8 Best Microwaves Over the Range (2025)

With its effortless cleaning appeal and power-packed 1000W cooking, the Farberware 1.7 cu. ft. OTR microwave delivers a refreshing blend of practicality and performance for busy households. Its easy-clean interior is a standout, resisting grime and splatter with a wipe-and-go surface that makes post-meal cleanup feel almost painless. Add in auto cook presets for veggies, snacks, and potatoes, and you’ve got a kitchen workhorse that tackles daily meals without fuss—perfect for users who prioritize convenience over high-tech frills.

In real-world testing, this microwave shines with consistent heating and responsive controls. The 1.7 cubic foot cavity comfortably fits large dinner plates and medium casserole dishes, while the +30 second express function makes quick reheating intuitive. The 300 CFM vent fan handles light stovetop steam well, though it struggles slightly with heavy frying odors. It doesn’t boast smart features or voice control, but its reliable defrost function (by time and weight) and adjustable alert volume ensure usability for all ages—especially families with kids, thanks to the included child lock.

Compared to the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, the Farberware trades some automation for greater ease of maintenance and a simpler interface. While it lacks sensor cooking or app integration, it holds its ground as a dependable, no-nonsense option. It’s ideal for users who want a durable, family-friendly microwave without the learning curve. For performance and cleanability, it offers a compelling alternative to more complex models at a similar size and power level.

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS stands out with its intuitive smart touch panel and 18 auto-cook menus, making it a top pick for users who crave one-touch simplicity without sacrificing power. Its 1.7 cu. ft. interior and 12.5-inch turntable handle oversized meals like rotisserie chickens and 12-inch pizzas with ease, while the 1000W output ensures fast, even heating across all settings. From popcorn to rice, the pre-programmed options eliminate guesswork—ideal for novice cooks or anyone rushing through dinner prep.

During daily use, the microwave responds quickly to touch inputs and maintains consistent performance across power levels. The 300 CFM ventilation system effectively clears cooking fumes, especially when simmering sauces or sautéing vegetables. The bright cooktop light enhances visibility, and the fan’s adjustable speeds offer flexibility for different cooking intensities. However, the touchpad can be overly sensitive, occasionally registering accidental presses—a minor annoyance in an otherwise smooth operation.

Against the Galanz GLOMJA17S2B-10, the Midea offers more auto programs and a refined interface, justifying its slightly higher cost. It doesn’t have voice control or app connectivity like the MMO12S3ASTZ, but it strikes a sweet spot between smart functionality and reliability. It’s best suited for tech-savvy users who want automated cooking without investing in a full smart appliance. With better menu variety and build quality, it outperforms budget models while remaining accessible.

The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ redefines space efficiency with its ultra-slim 1.2 cu. ft. design, making it a game-changer for kitchens where overhead clearance is tight. Despite its compact size, it packs 1000W power and a 400 CFM vent fan—the strongest in the lineup—delivering exceptional smoke extraction that rivals range hoods. Its sensor cook and reheat functions use steam detection to auto-adjust time and power, preserving moisture and flavor in leftovers and fresh meals alike.

In practice, the microwave excels at precision heating, especially with delicate tasks like reheating pasta or steaming vegetables. The 400 CFM suction effortlessly clears strong odors from frying or boiling, outperforming most 300 CFM models. However, the smaller cavity limits use for large dishes—family-sized lasagnas or big bowls won’t fit comfortably. While it supports voice control and app-based remote operation, setup requires a stable Wi-Fi connection, which may frustrate less tech-inclined users.

When compared to the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS, the MMO12S3ASTZ sacrifices capacity for cutting-edge connectivity and superior ventilation. It’s not ideal for large households, but for singles or couples in compact kitchens, it’s unmatched. The smart integration and space-saving profile make it perfect for modern, minimalist setups. For those prioritizing smart control and powerful venting over size, it’s a standout despite its higher price.

The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is a kitchen powerhouse, merging a microwave with air fryer, convection, and bake modes into one 6-in-1 appliance—perfect for those who want restaurant-style crispiness without extra gadgets. Its 900W microwave power pairs with a 13.6-inch turntable and 300 CFM vent, creating a versatile hub for roasting, reheating, and frying. The air fry function delivers golden, crunchy results using 85% less oil, making it a win for health-conscious users craving fried textures.

In real-world use, the multi-mode cooking shines: a frozen pizza comes out crisp-bottomed and melted-topped, while roasted vegetables achieve caramelization thanks to convection heat. The sensor reheat mode intelligently adjusts to prevent sogginess—great for leftovers. However, the 900W output is slightly weaker than the standard 1000W, leading to marginally longer cook times. The interface, while functional, feels cluttered with buttons, which can overwhelm first-time users.

Against the Black+Decker EM044K6CF-BK, this model trades raw speed for unmatched versatility. It’s not the fastest microwave, but it replaces multiple appliances—ideal for small kitchens or meal preppers. Compared to standalone air fryers, it delivers similar results with better space efficiency. For users seeking multi-functionality and culinary flexibility, it outperforms simpler models despite a steeper learning curve.

With a massive 1.9 cu. ft. cavity, the Black+Decker B09WYYCW21 is the undisputed champion for large-capacity cooking, making it perfect for families or anyone who regularly reheats big meals. Its 1000W power and multi-stage cooking allow precise control—think defrosting meat, then roasting it in one seamless sequence. The LED display is bright and easy to read, and the 8 one-touch menus streamline daily use, from popcorn to beverages.

In testing, this microwave handles oversized dishes with ease—full sheet pans and 9×13 casseroles fit with room to spare. The 300 CFM vent performs reliably for moderate stovetop use, though it’s not designed for heavy wok cooking. The weight and time defrost options are accurate, and the child lock adds peace of mind. However, its sheer size may not fit standard 30-inch cutouts without modification, and the exterior finish shows fingerprints more than stainless alternatives.

Next to the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS, it offers more interior space but lacks the Frigidaire’s refined button layout and broader feature set. It’s best for users who prioritize capacity over compact design. While it doesn’t have sensor cook or app control, it delivers solid performance for large households. For family-sized meals and consistent power, it beats smaller models despite a bulkier footprint.

The Galanz GLOMJA17S2B-10 is a budget-savvy powerhouse, delivering 1000W performance and a 1.7 cu. ft. interior at a price point that undercuts nearly every competitor. Its 9 auto-cook programs—from popcorn to cheese—make daily meals effortless, while the 11 power levels offer granular control for delicate tasks like softening butter or simmering sauces. The ECO mode reduces standby power, appealing to energy-conscious users without sacrificing functionality.

In practice, it heats evenly and responds quickly to inputs, with the 30-second express cook being a daily favorite for coffee or oatmeal. The 2-speed exhaust fan effectively manages light smoke and odors, though it’s no match for heavy frying. The heavy-duty aluminum handle feels premium, and the stainless steel finish resists smudges better than expected. However, the control panel lacks backlighting, making it hard to read in dim kitchens, and the turntable is slightly smaller than others in this class.

Compared to the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, the Galanz offers similar capacity and power at a much lower cost, though it lacks the Midea’s 18 auto menus and smart touch interface. It’s ideal for renters or first-time buyers who want reliable performance without overspending. For budget-focused shoppers, it delivers exceptional value—proving you don’t need to pay premium prices for core functionality.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-BK strikes a perfect balance between price, power, and performance, earning its title as the best value Black+Decker in the lineup. With a 1.7 cu. ft. interior and 1000W output, it handles everything from quick snacks to full meals with confidence. The 6 one-touch menus—popcorn, beverage, melt/soften—make daily use intuitive, while multi-stage cooking allows complex sequences like defrost-then-reheat with a single setup.

Real-world testing shows consistent heating and a responsive keypad. The 300 CFM vent performs well for everyday cooking, and the 2-speed fan adapts to different stovetop tasks. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, though it’s slightly smaller than some rivals. The black finish resists fingerprints better than stainless, but the display lacks the brightness of higher-end models, making it harder to read in bright kitchens.

Against the Farberware B0CQPJ6BRD, it offers similar capacity and power with more cooking presets, while costing less. It doesn’t have Farberware’s easy-clean focus or Midea’s smart features, but it delivers reliable, no-frills performance at a competitive price. For users seeking a well-rounded, affordable microwave from a trusted brand, it outshines pricier models with its practical feature set and solid build.

The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS earns its “best overall” title with a thoughtfully balanced mix of size, power, and usability—offering 1.8 cu. ft. capacity and 1000W output in a sleek, 30-inch stainless steel body. Its 27-button touchpad provides precise control, and the auto defrost and timer functions streamline meal prep without cluttering the interface. With 300 CFM ventilation and 2-speed fan settings, it handles kitchen odors and steam efficiently, making it a true all-rounder.

In daily use, the microwave heats evenly and fits standard cutouts perfectly. The larger cavity than 1.7 cu. ft. models accommodates bigger dishes, and the child lock adds safety for homes with young kids. While it lacks sensor cooking or app connectivity, its mechanical reliability and clean button layout appeal to users who prefer simplicity. The non-ducted venting means you’ll need a recirculating kit for island installations—an extra cost not included.

Compared to the Black+Decker 1.9 cu. ft. model, it offers slightly less space but a more refined design and better fit for standard cabinets. Against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, it trades auto menus for superior build quality and ergonomics. It’s ideal for users who want a dependable, well-rounded microwave without gimmicks. For overall performance, fit, and finish, it surpasses most competitors in its class.