not the most powerful.

The Impecca B097CF6S4M is built for family life, combining safety, visibility, and convenience into a single, stylish package that stands out in busy households. Its LED interior lighting is a game-changer—bright, cool, and energy-efficient—allowing you to monitor meals without opening the door, which means fewer cold spots and interrupted cycles. The child safety lock adds peace of mind, making it one of the few models that truly considers households with young kids, while auto defrost and cook-by-weight features take the stress out of thawing frozen meals.

In real-world use, the 13.58-inch turntable offers more usable space than most 1.4 cu.ft. models, and the 6 pre-set menus are practical for daily staples. The 2-speed vent system handles typical cooking fumes well, though it’s not as quiet as higher-end units at high speed. While it lacks sensor reheat or multi-stage programming, the ‘Add 30 Seconds’ button and kitchen timer are thoughtful touches that enhance usability during chaotic meal times.

Compared to the Summit MHOTR241W, it trades venting flexibility for family-friendly smarts, and against the Midea, it offers better safety and lighting but fewer auto-cook options. It’s not the most powerful or spacious, but for parents or multi-person homes, it delivers the most thoughtful daily-use features in the lineup. It’s the most livable microwave—just not the most feature-dense.

The COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS is a sleek, precision-focused performer that blends restaurant-style control with smart automation, making it a standout for users who want appliance sophistication without complexity. With 1000W power and 10 precise power levels, it delivers consistent results whether you’re reheating soup or crisping up leftovers. Its sensor reheat and cook mode is a highlight—detecting moisture levels to automatically shut off when food is perfectly warmed, eliminating guesswork and preventing dry, rubbery meals.

During testing, the 13.6-inch turntable provided excellent rotation for even cooking, and the touch presets (melt, defrost, popcorn) responded instantly. The integrated range hood with high-performance venting handled light frying and boiling with ease, though it’s best paired with a separate hood for heavy cooking. At 1.34 cu.ft., the cavity is on the smaller side—fine for singles or couples, but tight for family-sized dishes. Its RV-friendly design is a niche but valuable perk for mobile living.

Against the Haier B06W9PBWML, it offers similar sensor tech but a slightly larger turntable, while the KoolMore KM-MOT-OP1SS beats it in profile but lacks automation. It’s the most intelligent compact option, ideal for tech-savvy users who want set-it-and-forget-it convenience in a minimalist frame. It doesn’t have the capacity of the Midea or BLACK+DECKER, but its smart cooking logic and sleek finish make it the most refined choice for modern kitchens.