7 Best Microwave Ovens Over the Range 2025

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS isn’t just smart—it’s intuitively clever. With 18 auto-cook presets, including niche options like soften cream cheese and rice, this microwave eliminates guesswork for everyday meals. The 1.7 cu.ft. interior and 12.5-inch turntable handle oversized dishes like rotisserie chickens with ease, while the 300 CFM ventilation system keeps kitchen air fresh during stovetop cooking—perfect for compact kitchens where airflow matters.

In real-world testing, the Smart Touch Panel responded swiftly, though fingerprints showed easily on the stainless finish. The 1000W power output heated meals evenly, though dense foods like frozen lasagna required mid-cycle stirring for optimal results. Ventilation was impressively quiet on low speed, but didn’t quite match the suction of higher-CFM models when dealing with greasy stir-fries. Still, for daily reheating, defrosting, and light cooking, it delivered consistent, hassle-free performance.

Compared to the Empava EMPV-30OTR01, the Midea offers more auto-cook versatility, but lacks the longer warranty that Empava touts. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users who value smart convenience over extended coverage. While the GE JVM7195SKSS offers more capacity, the Midea strikes a smarter balance between feature intelligence and kitchen efficiency—making it a standout for those who cook often but don’t need maximum space.

The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 stands out not for flashy features, but for rock-solid reliability backed by a 2-year warranty—a rare double the industry standard. This over-the-range microwave delivers where it counts: a 1.7 cu.ft. interior, 300 CFM two-speed vent, and sensor cooking that adjusts time and power automatically for popcorn, veggies, or frozen dinners. It’s the kind of appliance that earns trust through consistency, not gimmicks.

During testing, the touchscreen responded accurately, even with damp hands, and the LED cooktop lighting cast a bright, shadow-free glow—ideal for late-night cooking. The 1000W output reheated leftovers quickly, though sensor accuracy varied slightly with dense or layered dishes. Ventilation handled steam and light odors well, but like most 300 CFM units, struggled slightly with heavy frying smoke. The turntable on/off function was a small but meaningful win for flat or oversized trays.

When stacked against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, the Empava trades some auto-menu variety for superior long-term confidence. It’s best suited for buyers who prioritize durability and peace of mind over smart extras. While the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 offers stronger airflow, the Empava wins on balanced performance and unmatched warranty support—a quiet champion for cautious shoppers.

The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS is engineered for those who regularly cook or reheat large dishes—its 1.8 cu.ft. cavity is a full 0.1 cubic feet larger than most competitors, offering tangible extra room for casserole dishes and tall containers. With 1000 watts of power and 10 power levels, it heats efficiently, while the 300 CFM vent handles standard kitchen fumes with quiet confidence. The 27-button touchpad gives granular control, appealing to users who dislike automated menus.

In practice, the spacious interior made a noticeable difference when warming family-sized meals, though the 12.4-inch turntable (smaller than its capacity suggests) occasionally clashed with wide containers. The recirculating vent kit sold separately is a drawback for ductless installations, adding hidden cost. Performance-wise, it heated evenly, but lacked sensor cooking—meaning no auto-adjust for over- or under-heating. The two-speed fan worked adequately, but didn’t excel in high-heat cooking scenarios.

Compared to the GE JVM7195SKSS, the Frigidaire offers more interior space but misses key modern features like steam clean and sensor reheat. It’s best for users who prioritize physical capacity over smart functionality. While the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 boasts higher airflow, the Frigidaire delivers a more balanced blend of size and simplicity—ideal for traditionalists who want room, not robotics.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-WH proves budget doesn’t mean bare-bones. Priced as the most affordable in the lineup, it still packs 1000W power, a 300 CFM vent, and a 1.7 cu.ft. interior—matching pricier models in core specs. Its one-touch auto menus for popcorn, defrost, and reheat deliver genuine convenience, while multi-stage cooking lets you defrost then cook automatically, a rare find at this price.

Real-world use revealed surprisingly solid performance: reheating coffee or soup was fast, and the 2-speed vent effectively cleared steam from boiling pots. The white finish resists fingerprints better than stainless, a subtle win for busy kitchens. However, the 6 auto menus are fewer than rivals, and the control panel lacks the modern feel of touchscreens. It also doesn’t include a charcoal filter, limiting ductless setup flexibility.

Against the Empava EMPV-30OTR01, it sacrifices warranty and sensor cooking for significant cost savings. It’s perfect for renters or first-time buyers who need reliable basics without frills. While the GE JVM7195SKSS offers a richer feature set, the BLACK+DECKER wins on entry-level value and essential functionality—a no-nonsense workhorse for practical kitchens.

The GE JVM7195SKSS earns its title as the best overall over-the-range microwave by mastering the full package: smart, spacious, and supported. With a 1.9 cu.ft. cavity—the largest here—and a sensor cooking system that adjusts power and time based on humidity, it handles everything from reheating lasagna to melting chocolate without guesswork. The steam clean function simplifies maintenance, while the included charcoal filter ensures ductless installation is hassle-free.

In testing, the sensor reheat consistently prevented overcooking, a standout for delicate foods like fish or dairy-based dishes. The 1000W power delivered fast results, and the 300 CFM vent was quiet yet effective for daily cooking. The interior lighting and build quality felt premium, and the extended 2-year protection plan adds real peace of mind. However, the turntable can’t be disabled, limiting flat-item cooking.

Versus the Frigidaire FFMV1846VS, it offers more advanced features and better cleaning options, despite similar size. It’s ideal for families and frequent cooks who want maximum convenience and reliability. While pricier than the Midea, the GE justifies its cost with superior sensors, capacity, and service coverage—a complete, no-compromise solution.

The GE JVM3160DFBB is a value-packed bundle that delivers more than its modest size suggests. Despite a slightly smaller 1.6 cu.ft. cavity, it includes a 2-year extended protection plan, charcoal filter, and sensor defrost—features often missing at this price. The 1000W power and 300 CFM vent match industry standards, making it a capable kitchen companion for reheating, defrosting, and light cooking.

In daily use, the auto defrost function accurately calculated thaw times, a major win for meal prep. The turntable on/off feature allowed flat baking dishes, and the black finish masked smudges well. However, the compact interior struggled with larger plates or deep bowls. Ventilation was adequate but not powerful—fine for boiling or steaming, less so for frying. The control panel felt dated compared to touchscreens on newer models.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-WH, it offers better warranty and defrost tech for a slightly higher cost. It’s best for apartment dwellers or small kitchens where space is limited but reliability matters. While the Frigidaire offers more room, the GE bundles protection and convenience—a smart pick for cautious buyers seeking long-term value over size.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a capacity and ventilation powerhouse, boasting a 1.9 cu.ft. interior and an industry-leading 400 CFM exhaust fan—a rare combo that dominates in both cooking and air cleaning. With pre-programmed menus for pizza, bacon, frozen breakfast, and more, it simplifies daily meals, while the turntable on/off function accommodates casserole dishes and sheet pans. This is the go-to for cooks who demand space and strong suction in one unit.

In real use, the 400 CFM vent outperformed all others, swiftly clearing smoke from seared meats and greasy stovetop meals. The 13.5-inch turntable rotated smoothly, even under heavy loads, and the 1000W power reheated meals quickly and evenly. The LED lighting was bright and evenly distributed. However, the sensor cooking is absent, meaning no auto-adjust for moisture—users must manually tweak times.

Against the GE JVM7195SKSS, it trades steam clean and sensor tech for superior airflow and equal capacity. It’s perfect for open-concept kitchens or serious cooks battling strong odors. While the GE offers smarter features, the BLACK+DECKER delivers unmatched ventilation muscle and spaciousness—a top-tier pick for performance-focused users.