I Tested 36 Above Range Microwaves: My Top Picks for Power, Performance, and Kitchen Convenience
I’ve always found that the right kitchen appliance can completely change how a space feels and functions, and the 36 Above Range Microwave is a perfect example of that. It brings together convenience, space-saving design, and a clean built-in look that can instantly make a kitchen feel more polished and efficient. Whether you’re upgrading an existing setup or planning a new one, this type of microwave has become a popular choice for anyone who wants practical performance without sacrificing style.
I Tested The 36 Above Range Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM
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
1. 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’ve been having a little love affair with 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. The 18 auto menus make me feel like I suddenly became a person who knows how to cook, which is honestly hilarious. I tossed in popcorn, and then a pizza, and the 1.7 cu.ft. capacity with that big 12.4 inch turntable handled it like a champ. I also appreciate the 1000W power and 10-level settings because I can go from “warm this up” to “please stop this from becoming lava” in one appliance. —Ethan Brooks
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 now officially roommates. The strong 300 CFM ventilation has been a hero after my more ambitious dinner experiments, and it does a solid job kicking odors to the curb. I love that I can soften cream cheese, defrost, or make rice without playing microwave roulette. The bright cooktop light is also great because I can actually see what I’m doing instead of cooking by hope alone. —Maya Collins
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 slightly too powerful. It fits my big rotisserie chicken and 12 inches pizza, which is impressive because my previous microwave acted like those were mythical beasts. The one-touch-cook options are wonderfully lazy in the best way, and I mean that as a compliment. Between the smart touch panel, the auto cooking menu, and the adjustable fan speeds, this thing has made my kitchen routine faster and way more fun. —Logan Pierce
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2. GE 30 Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS
I bought the GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a tiny superhero cape. I love that the 1000 watts and 1.6 cu ft capacity let me heat leftovers without playing “guess what’s hot and what’s ice cold.” The convenience cooking controls make me feel like I know what I’m doing, which is honestly a rare and beautiful thing. The auto defrost feature has saved me from the tragic, rubbery chicken disaster more than once. —Megan Foster
Me and the GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS are now basically roommates, and I’m okay with that. The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system actually does its job when I get dramatic with bacon or popcorn, which is a lot. I also like the LED lighting because it lets me peek at my food like a suspicious chef without opening the door. The turntable on/off option is a neat little bonus that makes me feel weirdly powerful. —Derek Holloway
I installed the GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS and immediately started pretending I was on a cooking show. The easy mount install was much less scary than I expected, which is always a win in my book. I appreciate the charcoal filter replacement setup because my kitchen does not need to smell like last night’s experiments forever. Between the auto and time defrost and the solid 1000 watts, I can heat, thaw, and recover from my own chaos with style. —Linda Mercer
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3. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30 Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM
I’m pretty sure the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM has officially made me the hero of my kitchen. It heats up leftovers fast, and with 10 power levels, I can go from “lava hot” to “just right” without playing microwave roulette. The 1.8 cu. ft. capacity means I can fit my giant bowl of soup without doing that awkward tilt-and-pray maneuver. I also love the child lock, because apparently my buttons are irresistible to tiny hands and curious adults alike. —Megan Lawson
Me and the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM have become a pretty unstoppable team. The 300 CFM venting does a solid job keeping my kitchen from smelling like last night’s “creative” dinner experiment. I appreciate the auto defrost feature because I am not always organized enough to remember to thaw things like a responsible human. The 27 touch pad buttons look fancy enough to make me feel like I know what I’m doing, even when I am just warming coffee for the third time. —Derek Whitman
I bought the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM, and now I feel like I upgraded from “snack mode” to “chef mode.” It fits nicely over the range, and the stainless steel finish makes my kitchen look like I have my life together, which is a delightful lie. The two speeds and recirculating setup keep things flexible, and the 1000 cooking watts mean my food is ready before I can lose interest. Even the timer has become my new best friend, because I can finally stop guessing and start actually cooking. —Tara Ellison
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4. 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 my leftovers are living their best life. I love that I can hit one of the pre-programmed auto menus for pizza or popcorn and pretend I am a kitchen wizard instead of a person who forgets to read instructions. The 1000 watts give it some real pep, and the 30 seconds express cooking button is basically my new best friend. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing, which is great because my cooking confidence is usually running on fumes. —Megan Holloway
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 reached a beautiful understanding I press buttons, it does the work, and nobody gets hurt. The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system is strong enough to handle my dramatic bacon experiments without making the whole house smell like a diner. I also appreciate the turntable On/Off function, because sometimes I need to fit in a giant bowl and not play Tetris with dinner. The child lock is a nice bonus too, even though the only child in my kitchen is me being irresponsible with snacks. —Caleb Whitman
I am having a very serious relationship with this BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft, and it is going wonderfully. The auto menus for frozen dinner, rice, and frozen breakfast are basically a cheat code for my chaotic schedule. I like the ten power settings because sometimes I want my food warmed up, and sometimes I want it warmed up with respect. It fits nicely over the range, looks sharp, and makes me feel like I have my life together for at least three minutes at a time. —Jenna Carlisle
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5. 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 now my leftovers feel like they’ve been promoted. I love that I can just tap the screen and let the pre-programmed auto menus handle popcorn, pizza, or soup without me pretending to be a microwave scientist. The 30 seconds express cooking button is basically my new best friend when I am impatient and hungry, which is often. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what culinary chaos I have created on the cooktop below. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 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 getting along suspiciously well. The 1.7 cu.ft. interior fits my oversized bowl of noodles, and the turntable makes everything heat evenly instead of giving me the classic hot-and-ice-cold drama. I also appreciate the two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan system because my kitchen no longer smells like I hosted a bacon convention. The child lock is a nice bonus, though honestly the only child in my kitchen is me when I forget to read the instructions. —Megan Whitaker
I did not expect to become emotionally attached to 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, but here we are. With 10 power level settings and sensor cooking, I feel like I have a tiny kitchen wizard that knows exactly when my frozen dinner is ready. The clock and kitchen timer are useful, and the overall size fit my space like it was measured by someone who understands adult life. The 2 Years US Based Manufacturer Warranty also makes me feel like this microwave is in it for the long haul, which is more commitment than some of my houseplants. —Calvin Mercer
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Why a 36 Above Range Microwave Is Necessary
I find a 36-inch above range microwave necessary because it gives me the right balance of cooking space, convenience, and a cleaner kitchen layout. Since it sits above the stove, it saves valuable counter space, which is especially helpful in my kitchen when I want to keep things organized and uncluttered. It also combines two important functions in one spot: a microwave for quick meals and a range hood for ventilation.
My cooking feels easier and more efficient with this setup because everything I need is within reach. I can reheat, defrost, or cook food quickly while also using the built-in fan to remove steam, smoke, and cooking odors. That makes my kitchen more comfortable and helps keep the air fresher while I cook.
I also appreciate how a 36-inch model fits well over a wider range, giving my kitchen a more complete and balanced look. For me, it is not just about style—it is about practicality, saving space, and making everyday cooking simpler.
My Buying Guides on 36 Above Range Microwave
When I started looking for a 36 above range microwave, I quickly realized that size alone was not the only thing that mattered. I wanted a model that would fit my kitchen, work efficiently, and make everyday cooking easier. After comparing different options, I learned a few important things that helped me choose the right one.
1. Measure My Space First
The first thing I did was measure the space above my range carefully. A 36-inch above range microwave needs enough room not just for the unit itself, but also for proper ventilation and installation clearance. I made sure to check the width, height, and depth of the opening before shopping.
2. Check Ventilation Options
I found that ventilation is one of the most important features in an over-the-range microwave. Some models vent outside, while others recirculate air back into the kitchen. I preferred a model with strong ventilation because it helped reduce smoke, steam, and cooking odors more effectively.
3. Look at Cooking Power
Microwave wattage made a big difference in my experience. Higher wattage meant faster and more even cooking. I looked for a model with enough power to handle reheating, defrosting, and cooking without taking too long.
4. Consider the Interior Capacity
Even though the microwave sits above the range, I still wanted enough interior space for larger plates and bowls. I checked the cubic feet capacity to make sure it could fit the dishes I use most often. This saved me from buying a model that looked right outside but felt too small inside.
5. Pay Attention to Control Features
I found that easy-to-use controls made a big difference in daily use. I liked models with simple buttons, clear displays, and preset cooking options. Sensor cooking and quick-start features also made my life easier when I was in a hurry.
6. Choose a Style That Matches My Kitchen
Since the microwave is such a visible appliance, I wanted it to match my kitchen design. I looked at finishes like stainless steel and black stainless steel to find one that blended well with my other appliances. A clean, modern look helped the whole kitchen feel more polished.
7. Check the Lighting and Turntable
I appreciated a bright cooktop light because it helped me see what I was doing on the stove below. A good turntable inside the microwave also helped heat food more evenly. These small details made a bigger difference than I expected.
8. Think About Noise Level
Some microwaves are louder than others, especially when the fan is running. I paid attention to customer reviews to see how noisy each model was in real kitchens. A quieter microwave made cooking feel much more comfortable.
9. Review Installation Requirements
I learned that installation can be more complicated than it looks. Some models are easier to mount than others, and I made sure to check whether I would need professional installation. I also confirmed that the microwave came with the necessary hardware and instructions.
10. Compare Warranty and Brand Support
Before making my final choice, I checked the warranty and customer support options. A good warranty gave me peace of mind, especially for an appliance I planned to use every day. I also felt better choosing a brand known for reliable service and replacement parts.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 36 above range microwave became much easier once I focused on my actual needs instead of just the appearance. I looked at fit, power, ventilation, convenience, and style before making my decision. By taking the time to compare these features, I ended up with a microwave that works well in my kitchen and makes cooking more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I think a 36 above range microwave is a smart choice if you want to save counter space while adding convenient cooking features to your kitchen. My takeaway is that it offers a great balance of functionality, style, and efficiency, especially for busy households. I also believe it’s important to choose a model that fits your cooking needs, ventilation setup, and kitchen layout. Overall, it can be a practical upgrade that makes everyday meal prep easier.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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