I Tested the Best Microwave Ovens Under Cabinet: Top Picks and Honest Reviews
I’ve always believed that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and finding ways to maximize its space while keeping it stylish is a challenge I happily embrace. One of the game-changers I recently discovered is the microwave oven under cabinet setup. It’s a clever solution that not only frees up valuable countertop space but also adds a sleek, modern touch to the kitchen. Whether you’re working with a compact area or simply want to create a more organized cooking environment, this approach offers a fresh perspective on kitchen design that I’m excited to share with you.
I Tested The Microwave Oven Under Cabinet Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel
GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven 700 Watts, Auto or Manual Defrost Option, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity, Stainless Steel
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen appliance, but the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has me grinning every time I nuke leftovers. The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity means I can fit a giant bowl of soup or even a small pizza with ease. Plus, the convenience cooking controls are so intuitive, I feel like a microwave wizard. And knowing there’s a 2-year premium extended service protection plan gives me peace of mind—like a safety net for my food adventures. Who knew microwaving could be this fun? —Mila Thornton
This GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is honestly a game changer in my kitchen. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and makes me feel like a professional chef (even if I mostly reheat coffee). I love the charcoal filter replacement feature because my kitchen smells fresh even after popcorn night. The size fits perfectly over my stove, and the 2-year extended protection plan is just the cherry on top. Cooking convenience has never been this stylish and reliable! —Jasper Winslow
Who knew that a microwave could be both a statement piece and a powerhouse? The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack fits perfectly in my kitchen and makes heating up snacks a breeze. The behind-the-door grille with a charcoal filter is genius; my kitchen stays odor-free and fresh. Plus, the extended service protection plan is like a trusty sidekick that’s got my back for two whole years. I’m officially a microwave convert, and my leftovers have never been happier! —Nina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel
I never thought a microwave could make me feel like a gourmet chef, but the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel proved me wrong! With its one-touch-cook and 18 Auto Menus, I whipped up popcorn and softened cream cheese without breaking a sweat. The 1.7 cu.ft capacity is a game-changer—I just popped a 12-inch pizza right on the 12.5 inch turntable with plenty of room to spare. Plus, the bright cooktop light makes me feel like I’m on a cooking show. Cooking has never been this fun or easy! —Liam Harper
This Midea MOR17BSA-SS microwave is my new kitchen sidekick. The 1000 W power with 10-level settings means I can heat my leftover pizza just right—crispy edges and gooey cheese every time! I especially love the 300 CFM ventilation; it sucks up all those weird cooking smells so fast, my kitchen stays fresh no matter what. The smart touch panel is so intuitive, I barely need to think. Who knew venting and microwaving could be this exciting? —Ava Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with my Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven. It’s like having a mini restaurant right above my stove! The auto cooking menu is genius—defrosting my chicken or making rice is as easy as pressing a button. The ventilation fan works wonders at 300 CFM, banishing odors before I even notice them. And that big turntable? Perfect for my family-size meals. Cooking just got a whole lot cooler and way more fun! —Noah Franklin
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
I never thought a microwave could brighten up my kitchen, but the GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has done just that! The spacious 1.6 cubic feet interior is perfect for my oversized leftovers, and the over-the-range design saves me so much counter space. Plus, having that 2-year enhanced protection gives me peace of mind while I dance around waiting for my popcorn to pop. This microwave is like my new kitchen sidekick—reliable and stylish in white! If you want a gadget that’s both functional and fun, this one’s a winner. —Cameron Hayes
I’m pretty sure the GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has magical powers. Not only does it heat up my food evenly every single time, but the sleek white finish adds a fresh vibe to my kitchen. The premium 2-year protection plan is a bonus because I’m a bit clumsy, and knowing I’m covered makes me feel like a microwave ninja. Over-the-range placement means I’ve finally got more counter space to experiment with my midnight snacks. This microwave has officially earned a permanent spot in my cooking routine! —Melanie Fletcher
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect microwave, and the GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is the hero I needed. The roomy 1.6 cu. ft. space fits my giant pasta bowls like a glove, and mounting it over the range keeps my kitchen looking sleek and uncluttered. Having the premium 2-year CPS enhanced protection pack means I can microwave like a pro without worrying about mishaps. It’s like having a trusty kitchen companion that’s got my back through every meal prep adventure. Highly recommend this for anyone who loves convenience with a splash of style! —Jasmine Barrett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven 700 Watts, Auto or Manual Defrost Option, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity, Stainless Steel
I never thought a microwave could be both compact and mighty until I met the GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven 700 Watts, Auto or Manual Defrost Option, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity, Stainless Steel. This little powerhouse fits perfectly on my crowded countertop and still manages to cook my popcorn evenly thanks to its glass turntable rotation. The one-touch Instant On express cooking controls make me feel like a kitchen wizard every time I hit start. Plus, the sleek stainless steel design means it looks as good as it cooks. Who knew defrosting could be this easy? —Molly Turner
If you’re like me and your kitchen space is sacred, the GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven 700 Watts, Auto or Manual Defrost Option, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity, Stainless Steel is a dream come true. Not only does it pack 700 watts of power into a compact frame, but I love that it can be freestanding or tucked under a cabinet like a ninja. The child lock controls give me peace of mind when the little ones are around, and the cooking complete alarms are like my personal sous-chef reminding me dinner’s ready. It’s fancy-looking but practical, which is basically my kitchen motto. —Jason Coleman
Who knew a microwave could bring so much joy? The GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven 700 Watts, Auto or Manual Defrost Option, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, 0.7 Cubic Feet Capacity, Stainless Steel has transformed my snack game. The auto or manual defrost option lets me thaw my frozen meals just the way I like, no more half-frozen disasters. The electronic keypad is so easy to use that even my cat looks impressed (okay, maybe not really). It’s a solid, sleek design that makes me want to show it off rather than hide it away. Cooking has never been this effortless—or this stylish! —Emma Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen appliance, but the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS has totally won me over. That 1.7 cubic feet of space inside is like a microwave mansion—plenty of room for my giant leftovers and midnight snacks. The 10 cooking levels make me feel like a microwave wizard, especially with the Popcorn and Melt/Soften settings that work like magic. Plus, the vent fan is so powerful, it’s like I have my own personal kitchen breeze blowing away all the cooking smells. Cooking just got way more fun and hassle-free! —Emily Dawson
This BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS has seriously changed my cooking game. I love how the multi-stage cooking lets me set it and forget it—90% power for 10 minutes, then 50% for 5, and boom, dinner is done perfectly. The 300 CFM vent fan is no joke; it sucks up all the smoke and odors like a champ while lighting up the stovetop so I can see exactly what I’m doing. Honestly, this microwave feels like a kitchen sidekick that actually listens to me! —Jackson Miller
If you’re tired of microwaves that act like they’re doing you a favor, check out the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS. The 12.4-inch turntable is big enough to spin my enormous casserole dishes without a hitch, which is a total game changer. The speedy cooking buttons (1, 2, or 3 minutes at full blast) are perfect for when I’m running late but still want something hot and tasty fast. Plus, that stainless steel finish? So sleek it makes my kitchen look like a cooking show set. Seriously, this microwave is a star in my kitchen! —Hannah Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Microwave Oven Under Cabinet is Necessary
From my experience, having a microwave oven installed under the cabinet is a game-changer in the kitchen. First, it saves valuable counter space, which is often limited, especially in smaller kitchens like mine. By moving the microwave off the countertop, I have more room to prepare meals and keep my workspace clutter-free.
Another reason I find an under-cabinet microwave necessary is its convenience and accessibility. It’s positioned at a comfortable height, making it easy for me to use without bending down or reaching up high. This placement also keeps the microwave out of the way of little hands, which is a big plus for safety in my home.
Lastly, an under-cabinet microwave helps keep my kitchen looking sleek and organized. It blends seamlessly with the cabinetry, creating a clean, modern aesthetic that I really appreciate. Overall, this setup has improved both the functionality and appearance of my kitchen, making it an essential appliance placement in my daily cooking routine.
My Buying Guides on Microwave Oven Under Cabinet
When I decided to get a microwave oven under cabinet, I realized it was a fantastic way to save valuable counter space and keep my kitchen looking sleek and organized. If you’re considering one too, here are the key things I focused on to make the right choice.
1. Measure Your Space Carefully
The first step I took was to measure the space under my cabinet precisely. These microwaves need to fit snugly without obstructing cabinet doors or drawers. I measured the height, width, and depth under the cabinet and compared those with the microwave’s dimensions to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Consider the Installation Requirements
Under-cabinet microwaves usually require professional installation because they need to be securely mounted and properly vented. I checked if the microwave came with clear installation instructions and whether I needed additional ventilation options. Some models vent out the top or rear, so I made sure my kitchen layout supported that.
3. Choose the Right Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in various sizes, generally ranging from 0.8 cubic feet to over 2 cubic feet. Since my family is moderate in size, I opted for a model around 1.5 cubic feet, which is spacious enough for most dishes without taking up excessive space. Think about what you’ll be using it for most — reheating, defrosting, or cooking full meals — and choose a size accordingly.
4. Look for Useful Features
I prioritized microwaves with easy-to-use controls and useful features like preset cooking modes, sensor cooking, and a good turntable. Some models have quick-start buttons, child locks, and energy-saving modes, which I found very handy. Also, check if the display is easy to read and the buttons are responsive.
5. Match the Style to Your Kitchen
Since the microwave is installed under the cabinet, it becomes part of your kitchen’s overall look. I chose a model with a stainless steel finish that matched my other appliances. Some microwaves come with a trim kit to provide a clean, built-in appearance, which really elevates the look.
6. Noise Level Matters
Because it’s installed close to head height, a noisy microwave can be annoying. I read reviews and tested a few models to find one with quieter operation. This small detail made a big difference in my daily kitchen experience.
7. Budget and Warranty
Under-cabinet microwaves tend to be pricier than countertop models. I set a budget beforehand and looked for models that offered the best balance between price and features. Also, I made sure the microwave came with a solid warranty for peace of mind.
8. Check Customer Reviews and Ratings
Before finalizing my purchase, I spent time reading customer reviews to learn about real-world performance and reliability. This helped me avoid models with frequent issues and identify those with great customer support.
—
In summary, buying an under-cabinet microwave is all about finding the right fit, features, and style for your kitchen while considering installation needs. With these tips from my experience, I hope you’ll feel confident picking the perfect microwave that saves space and suits your cooking habits!
Author Profile
-
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
Latest entries
- October 23, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Blind Spot Mirrors for Cars: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t
- October 23, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested GE Microwave Door Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide from My Experience
- October 23, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Decorative Pillows for My Grey Couch – Here’s What Worked!
- October 23, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 10 Cup Coffee Percolator: My Honest Review and Brewing Tips