7 Best Over the Oven Microwaves 2026

This budget-savvy powerhouse delivers far beyond its price tag, packing 1.7 cu.ft. of cooking space, 1000W output, and a 300 CFM ventilation system into a sleek stainless steel frame. What sets the Midea MOR17BSA-SS apart is its Smart Touch Panel and 18 auto-cook menus—from popcorn to rice to defrosting cream cheese—that turn microwave cooking into a precision art. For anyone tired of guesswork reheating or unevenly cooked meals, this model offers consistent results with zero learning curve, solving the daily kitchen frustration of “how long do I nuke this?”

In real-world use, the 12.5-inch turntable spins smoothly, accommodating large plates and even a full rotisserie chicken without issue, while the 10 power levels allow fine-tuned control for delicate tasks like softening butter or simmering sauces. The 300 CFM exhaust fan performs admirably in medium-sized kitchens, clearing steam from boiling pasta or frying onions in minutes, though it’s not quite as forceful as higher-end 400 CFM systems. Lighting under the unit is bright and focused, making nighttime cooking safer and more convenient—though the fan noise at max speed can be a bit intrusive in open-concept spaces.

When stacked against pricier models like the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, the Midea holds its ground by offering nearly identical core performance at a significantly lower cost. It doesn’t have sensor cooking or a larger cavity, but for renters, small families, or budget-conscious cooks, it’s a no-brainer. This microwave maximizes value without sacrificing reliability, delivering strong functionality that outperforms its “budget” label—making it a standout for those who want premium features without the premium price.

Step into kitchen harmony with the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS, a precision-built over-the-range microwave that strikes a rare balance between capacity, control, and clean integration in medium-sized kitchens. With the largest interior in its class at 1.8 cu.ft., it effortlessly handles oversized casseroles and family-sized dishes, while the 1000W cooking power and 10-level settings deliver reliable, even heating across diverse meal types. Its standout feature? A robust 300 CFM ventilation system with two-speed exhaust, making it a serious contender for homes where stovetop cooking generates heavy steam or smoke.

During testing, the extra 0.1 cu.ft. over most models proved genuinely useful—fitting a 9×13 dish with room to spare—while the 27-button touchpad offered granular control, including timed defrost and delay start, which are rare at this tier. The recirculating vent option (with kit sold separately) makes it adaptable for apartments or homes without external ducting, though installation complexity increases without built-in support. On the downside, the fan lacks the punch of 400 CFM units, and the interior lighting could be brighter for late-night use.

Compared to the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, the Frigidaire trades affordability for greater capacity and more menu flexibility, positioning itself as the ideal upgrade for growing households. It doesn’t have sensor reheat or one-touch simplicity, but it rewards users who value manual control and space efficiency. For those with a standard 30-inch cutout and a need for maximum interior volume without overspending, this model delivers thoughtful engineering and real-world practicality—edging out competitors by focusing on what cooks actually need.

The Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave isn’t flashy, but it’s brilliantly engineered for value-driven performance, blending 1000W of cooking power, smart defrost logic, and practical kitchen safety into a seamless package. What makes it shine is its Veggie and Snack auto-menus, which take the guesswork out of cooking frozen broccoli or reheating a quick snack—perfect for parents, students, or anyone prioritizing fast, foolproof meal prep. The adjustable alert volume is a small but game-changing touch, letting you customize beep levels or silence them entirely—ideal for quiet households or late-night snacks.

In daily use, the 1.7 cu.ft. cavity handles standard dinner plates and medium casserole dishes with ease, while the removable turntable simplifies cleanup after messy splatters. The vent fan is adequate for light to moderate cooking, but struggles with heavy grease or prolonged frying—best suited for kitchens where microwaving dominates over stovetop searing. The LED timer and stovetop light add convenience, though the lighting is more functional than dramatic. It lacks sensor tech or one-touch reheat presets, but compensates with reliable core functionality and thoughtful touches.

Against the ThermoMate B0D1G1TZV5, the Farberware holds its own with similar capacity and power at a lower price point, though it misses out on premium finishes or advanced ventilation modes. For first-time homeowners, rental kitchens, or white-appliance lovers, this model delivers maximum utility with minimal fuss. It’s not the most high-tech option, but it nails the essentials with quiet confidence—making it a true value champion that performs far beyond its modest appearance.

Meet the one-touch maestro—the ThermoMate B0D1G1TZV5, a sleek black over-the-range microwave that turns speed and simplicity into an art form. With four smart auto-cook programs (reheat, popcorn, baked potato, beverage), it automatically calibrates time and power, eliminating the “how long?” dilemma that plagues most kitchens. The 1000W output and 10 power levels ensure precise control, while the 360° rotating glass turntable promotes even heating—no more cold spots in your leftovers. For users craving push-button convenience without complexity, this model is a game-changer.

Real-world testing reveals a bright, modern LED-lit interior and cooktop, enhancing visibility during night cooking or dim-lit dinners. The two-speed 300 CFM fan effectively clears steam and odors, though it’s no match for heavy wok cooking or greasy stovetop sessions. The scratch-resistant cavity lives up to its promise—spills wipe clean with ease—but the black finish shows fingerprints more than stainless steel models. While it lacks sensor cooking or multi-stage programming, its one-touch +30 seconds feature is impressively responsive, perfect for back-to-back reheating.

Compared to the Farberware B0CQPJ6BRD, the ThermoMate trades affordability for style and streamlined usability, targeting users who want a modern, integrated look with intuitive controls. It’s not the most powerful ventilator, but it excels in convenience and aesthetics, making it ideal for contemporary kitchens where form meets function. With strong one-touch performance and a polished design, it justifies its premium price by delivering effortless daily use—a smart choice for tech-savvy minimalists.

This is the undisputed all-rounder—the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 packs a massive 1.9 cu.ft. cavity, 400 CFM ventilation, and pre-programmed auto menus for nine food types, making it the most complete package in the over-the-range category. With the largest interior capacity of any model here, it effortlessly fits tall dishes, deep bowls, and full-size pizzas—ideal for families or frequent entertainers. The 400 CFM exhaust fan is a serious upgrade, pulling smoke and grease with authority, outperforming the 300 CFM units from Midea and ThermoMate.

In performance tests, the 10 power levels and 30-second express cook made quick work of reheating and defrosting, while the turntable on/off function allowed flat cooking of large lasagnas or sheet pans—something most competitors can’t handle. The LED cooktop light is bright and focused, and the child lock adds peace of mind in busy homes. However, the auto menus lack sensor intelligence, so food can sometimes overcook if portions vary. Still, the combination of size, power, and ventilation is unmatched in this lineup.

When compared to the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS, the BLACK+DECKER wins on both capacity and suction power, making it the top pick for high-demand kitchens. It’s pricier than budget models, but justifies every penny with superior engineering. For those who cook often, host regularly, or demand maximum utility, this microwave delivers elite performance in a practical footprint—earning its title as the best overall choice without question.

For kitchens short on space but big on style, the COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS is a compact marvel, engineered to maximize function in tight cutouts with its 24-inch width and 1.34 cu.ft. cavity. Despite its smaller size, it still delivers 1000W of power and 10 cooking levels, ensuring quick, even heating for solo diners or couples. The real standout? Sensor reheat and cook mode, which automatically detects moisture and shuts off when food is ready—a rare feature in compact models that prevents overcooking and dry meals.

In practice, the 13.6-inch turntable rotates smoothly, accommodating most standard plates, though large casserole dishes won’t fit. The integrated vent fan is adequate for light cooking, but not designed for heavy frying or gas stove exhaust. The touch presets for melting, defrosting, and popcorn make daily tasks effortless, and the RV-friendly design makes it a favorite for tiny homes and mobile kitchens. However, the smaller cavity limits its use for families, and the 17-inch height may require cabinet adjustments.

Next to the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, the COSMO sacrifices capacity and ventilation power for space-saving elegance and smart sensor tech. It’s not built for large households, but for studio apartments, dorms, or galley kitchens, it’s unbeatable. With smart cooking, a sleek profile, and RV readiness, it’s the ultimate compact solution—proving that small size doesn’t mean small performance.

Sleek, stainless steel sophistication meets practical kitchen intelligence in the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS, a model designed for those who want restaurant-grade looks with home-cook convenience. Its brushed stainless finish resists fingerprints better than most, and the 1.7 cu.ft. interior with 12.4-inch turntable offers ample room for everyday meals. The 6 quick menus—Popcorn, Beverage, Reheat, Defrost, Melt/Soften—get you cooking in seconds, while multi-stage programming lets you combine power levels and times, a rare perk in mid-tier models.

During real-world use, the 300 CFM 2-speed vent cleared steam efficiently, though it didn’t match the 400 CFM powerhouse from its sibling model EM044KB19. The integrated light provided excellent cooktop visibility, and the speedy 1-2-3 cooking shortcuts (1-3 minutes at 100%) made last-minute meals a breeze. However, the auto-cook options are fewer than competitors, and it lacks sensor technology—relying more on user input than automation.

Compared to the ThermoMate B0D1G1TZV5, this BLACK+DECKER offers superior build quality and a more premium aesthetic, with added multi-stage cooking for advanced users. It doesn’t have the largest cavity or strongest fan, but it nails the balance between beauty and brains. For those who value design as much as function, this model elevates the kitchen experience—making it the best stainless steel choice without compromise.