Over-the-range microwaves can save valuable counter space by keeping your microwave out of the way. They're multi-purpose appliances with built-in fans for ventilation and lights to illuminate the cooktop below. Since they're installed over your stove, most models have wide cooking chambers that accommodate bigger containers, like casserole dishes.
Of course, if you're installing a microwave instead of plunking it on the counter, you'll want to ensure you get the best one. However, after months of investigation with 26 microwaves, including eight over-the-range models, we found that while microwaves vary in size, features, and price, they all heat food the same way. The only thing that separates microwaves in terms of performance is power, as more powerful microwaves tend to be faster. You can read more about our methods and findings.
At the end of the day, you can get any microwave that matches the rest of your kitchen or has the functions you like. These are our recommendations for models that offer good value, sorted by feature and design. We also have recommendations for the best air fryers, the best large-capacity air fryers for your favorite crispy snacks, and the best 4-slice toasters for busy mornings.
Quick Look
We've tested more than 25 microwaves. We independently purchase each unit from major retailers, just like you, to keep our reviews free from manufacturer influence. We put each microwave through the same tests so you can easily compare models, regardless of price or features. We keep the microwaves in our lab after publishing our reviews, allowing us to easily go back and compare them based on community feedback or questions.
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Best Value Over-The-Range Microwave
Power8.8InstallationOver-The-RangeMeasured Chamber Volume1.6 cu. ft. (0.04 m³)Cooking SensorYesSee all our test resultsMute Sounds ButtonYesThe GE JVM6175SKSS offers good value if you're looking for the best over-the-range microwave and want some extra features. This mid-priced option comes in several different colors to match your decor. Like all over-the-range microwaves, it has a fan and light for the cooktop below. The fan has four different speed settings, and you can set the light to high or low. It heats food quickly, and its controls include sensor cooking programs, which automatically calculate the cooking time based on the microwave's detection of steam. While its cooking chamber is on the small side for an over-the-range microwave, it's wide, allowing it to accommodate larger plates and casserole dishes. You can also switch off the turntable rotation when heating big dishes that might interfere with the rotation.
Otherwise, it has all the essential features you might expect. The light inside provides good visibility into the cooking chamber when the door is closed. The numbered buttons allow you to quickly start a cooking cycle of up to six minutes. There are also dedicated programs for 'Popcorn,' 'Beverage,' and 'Potato,' as well as modes for defrosting, reheating, and melting. Finally, it's possible to mute the controls if you don't want to hear them.
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Best Budget Over-The-Range Microwave
Power8.6InstallationOver-The-RangeMeasured Chamber Volume1.6 cu. ft. (0.04 m³)Cooking SensorNoSee all our test resultsMute Sounds ButtonNoIf you want the best over-the-range microwave for a budget-friendly price, consider the GE JVM3160RFSS. This microwave is a good choice if you want to save money and don't care as much about extra bells and whistles. It comes in several different colors, such as 'Black,' 'Slate,' and 'Bisque,' so you're not limited to the usual stainless steel microwave look. As for performance, it heats food nearly as quickly as pricier options, including the GE JVM6175SKSS.
This model offers several quality-of-life features of a high standard. You can switch off the turntable if the container you're using interferes with its rotation. The bright light inside the cooking chamber also makes it very easy to see inside when it's running, especially compared to some other budget-friendly options. But it's a more basic model with no steam sensor or way to mute the controls. The cooktop light and fan only have high or low settings as well.
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Most Feature-Packed Over-The-Range Microwave
Power8.7InstallationOver-The-RangeMeasured Chamber Volume1.6 cu. ft. (0.05 m³)Cooking SensorYesSee all our test resultsMute Sounds ButtonNoIf you're looking for a feature-rich, high-end microwave, check out the LG MVEM1825F. It's not the most expensive microwave that LG makes, but it still has most of the high-end features, including a steam sensor and a companion app. It heats food much faster than some even more expensive options, and it's very easy to see into its cooking chamber when the door is closed. There are several sensor cooking modes, and unlike most microwaves, its 'Popcorn' program uses the sensor to automatically know when your popcorn is done.
There's no way to mute the microwave with the onboard controls, but you can do so using the LG ThinQ app. The app also allows you to set a timer, adjust the fan and cooktop light, and send cook time information to the microwave. However, this microwave only comes in two colors: Stainless Steel or Black Stainless Steel. If that won't work in your kitchen, the Whirlpool WMH32519HZ comes in more colors and has a steam sensor. It doesn't have an app, but it includes a cooking rack for 2-level cooking or for use with the 'Steam' and 'Simmer' sensor programs, which require placing a bowl of water under the rack.
Notable Mentions
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LG MVEL2033F:
The LG MVEL2033F is a high-end microwave with an unusual design: its controls are along the bottom of the door instead of the side. It's more expensive than the LG MVEM1825F and has four fan speeds instead of two. You may like its sleeker look, but it doesn't heat food as quickly as the MVEM1825F, and the button layout can make it hard to see into the microwave while it's running.
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Recent Updates
Nov 17, 2025:
We've made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock, but haven't made any changes to our recommendations.
Mar 28, 2025:
We've made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock.
Jan 30, 2025:
We've verified that our recommendations are available and represent the best choices. We also made small edits for clarity throughout.
Dec 18, 2024:
We've checked that the picks represent the best recommendations and that the products are in stock.
Dec 02, 2024:
We've made minor updates to the text for clarity and verified that the products are in stock.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are the best over-the-range microwaves for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and product availability.
If you'd like to do the work of choosing yourself, here's the list of all microwave reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no microwave is perfect, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you look for them.