After months of investigation, we found that microwaves all heat food the same way, but that doesn't mean that there's nothing to differentiate one model from another. The best over-the-range microwaves deliver enough power to heat food quickly, they're easy to use, and they don't make a ton of noise during operation. You can also consider how much space the cooking chamber offers, though most over-the-range models have plenty of internal capacity since they're installed over your stove. It's worth noting, however, that over-the-range microwaves are usually much more expensive than countertop models, so you likely won't find too many affordable options.

We've tested more than 35 microwaves, and below you'll find our recommendations for the best over-the-range models. If you want more options to consider, see our recommendations for the best microwaves, the best countertop microwaves, and the best small microwaves.