The Best Over-the-Range Microwaves

When we redid our kitchen a few years back, the biggest debate was over the microwave. Do we get a countertop model and lose precious space, or go for an over-the-range? We chose the over-the-range, and it was the right call for us. It saves a ton of counter space and doubles as a vent hood.

But not all of them are created equal. Some are basically loud, ineffective fans that happen to heat up popcorn. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at microwave oven rankings and testing units to figure out which ones actually do a good job at both cooking and venting without sounding like a jet engine.

These are the models I’d recommend to a friend in 2026, whether you’re on a tight budget or building a dream kitchen.

 

 

Our Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Rankings for 2026

LG MVEM1825F Over-the-Range Microwave

The LG MVEM1825F costs about $450. It’s my top pick for most people because it just works really well for everyday stuff in a busy kitchen.

It has 1000 watts of power, so it heats leftovers fast and evenly. The steam sensor is a great feature that keeps you from turning broccoli into mush. It’s also surprisingly quiet when it’s running, which is a huge plus when the kitchen is the center of the house. I like the smart features, too; being able to control it from an app is more useful than I thought it would be.

The Downside: My biggest pet peeve is that there isn’t a simple “mute” button on the unit itself. You have to open the app to silence the beeps, which feels like an unnecessary extra step.

 

 

LG MVEL2033F Over-the-Range Microwave

This LG model runs around $500. If you have a big family or just find yourself trying to fit large casserole dishes inside your microwave, this is the one to get. The capacity is huge.

It performs just as well as you’d expect for the price. The sensor cooking is spot-on, with presets for things like “Kids Meals” that actually work. With four fan speeds, it does a much better job of clearing steam and smoke than a lot of other models I’ve seen. It’s another quiet operator, which we all appreciate.

The Downside: The controls are located along the bottom of the door. While it looks sleek, it means the buttons can sometimes block your view of the food cooking inside.

 

 

GE JVM6175SKSS Over-the-Range Microwave

For about $400, this GE is a fantastic value. It’s for anyone who wants some of the nicer features without paying a premium price.

It heats quickly with its 1000 watts of power and the sensor cooking prevents you from accidentally nuking your dinner. My favorite feature on this one is the option to turn the turntable off. It’s perfect for those long, rectangular dishes that would otherwise get stuck. It’s also very quiet, which is something you don’t always find at this price point.

The Downside: The interior capacity is a little on the small side for an over-the-range model. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeably less roomy than the LGs.

 

 

GE JVM3160RFSS Over-the-Range Microwave

At around $300, this GE is the best budget option, hands down. It focuses on doing the basics really, really well.

You still get 1000 watts, so it heats almost as fast as models that cost twice as much. The chamber is surprisingly wide, and it also has the “turntable off” feature, which is a lifesaver for larger dishes. If you just need a solid microwave and vent that will last, and don’t care about fancy sensors, this is a great buy.

The Downside: It’s a bare-bones model. You won’t find a steam sensor for perfect veggies or a mute button to silence the beeping when the baby is sleeping.

 

 

LG MVEF1337F Over-the-Range Microwave

You can find this LG for about $380. Its standout feature is how well it defrosts. If you’re like me and constantly forget to take meat out of the freezer, this is a huge help.

Consumer Reports testing showed it defrosts ground meat very evenly, without cooking the edges while the middle stays frozen. It’s also quiet and its sensor helps adjust cooking times automatically. The vent fan does a pretty good job clearing the air, too.

The Downside: It’s a bit slower when it comes to straight-up heating. Reheating a cup of coffee or a plate of leftovers takes a little longer than with some of the other 1000-watt models.

 

 

Whirlpool WMH78519LZ Over-the-Range Microwave

This Whirlpool costs around $650. It’s for people who want their microwave to double as a small second oven, thanks to its convection feature.

The convection mode is great for browning the top of a casserole or crisping up fries. It heats food very evenly with few cold spots, and defrosting performance is excellent. It’s also one of the quieter models out there, even with the fan running.

The Downside: For a convection model at this price, it’s a real head-scratcher that it doesn’t have a cooking sensor. You have to keep an eye on things to make sure they don’t overcook, which kind of defeats some of the convenience.

 

 

Café CVM721M2NS5 Over-the-Range Microwave

Ringing up at about $800, this Café microwave is all about style. If you’re building a kitchen with a high-end, modern look, this fits right in.

The glass touchscreen looks incredible and is very easy to use—no confusing buttons here. The controls are hidden along the bottom, giving it a super clean profile. It heats up food quickly and does a great job defrosting, too.

The Downside: While it heats fast, it doesn’t heat as evenly as some of the top LG or GE models. You might find a few cool spots in a big bowl of soup. You’re definitely paying a premium for the aesthetics.

 

 

ZLINE MWO-OTR-30 Over-the-Range Convection Microwave

This ZLINE model is a serious appliance, with a serious price tag of $1,200. It’s for someone who wants an all-in-one cooking station.

This thing is a 3-in-1: a standard microwave, a convection oven, and a powerful 300 CFM vent hood. If you do a lot of stovetop cooking that produces smoke or grease, like searing steaks, the powerful fan is a must. It’s a complete solution for a pro-style kitchen setup.

The Downside: The price is obviously the biggest hurdle. It’s more of an investment than just a simple microwave.

 

 

What to Look For When Buying

For me, it comes down to three things: power, size, and the fan. I wouldn’t go below 1000 watts of power; anything less just takes too long to heat food properly. You end up with rubbery pizza and coffee that’s still lukewarm.

Size is just as important. Measure your space carefully before you buy! And think about the dishes you use most often. If you have a favorite 9×13 casserole dish, make sure it will actually fit inside and be able to turn. A “turntable off” feature is a great workaround for this.

Finally, don’t forget the “over-the-range” part. The vent fan is half the reason you’re buying it. Look for multiple speeds and the highest CFM (cubic feet per minute) you can find in your budget. A good fan makes a huge difference in clearing out steam and cooking smells.