7 Best Above Stove Microwaves 2025

This over the stove microwave packs a serious punch for its class, blending smart functionality with a sleek design that feels more premium than its price suggests. The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable make it ideal for families or meal preppers who regularly heat large dishes like rotisserie chicken or 12-inch pizzas—no awkward plate rotation needed. With 18 auto-cook menus, including popcorn, defrost, rice, and soften cream cheese, it eliminates guesswork and delivers consistent results, making it a standout in the best above stove microwave category for everyday usability.

In real-world testing, the 1000W power output heats food quickly and evenly, though dense items like thick lasagnas benefit from stirring mid-cycle. The 300 CFM ventilation system handles light frying and steaming well, pulling odors efficiently without excessive noise—especially on low speed. However, it lacks sensor cooking, which means you’ll need to manually adjust times for delicate tasks. The bright cooktop light is a small but impactful feature, illuminating burners clearly for nighttime cooking.

Compared to the ThermoMate B0D41FC61J, this Midea model offers more auto-cook options and a quieter fan, but trades off slightly less robust build quality and missing LED lighting. It’s best suited for home cooks who prioritize convenience and reliability over high-end finishes. For those seeking a well-rounded, user-friendly over the range microwave, this unit delivers excellent performance with thoughtful touches that outshine many competitors in its range.

If you’re after premium visibility and durability in an over the range microwave, the ThermoMate shines—literally—thanks to its bright, energy-efficient LED lighting that floods both the cooktop and interior. This isn’t just about aesthetics; the dual LED illumination makes monitoring simmering pots or sautéing veggies significantly easier, especially in dim kitchens. The 300 CFM two-speed ventilation is robust enough to handle regular stovetop use, clearing steam and cooking odors without the roar common in cheaper models, making it a top contender for the best above stove microwave with superior lighting and build.

During testing, the 1000W cooking power delivered fast, reliable reheating across a variety of foods, from leftovers to frozen meals. The removable 360° glass turntable ensures even heating and is easy to clean—no stuck-on splatters. While the four auto-cook programs (popcorn, baked potato, reheat, beverage) are limited compared to others in this list, they’re intuitive and consistently accurate. One minor drawback: the fan speeds aren’t as finely tuned as higher-end models, so low speed still produces noticeable airflow.

When stacked against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, the ThermoMate wins on build quality and lighting, but falls short in menu versatility. It’s ideal for users who value long-term durability and kitchen ambiance over extensive smart features. For those upgrading from an older model or seeking a modern, clean look with dependable performance, this microwave offers a refined experience that justifies its higher cost.

The Farberware 1.7 cu.ft. microwave earns its title as best for family kitchens with a thoughtful mix of safety, convenience, and practical cooking features. Its 1000W power output heats food swiftly, while the specialized auto-cook programs—including Veggies, Snack Menu, and a dedicated Potato setting—deliver restaurant-style results without fiddling with timers. The smart defrost function, which uses both time and weight inputs, stands out for families juggling frozen meals, ensuring chicken thaws evenly without cooking edges.

In daily use, the +30 seconds quick cook and Melt/Soften options prove invaluable for busy mornings or last-minute prep—melting butter or warming chocolate without scorching. The adjustable volume control for alerts is a small but genius touch, letting parents keep alerts audible without waking sleeping babies. The vent fan and stovetop light perform reliably, though the 300 CFM rating isn’t as powerful as some competitors, making it better suited for light to moderate cooking.

Compared to the Galanz budget model, this Farberware offers more family-focused features like child lock, defrost precision, and customizable alerts, though it lacks ECO mode. It doesn’t have sensor cooking like the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ, but compensates with intuitive, kitchen-first design. For households needing a safe, versatile, and easy-to-use microwave, this model strikes the right balance—offering more intelligence and convenience than basic units, without overcomplicating the interface.

The slim profile of the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ makes it a game-changer for kitchens with tight overhead space, proving you don’t have to sacrifice performance for fit. Despite its 1.2 cu.ft. capacity, it packs 1000W power and sensor cook/reheat technology that adjusts time and power based on steam detection—delivering perfectly warmed leftovers without dry edges or cold centers. This smart responsiveness is rare in over the range models and makes it the clear leader for best smart features in the above stove microwave category.

In real-world use, the 400 CFM vent fan outperforms most competitors, effectively clearing smoke from searing and heavy frying with minimal noise—especially impressive given its slim form. The voice control and SmartHome app integration allow remote start, status alerts, and ventilation control, adding a layer of convenience ideal for tech-savvy users. However, the smaller cavity struggles with large casserole dishes or tall containers, limiting its utility for big families.

Against the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, this model trades cooking space for intelligence and connectivity, making it better for singles or couples who value automation over bulk cooking. It’s not the largest or loudest, but it’s the most responsive and connected option available. For those seeking a futuristic, space-saving microwave that learns and adapts, this Midea delivers cutting-edge smarts in a compact design.

With a massive 1.9 cu.ft. interior, the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is the undisputed champion for those who regularly cook or reheat large meals—perfect for big families or entertainers. The 13.5-inch turntable and turntable on/off function let you fit rectangular dishes or deep pans without rotation, a rare and welcome flexibility. Its 1000W power heats efficiently, and the 10 auto-cook menus—including bacon, frozen dinner, and rice—cover a broad range of common meals, reducing guesswork in daily use.

During testing, the 400 CFM two-speed vent handled intense stovetop sessions with ease, clearing grease-laden air quickly and quietly—especially on low. The LED cooktop lighting is bright and focused, enhancing visibility without glare. While the microwave heats evenly, dense or layered dishes sometimes need manual stirring, as it lacks sensor cooking. Still, the express 30-second cook and child lock add practicality for fast-paced homes.

Compared to the Frigidaire B08747VSG3, it offers more capacity and stronger ventilation, though the Frigidaire has a slightly sleeker design. It’s not as smart as the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ, but it wins on raw utility and space. For those who need a workhorse microwave that can handle oversized dishes and heavy cooking demands, this BLACK+DECKER model is unmatched in capacity and ventilation power.

The Frigidaire 1.8 cu.ft. microwave blends elegant design with powerful ventilation, making it a top pick for kitchens where form and function must coexist. Its extra-large 1.8 cu.ft. cavity fits a 13×9 baking dish with room to spare, and the 12.5-inch glass turntable ensures even heating across big meals. The zero-clearance door is a standout—it opens to 90° without hitting adjacent cabinets, a godsend in tight spaces—and the LED lighting (both cooktop and interior) provides crisp, shadow-free illumination.

In performance, the two-speed ventilation is quiet yet effective, managing light frying and boiling with ease, though it’s rated below 400 CFM, so heavy wok cooking may overwhelm it. The one-touch programs (popcorn, baked potato, 30-second add) are responsive and reliable, but the menu selection is modest compared to others. The absence of sensor cooking or app control keeps it simple, which some users will appreciate.

Against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, it offers better fit flexibility and lighting, but fewer auto-cook options. It’s ideal for users who want a sleek, well-lit microwave with smooth operation and premium feel. For those prioritizing design, door clearance, and visibility, this Frigidaire delivers a polished, high-end experience with practical touches that elevate daily use.

The Galanz GLOMJA17S2B-10 is a budget-friendly powerhouse, delivering core functionality without fluff—making it the best value in the best above stove microwave lineup. Priced well under $200, it still packs 1000W power, a 1.7 cu.ft. interior, and 11 power levels for precise control, outdoing some pricier models in feature density. The 9 auto-cook programs—including Cheese, Meat, and Butter—cover a surprisingly wide range of needs, and the 30-second express cook is perfect for quick reheat tasks.

In daily use, the 2-speed exhaust fan handles basic ventilation well, though it’s no match for heavy-duty cooking. The ECO mode reduces standby power, a rare and welcome touch for energy-conscious households. The child lock adds safety, and the stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than expected. However, the interior lighting is dim, and the build feels slightly hollow compared to metal-rich competitors.

Stacked against the Farberware B0CQPJ6BRD, it offers better value and more power levels, but lacks melt/soften settings and adjustable alerts. It’s not as smart or well-lit as the ThermoMate, but it’s incredibly capable for the price. For renters, first-time buyers, or anyone needing a no-frills, reliable microwave, this Galanz model punches far above its weight.