By Brittany Rowland

Defrosting frozen food can be tricky business; sometimes microwaves leave parts certain soggy and other parts frustratingly rock solid. The Samsung SMH1622 over-the-range microwave makes simple business of thawing food quickly and evenly. A wide interior of 1.6 cubic feet is able to fit a variety of plates and dishes. One unique feature that won’t fail to impress today’s green audiences is the eco mode, which cuts back energy use by 80 percent with the touch of a button. The 300 CFM ventilation system is another big plus of the model. This works to quickly get rid of excess heat and odors from the unit. As far as appearances go, this model has a clean, simple look with an uncomplicated control panel. The door swings open easily and closes with a solid click. With more than satisfactory performance and plenty of options for, this Samsung model is a smart purchase. It sell for just around $200, so it may be entering the higher price range for a microwave.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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Back to Top Over the Range Microwvaes

By Brittany Rowland

As we looked at various over-the-range microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user and being stuffed with frivolous “bells and whistles.” At the same time, a variety of options are favorable, giving the microwave versatility and usefulness in a wide range of settings. Other basic qualities we took into account while compiling a top 10 list include:
1.Size and appearance
2. Cooking time
3. Quality construction
4. Heating performance
With this list, you’ll find a selection of quality microwaves for any budget and your choice of unique features. If you know what features you need to suit your family’s cooking habits, making a smart purchase will be even easier. See the over-the-range microwave comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

Over the Range Microwaves Buying Guide

How Convection Microwave Ovens Work

If you’ve been shopping for a new microwave, you’ve probably noticed some more expensive models that offer convection cooking. If you’re like me, you may have initially wondered what convection microwave ovens do and why they’re pricier than standard microwaves.

Put simply, convection microwave ovens use a fan to circulate hot air inside the microwave, browning and crisping food at lower temperatures. Other benefits of convection cooking include:

• Faster baking and roasting
• Keeping meats juicy instead of drying them out
• More evenly cooked food

The theory behind convection cooking goes like this: With hot air constantly blowing on food, not just surrounding it, the food tends to cook faster. The chemical processes that occur when food cooks also become quicker; thus, pastries turn out flakier, meat retains its juices, and vegetables have a crispy outside and moist, flavorful inside. Also helpfully, convection microwave ovens cut down cooking time by about 25 percent.

As anyone who has ever baked cookies in a conventional oven knows, the cookies can vary in consistency based on whether they were on the top rack or the bottom rack. Convection ovens eliminate that inconsistency, evenly browning food no matter where it’s located in the oven. With hot air circulating evenly throughout the oven interior, you’ll get food baked or roasted uniformly and won’t have to worry about those tricky hot or cold spots with each mouthful.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Microwave Articles

The Best Features to Have in Your Microwave Oven

Today’s microwave ovens are getting fancier and more versatile, offering various special features that promise quick, satisfactory cooking results for nearly any type of food. It can be overwhelming for a shopper who’s trying to pick out a new microwave to decide which features are necessary… [more]

Comparing Two Over-the-Range Microwaves: The GE PVM1790SRSS vs. the Bosch HMV30

Two over-the-range microwaves in our top 10 list, the GE PVM1790SRSS and the Bosch HMV30, are in the $300 price range, which is the higher end as far as microwaves go. Let’s see how these two models compare as far as features and offerings go … [more]

Microwave Safety Tips

Microwave ovens have become such an essential modern convenience that roughly 90 percent of homes have them. However, many people still do not recognize or understand the most basic safety tips, the dos and don’ts of microwave use. Following these tips will … [more]

How Convection Microwave Ovens Work

If you’ve been shopping for a new microwave, you’ve probably noticed some more expensive models that offer convection cooking. If you’re like me, you may have initially wondered what convection microwave ovens do… [more]

More Microwave Top 10 Lists

Best Convection Microwave

If you want a microwave with a little more power, a convection microwave may be just what you are looking for. They work a differently than a standard microwave. The method of heating and cooking your food is improved in just about every way. Fans are used to move very hot air… [more]

Top 10 Countertop Microwaves

As we looked at various countertop microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Top 10 Budget Microwaves

If you’re looking for a high-quality microwave on a budget, you know that you don’t want to sacrifice performance for price. Efficient microwaves heat quickly and evenly and have adequate capacity, convenient one-touch … [more]

Best Crock Pot

Comfort food is a necessity when the cold winter months hit. What kind of food is that exactly? We turn to stews, roasts, soups, and chili. Crock pots and slow cookers make preparing these types of dishes more than easy. All you’ve got to do is put the indredients… [more]

More Over the Range Microwvaes

If you’ve been shopping for a new microwave, you’ve probably noticed some more expensive models that offer convection cooking. If you’re like me, you may have initially wondered what convection microwave ovens do and why they’re pricier than standard microwaves.

Put simply, convection microwave ovens use a fan to circulate hot air inside the microwave, browning and crisping food at lower temperatures. Other benefits of convection cooking include:

• Faster baking and roasting
• Keeping meats juicy instead of drying them out
• More evenly cooked food

The theory behind convection cooking goes like this: With hot air constantly blowing on food, not just surrounding it, the food tends to cook faster. The chemical processes that occur when food cooks also become quicker; thus, pastries turn out flakier, meat retains its juices, and vegetables have a crispy outside and moist, flavorful inside. Also helpfully, convection microwave ovens cut down cooking time by about 25 percent.

As anyone who has ever baked cookies in a conventional oven knows, the cookies can vary in consistency based on whether they were on the top rack or the bottom rack. Convection ovens eliminate that inconsistency, evenly browning food no matter where it’s located in the oven. With hot air circulating evenly throughout the oven interior, you’ll get food baked or roasted uniformly and won’t have to worry about those tricky hot or cold spots with each mouthful.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Microwaves

As we looked at various countertop microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user… [more]

Top 10 Over the Range Microwaves

As we looked at various over-the-range microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user… [more]

Top 10 Combination Ovens

Features we considered while compiling the top 10 list for combination microwave ovens included convection baking, oven and microwave capacities, adjustable racks, attractive design, size, and, of course, cooking performance. While these units typically run expensive, there are some reasonably priced models that still offer some of the best features…[more]

Related Articles

Microwave Safety Tips

Microwave ovens have become such an essential modern convenience that roughly 90 percent of homes have them. However, many people still do not recognize or understand the most basic safety tips, the dos and don’ts of microwave use…[more]

Two over-the-range microwaves in our top 10 list, the GE PVM1790SRSS and the Bosch HMV30, are in the $300 price range, which is the higher end as far as microwaves go. Let’s see how these two models compare as far as features and offerings go.

Price is a good place to start. The GE model runs at $399, but it offers convection cooking, while the Bosch model, at $338, does not. The $60 difference is not tremendous, but convection ovens are increasingly in high demand because of their ability to crisp, brown, and bake foods faster than standard microwave ovens.

Capacity-wise, the GE model edges out the Bosch one again, but only by a tenth of a cubic foot. The two microwaves have an equal 1,000 watts, a powerful strength. Their turntables are roughly the same in diameter, also.

As far as features go, each model has its own perks. The Bosch microwave has a convenient popcorn feature: By entering the size of the bag, the microwave adjusts the cook settings so you get the most popped kernels and less burning. It also has quick cook settings in 1-, 2-, and 3-minute increments.

Convection cooking is the GE model’s best feature, operating at 1,550 watts. While it takes time to preheat, the model’s at a remarkably low price for a convection oven. Another beneficial quality is the fast bake setting, which cooks dishes up to 25 percent faster than comparable models.

Both the GE and the Bosch models are attractively designed, with glossy doors, wide windows, and easy-to-clean interiors. It all boils down to whether you want convection cooking with your microwave. If that’s one of your must-haves, then the GE PVM1790SRSS is obviously the winner. However, the Bosch HMV30 still offers in-demand features for a reasonable price.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

More Microwave Articles

Microwave Safety Tips

Microwave ovens have become such an essential modern convenience that roughly 90 percent of homes have them. However, many people still do not recognize or understand the most basic safety tips, the dos and don’ts of microwave use. Following these tips will … [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Countertop Microwaves

As we looked at various countertop microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Top 10 Over the Range Microwaves

As we looked at various over-the-range microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Top 10 Budget Microwaves

If you’re looking for a high-quality microwave on a budget, you know that you don’t want to sacrifice performance for price. Efficient microwaves heat quickly and evenly and have adequate capacity, convenient one-touch … [more]

Microwave ovens have become such an essential modern convenience that roughly 90 percent of homes have them. However, many people still do not recognize or understand the most basic safety tips, the dos and don’ts of microwave use. Following these tips will improve your microwaving performance and prevent common mishaps and safety problems.

Monitor Children

Young children should never use a microwave unsupervised. They can easily enter in the wrong cook time—10 minutes instead of one, for instance—and cause a big, smoky mess or a fire. If your microwave model doesn’t include a child lock, teach your children how to use it properly and make sure they understand the risks.

Covering Food

When you reheat a container of food, leave a corner uncovered to release steam. Otherwise the food can turn out burnt and charred.

Popcorn

Stay nearby when you’re popping popcorn to prevent burning or a fire. Follow the instructions on the bag and listen for when it’s ready: when the pops come two to three seconds apart.

Food Containers

Always check to see if a plastic container is intended for microwave use. Cleaning up melted plastic is no fun, and the food will be wasted, too.

Aluminum Foil

A big rule: Don’t use aluminum foil in the microwave—unless you want to see a mini-fireworks show. Unlike plastic, glass, and ceramic, foil deflects the radio waves, which means your food won’t heat properly, and, worse, you could damage the microwave.

Snack Foods

Before putting a hot dog, raw egg yolk, or baked potato in the microwave, puncture the skin with a fork or knife to prevent messy explosions.

Filters

Over-the-range microwaves require you to clean or replace the filter on a regular basis. If you keep up with this maintenance, your microwave will run properly and last longer.

Grime Control

Periodically clear out the grime in your microwave by letting water boil in an appropriate container and create steam along the microwave walls. After a few minutes, wipe down the walls to get rid of built-up grease, which can seriously hamper the appliance’s performance and pose a fire hazard.

Cooking Times

Read cooking instructions carefully to know how long to heat the food and whether it should be covered. Also consider your microwave’s wattage; a microwave with high wattage takes less time to heat food.

These dos and don’ts of microwave safety may seem common sense to some. But if you’re new to an appliance or cooking in general, it’s always best to review the proper procedures.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

More Microwave Articles

Comparing Two Over-the-Range Microwaves: The GE PVM1790SRSS vs. the Bosch HMV30

Two over-the-range microwaves in our top 10 list, the GE PVM1790SRSS and the Bosch HMV30, are in the $300 price range, which is the higher end as far as microwaves go. Let’s see how these two models compare as far as features and offerings go … [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Countertop Microwaves

As we looked at various countertop microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Top 10 Over the Range Microwaves

As we looked at various over-the-range microwaves, several factors came into consideration. Ease of use is always important; many top-line models try to impress you with countless options, but they run the risk of overwhelming the user … [more]

Top 10 Budget Microwaves

If you’re looking for a high-quality microwave on a budget, you know that you don’t want to sacrifice performance for price. Efficient microwaves heat quickly and evenly and have adequate capacity, convenient one-touch … [more]

By Brittany Rowland

A sleek, attractive model with a wide, narrow viewing window, gleaming handle, and grid-like console panel, the Frigidaire FFMV164LS over-the-range microwave has a generous 1.6 cubic foot capacity and convenient features. One-touch buttons make heating favorite snacks easy and quick. We were impressed with its cooking performance, heating food items uniformly without burnt edges, and with only the softest hum of noise. The control interface is busy and takes some time to figure out all the programming options. However, with its great space, quality performance, and convenience factors, this model is worth the $249 price tag.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

At $449, this KitchenAid over-the-range microwave is on the pricier end of the spectrum, but it offers most of the convenient factors we expect from a modern appliance and has a voluminous capacity as a bonus. The gleaming exterior is pleasant to look at with a bright display and wide viewing window. One potential flaw I noted, though, was the poor construction on the handle, which can be problematic if the microwave gets a lot of use. Otherwise, the model’s performance was impressive: fast, quiet, and efficient. The popcorn sensor is a handy device, popping a bag without burning. With reliable performance and basic, useful features, this Frigidaire microwave is a smart purchase for a busy family that needs convenience.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

At $799, this Electrolux microwave is a more expensive investment, but you get the full value with the convection oven it offers. Ranging in temperatures from 100° to 450°F, it adds a satisfying brown and crispy quality to dishes. Other convenient features that appear standard in this type of appliance include one-touch cooking options for popcorn, baked potatoes, and pizza slices. Appearance-wise, it’s a sleek, shiny model sure to spruce up any kitchen. The handle curves elegantly next to the wide viewing window. Granted, the control panel is full of buttons. They’re organized by category, but it still takes effort to figure out all the programming options. Nevertheless, the convection performance doesn’t disappoint; kitchen appliance aficionados will appreciate this quality convection microwave.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Several of the handy features of this Bosch over-the-range microwave impressed us with their genuine usefulness. Take the popcorn setting, for instance: Just by entering the size of the bag, you get fewer unpopped kernels and less burning. Also, quick cook options, in 1-, 2-, and 3-minute increments, make heating something fast as easy as pressing a single button. Our main concerns with this Bosch model were focused on cosmetic issues, like the door handle that feels more plastic than stainless steel. Overall, the microwave’s appearance is quite stylish, with a wide viewing window and a lacquered interior that’s easy to clean. Plus, the door is hinged on the side, giving you full access to the cavity. For the level of power and convenient functions it provides, it’s a valuable purchase at $338.81.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

We like having options with our appliances. With the GE JVM3160DFWW over-the-range model, we have the option to add thirty seconds to the cook time or stop the glass turntable. Other useful features are the automatic or manual cooking and defrosting and the two-speed fan that gets rid of smoke and food odors. One-touch buttons simplify the cooking process, with automatic sensors for popular food choices. Aesthetically, it’s an attractive, clean piece with your basic control panel. Overall, this GE model, available in white, packs a lot of usefulness and value into its reasonable price, just $199.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Baking fans will be impressed with this convection microwave from GE. With a convex black viewing window that spans the entire width of the face, it’s a gleaming, sharp-looking model that looks handsome sitting over a matching range. The stainless steel interior not only looks stylish, but it’s easier to clean. With 1,550 convection watts, the microwave effectively browns food, adding a delicious crispiness to favorites like pizza. Admittedly, it takes a while to preheat the oven for this feature. Still, the model compensates for this weakness with a fast bake setting that cuts down heating time by a quarter. Ultimately, a convection microwave at only $399 is too good to pass up.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Defrosting frozen food can be tricky business; sometimes microwaves leave parts certain soggy and other parts frustratingly rock solid. The Samsung over-the-range microwave takes out the uncertainty of defrosting, thawing food quickly and evenly. A wide interior holds a variety of plate sizes. One unique feature that won’t fail to impress today’s green audiences is the eco mode, which cuts back energy use by 80 percent with the touch of a button. As far as appearances go, this model has a clean, simple look with an uncomplicated control panel. The door swings open easily and closes with a solid click. With satisfactory performance and options for the environmentally conscious, this Samsung model is a smart purchase at just $165.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Clever little illustrations on the buttons dress up this Whirlpool over-the-range microwave, offsetting its otherwise simple, clean design. The recessed turntable adds extra space to the already roomy cavity. The glass turntable comes with an on/off option, too. Adjustable cooking power and a warm hold feature ensure that food cooks evenly and efficiently. The automatic sensors, cleverly dubbed a “sixth sense” feature, simplify the heating process by determining humidity levels and adjusting cook time and power level accordingly. For only $155, this Whirlpool model is a great purchase for people who appreciate steady performance and convenient factors in their kitchen appliances.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Bright white lettering and colorful designs stand out starkly against the black console, making this LG over-the-range microwave a shiny, pretty model. The wide, deep cavity promises to hold large dishes easily. Convenient one-touch cooking settings include popcorn, hot water, quick defrost, and several kids’ meal favorites. The incandescent range light seems adequate, and the hidden vent adds to the overall stylish appearance. With so many easy options and shortcuts available for quick programming, we were impressed by the convenience of this model. If we had to nitpick, we’d point out the fan, which is fairly noisy even on lower settings, and the lightweight door that lacks heft. Overall, however, this LG model is a sound investment and reasonably priced at $199.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A voluminous interior, with 1.8 cu. ft., makes this Samsung over-the-range microwave seem huge compared to some other models. The gleaming exterior looks as sleek as a TV screen, with a bright fluorescent display and wide viewing window. This model has no shortage of convenient cooking presets, including popular kids’ choices, popcorn, pizza, frozen vegetables, eco mode, and even customizable settings. The 1 lb. defrost option thaws efficiently and uniformly. In fact, with so many optional features, the control panel can be almost overwhelming and cumbersome to navigate. However, with such a great capacity and high quality cooking performance, this Samsung model delivers a lot of bang for its buck ($273.26, to be exact).

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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