7 Best Small Over the Range Microwaves 2025

This precision-engineered microwave stands out with its 1.7 cu.ft. interior, 300 CFM dual-speed venting, and sensor cooking intelligence—a trifecta that solves common over-the-range frustrations like uneven heating and lingering kitchen odors. The touchscreen interface feels premium and responsive, while the pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of reheating pizza or cooking frozen dinners. With 1000 watts of power and 10 power levels, it delivers consistent results across a wide range of foods, making it a kitchen workhorse for busy households.

In real-world use, the 300 CFM exhaust fan effectively clears smoke from stovetop searing and removes steam from boiling pots, though it’s not quite as aggressive as higher-CFM models. The sensor cooking adjusts time and power automatically based on humidity, excelling at reheating leftovers without drying them out. However, the turntable must be disabled for very large dishes, which slightly limits flexibility. At full brightness, the LED cooktop lighting illuminates every corner of the range, a small but meaningful upgrade over dim halogen bulbs.

Compared to the Galanz and Midea models, the Empava offers superior warranty coverage—2 years, double the industry standard—making it a top pick for long-term reliability. It strikes a smart balance between smart features, performance, and durability, ideal for users who value peace of mind over flashy tech. While it lacks voice control or app integration, it outperforms budget models in build quality and consistency—offering better long-term value than the Galanz despite a higher upfront cost.

Don’t let the budget-friendly tag fool you—this Galanz OTR microwave packs 1000 watts of cooking power, a spacious 1.7 cu.ft. cavity, and 11 precision power levels, making it a stealth performer in kitchens where value rules. The ECO mode is a standout, reducing standby energy use—a rare feature in this category—while the 9 auto-cook presets handle everything from popcorn to butter softening with surprising accuracy. Its stainless steel finish and heavy-duty aluminum handle give it a premium look without the premium price, solving the aesthetic vs. affordability dilemma.

During testing, the dual-speed exhaust fan kept up with light frying and boiling, though it struggled slightly with heavy wok smoke. The 30-second express cook function is a small joy—perfect for quick coffee re-warms or steaming veggies in a flash. The interior turntable rotates smoothly, and the 11 power settings allow fine-tuned control for delicate tasks like melting chocolate. However, the sensor cooking is absent, so you’re relying on timers and presets, which can lead to overcooked meals if not monitored.

Against the Empava and Midea models, the Galanz trades smart sensors and longer warranty for aggressive pricing, making it ideal for renters, first-time homeowners, or secondary kitchens. It’s not the most feature-rich, but it delivers core functionality with reliability. For those prioritizing low cost without sacrificing capacity or power, this Galanz model outperforms its price point and beats the Empava in affordability despite fewer high-end features.

When kitchen real estate is tight, the COSMO 24-inch model becomes a space-saving hero, fitting perfectly above narrower ranges where full-size microwaves won’t go. Despite its compact 1.34 cu.ft. cavity, it still delivers 1000 watts of power and sensor reheat technology, ensuring food is heated thoroughly without constant babysitting. The 24-inch width aligns with standard 24-inch base cabinets, eliminating awkward overhangs, and its RV-friendly design makes it a favorite for tiny homes and mobile kitchens.

In daily use, the sensor reheat mode impresses—detecting moisture levels to stop cooking at peak warmth, preventing rubbery leftovers. The integrated vent fan handles light cooking fumes adequately, though it’s not built for heavy-duty ventilation tasks. The smaller turntable (13.6″) limits plate size, so 12-inch pizzas won’t fit flat, requiring corner placement. Still, for apartments, galley kitchens, or studio layouts, it’s a thoughtfully engineered solution that doesn’t sacrifice core functionality.

Compared to the 30-inch models like the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, the COSMO sacrifices capacity and venting power for footprint efficiency. It’s not for large families or frequent entertainers, but for urban dwellers and minimalist cooks, it’s unmatched. While pricier than some full-size models, it justifies its cost with niche fit and smart features, offering better spatial optimization than the Midea MOR17BSA-SS despite less interior volume.

If interior space matters most, the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a volume virtuoso, boasting a 1.9 cu.ft. cavity—larger than nearly all competitors—making it perfect for oversized dishes, whole chickens, or family-sized casseroles. Backed by 1000 watts and 400 CFM of venting power, it combines maximum cooking room with strong exhaust performance, solving the twin pain points of cramped microwaves and weak hoods. The turntable-on/off function lets you fit rectangular platters, a small but crucial flexibility boost.

In real kitchen action, the 400 CFM fan outperforms rivals like the Empava and Midea, clearing grease-laden air from stir-fries and bacon crisping with noticeable efficiency. The auto-cook menus are reliable for popcorn, frozen dinners, and rice, though they lack sensor feedback for adaptive cooking. The interior height is slightly constrained, so tall mugs or deep bowls may hit the ceiling with turntable rotation. Still, for households that regularly reheat large meals or use the microwave as a secondary oven, this model delivers unmatched utility.

Against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS and Galanz, it trades compactness and price for sheer capacity and ventilation muscle. It’s heavier and pricier, but for large families or serious home cooks, the trade-off is worth it. While not as tech-forward as smart-enabled models, it dominates in physical performance—offering more cooking space and stronger suction than the COSMO despite a bulkier profile.

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS hits a sweet spot of smart design and practical power, featuring 18 one-touch auto menus, a 12.5-inch turntable, and 300 CFM ventilation in a sleek stainless finish. Its smart touch panel is intuitive and responsive, and the abundance of presets—including softening cream cheese and defrosting meat—makes it a true time-saver for weekday cooking. With 1000 watts and 10 power levels, it heats evenly and reliably, addressing the common issue of cold spots in budget models.

During testing, the 12.5-inch turntable handled a full rotisserie chicken with room to spare, and the 300 CFM fan kept the air clear during pasta boiling and light frying. The auto-cook algorithms are well-tuned, especially for popcorn and pizza. However, the lack of sensor cooking means it doesn’t auto-adjust based on food moisture, requiring manual oversight for best results. The LED cooktop light is bright and focused, enhancing nighttime cooking safety.

Compared to the Galanz GLOMJA17S2B-10, it offers more auto menus and a larger turntable at a slightly higher cost, making it a better long-term investment. It’s not as spacious as the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, but it’s more refined and user-friendly than the Empava in daily interaction. For users seeking balanced performance, ease of use, and reliability, this Midea model delivers superior convenience over the Galanz despite similar power and capacity.

When venting performance is non-negotiable, the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS rises to the top with its 300 CFM dual-speed exhaust fan, designed to tackle stubborn cooking odors and grease-laden air with authority. Paired with 1.7 cu.ft. of interior space and 1000 watts of cooking power, it balances strong hood function with solid microwave performance, making it ideal for kitchens where the range sees heavy use. The integrated light provides excellent cooktop visibility, a must for late-night cooking.

In practice, the multi-stage cooking feature is a game-changer—allowing you to sear on high power and finish on low without restarting, perfect for reheating dense dishes like lasagna. The 6 quick menus cover essentials like defrost and beverage warming, though the selection is slimmer than Midea’s 18. The turntable is slightly smaller (12.4″), so large plates may bump the walls. Still, for cooks who fry, sauté, or grill frequently, the ventilation strength justifies the focus.

Against the Empava and Midea models, it doesn’t add sensor cooking or app control, but it excels in mechanical performance. It’s not the most feature-rich, but for serious kitchen warriors who need a hood that works, it’s a no-nonsense powerhouse. While the Midea MOR17BSA-SS offers more presets, this BLACK+DECKER model provides superior airflow and cooking control than the Midea despite fewer auto menus.

The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ isn’t just another microwave—it’s a smart, voice-controlled kitchen upgrade that combines 400 CFM of venting power, sensor cook intelligence, and Wi-Fi/app integration into a slim 1.2 cu.ft. profile. Its voice and app control lets you start ventilation or check cooking status from across the room, solving the “did I turn it off?” anxiety. The sensor steam detection ensures food is perfectly reheated—no more guessing or dry leftovers—while the compact depth preserves overhead cabinet space, ideal for tight layouts.

In real use, the 400 CFM fan outmuscles even the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, swiftly clearing smoke and steam. The sensor cook mode adapts in real time, pausing and resuming based on humidity—perfect for delicate dishes. The smaller cavity (1.2 cu.ft.) limits large platters, but fits most dinner plates and mugs. The app notifications alert you when cooking ends, a small luxury that adds up. It’s not for those who regularly heat large meals, but for tech-savvy users and modern kitchens, it’s a game-changer.

Compared to the COSMO and Galanz, it’s pricier but packed with next-gen features. While the COSMO saves space, this Midea model adds intelligence and connectivity. It’s the only one with voice control and remote monitoring, making it the undisputed leader for integrated smart kitchens. Though the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 has more space, this Midea delivers smarter, more connected performance than any other model despite its smaller interior.