Kitchen appliances form a crucial part in a person’s life. One such convenient kitchen appliance is the over-the-stove microwave oven, more commonly known as the over-the-range (OTR) microwave oven. The OTR microwave ovens have taken the place of standard countertop microwave ovens, by offering a great opportunity to free up kitchen counter space and also for providing ventilation option for the stove (range).
Most models are designed with outdoor vented speed fan assembly and built-in lights in order to illuminate the cooking area. Some even come with sensors that automatically turn on the exhaust fan in order to cool the oven.
With the advancement of technology, one unavoidable question that comes in one’s mind is ‘Are over-the-range microwave ovens a good choice for homes?’ Well, the answer this question is a big yes as it would allow centralizing the cooking with a microwave over the range (stove) and not having the necessity to pay for the hood.
How to Choose the Best over the Stove Microwave Oven
Before you go out to buy the best over-the-stove microwave ovens, you need to ensure that it meets your needs and requirements. A well-informed knowledge about the OTR microwave ovens can turn to be very useful. Hence, the points that you would need to take a look into are:
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Measurements
Before picking the over-the-stove microwave ovens, one should measure the width of the stove of their kitchen. Depending on the measure of the range, the microwave oven must be chosen.
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Budget
Depending on the size and brand one chooses, the pricing of the over-the-range microwave can vary. If one’s budget is around $300 to 500, one can easily go for mid-sized over-the-stove microwave ovens. If one can spend more, one can go for bigger models.
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Features
Decide the features that you would want in an over-the-range microwave. So one should make a list of the best over-the-stove microwave ovens and check it comes with convection mode as well as microwave heating. One should also check if the microwave ovens come with touch-pad features and with child-lock safety.
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Wattage
Irrespective of the model one chooses for their over the stove microwave oven they usually come in different wattage for diverse functions. The more the wattage the faster food gets cooked. So if you want to cook food super-fast, ensure that over the stove microwave counter comes with great wattage.
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Cooking Functionality
Make sure the over-the-range microwave ovens comes with defrosting options. It should come with many programmable power options in order to cook various kinds of meal.
When it comes to these OTR microwave ovens, you need to make sure that you go for the best models in the market.
Top 5 Best over the Stove Microwave Ovens
Are you planning to buy an over-the-range microwave oven in your kitchen? Let’s take a look into the top five models of OTR microwave ovens that promises to deliver great level of performance.
1. GE Over-the-Range Microwave
GE’s JNM3163DJBB is the most popular model among customers. This 1.6 cubic foot capacity oven comes with 300-cfm venting system. It can easily get rid of smoke, steam and odors. Some pre-programmed features of this oven like auto defrost and time defrost are very easy to use. For best results, one can go for power levels that can be programmed manually or automatically.
2. Sharp Over-the-Range Microwave
Sharp’s R-1514 model of microwave oven can be easily mounted on the cabinets. It’s available in stainless steel color. The convenient auto-touch control panel can be operated with the touch of a button. This OTR microwave oven from Sharp offers 11 Smart and Easy sensor settings for most-popular micro-waved foods. Also, the large carousel adds versatility to the oven. This 1-1/2 cubic feet oven can easily meet the needs of a family very
3. GE Over the Range Microwave Oven
If you are concerned about finding a 1000 watt over-the-range microwave oven, you should go for JVM3160DFCC model. This is manufactured by GE. It has a good and proper control panel that offers convenient cooking controls, such as Popcorn, Potato, Beverage, Reheat, and Defrost. The two speed 300-CFM ventilation system can get rid of odors, steam very easily.
4. Sharp Over-the-range Convection Microwave
Want more than simply heating and cooking features? You can go for Sharp’s R1874T OTR Convection Microwave ovens. This 850-Watt over-the range convection microwave oven make the job of baking, roasting or crisping food pretty simple. The stainless steel finish makes cleaning very easy. The oven comes with an interactive display. It’s easy to use as it comes with smart and easy sensor setting. The convenient turntable offers even heating.
5. LG Over-the-Range Microwave
This microwave comes with 10 power levels. This OTR microwave oven comes in black color and offers a stainless steel finish. This 1.7 cubic feet capacity offers great lighting. The small magnetic backed timer is placed just above the keypad.
Check Reviews
Before purchasing microwave ovens, it is important to go through the customer reviews and ratings. OTR ovens that receive rave reviews are worth going for. After all, the review can help a user to get an idea if the OTR ovens would meet their requirements.
Interesting FAQs
Can metal utensils be used in microwave?
One shouldn’t use metal cookware in a pure microwave mode.
Does the vent through an attachable pipe or back into the kitchen?
It can be vented outside and one needs to require switching the fan’s position.
Is there any warranty?
OTR ovens come with a warranty. One needs to check with the retailer.
Can I cook food under auto-mode?
Yes, you can. You can cook dishes simply by pressing the pre-programmed buttons of the ovens.
To Sum Up
Microwaves form an important part of a person’s household. Whether you are looking for a microwave or a microwave along with a convection mode, you can easily go for these aforementioned microwave ovens. These best over the stove microwave ovens can easily meet every requirement that a user usually wants from an oven.