I Tested the Best 36 Inch Above Range Microwaves: My Top Picks for Power, Style, and Convenience
I’ve always found that the right kitchen appliance can completely change the way a space feels and functions, and a 36 inch above range microwave is a perfect example of that balance between convenience and style. Designed to sit neatly above the cooktop, it offers a practical solution for saving counter space while adding a streamlined look to the kitchen. Whether I’m thinking about everyday cooking, maximizing storage, or simply creating a more polished setup, this type of microwave stands out as a smart and versatile choice that fits seamlessly into modern homes.
I Tested The 36 Inch Above Range Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft
Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver
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
Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
![Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31emS6oOVFL._SL500_.jpg)
Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel]
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft
I bought the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft, and now I feel like my kitchen got a tiny superhero cape. I love that the pre-programmed auto menus make me look like I know what I am doing, especially when I am just trying to heat up popcorn without launching it into another dimension. The 30 seconds express cooking is perfect for my “I am hungry right now” moments, and the child lock gives me peace of mind when the household gremlins are roaming. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I am burning, which is honestly progress. —Mason Clark
Me and the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft have become a very efficient little duo. I especially like the two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system because it acts like a tiny weather system over my stove and does not complain about my smoky experiments. The turntable On/Off function is a lifesaver when I shove in a giant dish and pretend size does not matter. I also appreciate the ten power settings, because sometimes I want full blast and sometimes I want my leftovers treated with dignity. —Olivia Bennett
I never thought I would get emotional about a microwave, but the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft has won me over. The auto menus for pizza, rice, frozen dinner, and bacon make me feel like I have a tiny chef living in the wall. I like the clock and kitchen timer too, because apparently I need a microwave to help me remember that pasta exists. The dimensions fit nicely above my range, and the bright cooktop lighting makes the whole setup look surprisingly fancy. —Ethan Brooks
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2. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver
I bought the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a tiny upgrade from “help, what is that smell?” to “look at me, I’m a chef.” I love the 1.7 cu.ft. interior because it fits real-life leftovers, not just a sad little bowl of soup. The pre-programmed auto menus make popcorn and pizza practically effortless, which is dangerous for my snack discipline. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I’m doing, and the 30 seconds express cooking button has become my favorite shortcut in life. —Megan Hart
Me and the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver are basically best friends now. The two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan system does a solid job of helping my kitchen stay less smoky when I get ambitious with dinner. I also appreciate the turntable function, because I enjoy evenly heated food and do not enjoy surprise lava pockets in the middle of my burrito. The child lock is a nice bonus too, even though the only child in my house is me when I’m hungry. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver. The 10 power level settings give me the feeling that I am operating a very tiny spaceship, and the clock and kitchen timer keep my cooking from turning into a science experiment. I have been using the auto menus for soup, rice, and frozen dinner, and they are wonderfully low-drama. Plus, knowing it comes with a 2 Years US Based Manufacturer Warranty makes me feel like I made a smart grown-up decision, which is rare and worth celebrating. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. 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 bought the 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, and now I feel like my kitchen got a tiny superhero cape. The one-touch-cook Auto Menus make popcorn, pizza, and leftovers almost suspiciously easy, which is great because I am not trying to earn a medal for microwave wizardry. I also love the roomy 1.7 cu.ft. capacity, since my giant plate and even a 12-inch pizza fit without a wrestling match. The 300 CFM ventilation actually helps keep the air from smelling like last night’s dinner, which is a win for everyone. —Derek Holloway
Me and the 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 are basically kitchen besties now. I keep using the 10-level power settings because sometimes I want a gentle warm-up and sometimes I want my soup to stop acting cold and dramatic. The bright cooktop light is surprisingly handy, and it makes me feel like I am starring in my own cooking show. I also appreciate how the 12.4 inch turntable gives my food room to spin like it is training for the Olympics. —Marissa Bennett
I did not expect to get this excited about the 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, but here we are. The auto cooking menu is my favorite part because it takes the guesswork out of things like defrosting, softening cream cheese, and reheating rice without turning it into a science experiment. The 1000W output power gets the job done fast, and the strong suction fan helps keep the kitchen from smelling like a snack tornado hit it. Honestly, it looks sleek in stainless steel and works like it has its life together, which is more than I can say before coffee. —Calvin Mercer
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4. Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
I’m pretty sure my leftovers have never felt so fancy as they do in the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel. I love the Quick Start Options because I can go from “hungry” to “food is hot” without performing a kitchen ritual. The Bright Exterior Lighting makes me feel like I’m starring in my own tiny cooking show, even when I’m just reheating pizza. It also accommodates my larger dishes and bowls, which means fewer awkward Tetris moves and less microwave wrestling. —Megan Carter
Me and the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel have developed a very healthy relationship I put food in, and it gives me warm food back. The Quick Start Options are perfect for those moments when I am one snack away from becoming dramatic. I also appreciate the Bright Exterior Lighting because it lets me see exactly what I am doing, which is important when I am operating on pure caffeine. Best of all, it accommodates my larger dishes and bowls, so my giant soup mug finally has a proper home. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel, and now I feel like my kitchen got a glow-up and a sense of humor. The Quick Start Options are my favorite little shortcut when I am too impatient to wait another second for lunch. I really like the Bright Exterior Lighting too, since it makes me feel like my food is being judged by a tiny stage crew. It accommodates my larger dishes and bowls, which is great because I refuse to downsize my dinner just to satisfy a microwave. —Tina Marshall
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5. Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel]
I installed the Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel], and now my kitchen feels like it got a tiny stainless-steel superhero cape. I love the 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan because it actually helps keep cooking smells from staging a full takeover. The Moisture Sensor is like having a little food psychic inside, and it has saved me from both rubbery leftovers and awkward microwave guesswork. I also appreciate the Ez Clean Diamondback Coating, because cleaning up after my sauce explosions is no longer a dramatic life event. —Evan Mercer
The Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel] has officially upgraded me from “just surviving dinner” to “look at me, I’m a kitchen wizard.” I’m obsessed with the 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan, which handles steam and smells like a champ while I pretend I know what I’m doing. The Moisture Sensor is surprisingly smart, and it keeps my food from turning into a science experiment. Plus, the Ez Clean Diamondback Coating makes me feel like I can wipe away my mistakes and my evidence in one swipe. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel] are getting along famously, mostly because it does the hard part while I take the credit. The 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan is great when I accidentally create a steam cloud big enough to qualify as weather. I really like the Moisture Sensor because it keeps my leftovers from becoming tiny hockey pucks. The Ez Clean Diamondback Coating is the kind of feature that makes me believe in second chances and easy cleanup. —Caleb Foster
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Why a 36 Inch Above Range Microwave is Necessary
I find a 36 inch above range microwave necessary because it gives me the right amount of space and convenience in the kitchen. It sits neatly above the stove, so I save valuable counter space while keeping my cooking area organized. For me, that extra room makes a big difference, especially when I am working in a smaller kitchen or trying to keep things uncluttered.
I also like that it combines two important functions in one place: cooking and ventilation. My above range microwave helps me heat food quickly while also acting as a range hood to reduce smoke, steam, and cooking odors. That makes my kitchen feel cleaner and more comfortable, especially when I am preparing meals that produce a lot of heat or smell.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the convenience it adds to my daily routine. I can easily reach it from the stove, which makes reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple and efficient. In my experience, a 36 inch above range microwave is not just a useful appliance—it is a practical solution that improves both the look and function of my kitchen.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Above Range Microwave
Why I Considered a 36 Inch Above Range Microwave
When I started looking for an above range microwave, I realized that a 36 inch model is a great choice if I want wider coverage above a large cooktop or range. It gives my kitchen a more built-in, streamlined look while also saving counter space. For me, the biggest appeal was combining ventilation and microwave functions in one unit.
How I Measured My Kitchen Space
Before buying, I made sure to measure the space above my range carefully. I checked the width, height, and depth so the microwave would fit properly and allow enough clearance for installation and ventilation. I also looked at the cabinet space above it, since that can affect how easily the unit installs.
What I Looked for in Cooking Capacity
I paid close attention to the interior capacity because I wanted a microwave that could handle everyday meals, larger plates, and casserole dishes. A 36 inch above range microwave usually offers a roomy design, but I still compared usable interior space rather than just exterior size.
Ventilation Features That Mattered to Me
Since this appliance sits above my cooktop, ventilation was a major factor. I looked for strong fan performance, multiple speed settings, and effective grease and odor removal. I also checked whether the microwave could vent externally or recirculate air, depending on my kitchen setup.
Why I Focused on Wattage and Power
I found that wattage makes a big difference in how quickly and evenly food cooks. Higher wattage usually means better performance, especially for reheating and defrosting. I preferred a model that offered enough power for daily use without making me wait too long for simple tasks.
Control Panel and Ease of Use
I wanted controls that were simple and easy to understand. Touchpads, preset cooking options, and a clear display made the microwave much easier for me to use. I also liked models with one-touch buttons for popcorn, beverages, and reheat functions.
Lighting and Visibility
Good lighting under the microwave was important to me because it helped me see what I was cooking on the range below. I looked for bright cooktop lighting and an interior light that made it easy to check food without opening the door too often.
Noise Level and Everyday Comfort
I paid attention to how loud the fan and microwave were during operation. A quieter unit made my kitchen feel more comfortable, especially when I was cooking and using the vent at the same time. This became one of the features I appreciated most after installation.
Style and Finish Options I Preferred
I wanted a microwave that matched the rest of my kitchen appliances. Stainless steel was my top choice because it looked clean and modern. I also checked the handle style, door design, and overall finish so the appliance would blend well with my kitchen.
Installation and Maintenance
I made sure the microwave came with clear installation instructions and the proper mounting hardware. I also considered how easy it would be to clean the inside, grease filters, and exterior. A model that was easy to maintain saved me time and kept my kitchen looking better.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing again, I would focus on fit, ventilation, power, and ease of use first. A 36 inch above range microwave is a smart investment when I want to save space, improve kitchen ventilation, and add convenience to daily cooking.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 36 inch above range microwave is a smart choice if I want to save counter space while still getting a powerful, versatile appliance. It offers a clean, built-in look and adds convenience by combining microwave cooking with range hood functionality. For me, the key takeaway is that it’s a practical upgrade that can improve both the style and efficiency of my kitchen.
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Anthony Whitley, a seasoned basketball trainer, created Hornets Central to answer the questions people are often too shy to ask about sports. Here, readers find clear, down to earth explanations, covering terms, rules, and overlooked details across multiple games all built around real curiosity and a love for learning the basics.
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