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, so finding the right model can make a big difference to your daily cooking routine.
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.
We've tested more than 25 microwaves, and below, you can 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.
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Best Over-The-Range Microwave
Everyday UsePowerInternal CapacityEase Of UseIn-Use NoiseSee all our test resultsMute Sounds ButtonThe best over-the-range microwave we've tested is the LG MVEM1825F. This is a fantastic option if you're looking for a feature-rich, high-end microwave. It's a powerful, 1000-watt over-the-range model that heats food quickly and quietly, so quick meals, snacks, and beverages are always readily available. Its built-in light has two brightness levels, and you can set the fan to high or low, or set a timer to have it switch off automatically. The cooking chamber is roomy, so you'll have no problem fitting the average dinner plate, and while a larger casserole dish might extend slightly beyond the edge of the turntable, it shouldn't prevent it from rotating. Plus, it's easy to see inside the cooking chamber when the door is closed.
Operating the microwave is easy. It has a glass touch panel, which tends to be more responsive than a membrane touch panel, and you can start simple cooking tasks with very few buttons, though more complex cooking tasks require more work. It also includes a few features that aren't seen in every model: you can switch off the turntable rotation, lock the controls, or add a little extra time with the push of a button. There's a steam sensor, and unlike most microwaves, its 'Popcorn' program uses it to automatically detect 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 lets you set a timer, adjust the fan and cooktop lights, and send cook time information to the microwave.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Over-The-Range Microwave
Everyday UsePowerInternal CapacityEase Of UseIn-Use NoiseSee all our test resultsMute Sounds ButtonThe LG MVEL2033F is an impressive microwave in the upper mid-range price bracket. Unusually, its controls are along the bottom of the door, which adds convenience in an over-the-range design. As with the LG MVEM1825F, its light has two brightness levels as well as an automatic shut-off timer, but its fan has four speeds. It has a very large capacity, making it ideal if you often reheat big batches of leftovers, and the light inside is bright, though the buttons can block your view into the cooking chamber. Its power output is region-dependent (900 watts in Canada, 1050 watts in the U.S.), so it'll cook a little faster or slower depending on where you purchase it. While it's not particularly loud, it does make a bit more noise during operation than our top pick.
This microwave also offers fairly simple operation. Like the LG MVEL2033F, it's controlled by a glass touch panel, with quick options for simple cooking tasks, but no easy way to start more complex tasks. It has plenty of cooking modes, with uncommon options including 'Kids Meals,' 'Steam Cook,' and 'Melt.' You can also choose between various sensor cooking options, allowing the microwave to automatically adjust the cooking time by detecting the amount of steam in the chamber. It's also possible to lock the controls, mute the button sounds, add a little time with a single button, and, again, like our top pick, this microwave also provides access to the LG ThinQ app.
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Best Mid-Range Over-The-Range Microwave
Everyday UsePowerInternal CapacityEase Of UseIn-Use NoiseSee all our test resultsMute Sounds ButtonThe GE JVM6175SKSS offers good value if you're looking for the best over-the-range microwave at a mid-range price point and want some extra features. Like all over-the-range microwaves, this mid-priced option 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. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and very quietly. 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. And, the light inside provides good visibility into the cooking chamber when the door is closed.
While it offers decently simple operation, this microwave isn't as easy to use as the pricier options above. It has a membrane touch panel, which can be less responsive than other types of controls, but like with the LG MVEL2033F, you can start simple tasks with a single button press. There are also dedicated programs for 'Popcorn,' 'Beverage,' and 'Potato,' as well as various sensor cooking programs, which automatically calculate the cooking time based on the microwave's detection of steam. It's also possible to mute or lock the controls. Plus, it comes in several different colors to match your decor.
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Best Budget Over-The-Range Microwave
Everyday UsePowerInternal CapacityEase Of UseIn-Use NoiseSee all our test resultsMute Sounds ButtonOver-the-range microwaves are among the most expensive models on the market. That said, if your kitchen layout commits you to this form factor and you're looking for a more wallet-friendly price tag, check out the GE JVM3160RFSS. It's also a 1000-watt model, heating nearly as quickly as the GE JVM6175SKSS, and its cooking chamber shares nearly identical dimensions, as well as the ability to turn off the turntable rotation when you want to heat large dishes and a bright light, so you can keep an eye on your recipe. The cooktop fan and light aren't quite as adjustable, but they each still have a high and low setting.
Like all of the options above, you can start simple tasks very easily, but its membrane touch panel can be a bit less responsive, and it takes more work to fine-tune your cooking. This model doesn't have a steam sensor or a mute button, but it still offers a few handy features. You can lock the controls, and there are some express-cook programs like 'Popcorn' and 'Potato,' along with a button to add a little extra time. It comes in several different colors, such as 'Black,' 'Slate,' and 'Bisque,' so you're not limited to the usual stainless steel microwave look.
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Best Cheap Over-The-Range Microwave
Everyday UsePowerInternal CapacityEase Of UseIn-Use NoiseSee all our test resultsMute Sounds ButtonFor a solid over-the-range microwave at the most affordable price, consider the 1000-watt LG LMV1764ST. It's a more basic option than those above, but it heats just as quickly and nearly as quietly as the GE JVM3160RFSS, and it has a fairly roomy cooking chamber with enough space for most dishes. However, you can't switch off the turntable rotation, and the light in the chamber isn't very bright, so it can be hard to see inside. Its cooktop fan has two settings, high and low, but the light only has one brightness option.
This microwave only has basic controls. There's no cooking sensor, and you can't mute the controls, but you can still lock them. It's harder to use than the pricier options listed here. Like many cheaper microwaves, it has a membrane touch panel, so it's not the most responsive, and unlike the options above, it takes a bit of work to start even simple cooking tasks. That said, you can still use simple cooking programs, like 'Popcorn,' 'Potato,' or 'Pizza.'
Recent Updates
Mar 04, 2026:
We adjusted this article to list our picks by price, adding the LG MVEL2033F as our 'Best Upper Mid-Range Over-The-Range Microwave' and the LG LMV1764ST as our 'Best Cheap Over-The-Range Microwave.'
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.
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.