The 8 Best Over-The-Range Microwaves to Give You More Counter Space

My kitchen is small. Like, really small. For years, a clunky microwave hogged a huge chunk of my precious counter space, and I was just tired of it. Switching to an over-the-range microwave was one of the best moves I made—it freed up so much room for my coffee maker and prep area.

An over the range microwave isn’t just a microwave, though. It’s also your range hood, pulling smoke and steam away while you cook. So you need one with a decent fan that actually works, and of course, one that heats up your leftovers without taking forever.

After installing a few of these for myself and family members over the years, I’ve learned what to look for. Here are the best over the range microwaves I’ve found for 2026 that will get the job done without any fuss.

 

 

Our Top Picks for Over-the-Range Microwaves

LG MVEM1825F Over-the-Range Microwave

You’ll pay for the quality at $1499, but if you want all the bells and whistles, this is the one. It’s a high-end unit that feels solid and looks great in a modern kitchen.

What I love is how quiet it is. My old microwave sounded like a jet engine, but this one is much more subdued. The 1000-watt power heats food quickly and evenly, and the inside is big enough for our large dinner plates without any issue. The glass touch panel is also super easy to wipe clean.

The Downside: The price is definitely steep. It’s a fantastic microwave, but it might be overkill if you just need something for basic reheating.

 

 

GE JVM6175SKSS Over-the-Range Microwave

For around $290, this GE model is probably the best value on the list. It’s a fantastic middle-of-the-road option that doesn’t feel cheap.

It’s got plenty of power at 1000 watts, and the four-speed fan is a nice touch for clearing out cooking smells. My favorite feature is the option to turn the turntable off. This is so handy for rectangular casserole dishes that would otherwise get stuck and not rotate properly.

The Downside: The interior isn’t as massive as some of the bigger models. It fits standard plates just fine, but if you regularly use extra-large serving dishes, you might find it a bit snug.

 

 

GE JVM3160RFSS Over-the-Range Microwave

If you’re on a tight budget, this GE is a workhorse for about $260. It gets you all the core functions you need without any unnecessary frills driving up the cost.

It still packs 1000 watts of power, so it heats just as fast as models that cost way more. It also has that great turntable on/off button for bigger dishes. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense microwave that just works.

The Downside: The membrane-style buttons on the panel feel a little less responsive than the glass touch panels on pricier units. You have to give them a firm press.

 

 

Other Great Over-the-Range Microwaves

LG MVEL2033F Over-the-Range Microwave

At around $450, this LG is the one to get if you have a big family or just find yourself microwaving large dishes all the time. The 2.0 cubic foot capacity is huge.

The sensor cooking is pretty smart; it adjusts the time automatically so you don’t overcook your leftovers. I also like that the controls are along the bottom of the door, which makes them easy to reach without having to lean over a hot stove.

The Downside: It’s a little bit louder when it’s running compared to some of the other models I’ve used.

 

 

LG LMV1764ST Over-the-Range Microwave

This LG is a solid, affordable choice for about $350. It’s a great pick for everyday use if you don’t need a ton of special features.

It heats up your food quickly, it’s not too loud, and the interior is roomy enough for most meals. The two-speed fan is basic but does the job for light cooking. It’s just a reliable appliance for a good price.

The Downside: You can’t turn the turntable off on this model, which can be a pain if you have a square or rectangular dish that’s just a little too big.

 

 

Whirlpool WMH31017 Over-the-Range Microwave

This Whirlpool costs about $350 and is a dependable alternative to the GE and LG models. It’s a popular choice because it’s so straightforward and fits perfectly in most standard kitchen setups.

It does a good job heating food and provides nice, bright lighting for your cooktop below. It’s a very convenient, no-fuss kind of machine that you don’t have to think about too much.

The Downside: While it heats well overall, some tests show it’s not quite as perfectly even as some of the top-tier models.

 

 

Frigidaire MWV150KW Over-the-Range Microwave

For around $400, this Frigidaire is a good option if you often find yourself trying to cook or reheat multiple things at once. It’s designed for even heating.

It comes with a couple of racks that let you stack smaller items, like two bowls of soup, which is really handy. The built-in exhaust fan works well for managing steam and odors from the stovetop.

The Downside: At 1.5 cubic feet, the capacity is on the smaller side. It’s fine for plates and bowls but might not fit your largest serving platters.

 

 

Amana AMV2307PFS Over-the-Range Microwave

This Amana is a real bargain at about $220. If you need a large capacity but don’t want to spend a lot, this is a fantastic choice.

It’s surprisingly spacious inside and heats efficiently. It’s a very practical, budget-friendly machine that gets the job done without any fancy extras.

The Downside: The fan is noticeably louder than on more expensive models. It works, but you’ll hear it.

 

 

What I Look For in an Over-the-Range Microwave

When you’re shopping for the best over the range microwaves, the first thing to check is the size. Most are 30 inches wide to fit a standard cabinet opening, but you should always measure your own space just to be sure. Nothing is worse than getting an appliance home and realizing it doesn’t fit.

The next thing is the ventilation fan’s power, measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). A higher CFM number means a more powerful fan that can clear smoke and steam faster. If you do a lot of high-heat cooking like searing steaks, a stronger fan is a must.

Finally, look at the simple stuff. Is the control panel easy to read and use? Is the interior light bright enough to see your food? Little features like a turntable on/off switch can make a big difference in how much you enjoy using it every day.