An ideal kitchen is filled with essential appliances. There are several reasons for buying one, like a new OTR RF oven, so when it’s time for your household, you’ll want to know what is good for your kitchen. There are many of the most useful types in these markets, but for our purposes, we will discuss the most popular ones, such as OTR appliances. With those finest OTR appliances, you can enjoy your meal daily. This guide aims to help you make an informed choice, highlighting features that enhance convenience and culinary results.
When you’re looking for the best over-the-range microwaves, you’ll want to request one that matches the look of your kitchen while giving you the functionality you want. The size of this type of RF oven you need has to fit inside the size of the space above your budget-friendly range hoods. Also, look into the exhaust features, the wattage, the interface, cooking functions, and safety features. If you’re interested in air frying, some models have an air fry feature, expanding your cooking functions beyond traditional microwave oven capabilities. Additionally, we provided content guides and steps on how to choose the best microwave.
For those considering countertops or built-in over-the-range microwaves, it’s essential to compare their internal capacity to ensure they can accommodate your dinner plates and other features such as wi-fi connectivity or fingerprint-resistant finishes like black stainless steel. Most models from manufacturers offer a solid choice, but researching other models can help identify which microwave’s door design or sleek design fits best with your kitchen’s aesthetics. Not to forget, a good microwave should have a grease filter to help vent air and maintain heating performance, making it a budget-friendly range hood alternative. Whether you’re looking to bake, air fry, or reheat, several options can meet your needs without being a deal breaker. Remember, a stud finder may be useful if you install a model above the range to ensure a safe and secure setup.
How To Choose The Finest OTR Cooker
These over-the-range microwaves are popular choices in many homes. We’ll look at a few of them in a moment. Let’s start by looking at some of the top features so you’ll have a better idea of what to look for in yours.
Reviews & Recommendations: The Finest OTR Cooker
It may not seem like where you should start, but begin by looking at the aesthetic you need to match the rest of your kitchen. Most of us prefer that our appliances all match one another. If all of your other kitchen appliances are black, you don’t want to be looking at a white over-the-range microwave.
Decide what kind of cooking you want it to do. You can get over-the-range microwaves that can function as convection microwaves. They often come with preset cooking options and various cooking modes. With the convenient auto defrost feature, you can use a microwave to defrost meats and other types of food. Choose the one that can operate in the manner you would like and has the desired cooking power.
You’ll have to measure your range to see how wide it is. They fit directly over the top of your stove and are the same width. You’ll also need to know how deep the microwave should be. The standard size is 30 x 36 inches, and the cubic feet should match your space. It’s important, however, that you measure your space accurately and check the cubic feet per minute of the ventilation system.
Thanks to the exhaust fan capability, it’s common for exhaust features to work to vent the fumes from foods you cook on the stove. If you know you’ll be cooking on your stovetop, you should look at an over-the-range microwave with good exhaust features and a dedicated range hood.
The wattage use varies greatly across different models, and you should consider the wattage of the over-the-range model you choose. That means the effect your microwave has on your power bill will vary as well. A good example of a microwave that may use more wattage is a convection type with convection cooking. Check the wattage each unit uses that you’re considering. Remember that microwaves with higher wattage cook faster, so they may be more efficient and offer cool features, including smart features.
In addition, you can find a charcoal filter to enhance the cooking process and a user-friendly control panel to customize your cooking experience easily. When exploring over-the-range models, look for the best over-the-range microwaves that fit your needs and preferences.
Consideration Before Buying An OTR Cooker
The Interface
The interface may be important to you, too. You can get some OTR microwaves with touchscreen interfaces, offering efficient heating options and even a night light setting. The standard for most microwaves is still buttons that you compress. Some interfaces are more complicated than others, but user-friendliness is a priority for those with GE appliances and higher-end models. You should look for something more user-friendly if you have children or elderly individuals using over-the-range microwaves to prevent minor accidents related to cooking odors and reheating food.
The Size And Mounting
If you have small children in your home, you can find some with child-lock features, ideal for a compact model or other microwave. Though it may not seem like a big deal as these units sit up where small children can’t make contact or reach, kids are clever and can connect ways to get what they want, even when heating hot dogs. Consider child safety features in homes with young children, proper ventilation options, and a venting system for evenly heating your meals.
Several names are in this niche of the kitchen appliance industry. Frigidaire and GE are two of the heavy hitters for over-range microwaves. You’ll also find high-quality models from KitchenAid and LG.
Most major appliance manufacturers, like Samsung Appliances, offer various microwave oven options. You can find very high-end models, some in the mid-range and those that are more budget-friendly. Additionally, the appearance and features of these microwaves vary, ensuring that you can discover the perfect one to fit your kitchen space.
Now, let’s delve into some options you must choose from today’s microwave market. From the standard microwave to the large microwave, with advanced features like voice control and intuitive control panels, you’ll have various choices to cater to your needs and preferences.
Best Black And Decker
This is one of the budget-friendly kitchen appliances that also comes in black and stainless steel. This option might suit your preference if you want a new microwave. It cooks with 1,000 watts and has ten power levels to select from, making it suitable for large dishes or quick reheats. The interface has compression buttons with different options and a number keypad for manually entering cooking times, allowing you to cater to your personal preference. There’s a 30-second express cooking button for those nights when you’re in a hurry. Additionally, it features a convenient night light to help you navigate your kitchen in low-light conditions. You’ll have a small LED display that is easy to read and displays the time when you’re not using your microwave. It’s slightly smaller than the standard size at 29.9 x 16.4 inches, making it a great choice for those needing a smaller microwave.
Pros
- A super affordable option for many customers
- Three color choices
- Good value for money
- Easy to use
- Easy to install
Cons
- Basic functioning
- Heavy for one person
- Cannot use the timer and cook something at the same time
The Best Frigidaire FFMV1846VS Model
This Frigidaire microwave, in a slightly higher price range than the best budget option mentioned earlier, offers similar models in capacity and a 1,000-watt cooking power. Notably, it features a child lock for added safety. You’ll still have access to the ten power levels, and the width of the appliance remains consistent. However, a significant contrast in this model is its weight, as it weighs only 35 lbs., making it more manageable for a single person to install. The user-friendly interface with touch controls and a bright LED display ensures ease of use, and you can rely on its build quality to deliver reliable performance without cold spots or inconsistencies. Additionally, it includes convenient features like a popcorn button for precise cooking times.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- High-quality materials
- High performance
- Express buttons
Cons
- Included screws aren’t sturdy
- Not always well-packaged
- Somewhat noisy
Best High-End GE JVM6175KFS
These microwaves include the exhaust function you’ll want from your over-the-range unit. There are three different types of exhaust. You can use recirculation, vertical, or horizontal exhaust to vent outside. You’ll also get sensor cooking controls that adjust the food’s cooking time so things come out just right. It has a good aesthetic and many options on the interface with compression buttons.
Pros
- Turntable on/off function app
- Sensors for intuitive cooking
- Exhaust functioning
- Nice looking exterior
Cons
- Smaller than standard size
- Very heavy at 57 lbs.
- High noise level
Best CosmoCOS 3019ORM2SS
This is the most expensive option on our list, featuring both a toaster oven and an air fryer. It’s also the largest at 1.9 cu. ft. capacity, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen appliances. It cooks with 1,000 watts of power, 300 cubic feet per minute for its size, and comes in the standard size for a convection oven, offering you the best of both worlds. You can fine-tune your cooking preferences with special features like ten power levels. In addition, there are presets for melting and defrosting popcorn, potatoes, and more, ensuring convenience in your cooking tasks. Moreover, the air fryer component allows for healthier cooking options. You can enjoy better-cooked food thanks to the sensor cooking feature that detects the moisture level inside the microwave. This all-in-one appliance also includes a ventilation fan and exhaust functioning capability, ensuring your kitchen remains fresh and odor-free. So, if you’re looking for an appliance with additional features and versatile cooking options, this toaster oven and air fryer combo is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Convenient presets
- Sensor cooking
- Standard size
- Large capacity
- Exhaust adapter for venting
Cons
- Heavy microwave
- Pricey
Thoughts On An OTR Cooker
The best microwaves are common in all kinds of households because of their ability to save counter space, cook quickly and easily, and have many available functions. They come in various styles, price ranges, functionalities, and sizes. You’ll want to look for the one that fits your space, matches your kitchen, cooks the way you want it to, such as a convection type, and has the features you want your appliance to have. If you’re considering purchasing a microwave, you can explore a range of options, from affordable to expensive models and basic designs to high-end models, all of which have been reviewed by consumer reports. Choose one with excellent ventilation and extra features catering to your cooking needs. Now that you know what to look for in the OTR microwaves, it’s time to get out there and shop for one for your family’s kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Best Design Is Reliable?
The brands that are considered to be the most reliable are LG, Sharp, and Signature Kitchen Suite.
Is The OTR Microwave Good?
They’re very good for your kitchen because they don’t take up counter space and can come with many different cooking methods. You can even get a convection type that can cook whole meals quickly. They look nice and are usually quite large, as well.
Signs The OTR Microwave Is Bad?
It may start making different noises, and the seal might not work to close the door fully. It’s a bad sign if you see smoke or smell something burning. If you notice your food isn’t cooking the same as it used to, the appliance may be starting to fail.
Do I Need An OTR Microwave?
How Far Does It Need To Be Above Your Stove?
You should have it about 18 inches above the top of the stove.
Can An RF Be Built Into A Cabinet?
Are Over-The-Range Microwave Ovens Out Of Style?
OTR microwave ovens aren’t necessarily “out of style,” but kitchen design trends do evolve.
How Much Does Home Depot Charge To Install An RF Cooker?
Home Depot provides RF oven installation services at an additional cost and offers a range of similar models. The installation cost may vary depending on the specific requirements of your installation, such as the type of microwave, its features like touch controls and a popcorn button, and the location within your kitchen. Factors like cold spots, the best budget options, and build quality may influence the final cost. To get an accurate quote for microwave installation, it’s recommended to reach out to your local Home Depot store or check their website. Additionally, if you have any questions or need assistance setting up your microwave, In that case, Home Depot can provide guidance and support, including compatibility with voice assistants like Google Assistant, as well as cook times and other helpful information to ensure a seamless installation process.
How Long Does It Take To Install An OTR Microwave?
Installing an OTR can vary depending on several factors, including the specific microwave models, prior experience with such installations, whether or not existing hardware exists, and any unexpected issues that might arise during the process. However, on average, for someone experienced with installing OTR or with a background in handy work, it might take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Does Home Depot Uninstall The Old Microwave?
Home Depot does offer haul-away services for old appliances when you purchase a new appliance, and delivery is included in its price. This means that if you buy a new appliance from Home Depot and opt for delivery and installation service, Home Depot service can typically remove and haul away your old one.
Are All OTR Microwave Mounts The Same?
No, not all OTR appliance mounts have similar ways. While many OTRs have similar mounting mechanisms and templates, there can be differences based on what brand, model, and design of this appliance you want to have and buy.
Is LG Or GE Microwave Better?
Whether LG or GE microwaves are “better” depends on specific models, individual preferences, and the features one values most. Both LG and GE are reputable brands that produce high-quality microwaves with various features and price points.
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Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Cath Aguinaldo
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