Best Over-the-Range Microwaves of 2025
Over-the-range microwaves are convenient, 2-in-1 appliances that can speed up meal preparation and keep your kitchen workspace comfortable. Read on to see what our best over-the-range microwaves have to offer.
Save counter and cabinet space with a brand new over-the-range microwave! These 2-in-1 appliances combine a microwave oven with a range hood to supplement your oven cooking space while providing powerful ventilation for all the heat coming off your cooktop.
As your appliance authority, AjMadison not only wants to offer you the best over-the-range microwaves for your home, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of microwaves like an appliance pro! Let’s go through all there is to know about over-the-range microwaves before checking out what our top picks have to offer.
How Do I Choose a Good Over-the-Range Microwave?
When choosing an over-the-range microwave for your kitchen, you want to make sure your selected model has a good balance of cooking and ventilation features, so you get the best of both worlds in terms of performance. Here’s just a few available in our in-stock selection.
High CFM Ratings – Our best over-the-range microwaves are capable of up to 550 CFM of ventilation power, allowing them to tackle the heat outputs of even pro-style ranges.
Convection Cooking – Many over-the-range convection microwave models come with convection cooking for appetizers and other small dishes, freeing up space in your main oven for large roasts.
Wi-Fi Connectivity – We carry dozens of over-the-range microwaves with Wi-Fi connected features. Remotely control them from your smartphone with its brand’s app or connect it to your smart home so you can control them with your voice using Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
What Size Microwave Do I Need for Over the Range?
Most over-the-range microwaves have widths that match standard ranges to provide adequate coverage. As such, you typically have your pick of two sizes – a 24-inch over-the-range microwave or a 30-inch over-the-range microwave.
The distance between an over-the-range microwave and your cooktop is also critical for safety. Most manufacturers and building codes recommend that the bottom of the microwave be at least 18 inches above the surface of an electric cooktop. Since gas cooktops generate more ambient heat, you might want to have 24 inches of vertical clearance for them.
If you have low cabinetry, you might want to consider a low-profile over-the-range microwave. Low-profile units are typically around 10 inches in height. They won’t be able to fit large cookware, but if your intention is to use them for reheating leftovers, boiling mugs of water for tea, and other basic functions, they can serve their purpose while meeting vertical clearance requirements.
What is the Life Expectancy of an Over-the-Range Microwave?
An over-the-range microwave can last around 10 years depending on its make, frequency of use, and how often you clean components like the grease filter. Some common signs your microwave needs maintenance are uneven heating, strange noises, malfunctioning controls, and visible damage such as rust on the interior. Avoid slamming the door and other handling methods that can damage internal components unintentionally. Always make sure to use microwave-safe cookware to prevent accidents.
