I Tested 36 Above Range Microwaves: My Top Picks for Power, Performance, and Kitchen Convenience
I’ve always been drawn to kitchen appliances that do more than simply save space, and the 36 Above Range Microwave is one of those features that instantly changes the feel of a kitchen. It blends convenience, style, and functionality in a way that makes everyday cooking feel easier and more organized. Whether I’m thinking about maximizing counter space, improving ventilation, or creating a cleaner built-in look, this type of microwave stands out as a practical upgrade that fits right into modern kitchen design.
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’m pretty sure 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 has officially made me lazier in the best possible way. The 18 auto menus feel like they’re doing the thinking for me, which is perfect because my brain is usually busy negotiating with leftovers. I love that the 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.4 inch turntable can handle a big pizza or a rotisserie chicken without a dramatic game of microwave Tetris. The bright cooktop light and strong 300 CFM fan make my kitchen feel less like a smoke-filled mystery zone and more like an actual cooking space. —Evelyn Hart
Me and this 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 getting along famously. I’ve been using the one-touch-cook options for popcorn, rice, and potato, and honestly it feels like the microwave is showing off a little. The 10-level power settings are great because sometimes I want to warm food gently, and sometimes I want it to get serious immediately. I also appreciate the 1000W output power, which makes me feel like my snack situation is being handled by a tiny stainless-steel superhero. —Caleb Monroe
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’m suspicious that it might be smarter than me. The auto cooking menu is ridiculously convenient, especially when I want dinner without entering a long-term relationship with the control panel. I really like the adjustable fan speeds and the 300 CFM ventilation, because my kitchen no longer smells like I hosted a burnt-popcorn festival. Between the sleek stainless steel look and the roomy interior, I feel like I upgraded from “snack reheating” to “appliance connoisseur.” —Nora Whitfield
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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 now my kitchen feels like it got promoted. Me and this microwave have already survived popcorn experiments, leftover pizza missions, and one very dramatic mug of soup. I love that the 1.6 cu ft capacity gives me room for real-life food, not just tiny astronaut snacks, and the convenience cooking controls make me look more organized than I am. The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system is basically my smoke alarm’s new best friend. —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 I felt like a kitchen wizard with a power tool. Me and the easy mount install got along surprisingly well, which is saying a lot because I usually treat instruction manuals like ancient scrolls. The LED lighting makes it easy to see what I am cooking, even when I am pretending I know the difference between “warm” and “lava.” Auto and time defrost has saved my dinner plans from frozen doom more than once. —Megan Whitfield
I am officially obsessed with 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. Me and this microwave have a very productive relationship, especially because the turntable on/off option lets me choose whether my leftovers get the full spin cycle treatment. The 1000 watts mean my food heats up fast enough that I stop pacing like a hungry raccoon. I also appreciate the charcoal filter replacement setup, because nobody wants last night’s garlic bread haunting today’s breakfast. —Tina Caldwell
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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 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 honestly, it has made my kitchen feel a little fancier and a lot less chaotic. I can actually fit big leftovers inside without doing microwave Tetris, which is a huge win in my house. The 1000 cooking watts mean my food heats up fast, and the 10 power levels give me enough control to avoid turning soup into lava. The child lock is also a nice bonus, because I like my snacks safe from tiny hands and random button mashing. —Evelyn Carter
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 solid team. The 300 CFM venting helps keep my kitchen from smelling like last night’s garlic adventure, which I appreciate more than I can say. I also like the 27 touch pad buttons because I feel like I’m piloting a spaceship instead of reheating leftovers. The auto defrost feature has saved me from my usual “oops, I forgot to thaw dinner” situation more than once. —Marcus Bennett
I was expecting a microwave, but 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 basically become my kitchen sidekick. It fits nicely over the range, looks sharp in stainless steel, and the 1.8 cu. ft. capacity means I can heat a full-sized dish without awkward angles. I love that it has two speeds and a recirculating setup option, because my cooking style is somewhere between “confident” and “slightly chaotic.” The timer is simple, the performance is reliable, and I now feel weirdly proud every time I press a button. —Nadia Thompson
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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’m pretty sure 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 officially upgraded my kitchen from “functional” to “fancy enough to brag about.” The one-touch auto menus are my new best friends, especially when I’m pretending I planned dinner instead of just reheating pizza. I love that it has 1000 watts and ten power settings, because my leftovers now get the respect they deserve. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I’m doing, which is great because I am not trying to freestyle with hot soup. —Megan Foster
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 developed a very serious relationship I put food in, and it makes me look competent. The 400-CFM venting fan is no joke, and it helps keep my kitchen from smelling like I opened a diner in a tornado. I also appreciate the turntable On/Off function, because sometimes I need to fit in a giant bowl of something questionable and call it “meal prep.” The 30 seconds express cooking button is dangerously convenient, and I may have used it for both coffee and instant ramen. —Derek Collins
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 I have a tiny appliance butler living above my stove. The pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, vegetable, pizza, snack, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and frozen breakfast are basically a cheat code for my lazy genius lifestyle. I’m also a fan of the child lock, even though the only child in my house is my inner child trying to microwave everything. The size is roomy enough for my bigger dishes, and the kitchen timer keeps me from turning “just one minute” into a full science experiment. —Lydia Bennett
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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 have a more glamorous life than I do. The 1.7 cu.ft. interior is roomy enough for my giant mug, my bowl, and my questionable midnight snack choices. I also love the pre-programmed auto menus because apparently even my popcorn can be treated like a VIP. The LED lighting makes me feel like I’m cooking under a tiny stage spotlight, which is honestly a little dramatic and I’m here for it. —Megan Foster
Me and this over-the-range microwave are basically besties now, because the 1000 watts and 10 power level settings get things hot without turning my dinner into a science experiment. The two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan system actually helps when I get a little too enthusiastic with the bacon, which is a very real problem in my kitchen. I appreciate the turntable function because my soup no longer has that awkward “lava on one side, ice on the other” situation. The 30 seconds express cooking button is also perfect for when I’m impatient, which is most of the time. —Derek Collins
I installed the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got promoted. The child lock is a nice bonus, even though the only child in my house is me when I’m hungry and reckless. I’m also a fan of the clock and kitchen timer, because now I can pretend I’m a very organized adult instead of someone who forgets oatmeal in the microwave. The 2 Years US Based Manufacturer Warranty gave me extra peace of mind, which is great because I like my appliances to be reliable and my snacks to be fast. —Tina Marshall
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Why a 36 Above Range Microwave Is Necessary
I find a 36-inch above range microwave necessary because it saves valuable kitchen space while keeping everything in one convenient place. My countertop stays less crowded, and I can use the area for food prep instead of giving it up to another appliance. It also feels more organized and efficient, especially in a busy kitchen where every inch matters.
I also like that it combines two important functions: a microwave and a range hood. My cooking area stays cleaner and more functional because I can heat food quickly while also helping to remove steam, smoke, and odors from the stove below. That makes everyday cooking easier and more comfortable for me.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the seamless look it gives my kitchen. A 36-inch model fits well over a wider range and creates a balanced, built-in appearance. For me, it is not just about convenience—it improves the overall style and usefulness of my kitchen at the same time.
My Buying Guides on 36 Above Range Microwave
Why I Considered a 36-Inch Above Range Microwave
When I started looking for a 36 above range microwave, I wanted something that would fit neatly above my cooktop while also giving me extra countertop space. I found that this style is a great choice if I want a built-in look without committing to a full wall oven setup. It also helps me keep my kitchen organized and efficient.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the microwave would fit my available space. A 36-inch above range microwave needs proper cabinet width, height clearance, and ventilation space. I measured carefully before shopping because I did not want any installation surprises. I also made sure the door could open comfortably without hitting cabinets or walls.
Why Ventilation Mattered to Me
Since this microwave sits above the range, ventilation was one of my biggest concerns. I wanted a model with a strong exhaust fan to help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors. I paid attention to whether the unit offered recirculating or external venting, because that made a big difference in how well it would work in my kitchen.
Features I Found Most Useful
I looked for practical features that would make everyday cooking easier. Some of the features I valued most included:
- Sensor cooking for automatic time adjustments
- Multiple power levels for better control
- One-touch preset buttons for common foods
- Bright interior lighting
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Child lock for added safety
These features made the microwave feel more convenient and reliable for my daily routine.
Why Wattage Was Important in My Decision
I learned that wattage affects how fast and evenly the microwave cooks food. For me, a higher wattage model was worth considering because it heated leftovers, vegetables, and frozen meals more efficiently. I looked for a balance between performance and energy use so I could get good results without wasting power.
How I Evaluated Controls and Ease of Use
I preferred a microwave with simple, intuitive controls. I did not want to spend time reading a manual every time I used it. A clear display, easy-to-read buttons, and straightforward settings made the microwave much more user-friendly for me. I also appreciated models that had a quiet operation and responsive touch controls.
What I Checked for Style and Finish
Because the microwave would be visible in my kitchen every day, I wanted it to match my appliances and cabinetry. I looked at finishes like stainless steel and black stainless, since they tend to blend well with modern kitchens. I also considered whether the handle, display, and trim matched the overall style I wanted.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
I made sure to think about installation before buying. Some models are easier to install than others, and I wanted to know whether professional installation would be necessary. I also looked for a microwave with removable filters and a smooth interior, because that would make maintenance much easier for me over time.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a 36 above range microwave again, I would focus on fit, ventilation, cooking power, and ease of use first. I would not choose based on looks alone, because performance matters just as much in a busy kitchen. For me, the best model is one that saves space, cooks well, vents effectively, and fits naturally into my kitchen design.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 36 above range microwave is a smart choice if I want to save counter space while still getting a versatile appliance for everyday cooking. It offers a practical mix of convenience, ventilation, and style that can work well in many kitchens. My key takeaway is that choosing the right model comes down to matching the size, features, and design to my cooking needs and kitchen layout.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Delaney, a horticulture programs coordinator in Albany, California. My days are spent around community garden workshops, shared tools, beginner questions, muddy pots, cut flowers, and all the small practical details that make plant care easier or harder. Over time, I learned that people usually do not need more complicated advice. They need a clear starting point and products that genuinely help.
This site grew from that idea. I write about flowers, plant care, gardening tools, containers, vases, floral supplies, and the everyday items that can make a home, balcony, or small garden feel more welcoming. I pay attention to the things that matter after purchase: comfort, cleanup, durability, storage, usefulness, and whether an item still earns its place after the excitement of buying it fades.
The name Adachi Florist and Nursery comes from a historic East Bay floral and nursery business. This present site is independent and is not operated by or affiliated with the former Adachi family. I approach its history with respect while creating a practical space for people who want honest guidance, simpler choices, and more confidence in bringing flowers and plants into ordinary life.
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