Over the Range Microwave Buyer’s Guide

These days, over the range microwave ovens are quickly becoming the default cooking appliance in many American kitchens. Let’s face it, we live in a fast paced world, and microwaves make it simple to cook foods quickly. The over the range microwave oven is a favorite with people who want to give their microwave oven the respect and proper positioning it deserves.

Instead of situating your microwave on the counter, taking up valuable counter space, an over the range microwave gets installed directly above your standard stovetop/oven combination. That means that you can easily get to, and use your over the range microwave while you are also cooking with your standard range-style oven.

What to Look for in an Over the Range Microwave

Of course, if you’re ready to finally free up that valuable counter space and get an over the range microwave, you’ll want to make the best buying decision. That means you need the facts about what makes an over the range microwave the best in its class. You’ll want to keep an eye on a few key features when you are shopping around for your OTR microwave, so we’ve put a few buyer’s tips together for you right here.

Make sure the over the range microwave you choose is:

Large Enough

Powerful Enough

Easy to Install

Cooking Capacity of a Over The Range Microwave

If you plan on using your over the range microwave for more than popping popcorn, you’ll want to get one that has plenty of cooking capacity. Most over the range microwaves are built to handle larger food items, but sizes do vary. If cooking capacity matters to you, and you want an over the range microwave with plenty of room, get one that offers at least 1 cubic foot of cooking capacity. This is the bare minimum, but try to ensure that the model you choose offers at least that much space.

Powerful Cooking

It should go without saying, but all microwaves are not created equally when it comes to cooking power. Since most people cook with microwaves to save time, it only makes sense that the over the range microwave you choose should be more powerful, so it cooks foods quickly. It’s a good idea to make sure that the over the range microwave model you choose offers you at least 800 watts of cooking power, so you can cook larger dishes quickly.

Choose A Over The Range Microwave That Is Easy to Install

Remember, your new over the range microwave oven will need to be installed. Most models allow for easy installation, but check some over the counter microwave reviews to make sure that the model you choose is known for offering trouble-free installation. You may have to get an electrician to help install a hard-wired model, so think ahead before you buy, and be prepared to get the help of a professional installer if the model you choose calls for an intricate installation.

Over The Range Microwave Final Thoughts

Keep all of these important facts in mind as you shop around for the best over the range microwave oven. You’ll love having your over the range microwave front and center with your traditional oven. That way you can have one central location in your kitchen to do all of your cooking at, instead of running back and forth between the two ovens. Plus, with an over the range microwave you’ll free up more counter space to make your kitchen look less crowded and to make room for other appliances.

Featured Product Reviews

Product	Description	Our Rating	More Info
Panasonic Prestige NN-CD989S Over The Range Microwave	This over the range microwave is equipped with great features and options. Very user friendly and food cooks brilliantly! We have tried all features and they work exceptionally well. It looks modern and well designed too.
Sharp Over The Range Microwave	The Sharp over the range microwave is ideal for homemakers who want to save valuable counter space with a well designed, reasonably priced, Sharp Carousel Over the Range Microwave Oven. This model has clean lines and a large cooking capacity--a 14-1/8-inch Sharp Carousel turntable--the largest turntable of any microwave in its class. It is easy to install and offers three convenient venting options
LG Over The Range Microwave	The LG Over The Range Microwave Oven has 2.0 cubic feet rounded interior with 1100 watts of power in a premium stainless steel finish. Get a microwave that cooks perfectly, and looks good while doing it. With its patented True Cook Plus technology, it allows you to cook your food easily, and perfectly every time. Plus, it’s equipped with EasyClean interior and a large turntable to accommodate large cookware. See, beauty and brains can co-exist, quite deliciously.
General Electric SpaceMaker Over The Range Microwave	The General Electric Spacemaker Over The Range Microwave has handy convenience controls, you can easily cook foods just the way you want them. Some microwaves are very limiting when it comes to cooking options, but the General Electric Spacemaker Over The Range Microwave gives you complete control over every dish and every meal that you prepare.