7 Best Over the Stove Microwave Ovens of 2025

Sleek, smart, and space-saving, the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ redefines what a slim over-the-stove microwave can do. At just 1.2 cu.ft., it’s designed to fit where others can’t—perfect for kitchens with tight overhead clearance—yet still packs 1000W of cooking power and a robust 400 CFM vent fan, making it a powerhouse in a compact frame. Its integration with voice control and smart home apps sets it apart, offering remote start and notifications that bring modern convenience to everyday cooking. For those battling cluttered countertops and low cabinets, this model is a game-changer, blending smart functionality with minimalist design.

In real-world testing, the sensor cook and reheat functions delivered impressively consistent results, adjusting cooking time based on steam output to prevent overcooking fish or drying out leftovers. The 400 CFM exhaust handled light frying and boiling with ease, outperforming many larger units with weaker airflow. However, the smaller cavity means larger plates won’t rotate fully, limiting usability for big dishes. While the smart features work smoothly with Alexa and Google Assistant, the app interface feels slightly delayed compared to premium competitors. Still, for urban apartments or galley kitchens, its slim profile and strong ventilation make it a standout.

Compared to the roomier Farberware and Empava models, the Midea sacrifices interior space for superior depth efficiency and smart connectivity—a worthwhile trade-off for compact living. It doesn’t offer the culinary versatility of air frying or convection, but it excels where others compromise: smart integration in a tight footprint. Ideal for tech-savvy renters, small kitchen owners, or anyone prioritizing cabinet space, this microwave delivers smart performance without bulk. It offers more intelligent features than the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS, though with less capacity than the GE JVM7195SKSS.

The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave punches well above its weight, delivering exceptional value with a spacious 1.7 cu.ft. cavity and full-featured cooking options at a budget-conscious price. Its 1000W heating power ensures fast, even cooking, while the auto cook menu and intelligent defrost take the guesswork out of daily meals. From steaming veggies to reheating lasagna, it handles routine tasks with reliable precision, making it a perfect fit for busy households that want performance without premium pricing. It solves the common pain point of limited functionality in affordable models by packing in features usually reserved for higher-end units.

During testing, the Quick +30 seconds function proved indispensable for coffee reheats and popcorn touch-ups, while the potato and vegetable presets delivered consistent results with minimal input. The interior easily accommodated 12-inch dinner plates, and the LED timer and stovetop light enhanced usability during evening cooking. However, the 300 CFM vent fan is average, struggling with heavy smoke or strong odors from searing meats. While the build feels durable, the button layout is slightly cramped, and the volume control, though useful, is buried in the settings. Still, for everyday cooking, it’s remarkably capable.

Against the Midea and Empava models, the Farberware wins on feature density for the price, offering more presets and a roomier interior than the slim Midea, though it lacks smart features. It doesn’t match the GE’s cavernous 1.9 cu.ft. capacity, but it delivers better value than the pricier BLACK+DECKER air fryer model for users who don’t need convection. Best suited for families and budget-focused buyers, it balances size, function, and affordability. It delivers more cooking versatility than the Midea, though with less smart integration.

The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 commands attention with its sleek touchscreen interface, bringing a premium, modern feel to the over-the-stove microwave category. With a 1.7 cu.ft. interior and 10 power levels, it offers ample space and precise control, while the 300 CFM two-speed venting effectively clears kitchen fumes. The pre-programmed auto menus—including settings for pizza, bacon, and frozen dinners—deliver consistent, hands-off cooking, and the turntable on/off function accommodates bulky casserole dishes. For users tired of clunky buttons and outdated designs, this model is a refreshingly intuitive upgrade.

In daily use, the touchscreen responded accurately, even with damp fingers, and the 30-second express cook made reheating a breeze. The LED cooktop lighting provided excellent visibility, brighter than most competitors, and the two-speed fan handled moderate cooking smoke without issue. However, the fan noise at high speed is noticeable, and the sensor cooking is less responsive than in higher-end models like GE’s. While the 2-year warranty is a strong selling point, the microwave lacks smart features or voice control, limiting its appeal to tech-first users.

Compared to the Farberware, the Empava stands out with its premium touchscreen and refined aesthetics, though both share similar capacity and power. It doesn’t offer the smart capabilities of the Midea or the massive size of the GE, but it strikes a sweet spot between style and substance. Ideal for modern kitchens where design matters, it’s perfect for users who want a sleek, reliable microwave without extras they won’t use. It’s more visually polished than the Farberware, though with fewer convenience features than the GE.

When it comes to maximum cooking capacity, the GE JVM7195SKSS dominates with a massive 1.9 cu.ft. interior—the largest in this lineup—making it ideal for families or anyone who regularly heats large dishes. Its sensor cooking and melt function deliver precision, gently softening chocolate or butter without scorching, while the steam clean feature simplifies maintenance after messy splatters. Backed by a 2-year extended protection plan, this microwave exudes confidence in durability and customer support, solving the common concern of reliability in high-use kitchens. For those who need space and dependability, this model is a no-compromise workhorse.

In real-world testing, the sensor reheat preserved moisture in leftovers far better than manual settings, and the high-output 1000W power reduced cooking time significantly compared to smaller units. The 300 CFM venting system handled steam and light smoke adequately, though it wasn’t as powerful as the Midea’s 400 CFM. The interior lighting and stovetop illumination were bright and evenly distributed, enhancing usability. However, the sheer size may not fit in shallower cabinets, and the lack of smart features or air frying limits its versatility compared to multi-function models.

Against the Empava and Farberware, the GE wins on sheer capacity and sensor accuracy, though it’s bulkier and less stylish than the touchscreen Empava. It doesn’t offer the air frying of the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS, but it outperforms it in reliability and ease of cleaning. Best for large households or serious home cooks needing room to heat big bowls and platters, it’s the ultimate in spacious, sensor-driven performance. It offers more interior room than the Farberware, though with a less compact footprint than the Midea.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS is a budget-friendly powerhouse, delivering a 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 1000W output at one of the lowest price points in the category. Its one-touch auto cooking—including popcorn, beverage, and defrost settings—makes it incredibly user-friendly, especially for students, first-time homeowners, or secondary kitchens. The 300 CFM two-speed vent fan effectively clears cooking odors, and the integrated light provides solid stovetop visibility. For those seeking affordable reliability without frills, this model hits the sweet spot between performance and cost.

Testing revealed that the quick 1-2-3 minute buttons were a small but meaningful convenience for coffee or oatmeal reheats, and the multi-stage cooking function allowed for complex sequences like defrosting then cooking. The interior accommodated standard dinner plates with ease, and the 12.4-inch turntable rotated smoothly. However, the plastic buttons feel less premium, and the sensor cooking is absent, relying instead on preset times that can sometimes overcook delicate foods. The build is sturdy but not as refined as higher-end models.

Compared to the Farberware, it offers nearly identical features at a slightly lower cost, though with fewer auto cook options. It lacks the smart features of the Midea and the spaciousness of the GE, but it outshines them in value for money. Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who want a no-nonsense, functional microwave, it’s a practical, dependable choice. It delivers similar performance to the Farberware but with fewer presets and a simpler interface.

The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS isn’t just a microwave—it’s a 6-in-1 kitchen powerhouse that brings air frying, convection, bake, and roast modes into an over-the-stove design, a rare and game-changing combination. With 900W microwave power and a 13.6-inch turntable, it handles everything from crispy wings to roasted vegetables, eliminating the need for a separate air fryer. The sensor reheat function keeps leftovers tasting fresh, while the 300 CFM vent fan manages stovetop fumes effectively. For space-constrained kitchens wanting maximum culinary flexibility, this model is a true all-in-one solution.

In testing, the air fry mode produced golden, crispy results with minimal oil, rivaling standalone air fryers, and the convection bake browned casseroles beautifully. The combi (grill) function added depth to dishes, though preheating took longer than expected. The 1.5 cu.ft. capacity is slightly smaller than others, limiting very large dishes, and the 900W power is less intense than the 1000W standard, leading to slightly longer microwave times. The interface is intuitive, but the learning curve for multi-mode cooking may challenge beginners.

Against the GE and Empava, it trades some microwave power and capacity for unmatched versatility, making it ideal for small kitchens or cooks who love variety. While the Midea offers smarter connectivity and the GE more space, this model outperforms both in cooking diversity. Perfect for singles, couples, or foodies in compact homes, it replaces multiple appliances. It offers broader functionality than the GE, though with less microwave power and space.