5 Best White Over the Range Microwaves 2025

This workhorse of a microwave delivers reliable performance with a 1000-watt cooking power and a spacious 1.7 cu. ft. cavity, making it a standout for budget-conscious kitchens that don’t want to sacrifice functionality. What truly sets the Farberware apart is its smart auto-cook menu, including dedicated programs for veggies, snacks, and potatoes, which take the guesswork out of everyday meals. With time and weight-based defrosting, precise control, and a child safety lock, it solves real pain points for families juggling speed, safety, and consistency in meal prep.

In real-world use, the microwave heats food evenly thanks to the 360° rotating turntable, and the +30 seconds express function is a game-changer for quick top-ups without fumbling through settings. The built-in vent fan and stovetop light are functional, though not the strongest in the lineup—fine for light cooking, but may struggle with heavy grease or steam. At 29.92 inches wide, it fits standard 30-inch cutouts, but lacks sensor cooking or higher-end finishes, making it better suited for users who prioritize practicality over premium features.

Compared to the ThermoMate models, this Farberware unit trades advanced ventilation and sensor tech for straightforward value. It doesn’t offer 400 CFM airflow or multi-stage sensor cooking, but it delivers the essentials without fluff. Ideal for renters, small households, or kitchen upgrades on a budget, it’s a no-frills performer that gets the job done. For those seeking best value, this model outshines pricier options by focusing on core functionality—offering more features than the BLACK+DECKER at a competitive price without stepping into luxury territory.

With robust 300 CFM dual-speed ventilation, the ThermoMate 1.7 cu. ft. microwave emerges as a kitchen powerhouse for homes where cooking generates serious steam and odors. Its 1000-watt output and 10 power levels ensure precise heating, while the one-touch auto programs—popcorn, reheat, beverage, and baked potato—deliver consistent results with zero guesswork. The removable glass turntable and scratch-resistant interior make cleanup effortless, addressing a common frustration with sticky spills and splatters in over-the-range models.

During testing, the microwave excelled at reheating leftovers and defrosting frozen meals, thanks to its even 360° rotation and responsive controls. The LED stovetop lighting is bright and focused, enhancing visibility while cooking on the range below. While the 300 CFM fan is effective for moderate油烟 (oil fumes), it’s not as aggressive as the 400 CFM version in ThermoMate’s larger model, so heavy wok cooking may still leave lingering smells. That said, for most home cooks, it strikes a solid balance between performance and noise.

Pitted against the Frigidaire and BLACK+DECKER, this ThermoMate model prioritizes ventilation and build quality over capacity or sensor smarts. It’s a smarter investment than the Farberware if you cook frequently and need strong air extraction. While it doesn’t offer the 1.9 cu. ft. space of its sibling, it’s a refined middle ground—ideal for families wanting dependable venting and ease of use without paying for overkill features. Compared to others in its class, it offers better airflow than the Farberware and more polished controls than the BLACK+DECKER, making it a top contender for ventilation-focused buyers.

The Frigidaire FFMV1846VW makes a compelling case as the king of capacity, offering a 1.8 cu. ft. interior—slightly roomier than most 1.7 cu. ft. models—without increasing footprint, making it perfect for larger dishes and family-sized meals. With 1000 watts of cooking power and 10 power levels, it delivers solid heating performance, and the 300 CFM convertible ventilation system gives flexibility for both external and recirculating setups—ideal for renters or older kitchens without external ducting. The child lock adds safety, addressing a key concern for homes with young kids.

In practice, the extra 0.1 cu. ft. makes a noticeable difference when reheating wide casserole dishes or roasting pans, fitting them with ease where others might not. The controls are minimal but functional, though the lack of auto-cook programs or sensor settings means you’ll need to manually set times and power levels. The LED lighting is bright, and the ventilation performs well for everyday cooking, but it lacks the polish of one-touch presets found in ThermoMate or BLACK+DECKER models. It’s a no-nonsense workhorse built for efficiency, not frills.

When compared to the ThermoMate 1.9 cu. ft. model, the Frigidaire falls short on features like sensor cooking and multi-program automation, but it offers more interior space than most at a mid-range price. It’s a better fit than the Farberware for those who regularly cook for multiple people, and more flexible than the BLACK+DECKER thanks to its convertible venting. For users who value space and installation flexibility over smart features, this Frigidaire stands out as the best-in-class for capacity and adaptability, even if it lacks the bells and whistles of premium models.

This ThermoMate 1.9 cu. ft. microwave is a game-changer for modern kitchens, combining industry-leading 400 CFM ventilation, sensor cooking intelligence, and a massive 1.9 cu. ft. interior—making it the most well-rounded performer in the lineup. With 11 power levels and a removable rack, it supports multi-tier cooking, letting you heat a plate of food while warming a drink above—perfect for busy households. The 9 auto-cook programs, including auto reheat, auto defrost, and pizza settings, adapt power and time automatically, eliminating user error and ensuring consistent results.

Real-world testing shows the sensor cooking works impressively well, detecting moisture levels to stop cooking at the ideal moment—no more dried-out leftovers or underheated meals. The 400 CFM exhaust fan is noticeably more powerful than 300 CFM models, quickly clearing smoke from searing and steam from boiling pots. The LED lighting is bright and wide-reaching, and the one-touch +30 seconds function adds convenience for quick boosts. The only hiccup? The interior turntable is slightly narrower than expected, which can limit placement of very large dishes.

Against the Frigidaire and Farberware, this model dominates in features and performance, justifying its “Best Overall” title. It outperforms the Frigidaire in ventilation and smart cooking, and surpasses the ThermoMate 1.7 cu. ft. model with both larger capacity and superior airflow. While it’s the most expensive, it delivers exceptional value through integration of high-end features—ideal for home chefs who want restaurant-grade ventilation and precision cooking in one sleek package. For those who demand the most features and performance, this ThermoMate is unmatched—offering more capability than the Frigidaire at a reasonable premium.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-WH is a budget-savvy standout, delivering core functionality at the lowest price point without sacrificing essential features. With 1000 watts of power and a 1.7 cu. ft. interior, it handles everyday tasks like reheating, defrosting, and popcorn with ease, and the 6 quick-menu presets—including Melt/Soften and Reheat—make common tasks one-touch simple. The 300 CFM vent fan with 2-speed suction is surprisingly effective for its class, and the integrated LED light provides excellent stovetop visibility, solving a key pain point for night cooks.

In daily use, the microwave performs reliably, though the plastic finish feels less premium than ThermoMate or Frigidaire models. The multi-stage cooking function is a rare gem at this price, allowing you to program two cooking phases—like crisping then warming—without restarting. However, the controls are basic, and the lack of weight-sensing defrost or sensor cook means you’ll need to monitor food more closely. It’s best suited for apartments, dorms, or secondary kitchens where affordability and space-saving design matter most.

Stacked against the Farberware, it offers similar capacity and power but at a lower cost, though it lacks some refinement in finish and menu variety. It doesn’t match the ThermoMate’s ventilation or the Frigidaire’s space, but for first-time buyers or tight budgets, it’s a no-brainer entry-level pick. If you need a functional, no-fuss microwave that won’t break the bank, this BLACK+DECKER delivers more value than the Farberware—proving you don’t need luxury to get the job done right.