7 Best OTR Microwave Ovens of 2025

This isn’t just a microwave—it’s a smart kitchen command center packed into a sleek, space-saving design. The 550 CFM ventilation system is nothing short of extraordinary for an over-the-range unit, outperforming most competitors in smoke and odor removal, making it ideal for serious home cooks who demand clean air without bulky hoods. Add 1100 watts of cooking power and Sensor Cook technology, and you’ve got precision heating that adapts to moisture levels, eliminating guesswork when reheating leftovers or defrosting proteins.

In real-world use, the Wi-Fi and voice control integration stands out—using Alexa or Bixby, you can start venting the cooktop or reheat coffee from across the room, which feels futuristic but works seamlessly via the SmartThings app. The wide LED light bar casts an even, shadow-free glow across the entire stovetop, turning nighttime cooking into a safer, more enjoyable experience. While the 1.1 cu ft cavity is slightly smaller than some rivals, the high power output ensures large dishes still heat quickly and evenly, though very tall containers may struggle to fit.

Compared to the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, this Samsung model trades raw interior space for superior ventilation, smarter automation, and stronger wattage—a trade-off that favors tech-savvy users over those needing maximum capacity. It’s not the loudest fan on high, but it’s powerful enough to handle intense searing or boiling without filling your kitchen with steam. For those building a connected kitchen ecosystem, the Auto Connectivity feature with compatible Samsung cooktops—which automatically turns on the fan and lights—is a game-changer, offering unmatched convenience that justifies its premium positioning.

When cooking space matters most, the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 delivers with a cavernous 1.9 cu ft interior—one of the largest in any over-the-range microwave—making it a powerhouse for families or entertainers. The 13.5-inch turntable with On/Off function allows you to fit oversized dishes like lasagna pans or whole pizzas with ease, while the 400 CFM two-speed vent handles moderate stovetop use without breaking a sweat. With 1000 watts of power and 10 preset auto-cook menus, from frozen dinner to bacon, it balances convenience and performance for everyday meals.

During testing, the express 30-second cook button proved invaluable for quick reheat jobs, and the bright LED cooktop lighting provided excellent visibility—though it’s a single light, not a bar, so shadows can occur. The microwave heats food evenly for its class, but lacks sensor cooking, meaning you’ll need to manually adjust times for optimal results. It excels at handling large items, but the sheer depth may pose installation challenges in tighter spaces, and the fan, while effective, isn’t as quiet as premium models on high speed.

Against the GE JVM3160RFSS, this BLACK+DECKER offers nearly double the usable capacity while maintaining similar wattage and vent power, making it the go-to for those prioritizing large dish compatibility over smart features. It doesn’t connect to apps or support voice control, but for straightforward, high-capacity performance, it’s hard to beat. If you regularly heat family-sized meals or store-bought rotisserie chickens, this model turns a limitation of over-the-range designs—small interiors—on its head.

For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on size, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a revelation—delivering a spacious 1.7 cu ft cavity and 12.5-inch turntable at an entry-level price, perfect for fitting full-sized pizzas or large casserole dishes. Its 18 one-touch auto menus take the stress out of reheating or cooking common foods like popcorn, rice, or frozen veggies, while the 1000-watt output ensures consistent, reliable performance across daily tasks. The 300 CFM ventilation system may not match high-end models, but it’s sufficient for light to moderate cooking fumes.

In practice, the smart touch panel responds quickly and feels modern, though it’s prone to fingerprints and occasional misreads if touched too lightly. The interior lighting is functional but not as bright as Samsung’s LED bar, leaving some corners dimly lit. While it lacks sensor cooking and Wi-Fi, the strong suction on high speed effectively clears steam from boiling pots, and the compact depth makes it easier to install in standard cabinetry. It’s not the quietest on high fan, but for the price, noise is a fair trade-off.

Pitted against the GE JVM3160RFSS, the Midea offers more auto-cook options and a larger capacity at a slightly lower cost, making it the smarter pick for those who cook diverse meals but don’t need convection or smart features. It’s the best value in the budget segment, especially for renters or first-time homeowners who want a dependable, no-frills workhorse. While it won’t impress with bells and whistles, it quietly outperforms expectations where it counts—size, simplicity, and affordability.

The GE JVM3160RFSS is the definition of a no-nonsense, dependable workhorse—engineered for users who want reliability without complexity. With a 1.6 cu ft interior and 1000 watts of IEC-rated power, it handles everyday reheating and defrosting with consistent results, while the Turntable On/Off function adds flexibility for large, flat dishes. The two-speed, 300 CFM vent quietly manages cooking odors and steam, making it ideal for casual cooks who don’t regularly sear or boil at high heat.

Real-world testing shows it heats food evenly for a standard microwave, though it lacks sensor cooking or smart features, requiring manual input for best results. The auto-defrost function is intuitive, automatically calculating time based on weight, which prevents over-thawing—a small but meaningful convenience. Installation is straightforward, and the build feels solid, though the interior lighting is modest compared to models with full LED bars. It doesn’t wow with innovation, but it rarely disappoints in execution.

Next to the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, the GE offers slightly less capacity and fewer presets, but carries the weight of a trusted brand known for long-term durability. It’s the ideal choice for secondary kitchens, older adults, or minimalists who prefer tactile controls and proven performance over flashy tech. While it doesn’t push boundaries, it delivers exactly what it promises—dependable, basic functionality with zero learning curve—making it a standout in simplicity.

If you want true convection baking in an over-the-range unit, the ZLINE B08H3L85SD is in a league of its own—offering dual cooking modes that let you bake, roast, and crisp foods with golden-brown results, thanks to the included convection rack and fan. The DiamondTech interior scatters microwaves for even heating, virtually eliminating cold spots, while sensor cooking adjusts time and power automatically for optimal texture and taste. Wrapped in durable black stainless steel with PVD coating, it resists scratches and fingerprints, blending luxury with practicality.

In performance tests, the convection mode truly shines—roasting chicken wings to crispy perfection and baking small casseroles with even browning, something no standard microwave can achieve. The 300 CFM vent is effective and configurable for ductless or external venting, giving installation flexibility. However, the interface is less intuitive than Samsung’s SmartThings system, and it lacks Wi-Fi or voice control, limiting smart-home integration. The glass turntable and interior lights enhance usability, but the convection cycle is slower than a full oven.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, the ZLINE sacrifices raw capacity for gourmet cooking versatility, making it perfect for small kitchens where counter space is limited but culinary ambition isn’t. It’s not the fastest for reheating, but for those who want one appliance that microwaves, bakes, and roasts, it’s unmatched. While it costs significantly more, the build quality, convection performance, and premium finish justify the investment for serious home chefs.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS strikes a rare balance—delivering 1.7 cu ft of spacious cooking room with smart-like convenience at a mid-range price, making it the best value for large-capacity needs. The 12.4-inch turntable and Turntable Off function accommodate oversized dishes with ease, while 1000 watts and 10 power levels ensure precise heating across food types. With 6 one-touch menus and multi-stage programming, you can defrost then reheat in one go—ideal for busy households managing frozen meals.

In daily use, the 300 CFM two-speed vent handles typical stovetop steam and odors effectively, though it’s not as powerful as Samsung’s 550 CFM system. The integrated light provides decent cooktop visibility, but it’s not as bright or widespread as Samsung’s LED bar. The speed-cook buttons (1-3 minutes at 100%) are a small but brilliant touch for coffee or oatmeal reheats. Setup is straightforward, and the stainless steel finish resists smudges better than expected.

Against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, this model offers nearly identical capacity and power but adds multi-stage cooking, a feature usually found in pricier units. It doesn’t have sensor cooking or Wi-Fi, but for families needing large interior + programming flexibility, it outshines both budget and basic models. It’s the sweet spot between size, smarts, and cost—a hidden gem for those who cook big but don’t want to overspend.

For kitchens where space is at a premium, the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is a slim yet smart powerhouse, designed to free up overhead cabinet space without sacrificing modern features. Don’t let the 1.2 cu ft size fool you—its 400 CFM vent fan delivers stronger suction than many larger models, effectively clearing smoke and grease, while smart steam sensing technology enables Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat for perfectly warmed meals every time. The real magic? Full voice control and SmartHome app integration, letting you start, stop, or monitor cooking remotely.

During testing, the auto-cook menu responded accurately to common food types, and the notifications when cooking finishes added a layer of convenience rarely seen at this price. The compact depth makes it ideal for shallow cabinets, but the turntable is smaller, limiting large dish compatibility. The interior lighting is adequate, but not as bright as Samsung’s LED bar. While it can’t fit a 12-inch pizza, it excels at reheating meals, defrosting, and handling solo or couple-sized portions.

Compared to the Samsung ME11A7710DS, this Midea model trades cavity size and 1100W power for slimmer profile and full smart functionality, making it the best choice for apartments, galley kitchens, or smart-home enthusiasts with limited space. It doesn’t have convection or Wi-Fi as robust as Samsung’s, but for space-saving smarts, it’s unmatched. If you want a connected, voice-controlled microwave that fits where others won’t, this is your go-to.