Best Over The Range Convection Microwave Oven: Top Rated Reviews

Updated: 22/03/2021

Starting a home can be difficult, from deciding how the design will choose furniture and appliances.

When choosing an OTR appliance, look for trusted brand names first, followed by the materials used and their functionality and features. 

One of the essential appliances your home should have is the best over the range microwave oven that fits your budget because they are so versatile!

[amazon table=”1002573″]

BEST OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVES | REVIEWS AND THOUGHTS

This appliance lets you cook and heat food quickly and efficiently. The food is conveniently heated all through, compared to other cooking methods.

There are just a few otr microwaves manufactured by trusted manufacturers, so choosing the best ones isn’t all that difficult.

I chose these based on several weeks of research and the reviews they received. I even reached out to a few of the actual reviewers to get their feedback.

The microwaves here are all great, and you will be pleased with any of them, but if you can, check out some fantastic & useful convection microwaves below.

So without further ado, below is a list of best over the range microwave models to help you choose according to your purpose and personal preference:

Toshiba EC042A5C-SS: Best Overall

[amazon box=”B076V5DJ4S”]

A stylish machine that offers a myriad of features, Toshiba has always been a strong contender for appliances, and it is no different from their excellent microwave.

The best thing about this particular machine is that it has a “warm hold function.”

This is great if you have guests or are waiting to serve your food but are worried it will go cold by the time dinner guests are ready to eat.

Key points:

• 1000 watts with ten power levels
• Oven Volume: 1.5 cu. Ft.
• Inside plate diameter: 13.6″
• External dimensions (inches): 
  • W: 21.8
  • D: 21.5
  • H: 13
• Internal dimensions (inches): 
  • W: 15.5 
  • D: 15.35
  • H: 10.2

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very versatile
• Fantastic automatic modes for frozen foods and roasting
• Smart sensor tech with 13 auto menu options
• Keep dishes warm function
• Easy to clean
• Energy saving

Cons

• No feet adjustment for unlevel surfaces
• Noticeable noise levels

Cuisinart CMW-200: A most popular choice

[amazon box=”B001C2J0FG”]

Cuisinart is a well-known brand that has been around for a very long time and perfected its kitchen goods game.

It is quite nice looking, albeit somewhat bland compared to others, but it makes up for this with its large function count.

Regarding said functions, its multistage capacity is perhaps the most useful. You can set up the cooking process from defrosting to cooking to keeping warm, all with one button.

Key points:

• 1000 watts
• Oven Volume: 1.2 cu. Ft.
• External dimensions (inches): 
  • W: 20.4
  • D: 18.9
  • H: 12.4
• Net weight (approx): 40.8 Ibs

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Defrosting function
• Multistage cooking
• Easy wipe clean
• Stainless steel interior means no tarnishing of flavor
• Cook by weight or time

Cons

• The door hinge is potentially a breaking point
• Slower than other models when in convection mode

Galanz GSWWA12S1SA10 3-in-1 SpeedWave: Options Galore!

[amazon box=”B087C8F4DC”]

Perhaps not as well-known as the other choices here, but what it lacks in brand recognition, it sure makes up for in features.

You can fry, microwave, cook by convection, and a multitude of set and forget options.

It is very sturdy and feels firm to the touch.

Key points:

• 1000 watts 
• Oven Volume: 1.2 cu. Ft.
• External dimensions (inches):
  • W: 14.75
  • D: 15.75
  • H: 8.5
• Net weight (approx): 44.6 Ibs

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Function versatility
• Fully stainless steel
• Looks great
• Includes lots of accessories
• Easy to use control panel with knob
• Fantastic price

Cons

• Unknown brand

Discontinued Models

SHARP R1874T 850W OVERVIEW

[amazon box=”B00009V3X6″]

This innovative 850 watt over the range microwave will enhance the modernity of your house.

It has two colors and a seven-digit interactive display with smart sensor settings. It can also accommodate up to 1.1 cubic feet and has a stainless steel interior with a light and a turntable that is 13 inches in diameter.

The outer dimensions are: 29-15/16 x 16-11/32 x 15-9/32 inches.

The inner dimensions are: 13-13/16 x 8-1/16 by 17-1/8 inches.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Smart sensor settings
• Interactive display
• Easy to use
• Auto reheat
• Consistently good results
• Cooks well
• Automatic broiling
• Sturdy

Cons

• Loud fan for an over the range microwave
• Non-smooth interior
• Quite difficult to clean

Summary

The Sharp R1874T 850W Over the Range Microwave is a great buy to complete your kitchen and complement your kitchen interior – essential seeing as it is the most crucial room in your house!

It has a modern touch with a seven-digit interactive display, making it convenient to use.

However, the interior of this particular over the range microwave is not very smooth, making it difficult to clean.

Overall, I would say that it’s a good buy because of its capacity, functionality, and technological touch.

GE PROFILE OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE: PSA9120SFSS ADVANTIUM REVIEW

This over the range weighs 86 pounds, and its dimensions are 33.4 x 20.1 by 19 inches.

Its interior is made of stainless steel, and it has a convenient designer-style handle.

The interior has an oven light to make food visible inside while it is being cooked or reheated.

Another great feature is its so-called “speed cook” setting, which allows you to get some food made very quickly when you very hungry!

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Smooth installation
• Speed cook setting
• Cooks evenly
• Multipurpose oven
• More than 10 years of usage
• Versatile
• Strong Stainless Steel

Cons

• Very heavy
• Breaks down easily

Summary

The GE PSA9120SFSS Profile Advantium Over the Range Microwave is a smart buy with its sturdy construction and unique “speed cook” setting that cooks food faster.

You don’t have to use any larger oven in the ranger under it because it is multipurpose and can do other cooking tasks.

However, it is not easy to install, and you need at least three people to manage moving it around.

There have been reports where one user has said that it broke quickly, but I think it depends on how you use it.

More importantly, how you maintain it – If you have read some of my other reviews, then you will see how often I speak about good maintenance, especially with induction cookware and dishwashers!!!

It has a modern touch with a seven-digit interactive display, making it convenient to use.

However, the interior of this particular OTR microwave is not very smooth, making it difficult to clean.

Overall, I would say that it’s a good buy because of its capacity, functionality, and technological touch.

PANASONIC NE-1054F STAINLESS MICROWAVE OVEN ASSESSMENT

[amazon box=”B005GSPVHS”]

The Panasonic NE-1054F Microwave Oven is one of the best state-of-the-art microwaves today.

It is easy to use for everyone with its 20 programmable menus in Braille (a nice touch in The Kitchen Guy’s opinion) and ten memory pads.

Cook or heat your food on 2 and 3 stages at six different power levels for optimum functionality.

It also has a ten programmable memory and touch screen control for versatility and convenience.

Its construction is made of heavy-duty materials, Stainless Steel, and the handles are grab-and-go designed for fast and durable use.

The Panasonic measures 16-9/16 inches x 20-1/8 inches by 12 inches & weighs 34 pounds.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Braille menus – I like this option
• Programmable memory
• Touch screen control
• Durable
• Heavy duty
• With interior oven lamp
• Innovative design
• Strong Stainless Steel construction
• Tone control – Not sure about this one, but I’ll put it in the Pros!
• Anti-theft component – According to their website
• See-through oven door
• Easy to clean – Yes, yes & yes!

Cons

• Very heavy
• The buzzer is very loud – Good or bad depending on your preference
• Loud operation

Summary

If you have a large budget, buy the Panasonic Microwave Oven!

It may be expensive, but it is worth it due to its numerous state-of-the-art features and durability that it will last you many years.

It’s customizable, which is a nice feature to adjust according to what and how you want to cook, i.e., you can cook according to your style.

It also has many programmable menus in Braille, which is an often overlooked feature, in my opinion, but it is easy to operate.

The body is white inside and out, and it is easy to clean.

What is makes it more unique is that it doesn’t have or need a turntable. The light inside and the transparent window view let you see the food inside while it is being heated.

KITCHENAID OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE REVIEW (WILDCARD)

I get many questions regarding what I think about this particular otr oven, and if you want the truth, I believe that it’s an OK oven, but I have a few reservations.

For example, the reviews are pretty evenly split 50/50 between those loving it and those who hate it.

The problem is that those who like, love it, and those who don’t like it; hate it…i.e., there is no middle ground.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very quiet
• Excellent convection options… perfect for warming up pizza (I know you’ll do it :P)
• Good looking stainless steel

Cons

• Faulty electronics
• Low wattage compared with other OTR models

Summary

It is an OK model, but I would wholeheartedly recommend the GE oven for the price.

It’s a similar price, but you are getting a fantastic model. Don’t get me wrong, the Kitchen Aid is a great choice, but there are better options for a similar price point.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AN OVER THE RANGE (OTR) MICROWAVE

You may ask, what actually is an over the range microwave oven? There are a few things you should think about when choosing one of these products, such as:

MICROWAVE FEATURES

• How many features does it have?
• Are they useful or gimmicky?
• Are they easy to understand?

It would help if you asked these essential things when deciding to drop down a not inconsiderable amount of money.

You need to ask yourself how they work and whether you are looking for built-in combination microwave oven reviews or if you want something more specific.

You will need to check if they are 110 or 220 to get the most from the device.

Check if the bolts are correct and if they fit your machine correctly.

VENT FEATURES

The best OTR microwave oven vents should offer:

• Quality vent capabilities
• A solid airflow capability
• Ideally, approximately 400 cubic ft every minute

A high-quality microwave vent delivers several different rates, and lots of starts off quickly whenever they recognize an excessive amount of temperature from your cooktop.

It should offer all of these while still looking good; this is your kitchen, after all!

Do you want a built-in one or something else?

DESIGN

Following on from the previous point, these products will be visible in your kitchen, and you shouldn’t leave out the fact that you want it to look stylish.

Certain design elements, like differently colored displays, can also add to the functionality and help you to know when certain foods are ready at a glance.

Size is also a significant factor, and you may want to understand what the smallest over the range microwave available is.

If you are looking to hide it away when not in use, you should also think about whether it can be installed in a cabinet.

WARRANTY & SUPPORT

Exactly what it sounds like!

Make sure you are covered. All of the top convection OTR microwaves should include warranties for anything that isn’t wear and tear.

Best Sellers

[amazon bestseller=”over the range microwave” items=”5″]

Frequently Asked Questions

Microwave vs. Convection Oven

It is a common debate among consumers about which is better between a convection model and a microwave, but what is the difference between these two items?

You can see our article: Best Convection Microwave Oven for Baking to find out more about which model you should purchase for baking.

Microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation for cooking and heating food, whereas convection ones use heated air within a container to cook food. The fact that you’re reading this article means that you’re deciding which of these two to purchase and utilize regularly.

This article will look at both an oven and a microwave’s advantages and disadvantages and try to determine which one will be best for your requirements.

After reading this article, you should have a good idea as to which to go with!

One of the main advantages of a convection oven vs. microwave is that they tend to be much cheaper than their more-traditional counterparts.

This is especially true when comparing the price of an oven to that of a microwave. You can often purchase them for as little as $70, and microwaves typically run around a hundred dollars.

Therefore, if you only intend to use it occasionally or only need it in the case of emergencies, then either option would be acceptable.

However, if you want to cook healthy foods and are particularly keen on cutting down on fat, you will probably prefer the convection oven over a microwave.

Microwaves rely on radio waves for their cooking function, whereas convection ovens work using heated air inside a sealed glass enclosure to cook and warm food.

The reason why you’re reading this article is that you’re interested in finding the best deals on either item and in particular comparing ovens so you can make the best choice for your family!

Conclusion

Today’s homes are getting more modern as the years pass by, and as technology is becoming more advanced.

Even kitchen appliances such as over the range convection microwaves are becoming more versatile and modern.

The best over the range convection options are reviewed above, but in my opinion, the Panasonic NE-1054F Microwave Oven stands out. This, along with the Toshiba EC042A5C-SS, as you can see in our review here.

It may be expensive as an initial investment, but it is just that; an investment and gives you your money’s worth with its heavy-duty and long-lasting performance.

You will be amazed by how you can cook or heat your food with the different cooking options and menus.

The only known drawback is its heaviness. However, you can look at this as a result of it being made from very high-quality and sturdy materials.

On the other hand, you would be foolish to underrate the GE PSA9120SFSS Profile Advantium Over the Range Microwave and the Sharp R1874T 850W because they are smart buys, too.

If you can’t afford the Panasonic or are just unwilling to spend that kind of money, the other 2 are still excellent choices and will serve you very well for a long time.

The Sharp’s unique features are its auto reheat and automatic broiling.

It cooks well and produces consistently good results with consistently being the keyword there.

The GE Profile Advantium is a versatile microwave oven meaning that you don’t need another more extensive range to do your other cooking tasks.

Most of the over the range microwaves review here are typically heavy because of the high-quality, high-grade materials used, and this will ensure that you won’t need to replace your new microwave for some time.

As with everything, when looking for microwaves and other appliances, you really should go for the very best that will last up for a long time, and when looking for new microwave ovens, it should be five years +.