Buying Guide - Over the Range Microwave

9.22.21

Purchasing new appliances can be both exciting and daunting.

New appliances elevate your kitchen’s look and feel while also offering you the latest features to simplify your life. However, there are a lot of choices along the way that may cause confusion and concerns. That’s why we’re here to help! If you’re in the market for a new over-the-range microwave, we help explain it all so you can buy your appliance with confidence. And remember, whether you want to speak with one of our appliance experts over the phone or in person, we are always ready to help!

Size & Capacity

The over-the-range microwave is a two-in-one appliance. These microwaves function as both a microwave and a vent hood for your cooktop to help you save both countertop space and money. Over-the-range microwaves typically offer the same capacity as a traditional microwave, ranging between 1.5 and 2.2 cubic feet, but instead of sitting on your countertop, they are mounted above the cooktop in place of your vent hood. In order to cover your cooktop, these microwaves are typically 30 inches in width and 16-18 inches in height, so they hang a little lower than your upper cabinets. There are now low-profile models from popular manufacturers like KitchenAid and Whirlpool that are shorter to fit in the exact place of a vent hood while still touting enough capacity to fit most dishes.

Are They Powerful Enough?

Each microwave will have a different wattage; the starter models are around 600-800 and are good for small meals and warming up drinks, midrange models are between 800-1000 and are meant for family meals and feature pre-programmed settings like popcorn, pizza, reheat, and so on, while commercial-grade models are between 1000 - 1200 watts. One common concern for replacing a vent hood with an over-the-range microwave is whether it will be powerful enough to actually vent your cooktop. If this is a concern for you, be sure to look at the CFMs of each model. CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and measures the airflow, so the bigger the number - the better. OTR Microwaves range from 300 - 450 CFM while vent hoods can go up to 1200 CFM. You will need to choose between ducted and non-ducted. Ducted microwaves require ductwork installation to clean the air and send it outside while non-ducted microwaves use a filter and send air back into your kitchen.

Modern Features

Today’s over-the-range microwaves offer all the latest features, from sleek stainless-steel finishes and modern handles to front panel controls and smart enabled vents. Smart over-the-range microwaves are WiFi-enabled so you can send cooking instructions from your smartphone, control it with voice-commands, or keep up with service and maintenance. You can also choose a microwave in stainless steel that is fingerprint-resistant so it's easy to clean and stays looking stunning. Some microwaves even come with sensor cooking to track the cooking progress of your food and automatically adjust cook times. If you’ve always wanted to try convection cooking, many over-the-range models offer True Convection so your foods cook faster and to perfect doneness.

At Kelly’s Home Center, we offer a wide range of over-the-range microwaves with the size, power, and features to match your daily lifestyle so you never skip a beat. Whether you need something basic to heat your leftovers or plan to cook family-sized meals with convection, we have what you need!