Over-the-Range Microwaves

Microhoods install over a range to save space

Over-the-range microwaves (also called "microhoods") are becoming increasingly popular because they save consumers precious countertop space and often sport a sleeker look. However, these appliances are more expensive because the microwave must also vent the range below it, necessitating dual fans. This type of microwave also weighs 55 pounds or more, which can make attaching one to a cabinet above the stove quite a challenge. They also require a dedicated electrical outlet and an outside vent in the cabinet, which means users may need to consult an electrician for proper installation. Warranties often include in-home service, because this type of microwave is permanently installed. We didn't find nearly as many user ratings for over-the-range microwave ovens as for countertop models, but there are some professional tests available.

Overall, we found the best reviews for the 1.7-cubic-foot GE Profile JVM1790WK (*Est. $500), an over-the-range microwave that includes convection, a function that allows users to bake and roast foods directly in the microwave. It also includes a 13.6-inch rotating turntable, sensor cooking and 1,000-watt cooking power. The GE JVM1790WK will fit into a 30-inch-wide space above a range, but it weighs 65 pounds, so users may need help with installation even if they already have a dedicated electrical outlet for an over-the-range microwave. It comes in white, bisque (light tan), black or stainless steel, and the warranty covers parts and labor for one year and the magnetron tube for five years.

The GE JVM1790WK is included in two professional tests of microwave ovens, where it scores highly for ease of use and quick defrosting. Good Housekeeping magazine editors call it an "over-the-range rock star" thanks to its excellent cooking performance and convenient lighting for the range below. They say its convection feature also works very well. "We roasted a chicken to golden-brown perfection in half the time needed in a regular oven," editors write. Nearly 20 users at appliance retailer ABT.com agree, rating it 4.5 stars out of a possible 5. Most users are pleased with its convection mode, stylish design and even cooking. "This oven is an excellent alternative to a countertop microwave or convection oven," writes one owner. "It is the best of both worlds."

However, there are a few concerns voiced at Epinions.com, where this microwave earns a 2.5-star rating in 15 reviews. Many users wish they hadn't spent more money for the convection feature because it didn't meet their expectations. Long preheat times are also cited as a consistent problem. Many say the unit can take up to 30 minutes to reach 400 degrees or more -- and some consumers report lengthy baking times as well. Several users at Epinions.com and ABT.com state that installation can be a pain if you try to do it on your own.

Another convection microwave oven, the LG LMVH1750ST (*Est. $540), receives decent marks in one professional review and is named a best buy at ConsumerGuide.com, a product-review site. This 1.7-cubic-foot over-the-range microwave has a stainless-steel exterior, 13.6-inch turntable, cooking sensor and 950-watt cooking power. The LG LMVH1750ST comes with a one-year warranty for parts and labor and 10 years for the magnetron. The editors of ConsumerGuide.com give the LG microwave a 5-star rating, saying it has lots of convenient features and is easy to use. The cooking sensor and convection mode work well, although editors note that preheating times are lengthy. "The LG Over-the-Range Convection Microwave performs nearly all of the functions of a regular oven, making it an invaluable tool in the kitchen," they write. The microwave gets a handful of reviews at AJMadison.com, an online appliance retailer, where it earns a 4.7-star rating. Users are pleased, saying the convection oven does a great job of roasting items like chicken.

If you don't want a convection oven, you can save a lot of money by choosing an over-the-range microwave without that feature. The Samsung SMH9187ST (*Est. $260) is nearly half the price, and it's the top scorer in one expert test of over-the-range microwaves. Its cooking performance is excellent, according to this review. The stainless-steel microwave, which is also available in black or white, has a capacity of 1.8 cubic feet and 1,100-watt cooking power. While it doesn't include a convection oven, the Samsung SMH9187ST does have sensor cooking, a 14-inch rotating turntable and an electronic touchpad display. Like the GE Profile JVM1790WK, the Samsung microwave fits into a 30-inch-wide space. Its warranty includes one year for parts and labor and 10 years for its magnetron.

Like most over-the-range microwaves, the Samsung SMH9187ST attracts few user reviews. A handful of owners at appliance retailer AJMadison.com give the microwave a 4.8-star rating, and a small number of reviewers rate it 3.8 stars out of 5 at BestBuy.com. This microwave's stylish design attracts quite a few compliments, and most reviewers say it works well. The vent system also receives high marks, with users saying it's powerful and vents heat and smoke well from the range below. However, one owner complains that the microwave broke down around the two-year mark, and several wish the lights on the bottom of the unit were brighter.

Another option for those who don't need a convection oven is the Maytag MMV5201DB (*Est. $325), another top scorer in a recent independent test. This 2-cubic-foot microhood comes in white, black or stainless steel, and it has 1,100 watts of cooking power. Other features include a cooking sensor, electronic touchpad controls, three fan speeds and an auto defrost. It's covered by a one-year warranty. Experts say the Maytag MMV5201DB heats and defrosts evenly, but we found no user reviews to support this professional opinion.