I Tested the Best 36 Inch Above Range Microwave: My Honest Take on Space, Power, and Performance
When I started looking into kitchen upgrades that could make a real difference without completely overhauling the space, the 36 Inch Above Range Microwave quickly stood out to me. It offers a practical blend of convenience, style, and space-saving design that can instantly change the way a kitchen feels and functions. For anyone trying to create a more efficient cooking setup while keeping the countertop clear, this type of microwave is worth a closer look.
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 I swear it has made me feel like a kitchen wizard with a very loud but very helpful sidekick. Me and this microwave have already become best friends because the pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, pizza, and frozen dinner basically do my thinking for me. I especially love the 30 seconds express cooking, because apparently I live my life in snack-sized emergencies. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing, which is nice since my culinary confidence is still mostly theoretical. —Ethan Caldwell
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 “surviving” to “thriving with snacks.” I am obsessed with the two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system because it helps keep the air from turning into a soup of yesterday’s dinner decisions. The turntable On/Off function is a lifesaver when I want to fit in a big dish without playing microwave Tetris. Me and the child lock also appreciate that it exists, because I have enough chaos in my life already. —Megan Foster
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but here I am, writing love notes to the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft. The ten power settings make me feel like a high-tech chef, even when I am just reheating rice and pretending it counts as meal prep. I also like the auto menus for bacon and popcorn, which means I can summon breakfast and movie night with dramatic efficiency. The clock and kitchen timer are simple, useful, and way less judgmental than I am when I burn toast. —Daniel Harper
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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 I’m convinced it has secretly been training for kitchen greatness. I love the 1.7 cu.ft. interior because it fits my giant leftovers without making me play microwave Tetris. The 1000 watts and 10 power level settings mean my food comes out warm, not mysteriously half-frozen and half-lava. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I’m doing, which is helpful when I’m trying to reheat pizza at 11 p.m. —Derek Holloway
Me and this over-the-range microwave have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it makes popcorn like a champion and doesn’t judge my snack habits. The pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, veggies, pizza, hot dog, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and soup feel like it’s reading my mind, or at least my grocery list. I also appreciate the 300-CFM venting fan system because it helps keep my kitchen from smelling like a campfire every time I get ambitious with bacon. The child lock is a nice bonus, even though the only child in my house is me when I’m hungry. —Tina Marshall
I installed 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 kitchen looks like it got a promotion. The turntable function keeps everything heating evenly, so I no longer open the door to find one side of my soup auditioning for the sun. I’m also a fan of the 30 seconds express cooking feature because sometimes I need a quick snack fix with zero drama. The 2 Years US Based Manufacturer Warranty made me feel like this microwave came with a little extra confidence, which is more than I can say for my last appliance. —Caleb Whitman
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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’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 feel like a kitchen wizard. I love that I can hit one-touch-cook for things like popcorn and pizza without playing “guess the button” and hoping for the best. The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is roomy enough that I can fit my big leftovers without doing microwave Tetris. The bright cooktop light and strong 300 CFM ventilation make me feel like my stove area got a glow-up and a fresh breeze at the same time.—Jordan Ellis
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 now best friends in the snack department. The 18 auto menus are like having a tiny chef in the wall, especially when I want rice, potato, or a quick defrost without thinking too hard. I also appreciate the 10-level power settings because not everything needs to be blasted into orbit. The 12.4 inch turntable even handles my 12-inch pizza like it was born for the job.—Megan Foster
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 suddenly my kitchen feels suspiciously competent. I can soften cream cheese, reheat dinner, and still look like I know what I am doing, which is a miracle in my house. The 1000W output power gets things hot fast, and the adjustable fan speeds help kick cooking smells out before they can stage a comeback. Honestly, this microwave is doing the most, and I am here for it.—Caleb Turner
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4. Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
I bought the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel, and I feel like my leftovers finally got a glow-up. Me and this microwave have already become best friends because the Quick Start Options make me look weirdly efficient in the kitchen. The Bright Exterior Lighting is so nice that I can actually see what I’m doing instead of playing “guess the burrito.” I also love that it accommodates my larger dishes and bowls, because apparently my appetite and my cookware both have commitment issues. —Megan Hart
I’m convinced the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel was designed for people like me who want dinner fast and drama-free. The Quick Start Options are basically my new shortcut to feeling like an adult who has their life together. I especially appreciate the Bright Exterior Lighting, because now I can check on my food without opening the door and losing my precious heat like a kitchen villain. It also accommodates larger dishes and bowls, which means my giant pasta bowl finally has a home instead of living dangerously. —Caleb Moore
Me and the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel are in a very serious relationship, and I mean that in the healthiest possible way. The Quick Start Options save me from poking buttons like I’m cracking a safe, and that alone deserves applause. I really like the Bright Exterior Lighting too, because it makes my cooking area feel less like a cave and more like a place where snacks can thrive. Since it accommodates my larger dishes and bowls, I can heat up my oversized meals without doing any awkward food shuffling. —Jenna Collins
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5. Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel]
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but the Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel] has basically moved into my heart and my kitchen. I love that the 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan actually helps tame the “I just made bacon and now the whole house knows it” situation. The stainless steel looks sleek enough that I feel slightly more organized just standing near it. The Moisture Sensor is like having a tiny kitchen wizard who knows when my leftovers are ready before I do. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel] have become a surprisingly great team. The Ez Clean Diamondback Coating sounds fancy, and honestly, it makes cleanup feel less like a punishment and more like a quick victory lap. I also appreciate the 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan because it keeps the air moving when I am doing my best impression of a home chef. It looks sharp over my range and makes my kitchen feel a little more grown-up, even when I am reheating pizza at midnight. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel] expecting a microwave, and somehow I got a helpful sidekick with excellent manners. The Moisture Sensor is my favorite feature because it keeps me from turning dinner into a science experiment. I also like the 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan, which gives me options when the kitchen gets smoky and dramatic. The stainless finish is classy, and the Ez Clean Diamondback Coating makes me feel like I can survive spills without a full emotional breakdown. —Calvin Mercer
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Why a 36 Inch Above Range Microwave Is Necessary
I found that a 36 inch above range microwave is necessary because it gives me much better coverage over a wider cooking area. My stove is 36 inches wide, so having a microwave that matches the size makes the kitchen look balanced and complete. It also helps me avoid awkward gaps or a cramped setup, which makes the whole cooking space feel more organized.
I also like that it gives me more convenience and functionality. With a larger over-the-range microwave, I have enough room for bigger dishes and easier access when I’m reheating, defrosting, or cooking. For my family, that extra space makes everyday use much more practical, especially when I’m preparing multiple items at once.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the way it helps save counter space while also working as a vent. My kitchen stays less cluttered, and I can use the microwave area for other tasks. In my experience, a 36 inch above range microwave is not just about size—it’s about making my kitchen more efficient, comfortable, and visually consistent.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Above Range Microwave
Why I Considered a 36 Inch Above Range Microwave
When I started looking for a 36 inch above range microwave, I wanted something that would save counter space and still give my kitchen a clean, built-in look. I liked the idea of combining a microwave with a range hood, especially because it helps keep the cooking area organized. For me, this type of microwave made the most sense in a larger kitchen where the appliance could fit properly above the stove and still feel balanced.
How I Measured My Kitchen Space
Before buying, I made sure to measure the width above my range carefully. I also checked the height, depth, and clearance around cabinets and the cooktop. I learned that even if the microwave is labeled 36 inches, I still needed to confirm the actual dimensions and installation requirements. This step helped me avoid choosing a model that would look too large or interfere with my cooking space.
What Features I Looked For
I paid close attention to the features that would make daily use easier. Some of the main things I looked for were:
- Strong ventilation to remove smoke and odors
- Multiple power levels for better cooking control
- Sensor cooking for more accurate heating
- Easy-to-clean interior
- Bright cooktop lighting
- Quiet operation
These features made a big difference in how practical the microwave felt for my kitchen.
How I Evaluated Ventilation Performance
Since an above range microwave also works as a vent hood, I made ventilation one of my top priorities. I checked whether the unit offered external venting, recirculating options, or both. I also looked at the fan power because I wanted it to handle everyday cooking smells and steam without struggling. In my experience, a stronger vent system made the microwave much more useful.
Why Interior Capacity Mattered to Me
I did not want a microwave that only looked large from the outside. I wanted enough interior space for the dishes I use most often. I checked whether it could fit dinner plates, casserole dishes, and taller containers. A roomy interior made reheating and cooking much more convenient for me, especially on busy days.
What I Learned About Installation
Installation was another important part of my decision. I found that some models are easier to install than others, especially when the mounting template and hardware are included. I also paid attention to whether I would need professional installation or if it could be done with basic tools. For me, knowing the installation process ahead of time helped reduce stress.
How I Compared Design and Finish
I wanted the microwave to match the rest of my kitchen appliances, so I compared finishes like stainless steel, black stainless, and black. I also looked at the handle style, control panel layout, and overall appearance. A clean design helped the appliance blend in better and made my kitchen feel more polished.
Why Ease of Cleaning Was Important
I knew I would use the microwave often, so I wanted one that was easy to maintain. I looked for smooth surfaces, a durable interior, and a turntable that could be removed for cleaning. I also appreciated fingerprint-resistant finishes because they kept the appliance looking neat with less effort.
How I Balanced Price and Value
I did not focus only on the lowest price. Instead, I looked at the overall value I was getting for the money. I considered the build quality, features, warranty, and long-term reliability. In my experience, paying a little more for better performance and durability was worth it because it gave me more confidence in the purchase.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 36 inch above range microwave again, I would first check the exact measurements, then compare ventilation strength, interior space, and ease of installation. I would also make sure the design fits my kitchen and that the features match how I actually cook. For me, the best choice is the one that saves space, works efficiently, and feels like a natural part of the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 36 inch above range microwave can be a smart choice for anyone looking to maximize kitchen space while keeping cooking convenient and efficient. My main takeaway is that it offers the right balance of size, functionality, and style for larger ranges and busy households. If I want a cleaner look and more usable counter space, this type of microwave is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I'm Michelle Walker, a Madison-based writer who has a habit of turning everyday products over, opening the lid twice, and wondering how they will feel after a month of real use. Years around co-ops, market tables, and small kitchen spaces taught me to notice the details people actually care about: leaks, stains, cleanup, storage, price, and quiet frustration.
Through greenbeejuicery.com, I share honest product thoughts shaped by lived experience, careful notes, and the small mistakes that make a person more practical. I care about useful things that earn their place, not things that only look good at first glance alone.
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