The reason you are reading this post may be that your oven or microwave has or is about to break down. It is also possible that you are simply looking for an upgrade for your kitchen. It might also be that it is the first time you are purchasing an appliance and just want to get the best. Well, whatever the case, this post is exactly what you need. This article will help you identify the best over-the-range microwave convection oven combo in the market.
If you enjoy cooking food the right way, you must know how important it is to purchase a high-quality appliance. However, finding the best of the best can be tough in a market full of options. But not to worry, the information we have included in this post should help you purchase the perfect over-the-range convection microwave.
Before we go into any further guidelines about identifying the right product to purchase, we would like to start by providing a list of our top five products in the market.
Comparison Table:
Name | Capacity | Power | Venting System | Sensor Cooking? | Dimensions Inches |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
KitchenAid KMHC319ESS | 1.9 Cu. Ft. | 1000W | 400-CFM | ✔️ | 32 x 22 x 19 |
GE PVM9179SKSS | 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 950W | 300-CFM | ✔️ | 15.5 x 29.75 x 16.25 |
Café CVM517P3MD1 | 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 950W | 300-CFM | ✔️ | 39.5 x 21 x 19.5 |
Whirlpool WMH32519HZ | 1.9 Cu. Ft. | 1000W | 400-CFM | ✔️ | 16 x 30 x 17.1 |
Samsung MC17T8000CS/AA | 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 950W | 300-CFM | ❌ | 33.25 x 21 x 19.5 |
Sharp R1874T | 1.1 Cu. Ft. | 850W | 300-CFM | ✔️ | 29.93 x 16.34 x 15.28 |
Cuisinart CMW-200 | 1.2 Cu. Ft. | 1000W | 425-CFM | ❌ | 21.20 x 19.00 x 12.20 |
Whirlpool WMH78019HZ | 1.9 Cu. Ft. | 1100W | 400-CFM | ✔️ | 17 x 29 x 16 |
Dacor PCOR30S | 1.1 Cu. Ft. | 850W | 300-CFM | ✔️ | 15.25 x 30 x 16.25 |
-
Best Overall: KitchenAid KMHC319ESS Convection Microwave Hood Combination
At the top of our list is the KitchenAid KMHC319ESS. It is at the top of our list for several reasons, as will point out.
Let us start off with its amazing capacity. This appliance has a 1.9 Cubic Feet capacity. That capacity is quite adequate to hold containers of different sizes. It will be able to work perfectly as a convection oven, as well as a microwave. It will be able to make food for a medium-sized family.
In regards to the power, it has 1000 watts. This is more than most units will offer at the same price range. With this amount of power, you will be able to make the food quite fast, which is an amazing benefit. In addition, you will be able to make food in different ways, which include simmering and baking. But that is not all. The 1000 watts will get your appliance hot enough to work with different recipes. You will be able to prepare food with temperatures up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be powerful enough to use the sensors to monitor the process your food is going through.
What more do you get to enjoy with this unit? Considering the installation position of the appliance, the area around the cooktop below might be a bit dark. But not to worry. It features halogen task lights that will give you adequate illumination so that you can cook comfortably with the cooktop below the microwave. The lights are not too bright to irritate your eyes. However, they are bright enough.
Imagine this. You prepare a meal, only for the guests, you are cooking for to arrive late. It poses a problem in most cases. You might need to warm the food in most cases. We have all been there. However, this unit addresses that issue perfectly. It features a keep-warm function that will continue cooking your food at only 10% of the cooking power. That way, your food will remain warm while you wait to serve it. How does that sound?
We all want a beautiful appliance in our kitchens and this is one of those appliances that will improve your kitchen’s appearance. It features a stainless steel construction that is not only sturdy but also appealing to the eye. It is also very easy to clean. Combine that with the steam cleaning capability and your cleaning stress is gone.
Pros
- + The sensors make the food perfect without the need for manual time and power adjustments
- + It is a beautiful appliance for every kitchen
- + It has extremely great functions
- + It has a sturdy construction
- + The appliance will go great, even in RVs.
Cons
- – Some appliances were delivered with dents or broken pieces.
-
Best Basic: GE PVM9179SKSS Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
GE combined the power of the microwave and its amazing abilities to create a convection over-the-range microwave that will not only cook food faster but also produce some perfect results. This appliance features an amazing set of features, as explained in this review. The meal you prepare in this type of microwave will feature a golden brown topping. That would be perfect, right? Imagine that level of perfection in each meal you prepare. No need for guesswork.
The appliance has some amazing sensor controls that will monitor food and create a precise combination of time and temperature to prepare any type of food you want. The buttons are also programmed to give you a controlled experience. Here is how it does that. There are buttons for convection roasting and baking. Additionally, there is a combination button that will use the microwave and convection baking at the same time. Sounds intriguing, right? It is a revolutionary combination of technology.
The cooktop also includes a couple of LED lights that will eradicate all the darkness that might form below, preventing you from using your cooktop adequately.
Additionally, you will get to enjoy a fan system that will eradicate all the odors and smoke from below. The 300 CFM fan can be adjusted to three speeds so that you can modify it depending on the ventilation system you have.
It features three ovens in a single appliance. A microwave oven, a warming oven/drawer, as well as a convection oven. You do not even have to turn your pan when cooking. All parts and sides of your food will be heated appropriately so that you get even results. The appliance can convert the standard recipes automatically to the convection settings.
Imagine this. You prepare some food for guests only for the guests to arrive a bit later. You would have to reheat your food, right? Well, with this appliance, that is not necessary. It will easily maintain your food’s temperature until you are ready to serve it.
Pros
- + It has 1.7 cubic feet, which is adequate for a medium-family
- + The turntable will hold a large plate well
- + It has 1000 watts of power to handle any type of task
- + It has a child lock that will improve security in general.
Cons
- – You would need more pressure on the keys.
-
Best Design: Café CVM517P3MD1 Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
You might want to replace an older model of your microwave oven with this new and functional microwave model. This appliance is among the best over-the-range convection microwave ovens on the market. Here are several reasons why.
Let’s start with the capacity. It has a 1.7 cubic feet capacity. That is adequate capacity to prepare a large meal of food extremely fast. So, if you ever find the need to entertain some unexpected guests, this appliance will help you immensely. It also features a divided space so that you have the chance to prepare two dishes at once.
Here’s what’s more. You will be able to prepare a range of meals from steamed vegetables, as well as golden crisp appetizers. Anything from steaming to convection cooking is a possibility now that you have this appliance. One reason why this might be the best over-the-range convection microwave is its fast cooking capability. You can use the Fast Cook function that will combine convection and microwave technologies to cook your food faster. Therefore, if you are on limited time, this appliance will help you prepare food in less time.
Guesswork is the enemy of perfection. The unit features sensor controls that will eradicate all the guesswork. It will automatically adjust your power and time settings so that you can get perfect results each time you use it to prepare a meal.
The streamlined cooking experience is one of the things you will highly appreciate, as you can see from the convection microwave over-the-range reviews. The cooking steps are simplified. Chef Connect will activate the surface lights and vents automatically when an element turns on. It will also synchronize the range clocks with your microwave.
You do not have to suffer in the darkness when you are using your cooktop. This appliance has a couple of LED lights that will illuminate the cooking surface and also reduce the total energy costs.
Be honest. Cleaning is always a problem with these appliances. But this specific unit will reduce the amount of work you have to do. It will use the steam cleaning function that will remove the sticky grease or stains. That way, all you need to do is wipe and it will be perfectly clean.
Pros
- + It has sensors that make your cooking more accurate
- + It is versatile in functionality
- + It is an amazingly beautiful appliance
- + It is an extremely quiet appliance
- + Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the steam cleaning function.
Cons
- – The interior is not black as advertised.
-
Best Large Capacity: Whirlpool WMH32519HZ Over-the-Range Convection Oven
What do you think of stainless steel appliances? Stainless steel is used in the construction of different appliances, this being one of them. A stainless steel construction not only increases the appearance of your kitchen but also ensures that cleaning is a complete breeze. You will be able to note all the dirty spots. The finish on this appliance will make it very easy to clean because it is resistant to fingerprints and stains. That means your appliance will always have a new and shiny appearance.
This appliance is our fourth pick, for several reasons, one of which is the power capability. The appliance has 1600 watts, which is adequate power to cook a wide range of meals extremely quickly. When it comes to efficiency, this appliance takes the prize. Why? This unit uses true steam and convection functions to preserve the flavors of your food while cooking.
It also has a blower with a speed of 400 CFM that you can adjust using four-speed settings. It is powerful enough to remove any unpleasant odors that might be produced in your kitchen. Finally, the appliance features a set of lights under it so that you can easily cook in your range without an issue.
Smart appliances are making life easier and these are among the smart appliances in your kitchen that will also make cooking easier. You can easily and quickly send commands or instructions to your microwave from your smartphone. You can also control it with voice commands when you are using a device that has voice compatibility.
Each time you cook, you would have to adjust your time and power settings. But this is only in older models. Now, all you have to do is scan a barcode of the frozen food using your smartphone and then send these instructions to your smartphone. It is a very easy way of preparing meals. You will highly appreciate how great it works.
The backlit controls will become dark when you are not using them. They will then reappear when you need to use them. If you think about it, it is a pretty futuristic feature.
The appliance has an amazing design with an amazing finish that resists stains and fingerprints.
One other amazing feature is the ability of the unit to use sound sensors to determine if your popcorn is ready.
Pros
- + It has a sleek design and construction
- + It has adequate capacity for a large family meal
- + The microwave is extremely easy to use
- + Cleaning the appliance is completely easy
- + The exterior is fingerprint and stain-resistant
- + The power is adequate for cooking a wide range of meals.
Cons
- – Some complaints of the door breaking after several uses.
-
Best Budget Pick: Samsung MC17T8000CS/AA Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
You might want a great, functional appliance that is still affordable and within your budget and this may be the right unit for you. This unit boasts 1700 watts of cooking power, which will cook a wide range of foods fast.
The cost of this unit is not the only reason why it is the best over-the-range microwave convection oven combo. It has a capacity of 1.7 cubic feet, which is more than most models will offer at that price. That space is quite generous and will easily hold different-sized cookware.
Time is really important. That is why this appliance saves you time with convection cooking. It will give you the flexibility to bake, roast, and microwave. All these cooking methods in a single cooking appliance. The combination of microwave features and convection cooking will help cook faster and will distribute heat evenly, which means evenly cooked food all the time.
To make the deal sweeter, the appliance allows you to use the mobile app to control and monitor the settings and functions. You will also find some recommendations for cooking modes for certain dishes, as well as some personalized recipes you might want to try out. Sounds amazing, right?
Samsung Bixby, as well as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, will help you turn the microwave on or off using simple voice control, an amazing feature you will enjoy. But that is not all. You will also be able to adjust the cooking functions, and settings, as well as cooking functions.
Pros
- + It features voice control for easier control of the microwave
- + It has adequate power to prepare any type of recipe you want
- + Auto connectivity helps you connect your microwave fan and the cooktop
- + It features a sleek and modern design.
Cons
- – Complaints of installation parts missing or breaking
- – It might be a loud unit.
-
Best Compact OTR Convection Microwave: Sharp R1874T
You might be in the market trying to find a small over-the-range microwave. If you are, then this might just be the perfect choice for you. This model has received a wide range of positive reviews on different online platforms. That is all due to the lightweight construction, the unique and amazing features, the versatility, as well as the built-in functions. Let’s take a deeper look.
When it comes to quality, the Sharp R1874T has a construction that ensures you get adequate service for the longest time possible. It is made using stainless steel, which also gives it a very sleek, elegant, and appealing design.
It does not matter the color scheme décor or style of your kitchen. If you need a microwave that goes with everything else, then here it is. What’s more? The microwave features 2 colors, and seven digits on the front panel, all forming a very interactive display. The smart settings are also very straightforward.
As for the interior, it is also constructed with stainless steel. How does that help? The interior does not hold on to stains, does not rust, and is corrosion-resistant. When it is time to clean the interior, all you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Unfortunately, cleaning the turntable can be a challenge since it is not removable.
The capacity is around 1.1 Cu. Ft. I know what you are thinking. It might be a bit smaller than most of the models in the market. However, it is large so it can prepare meals for smaller families. You can adjust the racks between the high and low ones.
What about the power? You will get around 850 watts that allow you to crisp, broil, bake, roast, and brown your dishes unlike you have ever done before. You will also get an exhaust system built into the system. That eradicates all the excess odor, steam, and smoke that the food produces. The air always remains fresh.
Pros
- + Made with a rust-resistant, stain-resistant, and corrosion-resistant interior
- + It features a versatile range of cooking options
- + The built-in exhaust systems keep the air fresh
- + It is appealing and will easily match your décor
- + The settings are easy to use.
Cons
- – Cleaning can be a challenge, especially for a turntable
- – It has a lower capacity compared to others.
-
Best OTR Convection Oven With Grill: Cuisinart CMW-200 1.2 Cu. Ft
With Cuisinart, you will get this amazing countertop oven that puts together smart features, great design, and just the right size. In this CMW-200, you will get a wide range of cooking options, just right to make you the best of the best out there.
We love that this stainless steel appliance will simply look amazing while doing exactly what you need. It features a tinted window, coupled with a stainless steel exterior. It also has 1.2 Cu. Ft capacity is just right for your family. The interior is very easy to clean or sanitize. You can be sure that there are no odors in the appliance.
The versatile microwave features around nine presets for different functions including popcorn, beverages, reheating, potatoes, frozen vegetables, fresh vegetables, cake, pizza, and roast chicken. With 8 different functions, you should be able to use convection roast, fast bake, keep warm, grill, defrost, and much more.
Easily defrost your food either by its weight or by some time. You can be assured of perfect results each time you use the microwave.
This appliance has one very unique function. You can select a cooking sequence of your choice so that you can cook your food in two or three stages. That requires a single button only. You can, for example, defrost a piece of chicken, after which you can heat it and grill it so that the cheese at the top melts. Sounds amazing, right?
Also, read: Best Microwave with Grill Feature
Pros
- + It features a wide range of functions and presets
- + The unit easily matches your kitchen’s décor
- + This is a reasonably priced microwave oven
- + It is a versatile microwave oven.
Cons
- – Many customers have complained about the warranty
- – The brand does not have the best customer service.
-
Best OTR Convection Oven For RV: RecPro 1.1 Cu. Ft.
The RecPro falls into this category because it is a beautiful, functional, and versatile appliance.
It starts easily with a timer increment of 30 seconds per touch. It also features around 10 different power levels.
As for safety, it features a child lock to keep your children safe from any accidents.
Finally, you get to enjoy 9 different express options for frozen vegetables, fresh ones, dinner plates, soup, beverages, and much more.
Pros
- + One of the best-rated appliances in the market
- + Cooks your food evenly with no cold spots
- + A wide range of express cook options
- + It is an appealing appliance.
Cons
- – It might need deeper cabinets
- – Difficult to install.
-
Another Great Option: Whirlpool WMH78019HZ
Are you ready to prepare meals with a power that will never disappoint? Look no further than this Whirlpool microwave oven with true convection, coupled with steam functions for preserved flavor. Another amazing feature includes the adjustable-speed blower that will keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Smart appliances are part of the revolution in the world and Whirlpool remains trendy with this amazing model. It features care smarter with features connected to your phone. You can, therefore, send instructions to the appliance from your smartphone.
You can control the kitchen with simple voice commands. You can also stay up-to-date with the maintenance and services from Whirlpool.
You can always prepare perfect meals every time. Simply scan the barcode on frozen food using your smartphone and the customized settings can be sent to the microwave. You can also use recommended settings. That ensures that the food remains in the best state.
Even when you are completely busy and working on other things, you can simply control your appliance with your voice. As long as you have Alexa or Google Assistant, you are set.
Is there more? You can be sure that there is. The appliance features controls that are backlit. They will only appear when you need to use them. That provides a sleek and elegant appearance. To make it better, the appliance’s controls are very easy to use and clean.
The 400 CFM motor provides adequate power to the fan for a clean, odorless kitchen. It features four different speeds to match the ventilation required for the specific dishes you are preparing.
Cooking your meals can be very easy with the help of the multi-step cooking process. You can use a tablet or smartphone you have to send different sequences of instructions at the same time. It can do everything you would do to a single meal without the need to monitor the food.
In case your appliances lose connectivity, you will always receive a notification.
Finally, you can easily start your appliance remotely with the help of your tablet or your smartphone. That way, you can always find your food ready and heated when you get home.
Pros
- + The appliance features a wide range of features to enjoy
- + You can start the appliance remotely
- + The fully functional convection feature
- + It has a very appealing design
- + It is a versatile appliance.
Cons
- – Several complaints of the door breaking.
-
Another Compact Option: Dacor 1.1 Cu. Ft
If you are looking for an amazing minimalistic convection over-the-range microwave, then you might have your match with this Dacor appliance. It is a microwave oven that features sensor cooking and a beautiful stainless steel design.
But there’s more. The reasonably priced appliance provides you with 850 Watts of power for all the basic cooking needs. That means that you will be able to do a lot like popping some popcorn, warm leftovers, and even heat beverages with the least effort.
To make the deal sweeter, you will get convection heating. That means that it features a heating element coupled with a fan that circulates the heat in the chamber easily. The result? The food will be thoroughly cooked in an even manner. The fan will circulate the heat so that the food is heated from all angles at the same rate. Food will not have any cold spots.
As pointed out, it features some sensors that will easily detect the stem that the food emits. It then makes use of this information to adjust the cooking time appropriately. You can focus on other things, such as prepping the next dish without worrying about the food in the microwave.
You can also make use of the reheating and keep warm features that are always perfect in ensuring the food remains at a constant temperature for longer. It also features a 13-inch turntable that will rotate the food constantly so that it cooks evenly.
Pros
- + Beautiful appliance with a stainless steel construction
- + Matches your kitchen décor without even trying
- + Provides even and thorough heating
- + Perfect fit for the shallow cabinets
- + It is a durable appliance.
Cons
- – The brand’s customer service is not the best.
Before you make a Purchase…
The microwave options you have in the market are unbelievable. Each model is unique in functionality, performance, features, as well as size. Not to mention the advantages and disadvantages associated with each. With that in mind, you can see how hard it would be to come up with one perfect microwave.
So, what should you do? Before you consider the microwave convection oven over-the-range reviews, you should narrow down your choices. How do you do that? You must identify what you want in a microwave. That includes the specifications, sizes, features, and more.
There are specific things or aspects that you should consider before you make a purchase. Here they are.
Wattage
Have you used a microwave before? If you have, you probably know how important the wattage is to the performance of a microwave. The wattage will translate to the microwave’s cooking power. If it has a higher wattage, the faster it cooks.
So, what is the recommended wattage? A microwave that has a wattage between 900 and 1000 watts should be adequate for most cooking functions. It should balance out the power and cost perfectly.
In this case, we consider that the oven will have the functionality of convection cooking and microwave energy. Therefore, that level of power should be adequate for cooking properly.
If the budget is not an issue, you can choose a higher wattage limit.
Size
You determine the size of a microwave-based on the space it can offer or its capacity. Additionally, you have to consider the space that you have in your kitchen.
The interior cooking space is an important factor to consider. Most of the ovens in the market will offer you a capacity ranging from 1.5 cubic feet to 1.7 cubic feet. If you look at most convection microwave over-the-range reviews, you will note that this is quite adequate for most dinnerware.
Models that have low-profile designs will usually have reduced height, which then translates to reduced capacity. Units like these will give you anything between 1.1 and 1.5 cubic feet. That is still enough to hold a wide plate or tall glass and would still hold most cookware in your kitchen comfortably.
So, what about the kitchen space? When considering the kitchen space, you should look at the microwave’s external dimensions. That will help you determine if the microwave will fit in the space available properly.
Most of the over-the-range microwaves will have anything between 24 and 30 inches. It is important to note that these appliances are supposed to go over the stove, under the cabinet.
If you have a limitation on space, you can go for the appliances that will help reduce the total space. If space is not an issue, a larger unit would be quite convenient.
The Control Panel
The way you operate your appliance is also very important. Nobody wants an appliance that will only lead to more trouble during operation. For that reason, you want to find an appliance that will be easy to operate and you can determine that from the control panel.
The first thing you need to check is that the unit has a durable control panel. Keep in mind that you will be using this control panel over and over again. In case you purchase a cheap model, you will get a poor panel that will easily break after several uses. You might know that this is the first thing that breaks in most microwaves.
Additionally, make sure that this control panel is user-friendly. It should have some large buttons with large icons, and digits that are easy to read. There are also displays with dual colors.
Some models in the market have control panels behind the microwave door. It is a sleek design that you should consider.
Make sure that the lighting is available so that you can use your appliance even when it is dark.
Additional Convenience Features
It is important to go through the features offered by the unit before you throw your money into it. These features are supposed to make it easy to operate.
These might include preprogrammed settings and sensors that promote precise cooking. It might also have some buttons for the most common tasks such as melting, defrosting, and more.
The turntable is also important to improve even the cooking and heating of meals.
FAQs
-
How do I clean my over-the-range microwave convection oven?
Maintaining your oven is a breeze. Simply follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions provided in the user manual. Most models include a self-cleaning feature, making the process quick and hassle-free.
-
Can I install an over-the-range oven in a small kitchen?
Absolutely! Many ovens in our selection are designed for compact spaces. Check the dimensions and installation requirements in the product specifications to ensure a seamless fit in your kitchen.
-
Do over-the-range ovens come with a warranty?
Yes, most reputable brands offer warranties on their products. Be sure to check the warranty period and terms before making a purchase to secure your investment.
-
What makes a convection oven different from a regular microwave?
Unlike traditional microwaves, convection ovens use a fan and exhaust system to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking. This feature is ideal for baking and roasting, providing a versatile cooking experience.
-
Are over-the-range microwave convection ovens energy-efficient?
Yes, many of our top picks prioritize energy efficiency. Look for ovens with Energy Star certification, indicating that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.
-
Can I replace my existing microwave with an over-the-range convection oven?
In most cases, yes. However, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with your kitchen space and ventilation requirements. Consult the product specifications and, if needed, seek professional installation advice.
Conclusion
Deciding to replace your older model with a chosen best over-the-range microwave convection oven combo is an important step. It will give you some amazing benefits that your older model would not provide. Cooking will be faster and the food will be heated evenly. After following the tips in this post, you should be able to choose the right appliance with ease. Make a purchase today.
Also read:
Now I’d like to hear from you.
Did I miss one of your favorite microwave/convection ovens?
Or maybe you have a question about something.
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Also, if you find the information in this post to be useful, be sure to share this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!