OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE BUYING GUIDE
Choosing an over-the-range microwave starts with understanding what sets them apart from other microwave types. From capacity and dimensions to presets, cooking functions, cleaning features and more, this guide walks you through the key factors to consider as you choose the right microwave for your needs.
WHAT IS AN OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE?
Over-the-range microwaves can pull double duty—they cook your food and help ventilate your kitchen. Installed right above the cooktop, they’re designed to help clear away smoke, steam and cooking odors, and typically include built-in lighting.
These space-saving microwaves range from simple, budget-friendly models with basic functions to advanced options equipped with presets, cooking modes and versatile features to help you get your food cooked fast.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE
Choosing an over-the-range microwave means finding a model that fits both your space and lifestyle. Consider the factors below—from ventilation requirements to cooking functions, finishes and more—to help narrow your search.
1. SIZE AND CAPACITY
Before choosing an over-the-range microwave, it’s important to make sure your space can accommodate its capacity and dimensions. Most models are around 30" wide, 17" high and 15" to 18" deep when the door is closed. Capacity usually ranges from 0.8 to 2.1 cu. ft., while sleek low-profile options typically offer just over 1 cu. ft. for a smaller footprint.
2. VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS
Over-the-range microwaves are usually factory set to vent externally, using your home’s ductwork to help remove smoke, steam and odors to the outdoors. If your kitchen isn’t set up with ductwork to vent outside, some models offer recirculating ventilation that moves air through a charcoal filter before releasing it back into the kitchen. Keep in mind that these filters require regular cleaning and replacement.
Select Maytag® over-the-range microwaves offer flexible installation for either external venting or recirculation, depending on what works best for your space.
3. WATTAGE
Microwave wattage measures cooking power, with higher wattage typically indicating faster cook times and more versatile features. Most models range from 600 to 1,700 watts, with 1,000 watts being the standard for most recipes you’ll encounter.
Lower wattages (600-800 watt microwaves) work well for simple tasks like reheating drinks, while higher wattages (1,000+ watt microwaves) handle more complex cooking and may even offer features like browning or crisping, like those on select Maytag® Microwaves with the Brown Function.
4. LIGHTING
Over-the-range microwaves often feature built-in LED or halogen lighting that brightens your cooktop, giving you a clear view while you cook. Lighting can also add a warm, inviting glow to your kitchen in the evening, with some models offering adjustable light settings so you can create an inviting ambiance.
5. COOKING FUNCTIONS
While all microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat food, some models go well beyond the basics. Today’s over-the-range microwaves can include features like steaming, crisping and even air frying, right in the microwave.
For example, select Maytag® models offer a Convection Cooking Mode that bakes and crisps without needing a separate oven. Others include an Air Fry Function, which uses dual heating elements and a fan to circulate hot air, delivering crispy results with less oil1 and no preheating required.
Dual Crisp Feature
Microwaves that are built to do more
Maytag® microwaves with the Dual Crisp Feature are built to do more, taking your frozen favorites and delivering crispy results
6. PRESETS
Over-the-range microwave presets make mealtime easier by handling the guesswork for you. With just the touch of a button, you can prep everything from popcorn to potatoes using pre-programmed settings tailored to specific foods.
The number and variety of presets vary by model, with more advanced microwaves offering more options. For example, select Maytag® microwaves include presets to reheat pizza, defrost meats, poultry, or fish, soften butter or ice cream, and pop a bag of popcorn for family movie night.
7. TURNTABLE
Most microwaves rely on a turntable to rotate food for even cooking. However, some over-the-range models take a different approach by eliminating the turntable altogether, making room for larger or multiple dishes. Select Maytag® over-the-range microwaves feature a Turntable-Free Design that delivers corner-to-corner cooking that makes it easier to prepare more than one dish at a time.
8. EASE OF CLEANING
Exploding butter or splattering soup can leave a mess behind, but cleaning your microwave doesn’t have to be a hassle. Some over-the-range models are designed with easy-to-clean interiors or built-in cleaning features to make the job simpler.
For example, select Maytag® microwaves offer a convenient 15-minute Steam Clean cycle—just add water, run the cycle and wipe it down with a damp sponge. Plus, a Non-Stick Interior Coating and smudge-resistant PrintShield™ Finish on the exterior of select models helps keep both the inside and outside looking clean with less effort.
9. STYLE AND FINISHES
Some microwaves—like this Maytag® over-the-range model—are available in built-in styles that sit flush with your cabinetry for a seamless, integrated look. You can opt for smudge-resistant finishes like the Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel or PrintShield™ Finish available on select Maytag® microwaves, helping keep fingerprints at bay. When it comes to design details, you’ll likely find more options in handle types. Decide if a hidden pocket handle, classic handle bar or modern push-to-open door best fits your kitchen’s style.
SHOP MAYTAG® OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES WITH CONVECTION
Maytag® over-the-range microwaves go beyond simple reheating. Convection Mode on select models heats food inside and out to seal in flavors and juices—so you can leave the browning, baking and crisping to the microwave. Select Maytag® convection microwaves also feature Electronic Temperature Control, which lets you follow traditional recipes and enter a temperature like you would in your oven, so you don't have to guess cook times and power levels.
WHAT ARE OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE PROS AND CONS?
Over-the-range microwaves can be a smart addition to your kitchen, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Take a look at the pros and cons below to help you decide if this configuration is the right fit for your space, cooking habits and lifestyle.
PROS
Space-saving convenience: Helps clear up space on the countertop and keep cooking centralized, letting you take ingredients from the microwave to the stovetop without crossing the kitchen.
Ventilation: These microwaves double as kitchen ventilation so you can tackle smoke and odors from the stovetop below.
- Lighting: Over-the-range models offer ambient lighting for a nightlight in the kitchen and help illuminate the stovetop while you navigate recipes.
CONS
Hang over stovetop: Over-the-range microwaves can extend beyond the base of your upper cabinets and encroach on space above the cooktop, creating slightly less room to navigate cooking with tall stockpots on the stove.
Accessibility: Shorter individuals or those with mobility challenges may struggle to access an over-the-range microwave installed above the stovetop.
- Venting power: Over-the-range microwaves tend to have less powerful venting when compared to traditional range hoods, which are designed solely to vent, and therefore, may not be as effective for those who prefer cooking techniques like stir frying.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE FOR YOU
To choose the best over-the-range microwave for you, start by thinking about the dimensions that work for your cabinet cutout and decide what capacity will accommodate your family’s cooking habits. Most models range from 1 to 2 cu. ft., offering plenty of room for everyday meals.
If you’re cooking for a family of four or more, consider going with at least 1.7 cu. ft. to handle larger dishes or multiple items at once. From there, look for features tailored to your cooking habits, whether that's reheating leftovers, steaming veggies, defrosting meat or crisping up nuggets and fries. Don’t forget to check the wattage, as this can impact cooking times, and pick a finish that fits your kitchen’s style.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES
Maytag® over-the-range microwaves give the power to do more with mealtime. The Dual Crisp Feature uses an extended cycle to crisp up everything from soggy pizza to frozen french fries. A broiler-like crisp element combines with microwave cooking power to deliver better microwaved meals. Plus, the Interior Cooking Rack on some models gives you the space you need to cook your whole meal at one time. The second surface lets you stack your side dishes on top of your main dish.
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