Best Over-The-Range Microwaves of 2026

The Farberware is the lowest-priced pick in this group, and it still gives you a 1.7-cubic-foot interior and 1000 watts of cooking power. That is the right starting point for a rental kitchen, a first over-the-range replacement, or anyone who wants the counter space back without paying for features they will not use. It does the core job without the extra bulk or the higher price of the larger models. We think it is the budget pick to beat here.

The controls are simple: 10 power levels, a 12.5-inch turntable, auto-cook options, time and weight defrost, melt and soften, and a +30-second key. We found the presets cover the everyday stuff—popcorn, vegetables, a potato—without burying the manual controls. The interior is roomy enough for dinner plates and a medium casserole, though wide platters will feel tight next to the 1.9-cubic-foot models.

Farberware lists a vent fan but does not publish a CFM rating, so this is a safer choice for light cooking than for a high-output gas range. The unit is a two-person install, and the grease filters take a little fiddling to seat. We also noted that the exterior wipes down easily, which matters more than it sounds in a kitchen that sees daily use.

The Midea's 10.3-inch height is the reason to consider it. If your cabinets sit close to the range, or you have a shallow over-range alcove, a full-height microwave can crowd the space and block sightlines. This slim model keeps a low profile while still offering 400 CFM venting and sensor cooking.

The trade-off is capacity. At 1.2 cubic feet, the interior is noticeably smaller than the 1.7- and 1.9-cubic-foot models here, and the 12.4-inch turntable will not take the widest platters. We think that is a fair swap if clearance is your binding constraint; if you regularly cook for a family, the larger ThermoMate is the easier default.

We were pleasantly surprised by how much Midea packs into the slim body: nine power levels, sensor reheat, auto-cook menus, a child lock, and app and voice control. The smart features are handy when your hands are full, but the venting and the low-profile shape are the real reasons to choose it. Plan for a careful two-person install; the mounting still needs a secure bracket and a patient lift.

Three-way venting is the detail that sets the Kenmore apart. If your ductwork runs up, back, or not at all, this model can be configured to match, which takes some of the guesswork out of replacing an older unit.

We think that makes it the pick for a straightforward replacement, especially when the old microwave's vent path is already fixed. The 1.7-cubic-foot interior and 1000 watts are familiar territory, and the six preset cooking options cover the basics without a learning curve. There are 11 power levels for manual cooking, so you are not locked into the presets, and the touch controls are simple enough to use without the manual.

The LED interior light is a help, and the cooktop light illuminates the range below. The 29.9-inch width is sized for a standard 30-inch opening, though you still need to check height and depth before you buy. The stainless finish is easy to wipe down, and the controls are uncluttered.

Two-stage cooking is a small feature with a real use. It lets you set one power level for the first part of a recipe and another for the finish, so a dish can start gently and then heat through without you standing over the keypad. We think the Gasland is the only pick here that lists that capability, and it pairs it with a 1.9-cubic-foot interior and 400 CFM venting.

The 11 power levels, nine presets, removable rack, and 13.5-inch turntable give you room to work. The black finish is a nice change from stainless if the rest of your kitchen leans that way, and the two LED cooktop lights make the range easier to see. The 400 CFM fan is strong for this group, so it can handle more smoke than the 300 CFM models.

The control panel is busier than the simplest models here, and the two-stage mode takes a few extra key presses. That is the trade-off for the flexibility, and it is one we are happy to make when a recipe actually calls for it. If you mostly reheat leftovers, the ThermoMate is the more straightforward buy; if you want a second cooking stage, this is the one.

Sensor cooking at a lower price is the Empava's calling card. The 1.7-cubic-foot model includes sensor cooking and a long list of auto menus, which is more automation than the Farberware offers for a little more money. If you want leftovers to reheat without guessing, this is the budget-minded way to get there.

The 1000-watt output and 11 power levels are familiar for this size. The interior fits standard dinner plates and a covered casserole, though it is not as generous as the 1.9-cubic-foot models. The 1.7-cubic-foot interior is the same size as the Farberware and Kenmore, so it should fit a standard 30-inch opening without surprises. The touch controls are clear, and the child lock is a useful detail if you have small kids.

We think the sensor and auto menus are the reasons to choose this over the Farberware, and the stainless surfaces wipe down easily. Installation is a two-person job, so line up help before delivery. For a simple kitchen that wants a little automation without the top-tier price, it is a sensible middle path.