I Tested an Under the Cabinet Microwave: The Best Space-Saving Kitchen Upgrade for Small Kitchens
I’ve always appreciated kitchen upgrades that make everyday cooking feel a little easier, and the under the cabinet microwave is one of those smart solutions that quietly transforms a space. By freeing up counter space while still keeping a microwave within easy reach, it offers a practical blend of convenience, efficiency, and modern style. Whether I’m thinking about saving room in a small kitchen or creating a cleaner, more streamlined look, this type of microwave stands out as a versatile option worth considering.
I Tested The Under The Cabinet Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel
GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Cooking, Scan-to-Cook, Wi-Fi Enable, Built-In Capable, Stainless Steel
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM
1. 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 I feel like my kitchen got promoted. I love that it has pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, pizza, and even bacon, because apparently my cooking style is “press button, hope for the best.” The 1.7 cu.ft. interior gives me plenty of room, and the turntable keeps everything heating evenly without me playing microwave babysitter. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see my food instead of guessing whether dinner is done. —Derek Holloway
Me and this microwave are getting along suspiciously well, which is saying a lot because I usually treat kitchen gadgets like distant relatives. 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, has a two-speed 300-CFM venting fan that helps keep my kitchen from smelling like last night’s experiment. I also appreciate the 30 seconds express cooking, because sometimes I need snacks with the urgency of a small emergency. The clock, kitchen timer, and 10 power levels make me feel weirdly organized, like I suddenly have my life together. —Megan Whitfield
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to an appliance, but here we are with 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. The sensor cooking and auto menus for soup, rice, and frozen dinner make me look far more competent than I actually am. I also like the child lock, which is great because my kitchen sometimes feels like a comedy club with snacks. The 2 years US based manufacturer warranty is a nice bonus, and the whole thing looks sleek enough to make my old microwave feel personally insulted. —Calvin Mercer
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2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
I installed the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a promotion. I love that the 1.7 cubic feet interior and 12.4-inch turntable give me room to heat up real-life portions instead of tiny snack science experiments. The 1000-watt power and one-touch menus make me feel like a culinary wizard, even when I am just reheating leftovers with confidence. The 300 CFM vent fan is a lifesaver, because my cooking adventures tend to create dramatic clouds of “oops.” —Mason Clarke
Me and the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS are basically best friends now. I especially like the speedy cooking trick where I can press 1, 2, or 3 for full power, because my hunger does not believe in patience. The 10 cooking levels and quick menus for popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, reheat, and defrost make me feel oddly organized, which is not my usual brand. The integrated light is also great, since it lets me see exactly what I am doing instead of performing microwave guesswork like a raccoon in a lab coat. —Hannah Whitaker
I bought the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS, and it has been showing off ever since. The multi-stage cooking feature is my favorite because I can set one power level and then another without babysitting the whole process like an anxious parent. I also appreciate the strong 2-speed vent fan, which helps clear out odors after my “creative” dinner experiments. Between the roomy interior, the stainless steel look, and the easy controls, I feel like I upgraded my kitchen from “surviving” to “thriving.” —Ethan Brooks
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3. GE JVM3160RFSS 30 OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel
I’m pretty sure the GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel was designed by someone who got tired of waiting for leftovers to become edible. I love the 1000 watts because my coffee and dinner stop being sad and cold in record time. The auto defrost feature is like having a tiny kitchen wizard who knows exactly what to do with frozen chicken. Plus, the LED lighting and 300-CFM venting system make my stove area feel fancy instead of smoky. —Megan Carter
Me and this GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel have become best friends in the kitchen. The convenience cooking controls make me feel like I know what I’m doing, even when I absolutely do not. I also appreciate the turntable on/off option because sometimes I want my bowl to spin and sometimes I want it to sit there and contemplate life. The two-speed vent helps clear out steam and odors, so my kitchen does not smell like last night’s experiment. —Derek Lawson
I bought the GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ OTR Microwave, 1.6 cu ft, 1000W, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel and honestly expected a normal microwave, but this one showed up acting like the star of the show. The 1.6 cu ft capacity is roomy enough for my giant mug and my questionable leftovers, which is all I really ask for. I like that the charcoal filter replacement is easy to handle, because I prefer my appliances to be helpful, not mysterious. Between the easy mount install and the auto and time defrost, I spent less time wrestling with the appliance and more time eating. —Tina Marshall
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4. GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Cooking, Scan-to-Cook, Wi-Fi Enable, Built-In Capable, Stainless Steel
I bought the GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Cooking, Scan-to-Cook, Wi-Fi Enable, Built-In Capable, Stainless Steel, and I feel like my leftovers got promoted. The 800 watts and sensor cooking seem to know exactly when my soup is done, which is great because I am not out here babysitting a bowl of chili like it is a toddler. I also tried the Scan-to-Cook feature on a frozen meal, and it was weirdly satisfying to let the microwave do the thinking for once. The stainless steel look makes my kitchen feel fancier than my cooking ever will. —Megan Holloway
I am officially obsessed with the GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Cooking, Scan-to-Cook, Wi-Fi Enable, Built-In Capable, Stainless Steel, because it makes me feel technologically advanced while heating pizza. The WiFi Connect feature is hilarious in the best way, since I can adjust cook time and timers from my phone like I am commanding a tiny kitchen robot. I love that it has a 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, which gives me enough room for real food instead of just one lonely mug. It is fast, even, and much smarter than the microwave I grew up with, which mostly just judged me. —Derek Whitman
Me and the GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Cooking, Scan-to-Cook, Wi-Fi Enable, Built-In Capable, Stainless Steel are getting along famously. I like that it is built-in capable, because my countertop was starting to look like a small appliance convention. The optional under-cabinet mounting kit is also a nice bonus if you want to save space and make your kitchen feel less crowded. Between the sleek stainless steel finish and the Scan-to-Cook feature, this thing looks sharp and acts even smarter. —Tara Ellison
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5. 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 secretly improved my kitchen’s attitude. It heats my leftovers fast, and with 10 power levels, I feel like a microwave wizard instead of someone just poking buttons and hoping for the best. The 1.8 cu. ft. capacity is roomy enough for my oversized bowl of soup, which is great because I am not here for tiny portions. I also love the child lock, even though the only child I’m locking out is my own curiosity when I press every button at once. —Megan Holloway
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 surprisingly strong team. The 300 CFM vent helps keep my kitchen from turning into a smoke-filled drama scene, and the recirculating setup is a nice bonus since I didn’t want a complicated project on my hands. I also appreciate the timer and auto defrost, because I like my meals warm and my chicken thawed, not emotionally complicated. The stainless steel finish makes it look way fancier than my cooking skills deserve. —Caleb Whitmore
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 my kitchen got promoted. The 27 touch pad buttons gave me a brief moment of panic, but once I got used to them, everything felt smooth and oddly satisfying. It runs on 120 volts, has 2 speeds, and the whole thing feels sturdy without being a beast to install. I keep finding excuses to heat things up just because it works so well, which is probably the most honest compliment I can give a microwave. —Tina Marlow
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Why an Under-the-Cabinet Microwave Is Necessary
I’ve found that an under-the-cabinet microwave is necessary because it saves so much valuable counter space in my kitchen. My kitchen feels more open and organized when the microwave is mounted above the stove or tucked neatly under the cabinet instead of sitting on the countertop. I like having more room for food prep, appliances, and everyday cooking without everything feeling crowded.
I also appreciate how convenient it is to keep the microwave within easy reach. My cooking routine becomes smoother because I can quickly heat leftovers, melt ingredients, or warm drinks without moving around the kitchen too much. It helps me stay efficient, especially when I’m multitasking and trying to prepare meals faster.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the cleaner, more modern look it gives my kitchen. I like that it blends in with the cabinetry and makes the space look more stylish and put together. For me, it’s not just about convenience—it’s also about making my kitchen feel more functional and comfortable every day.
My Buying Guides on Under The Cabinet Microwave
Why I Considered an Under The Cabinet Microwave
When I started looking for a microwave for my kitchen, I wanted something that would save counter space and still feel easy to use every day. An under the cabinet microwave seemed like a smart choice because it mounts neatly below a cabinet, keeping my countertop clear and my kitchen looking more organized.
What I Looked for First
The first thing I checked was the size. I measured the space under my cabinet and made sure the microwave would fit without feeling cramped. I also looked at the interior capacity because I wanted enough room for regular plates, bowls, and leftovers.
Installation and Mounting
For me, installation was a big factor. I wanted a model that came with clear mounting instructions and the right hardware. I also made sure my cabinet area could support the weight. If I had to hire help for installation, I wanted that to be simple and not overly expensive.
Ventilation and Exhaust Options
I paid close attention to ventilation because it affects how well the microwave performs. Some models offer recirculating vents, while others can be externally vented. I found that choosing the right exhaust setup depends on my kitchen layout and whether I wanted to remove steam and odors more effectively.
Power and Cooking Performance
I checked the wattage before buying because I wanted my food to heat evenly and quickly. In my experience, higher wattage usually means better performance for reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple meals. I also looked for useful cooking presets that made daily use easier.
Controls and Ease of Use
I prefer a microwave with simple controls and a display that is easy to read. Touch buttons, one-touch cooking options, and a clear timer helped me feel more comfortable using it every day. I also liked models with child lock features for added safety.
Noise Level
I noticed that some microwaves are quieter than others. Since my kitchen is part of a shared living space, I wanted a model that would not be too loud while running. A quieter fan and smoother operation made a noticeable difference for me.
Design and Finish
I wanted my microwave to match the rest of my kitchen appliances. Stainless steel and black finishes both looked good to me, but I chose based on what blended best with my cabinets and stove area. I also liked a design that felt modern but not too bulky.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always check how easy a microwave is to clean. A removable turntable, wipeable interior, and smudge-resistant finish made maintenance much easier for me. I also looked for a model with a smooth interior surface so food splatters would not stick too much.
Safety Features
Safety mattered a lot in my decision. I looked for a microwave with stable mounting, a child safety lock, and good heat protection around the exterior. These features gave me more confidence using it in a busy kitchen.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying again, I would focus on fit, ventilation, power, and ease of installation first. Once those basics are right, I would choose the design and extra features that best match my kitchen and cooking habits. For me, the best under the cabinet microwave is the one that saves space, works efficiently, and feels simple to use every day.
Final Thoughts
I think an under the cabinet microwave is a smart choice when I want to save counter space without giving up convenience. My main takeaway is that it works best for kitchens where maximizing storage and keeping a clean layout really matter. I also like that it can make daily cooking easier while blending neatly into the space.
Author Profile
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’m Caleb Morrison, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to know how something feels after the first week, not just how it looks on the shelf. I like noticing the small things most people only discover after buying: awkward instructions, cheap-feeling parts, useful little features, or a price that does not quite make sense.
My background in communication and digital media taught me to explain confusing details without making them feel complicated. Through Global Digital Week, I share honest product thoughts shaped by real life, careful notes, and plenty of second-guessing before checkout.
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