7 Best Over Range Microwave Ovens 2025

This workhorse of a microwave delivers powerful 1000W cooking performance and a spacious 1.7 cu. ft. cavity, making it a top contender for families and frequent cooks. What truly sets it apart is its thoughtful blend of smart features and safety, like the child safety lock and auto cook presets for veggies, snacks, and potatoes—perfect for households where simplicity meets daily demand. It tackles reheating, defrosting, and meal prep with impressive consistency, all while maintaining a clean, easy-to-wipe interior that’s a godsend after messy splatters.

In real-world use, the 1550W input power ensures rapid heating, even with dense foods like baked potatoes or frozen entrees, while the weight- and time-based defrost function prevents edges from cooking prematurely. The +30 seconds express button is a small but game-changing detail for quick boosts, and the adjustable alert volume lets you customize notifications—ideal for open-concept homes where loud beeps disrupt the peace. However, the vent fan (CFM not specified) feels underpowered compared to others in this lineup, and the lighting could be brighter for detailed stovetop tasks.

Compared to the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, this model offers similar capacity and power but leans into family-friendly safety and usability with its child lock and intuitive controls. While it lacks sensor cooking, it excels as a reliable, no-frills performer that won’t overwhelm users seeking straightforward operation. It’s the ideal pick for those who prioritize durability, safety, and consistent results over smart connectivity—delivering more kitchen confidence than flash, especially when stacked against budget models that cut corners on features.

Sleek, smart, and engineered for tight spaces, the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is a slim powerhouse that redefines what compact over-the-range microwaves can do. With a 1.2 cu. ft. interior and a 400 CFM vent fan, it punches above its size class, making it perfect for galley kitchens or apartments where every inch counts. But its real magic lies in the smart steam-sensing technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power for flawless results—no more guessing how long to reheat last night’s pasta.

During testing, the sensor cook and reheat modes consistently prevented overcooking, preserving moisture and texture in everything from rice to leftovers. The voice control and smart home integration (via app) add a futuristic touch, letting you start ventilation or check cooking status remotely—ideal for multitaskers or tech-savvy users. However, the smaller cavity struggles with oversized dishes, and the app interface can be finicky during initial setup. While the 400 CFM fan is strong, noise levels rise noticeably on high, which may bother light sleepers in open layouts.

Against the Empava EMPV-30OTR01, it trades some capacity for cutting-edge connectivity and space-saving design. It’s not the loudest or largest, but it’s the most intelligent compact option here—perfect for urban dwellers or minimalists who want smart features without sacrificing performance. If you value voice control and sensor precision in a tidy footprint, this Midea delivers more innovation per cubic inch than any other slim model on the market.

For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on essentials, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a quiet achiever that packs a 1.7 cu. ft. punch at an unbeatable value. Its 1000W output and 300 CFM ventilation handle daily cooking and stovetop odors with ease, while the 18 auto-cook menus—from popcorn to rice—make it a breeze for kids or novice cooks to prepare meals. The spacious 12.5-inch turntable fits large dishes, and the bright cooktop lighting gives clear visibility, solving a common pain point in dimly lit kitchens.

In real-world testing, the auto menus delivered consistent results, though they lacked the finesse of sensor-based models when reheating delicate foods. The 300 CFM fan is adequate for light frying or boiling, but struggles with heavy smoke or grease—best suited for electric or low-heat cooking. The touch panel is responsive, but lacks advanced features like voice control or app integration. Still, for basic reheating, defrosting, and ventilation, it performs reliably without fluff or frustration.

Stacked against the Farberware B0CQPJ6BRD, it offers nearly identical capacity and power but drops the child lock and adjustable volume, making it less ideal for families with young kids. Yet, it remains the best bang-for-buck workhorse for renters or secondary kitchens where affordability and core functionality matter most. If you need a no-nonsense, spacious microwave that won’t drain your wallet, this Midea is the most sensible budget play—proving you don’t need bells and whistles to get the job done right.

The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 is a sensor cooking specialist that shines when precision matters most—reheating leftovers without turning them into rubber or drying out pizza crusts. With smart pre-programmed menus for popcorn, soup, bacon, and more, it leverages moisture-sensing technology to adjust cooking time and power on the fly, delivering restaurant-quality reheat results in seconds. The 1.7 cu. ft. interior and 315 mm turntable accommodate large dishes, while the two-speed 300 CFM fan quietly manages steam and odors during sautéing or simmering.

In daily use, the sensor cooking consistently outperformed manual settings, especially with frozen meals and delicate foods like fish or vegetables. The touchscreen controls are sleek and responsive, and the turntable on/off function is a subtle but vital perk for flat or oversized cookware. However, the fan isn’t the strongest in heavy cooking scenarios, and the LED lighting, while bright, has a slight shadow zone near the back. It’s not the loudest or fastest, but it’s the most accurate when you want food to taste freshly made.

Compared to the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ, it lacks smart home features but excels in cooking intelligence with more reliable sensor performance. It’s the ideal choice for foodies and busy professionals who care more about meal quality than app alerts. If you want a microwave that thinks for you and delivers perfectly reheated meals every time, the Empava offers smarter cooking logic than any other model here—without needing Wi-Fi to prove it.

This kitchen multitasker isn’t just a microwave—it’s a 6-in-1 powerhouse that replaces your air fryer, convection oven, and grill, all in one 1.5 cu. ft. over-the-range unit. With air fry, convection, bake, roast, combi, and microwave modes, it’s engineered for home chefs who crave crispy fries, roasted chicken, or baked potatoes without firing up multiple appliances. The 300 CFM vent and LED light keep your cooktop clear and visible, while the 13.6-inch turntable handles most standard dishes with room to spare.

Real-world testing shows the air fry mode delivers golden, crunchy results with minimal oil—ideal for health-conscious families. The sensor reheat function preserves moisture in leftovers better than most standalone microwaves. However, the interior is smaller than 1.7 cu. ft. models, limiting large casserole use, and convection cooking takes longer than dedicated ovens. The controls have a learning curve, and heat distribution isn’t perfectly even in combo modes. Still, for compact kitchens or those short on counter space, it’s a game-changing consolidation of appliances.

Against the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, it trades some capacity and vent power (400 CFM) for unmatched versatility. It’s not the fastest or largest, but it’s the only model that truly replaces multiple tools. If you want air-fried wings and roasted veggies without clutter, this BLACK+DECKER delivers more cooking freedom than any other over-the-range option—making it the ultimate hybrid hero for small kitchens and big appetites.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 earns its Best Overall title by balancing power, capacity, and performance better than any other model here. With a massive 1.9 cu. ft. interior, it fits full-size plates and casserole dishes with ease, while the 1000W output and 400 CFM vent handle both cooking and ventilation with authority. The two-speed fan is noticeably stronger than 300 CFM units, making it ideal for gas stoves or frequent frying, and the one-touch menus for pizza, popcorn, and frozen breakfasts deliver consistent, hassle-free results.

In practice, the 400 CFM fan swiftly clears smoke and steam, a standout for serious cooks, and the turntable on/off function accommodates rectangular dishes without hassle. The 30-second express cook is a small but essential perk for quick reheats. However, the interior lighting could be brighter, and the controls, while intuitive, lack sensor cooking smarts. It’s not the most high-tech, but it’s the most complete package for real-world kitchen demands.

Compared to the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS, it offers larger capacity and stronger ventilation despite a slightly lower price point. It’s the ideal all-rounder for families, home cooks, and anyone who wants maximum utility without compromise. If you need a microwave that cooks fast, vents well, and fits big dishes, this BLACK+DECKER sets the gold standard for overall performance—blending space, power, and reliability like no other.

The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS is a precision-built powerhouse that stands out with its 1.8 cu. ft. capacity and robust 1000W cooking power, all housed in a premium stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints and wear. With 10 power levels, auto defrost, and a 300 CFM vent, it’s designed for users who value build quality and consistent performance over flashy extras. The 27 touchpad buttons offer granular control, and the recirculating kit option makes it adaptable for kitchens without external ducting.

In testing, the interior layout maximizes usable space, allowing for tall containers and wide dishes without turntable interference. The auto defrost function is accurate, though it lacks the sophistication of sensor-based models. The 300 CFM fan is adequate for light cooking but can’t match the 400 CFM units when dealing with heavy grease or smoke. The two-speed ventilation is quiet on low, making it suitable for late-night use, but the control panel can feel cluttered with so many buttons.

Versus the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, it offers slightly less capacity and weaker ventilation, but wins on premium materials and durability. It’s the best choice for those who prioritize long-term build quality and a clean, professional look. If you want a sturdy, high-capacity microwave that feels built to last—and don’t mind trading some smart features for solid engineering—the FRIGIDAIRE delivers superior craftsmanship and reliability in a sleek, no-compromise package.