Over-the-range microwaves are excellent for small kitchens or for these of you’ll like to have extra countertop area out there for putting different objects that you simply use frequently. These should not your common microwaves, so there are some issues that it’s good to know before you purchase them.

They are often extraordinarily environment friendly when you understand what to search for and select the appropriate product, so let’s dig deeper into the subject.

What Is an Over the Vary Microwave?

If in case you have ever discovered your self in a state of affairs the place you struggled to search out your approach by way of the kitchen and put together your meals since you lacked the countertop area to maneuver round freely, then you definitely most likely thought of that it could be an incredible concept to get a few of these home equipment out of the best way.

An over-the-range microwave is mainly a microwave of a selected dimension that permits you to mount it one the wall or place it in a chosen opening subsequent to your kitchen cupboards. Heavier and fewer transportable in comparison with your common microwave oven, these models include built-in exhaust followers that use filters to recycle and recirculate air or they are often ducted outdoors. Over-the-range microwaves will sometimes take the place of a spread hood, however they aren’t as environment friendly as one.

Ideas for Putting in an OTR Microwave

You possibly can simply set up an OTR microwave by your self however there are conditions the place you need to name in an expert. A professional is required when there is no such thing as a current vent duct or no electrical outlet within the proximity of the brand new microwave.

If you’re decide to undergo with the set up your self, you will want a stud finder, a jigsaw, a stage, tape measure, a carpenter’s pencil, drill and bits, a Phillips screwdriver, a ratchet wrench and dockets, tin snips should you’re going to put in a vent, some masking tape, sheet metallic screw, metallic foil tape, an vent collar/vent fittings which are wanted for the mission.

  • Step one is discovering the studs, because the mounting strip for the again of the microwave must be secured to them. Utilizing a stud finder might help. Be sure you mark them down with a pencil as soon as you discover them.
  • Proceed to use template paper on the wall. This could come together with your microwave. You must apply the appropriate template to the cupboards and drill holes the place indicated. These holes are required for venting and energy cords.
  • You’ll have to reduce the opening for the vent relying on how the present vent runs. A jigsaw is greatest used right here.
  • If you’re prepared to put in the mounting bracket in response to the producer’s directions. The strip must be anchored at stud areas for a greater set up.
  • If you place the microwave oven, you would possibly require a bit little bit of help to place it in place. {The electrical} wire ought to undergo the drilled gap.
  • Whereas the one who helps you holds the microwave in place, connect the highest mounting bolts (which must be delivered with the equipment). With the microwave in place, go into the higher cupboard and thread the bolts by way of the drilled holes. The one who is holding the microwave can let go when the bolts are threaded, and you may proceed to tighten them.
  • The final step requires connecting the duct when you have a venter microwave mannequin. Observe that this step would possibly require some becoming. Don’t overlook to seal all joints utilizing metallic tape.

Learn how to Select

There are few particular options that it’s good to take note of when shopping for an over the vary microwave, and these embody:

  • The dimensions of the microwave is essential, particularly in case your kitchen area is considerably restrictive. These merchandise can be found in several widths, and normally measure about 17 inches in peak, 16 inches in depth, and 30 inches in width. Contemplating the truth that what units these merchandise aside from common microwaves is the truth that they should match over your vary, measuring that area is a vital a part of figuring out the appropriate measurement to your future OTR microwave.
  • The wattage performs a serious function in how the unit will carry out when required to warmth your meals. An over-the-range microwave ought to have between 900 and 1,000 watts. Something decrease will trigger the meals to warmth inconsistently, and extra highly effective models, whereas higher, are costlier.
  • The microwave’s management panel is normally positioned on the appropriate facet of the door, however this varies from one mannequin to a different. The placement of the management panel is essential relying on the peak at which it’s positioned. If you need the unit to be accessible to shorter members of the family, you need to take that into consideration once you’re navigating totally different designs.
  • The settings of the unit will grant you management over the totally different options, and you may just about work out if a microwave is nice for you primarily based on the settings it has. You need a unit that permits you to arrange your individual cooking time, in addition to the ability stage. You would possibly wish to select microwaves with defrost settings or these with presets that embody potatoes or pizza.
  • Convection heating is discovered on some fashions that aren’t simply microwaves but in addition double as convection ovens. These models include heating components that may prepare dinner sure meals higher. For example, they will roast a turkey or give your pizza that good crispy crust you like. With this extra heating system, the microwave is extra prone to put together meals evenly.
  • These kinds of microwaves include exhaust hoods. The vents on these microwaves can push air inside or outdoors the home. They normally have charcoal filters that take away grease and smoke from the air, stopping it from recirculating within the room. The exhaust fan on a microwave wants a minimal of 300 cubic ft to be environment friendly.

The Greatest Over the Vary Microwaves

ZLINE Kitchen and Bathtub Black Stainless Metal

ZLINE Kitchen and Bath Black Stainless SteelView in gallery

The ZLINE microwave is right here to indicate you the way high-performance expertise can match right into a compact machine that provides loads of options for versatile cooking and meals heating. There are many spectacular options to speak about, comparable to the truth that you may boil water in 2 minutes and 15 seconds. With a 900 watts energy cap, this microwave consists of the auto-defrost function, convection and sensor cooking, plus a bunch of shortcut choices for making popcorn or different goodies. It measures 16.4” H x 30” W x 15” D and has a capability of 1.5 cubic ft.

Cosmo Microwave with Sensor Cooking

Cosmo Microwave with Sensor CookingView in gallery

Subsequent up, we now have the Cosmo over-the-range microwave, one other wonderful product with options that provide higher and extra exact management over the best way you put together or warmth your meals. It has as much as 1,000 watts of energy, providing even heating for no matter you place on the turntable. It’s outfitted with a wise sensor that may detect when your meals is scorching and comes with an non-obligatory rack for heating a number of forms of meals on the identical time. It has 6 pre-programmed cooking choices, but it surely lacks convection cooking. It measures 16.4” H x 29.8” W x 15.4” D and has a 1.9 cubic ft capability.

Cosmo 30″ 1.6 cu.ft. Over-the-Vary Microwave

Cosmo 30" 1.6 cu.ft. Over-the-Range MicrowaveView in gallery

One other nice buy from Cosmo is that this 1.6 cubic foot over-the-range microwave. Capped at 1,000 watts of energy, the whole lot about this unit is superb, beginning with the show that’s simple to learn and the black entrance that makes each kitchen look elegant and high-tech. It has a black glass end that brings a contemporary enchantment to your kitchen. There are a number of presets that assist you to function the microwave with a single push of a button. It doesn’t supply convection heating but it surely does supply sensor heating. There are 10 energy ranges to select from with this 16.4” H x 29.9” W x 15” D unit.

Samsung Over-the-Vary Microwave

Samsung Over-the-Range MicrowaveView in gallery

Samsung isn’t any stranger to creating high-quality home equipment and devices, so it ought to come as a shock that they make a number of the greatest over-the-range microwaves available on the market. This explicit mannequin is accessible in all types of end choices, from white to chrome steel. The microwave measures 17.06” H x 29.88” W x 16.5” D and has a capability of 1.9 cubic ft, which must be sufficient to warmth loads of meals without delay. It comes with 5 autocook choices and options sensor cooking to your comfort. The end of the microwave is fingerprint resistant, simply to make cleansing a bit simpler.

Bosch Over-the-Vary Microwave

Bosch Over-the-Range MicrowaveView in gallery

One other killer microwave is that this mannequin by Bosch, a model I’m positive you’re all accustomed to by now. This explicit mannequin comes with LED console lettering that makes it simpler on the eyes, plus a couple of extra options that make it definitely worth the cash. It has convection cooking to ship an oven-type expertise. The multi-speed vent will make certain to take away smoke and odors from the kitchen, leaving you with no regrets after utilizing it. It has a reheat setting that may decide the cooking time and energy stage wanted to warmth your meals to perfection. It measures 16.5” H x 29.88” W x 15.88” D total and has a capability of 1.8 cubic ft.

Sharp Over-The-Vary Convection Microwave Oven

Sharp Over-The-Range Convection Microwave OvenView in gallery

Sharp delivers probably the greatest over-the-range microwaves, with options and capabilities that make it a superb kitchen equipment. It has a smaller capability than the opposite microwaves we’ve checked out immediately, with only one.1 cubic ft to supply. It has an 850 watts energy capability and measures 16.34” H x 29.9” W x 15.3” D. It affords each convection cooking (with 1,400 watts of energy) and sensor cooking. It comes with a built-in exhaustion system that equips a two-speed air flow fan plus a hood gentle. There are 8 sensor cooking choices to select from.

Frigidaire Gallery Over-the-Vary Convection Microwave

Frigidaire Gallery Over-the-Range Convection MicrowaveView in gallery

With a complete of 1.5 cubic ft and a 1,450-watt energy capability, this over-the-range microwave is a real winner. It affords convertible air flow which signifies that you get to decide on whether or not you need the unit to recirculate the air contained in the room or have it ducted outdoors. It comes with a charcoal filter and a couple of grease filters that ought to hold you lined for some time. It integrates cooktop lighting and has a fairly candy evening gentle choice as effectively. It affords each convection and sensor cooking. Total, this Frigidaire unit measures 16.37” H x 29.87” W x 15.75” D and comes with a turntable of 13.63 inches in diameter.

GE JVM3160RFSS Over-the-Vary Microwave Oven

GE JVM3160RFSS Over-the-Range Microwave OvenView in gallery

Coming in robust at 15.25 x 29.88 x 16.5 inches, the GE JVM3160RFSS microwave is one other appropriate choice for these desirous about an honest microwave that doesn’t price a small fortune. This mannequin affords 1,000 watts of energy and a complete capability of 1.6 cubic ft. The management panel is situated on the appropriate facet of the unit and grants management over options and settings you could manually program for customized outcomes. It’s outfitted with a two-speed venting system and options 10 energy ranges.

Panasonic NN-CD87KS Residence Chef Microwave Oven

Panasonic NN-CD87KS Home Chef Microwave OvenView in gallery

This Panasonic isn’t precisely an over the vary microwave as a result of it measures 22”W x 13.4”H x 17”D, however it’s nonetheless a product that may be put in in a chosen area above the kitchen counter, so that you don’t must occupy any countertop area should you don’t wish to. What makes the Panasonic NN-CD87KS actually particular is that proven fact that it really works as a microwave, convection oven, air fryer, and broiler, all in a single product. The convection function works at temperatures between 100° and 425° F. The air fryer function circulates air so to make crispy meals with out having to wash them in oil. With the broiler function, you can also make meals which are frown and toasty.

FAQ

Is over the vary microwave good?

If in case you have restricted countertop area in your kitchen, an over the vary microwave is unquestionably the appropriate selection. Since they don’t occupy any area on the floor of your kitchen furnishings, they’re excellent for opening up area.

Are over the vary microwaves a regular measurement?

Most over the vary microwaves that you simply’ll discover available on the market have a 30-inch width so as to match the cutout the place they’re going to be put in.

What’s the greatest over the vary microwave oven to purchase?

There are many manufacturers that make actually good over the vary microwaves, comparable to Samsung, GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, and Panasonic.

Does over the vary microwave have to be vented?

So far as air flow is worried, you will have two various kinds of over the vary microwaves: some enable the set up of a air flow system whereas others include charcoal filters that may recycle the air contained in the kitchen.

In Conclusion

An over-the-range microwave is a kitchen equipment that should mix performance and aesthetics. It has to suit into the kitchen design and the area that’s particularly designed for it. With an over-the-range microwave, you may liberate lots of countertop area, as common microwaves may be fairly massive and ponderous. The specs for such a product are fairly just like these of a daily microwave, with the main variations being in the truth that these fashions can have air flow performance and may double as convection ovens.

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