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These sleek appliances reduce clutter and allow more space for meal prep.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Is your microwave in the golden triangle?
That leaves out a crucial, modern day MVP: the microwave.
Unlike astandard countertop microwave, over-the-range microwaves share your stoves real estate.
Credit: The Home Depot
According to Lowe’s store managerGary McCoy, they’re excellent forsaving spaceand maximizing function.
Plus, you get the added capability of lighting and venting, he adds.
Plus, most have theventilation in an updraftwhich can be helpful depending on building codes."
Credit: Best Buy
The included light bulbs for stove lighting are not LED and can get hot quickly.
In the sliding scale of features vs. cost, this largerunit from GEis the sweet spot.
At less than $400 for stainless steel, its the best option for value.
Credit: Wayfair
Its roomy enough forsmall casserole dishes, and, at just 1,000 watts, its not an energy drain.
This is one of the only microwaves we’ve seen with this feature.
If you prefer brighter, white light, you may want to replace the bulbs with LEDs.
Credit: Samsung
The ding is incredibly loud.
Same size, same power, but for less.
And, yes, its stainless steel.
Credit: Lowe’s
While it doesnt have express-touch buttons, it does have a quick 30-second button for touch-and-go reheating.
The stainless steel isnt as fingerprint-resistant as more expensive models, it easily wipes clean.
The glass turntable is easy to clean, too, as its dishwasher-safe.
Credit: Best Buy
However, one of the biggest complaints from users is the loud sound that signals when time is up.
While convenient for not missing when your food is reading, it can be super annoying.
We wish it had the option to lower or change the beep.
The defrost setting takes a long time compared to countertop microwaves with less wattage.
Who knew an appliance could be this chic?
TheCafe unitis the best microwave for minimalism andclutter-free kitchens.
The large glass front doesnt have a handle so it stays flush to cabinets for one seamless line.
At 2.1 cubic feet, theres more room for reheating larger leftovers such as casseroles.
Larger size means higher wattage (means higher energy bills).
The larger size also means a more powerful vent.
And that means faster odor elimination so spicy, garlicky foods dont linger.
However, at 1,700 watts, this isnt the most energy-efficient microwave.
Its slim and compact, but the width is the same as similar models.
Its the best choice if you have a smaller kitchen with shorter cabinets.
And the vent itself is powerful with a heavy-duty filter the brand claims will trap more oil and grease.
The display lights dim when not in use, which may take some getting used to.
When it comes to large appliances, including thebest washing machines, were big fans of Samsung.
The touchscreen buttons arent backlit and can be hard to read.
With convection options, the unit serves as a microwave,toaster oven, andair fryerall in one.
And with the powerful convection options, you could bake cookies right in the microwave.
Users say the air fryer setting is good enough to ditch the other countertop appliance.
Theres no quick one- or two-minute setting.
Buttons, buttons, and more buttons.
ThisKitchenAid modelis a nice option if you need a sous chef as there are 16 quick-touch prefs.
The smart sensors for the steam and simmer options promise to take guesswork out of heating and reheating vegetables.
Though, despite all the cool configs, theres no quick one-minute or two-minute button.
At 2.0 cubic feet, this is considered an XL microwave and can accommodate larger casserole dishes.
Ft. Over-the-Range Microwavechecks all the boxes.
But for the same size and wattage, theWhirlpool 1.7 Cu.
Ft. Over-the-Range Microwaveis a great budget option for stainless steel.
The medium and large size microwaves are the most popular sizes at Lowes.
He also notes that outside dimensions are especially important wheninstalling or replacing an over-the-range microwave.
You need at least 66 inches from the floor to the bottom of the cabinet for access.
You also need at least 30 inches between the cooktop surface and the bottom of the cabinet.
Power
Like standard microwaves, these appliances vary in wattage.
White appliancescan take longer to order because most people select black or stainless steel these days.
Warranties are another expense to consider.
Small appliances are typically covered by the manufacturers warranty for one year, McCoy says.
He notes that shoppers can also opt to buy Lowes Protection Plan for an additional five years of coverage.
Many manufacturers offer an extra five year warranty, but Stone says the cost is rarely worth it.
Whirlpool offers up to five years at $123.56.
Your Questions, Answered
Which over-the-range microwave brand is most reliable?
McCoy mentions reputable brands like Samsung, GE, Whirlpool, LG, Kenmore, and Frigidaire.
How long should an over-the-range microwave last?
What are the disadvantages of over-the-range microwaves?
How much do over-the-range microwaves cost?
They can range from “approximately $140 to $600, McCoy says.
He adds that installation and delivery can add expenses.
Shoppers can also opt to include Lowes delivery and installation services.
However, if you bundle new appliances, you’re able to save big.
Im a new homeowner, Stone says.
I had my home custom built and I bought a kitchen appliance suite.
The microwave itself I believe was $189.
Appliances are her area of expertise and she did significant research on the best over-the-range microwaves for this story.
Revel considered budget, power, size, and stainless steel options such as fingerprint-resistant and black stainless steel.
