7 Best Over the Stove Microwaves of 2025

This game-changing over-the-stove microwave delivers where it counts—spaciousness, visibility, and seamless integration into modern kitchens. With a 1.8 cu. ft. interior, it easily swallows a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, making it a rare find in the over-the-range category where capacity often takes a backseat. The zero-clearance door is a brilliant solution for tight spaces, swinging open at 90° without bumping into adjacent cabinets—a small detail that’s a lifesaver in compact layouts. Add in the LED cooktop and interior lighting, and you’ve got a microwave that doesn’t just cook but enhances your entire cooking workflow.

In real-world use, the Frigidaire shines with its extra-large 12.5″ glass turntable, which handles oversized casserole dishes and rotisserie chickens without a hitch. The two-speed ventilation system is effective for light frying and simmering, though it’s not quite up to heavy wok-level steam removal. Still, for everyday cooking, it keeps the air clear and the stovetop illuminated. The one-touch cooking presets for popcorn and potatoes are responsive and consistent, though advanced users might wish for sensor cooking. It’s worth noting that while the microwave is powerful, it lacks smart defrost or multi-stage programming found in pricier models.

When stacked against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS and GE JVM3160RFSS, the Frigidaire stands out as the best overall blend of size, usability, and build quality. It sacrifices some high-end features like sensor cooking but delivers where most users need it: reliable performance, maximum space, and thoughtful design. It’s ideal for families or frequent cooks who prioritize practicality over automation. Compared to similarly priced models, it offers superior capacity and lighting, making it the most well-rounded choice in the category.

Meet the effortless kitchen workhorse—a microwave that’s engineered for simplicity and hygiene without skimping on power. The Farberware 1.7 cu. ft. model earns its title as the best for easy cleaning thanks to its smooth, fingerprint-resistant interior and stainless steel cavity that resists grime and wipes down in seconds. With 1000W of output power, it heats food quickly and evenly, while the auto cook and smart defrost functions take the guesswork out of meal prep. The adjustable alert volume is a subtle but brilliant touch for homes where beeps disrupt quiet mornings or sleeping kids.

During testing, this microwave proved its worth in fast-paced environments—reheating leftovers, defrosting chicken, and popping corn with reliable consistency. The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity fits most standard dishes, and the +30 seconds shortcut is used constantly for quick boosts. The vent fan and stovetop light are functional, though not as bright or powerful as premium models. One minor gripe: the turntable isn’t the largest in class, so very wide dishes can be a tight fit. Still, for daily use, it’s a no-fuss performer that keeps up with busy routines.

Compared to the DUURA Elite and BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS, the Farberware trades flashy features for dependable, low-maintenance operation. It doesn’t have sensor cooking or silent mode, but it wins on cleanability and user-friendly design. It’s perfect for renters, small families, or anyone who values a hassle-free appliance that just works. While the Midea offers stronger ventilation, this model delivers better overall ease of maintenance and intuitive controls, making it a smarter pick for practical kitchens.

If quiet operation is your non-negotiable, the DUURA Elite DE161OTRSSS is your microwave soulmate. This silent-mode standout lets you cook late-night snacks or early breakfasts without disturbing the household—a rare gem in the over-the-stove world where beeps and fan noise are the norm. Beyond its whisper-quiet alerts, it packs 10 power levels, sensor cooking, and 30-second express start, making it a surprisingly feature-rich contender in the mid-tier market. The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is slightly smaller, but still handles most family-sized dishes with ease.

In everyday use, the sensor cooking buttons shine—perfectly popping popcorn or reheating pizza without sogginess. The two-speed exhaust fan is adequate for light cooking, though it can’t match the 300 CFM power of the Midea or Empava. The rotating glass turntable ensures even heating, but the smaller cavity means 12-inch pizzas sit snugly at the edges. One limitation: the lack of a dedicated cooktop light reduces visibility compared to Frigidaire or Empava models. Still, for noise-sensitive environments like open-concept homes or apartments, its silent mode is a game-changer.

Pitted against the Empava EMPV-30OTR01, the DUURA offers similar sensor cooking but with a clear advantage in noise control. It’s less flashy than the Empava but more functional than the GE JVM3160RFSS for users who want smart features without the racket. Ideal for night owls, parents with sleeping babies, or anyone in shared living spaces, it balances quiet performance with essential automation. While the Midea delivers stronger ventilation, this model excels in user comfort and discretion, a rare combo in its class.

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a budget powerhouse that refuses to compromise on what matters most—ventilation, capacity, and smart cooking. With a robust 300 CFM exhaust fan, it outperforms many pricier models in removing smoke and odors, making it a top pick for real cooking, not just reheating. The 1.7 cu. ft. interior and 12.5-inch turntable comfortably fit large dishes, while the 18 auto-cook menus—from pizza to rice—deliver consistent results with zero guesswork. Its smart touch panel feels modern and responsive, a step above basic mechanical dials.

Real-world testing revealed strong performance across the board: reheating burritos without drying, defrosting ground beef evenly, and ventilating stir-fries with minimal lingering smell. The bright cooktop light enhances usability, though the lack of turntable on/off function limits flat cooking for large trays. It doesn’t have silent mode or adjustable alert volume, so the beeps can be jarring at night. Still, for its price, the feature-to-cost ratio is unmatched—offering premium specs without the premium tag.

Compared to the GE JVM3160RFSS and Farberware, the Midea delivers superior ventilation and more auto-cook options at the same price point. It’s the go-to for budget-conscious buyers who still want high-end performance. While the Frigidaire offers more space, this model makes up for it with smarter cooking and better airflow. It’s ideal for first-time homeowners, apartment dwellers, or anyone upgrading from an old microwave without breaking the bank.

The GE JVM3160RFSS hits a sweet spot of reliability and value, earning its title as the best value for price without flashy extras. It delivers the essentials with confidence: 1000W power, 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, and a two-speed 300-CFM vent that handles everyday cooking fumes with ease. The turntable on/off function is a subtle but highly useful feature, allowing you to heat large, flat items like lasagna trays without rotation. GE’s reputation for durability shines here, with a build that feels solid and long-lasting.

In practice, this microwave excels at consistent, no-surprises performance—perfect for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking tasks. The auto and time defrost settings work well, though it lacks sensor cooking or express menus found in Midea and Empava models. The interior lighting is functional but not as bright as Frigidaire’s LED setup. It’s also on the heavier side at 63 lbs, which may complicate installation. Still, for users who want a no-nonsense, dependable unit, it’s hard to beat.

When compared to the DUURA Elite and Farberware, the GE offers better build quality and ventilation control for a slightly higher cost. It doesn’t have silent mode or 18 auto menus, but it prioritizes durability and core functionality. It’s ideal for buyers who want a long-term appliance without paying for features they won’t use. While the Midea offers more automation, this model delivers greater peace of mind through proven reliability, a hallmark of the GE brand.

For those who live by the clock, the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS is a speed demon built for lightning-fast cooking. Its Speedy Cooking feature lets you press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 1–3 minute bursts at full power—a small miracle when you’re juggling dinner and kids. The multi-stage cooking function is another hidden gem, allowing you to defrost then reheat in one sequence, saving time and effort. With 1.7 cu. ft. of space and a 1000W output, it handles most meals with ease, and the 300 CFM vent fan keeps fumes under control.

In real use, the 6 quick menus (popcorn, beverage, melt/soften) are intuitive and effective, though the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to adjust manually. The stovetop light is bright, but the turntable is slightly smaller than competitors, limiting oversized dish use. The 2-speed vent is adequate, but not as strong as the Midea’s. Still, for users who value speed and simplicity, this microwave turns meal prep into a one-touch affair. It’s especially useful in kitchens where efficiency trumps automation.

Against the Farberware and GE models, the BLACK+DECKER stands out with faster shortcuts and multi-stage programming. It’s not as quiet as the DUURA or as spacious as the Frigidaire, but it dominates in quick-task execution. It’s perfect for students, singles, or busy professionals who want fast, reliable results without scrolling through menus. While the Empava offers smarter cooking, this model wins on raw speed and ease of use, making it the ultimate tool for time-crunched cooks.

The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 is a sensor-cooking specialist that brings smart kitchen intelligence to the over-the-stove segment. Its pre-programmed auto menus—from bacon to frozen dinner—use precision sensors to adjust time and power automatically, delivering perfectly cooked meals without oversight. With 300 CFM ventilation, a bright LED cooktop light, and a 1.7 cu. ft. interior, it balances cooking smarts with strong utility. The touchscreen interface feels modern and responsive, and the 2-year warranty—double the industry standard—signals serious confidence in longevity.

In daily use, the sensor programs consistently outperform manual settings, especially for popcorn and veggies, which come out crisp and never overdone. The turntable on/off function is a boon for large dishes, and the 30-second express cook is used constantly. However, the internal depth is slightly shallow, so tall containers can be tight. It lacks silent mode, so alerts can be loud, and the child lock isn’t as intuitive as others. Still, for users who want set-it-and-forget-it cooking, it’s a top-tier performer.

Compared to the DUURA and Midea, the Empava offers the most advanced sensor cooking in this lineup. It doesn’t have silent mode, but its automated precision and extended warranty make it a long-term investment. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users, families, or anyone tired of guessing cook times. While the Frigidaire offers more space, this model delivers smarter cooking and better long-term value, making it the brainiest microwave on the stove.