If your goal is to add an OTR microwave to your kitchen, the GE JVM6175 should be on your shortlist. It won't revolutionize your kitchen, but it stands out as an easy-to-use, space-saving dual-duty range hood and microwave oven. In fact, when testing it we found that this model outperformed others with better controls and more even heating.
Our pick
GE JVM6175
Works well, tons of controls
This GE heats about as well as other over-the-range models we’ve tested, and it has far more controls and comes in more finishes than other microwaves at this price.
The GE JVM6175 comes with useful express-cooking buttons (ex. Add 30 Seconds), a convenient "mute" setting, and a night-light option to illuminate the cooktop. It's one of few to offer an option to turn off the turntable, a helpful feature when accommodating larger dishes. Installation is relatively simple and the appliance should fit easily into an existing OTR slot. Plus, it's available in numerous finishes like no other microwave we surveyed.
Runner-up
Whirlpool WMH31017
Costs less, fewer controls
Although it’s missing some express options and a few other useful controls, this affordable Whirlpool performs well and runs a bit quieter than most over-the-range microwaves.
If the GE JVM6175 is a bit too pricey or unavailable for you, the Whirlpool WMH31017 is a great alternative! While it lacks some of the GE's shortcuts on the number pad and sensor-cook settings, it still boasts the same powerful fan capabilities that was just as effective in our tests. Plus, it runs much quieter than the GE, so you can have an uninterrupted and peaceful cooking experience.
Everything We Recommend
Our pick
GE JVM6175
Works well, tons of controls
This GE heats about as well as other over-the-range models we’ve tested, and it has far more controls and comes in more finishes than other microwaves at this price.
Buying Options
Runner-up
Whirlpool WMH31017
Costs less, fewer controls
Although it’s missing some express options and a few other useful controls, this affordable Whirlpool performs well and runs a bit quieter than most over-the-range microwaves.
Buying Options
The research
Why you should trust us
Writer Liam McCabe spent countless years covering appliances, even contributing to their recent guide covering the best countertop microwaves. This guide deepens understanding of the topic, through interviews with industry insiders and perusal of customer reviews, Good Housekeeping and Consumer Reports (Microwaves, Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2020, pp. 45–47). The process included sifting through import records to discover the original suppliers of over-the-range microwaves, analyzing over a dozen models side-by-side, and testing six models at our offices.
Who should get this
For those wanting to save both time and space, an over-the-range microwave is the perfect choice. Combining a microwave and range hood into one appliance, they offer the same heating performance and reliability as many countertop and built-in models. Budget-friendly models can provide up to 300 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air movement, while more expensive models rarely surpass 400 CFM. So if you want the convenience of a microwave and hood in a single unit, over-the-range microwaves are the way to go.
Replacing an old OTR microwave? Most new models are built to fit in the same 30-inch space, making installation a breeze. Just be aware: a few OTR models measure only 24-inc
The depth and height of OTR models can differ, yet for the most part the pocket-friendly models we’ve highlighted for this guide are around an equivalent size. Your installer might need to bore a couple of additional holes so the new support bracket, vents, and power cable fit perfectly, however that will all be disguised behind the appliance in the long run. All the OTR models we are aware of can vent from the rear or the top of the unit (depending on the location of your ducts) or work in recirculation mode.
If you're able to, we suggest attaching your over-the-range microwave to a vent that leads to the outdoors. In 2017, The University of California's Lawrence Berkeley National Lab researchers studied the impact of range hoods on indoor air-quality and established that those that went outside lessened pollutant levels in the air from cooking by 80-95%, whereas the finest air-circulating version only managed to cut back pollutants by 50%. (Recent studies about cooking and indoor air quality also point out that you should turn on your microwave hood every time you cook or bake, not just when you're deep-frying fish or charring a steak.)
When deciding whether to purchase an over-the-range microwave or a dedicated range hood, what kind of stove you have is a major factor. As Jessica Petrino Ball from AJ Madison, who educates customers on kitchen appliance matters, explains, an exhaust hood works by sucking up and removing steam and gases, along with odors, heat, and tiny grease particles. All of this ultimately makes the kitchen cleaner and less smelly.
Generally, aim for a range hood that offers 100 CFM of power for every 10,000 BTU of your gas stovetop's output. Basic models tend to have two highly-powered burners that together use up to 30,000 BTU. In this scenario, your ordinary 300 CFM over-the-range microwave could struggle - the same applies to top-of-the-line ranges. Not only can smoke levels far exceed the microwave's capacity, but the handle may become increasingly hot. Considering these issues, a range hood is likely the wiser choice. For an alternative, look into countertop, wall-installed, or drawer microwaves.
How we picked and tested
Most microwaves we tested had similar specs and features, so we narrowed our focus to noteworthy aspects like express buttons, door handles, a mute option and sensor reheat mode when selecting countertop microwaves. We also created marshmallow heat maps to analyze the evenness and hot spots of microwaves’ heating performance, and closely monitored the temperatures of soups to measure the power of microwaves.
We included tests particular to over-the-range microwaves such as favoring models with yellow undermount lights providing two intensity settings – one to illuminate your cooking and the other for soft ambient lighting. Since air flow is similar for all units (300 to 400 CFM), we focused on those with fewer fan noises. We chose not to assess ease of installation since most people will hire a professional for such a task.
Seeing as this was our initial test of over-the-range microwaves, and we were uncertain of how successful it'd be, we chose a modest selection of finalists and restricted testing to popular low-budget models up to $300. We might assess some pricey models at a later stage.
Though all countertop microwaves sold in the US are made by Midea, there is a broader selection of OTR models, possibly meaning dissimilarities in efficiency and durability among the brands. Unfortunately, we don't have sufficient data at this time to establish what these distinctions may be.
Interesting to note, shipping records and side-by-side comparisons suggest that Midea manufactures Frigidaire and certain GE models, LG makes its own machines and certain GE models, and Samsung follows the same pattern. Moreover, within the same sub-district of the same city, Whirlpool Corp. owns a factory dedicated to the production of above-the-range microwaves for its sub-brands, including Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid. It is perhaps worth mentioning that all of these firms declined to comment on specific partnerships.
Our pick: GE JVM6175
Our pick
GE JVM6175
Works well, tons of controls
This GE heats about as well as other over-the-range models we’ve tested, and it has far more controls and comes in more finishes than other microwaves at this price.
The GE JVM6175 features convenient controls found in the ideal microwave, and boasts much better accuracy in heating than other over-the-range models we’ve tested. Simple to install than competitors, this model is also offered in more finishes, to ensure a seamless completion of your kitchen style. It's also not cost prohibitive!
Controls are what truly define a microwave, and the JVM6175 has the most comprehensive set in an inexpensive over-the-range model. Featuring traditional express keys (1-5 minutes) and Add 30 Seconds button, the JVM6175 also has an exclusive Mute option which allows users to heat their food soundlessly, perfect for midnight snacks. Additionally, the microwave has a unique turntable off option, accommodating larger dishes--though hot spots will be more intense.
The JVM6175's undermount light offers warmth with its color temperature and a half-power setting that's great for night-time illumination. But when you need it turned up, this little light can reach maximum brightness to easily illuminate your stovetop.
In our evaluations, the JVM6175 was victorious in providing even heat distribution over the glass plate, void of hot and cold spots. This is superb news if you frequently reheat large meals or large platters. Additionally, the JVM6175 comes with a range of sensor-based reheat, defrost, and cook options which are not always featured on budget-friendly above-the-stove microwaves.
Typically, people get a pro to set up the microwave, but if you decide to attempt installation on your own, the JVM6175 is a better candidate than the other over-the-range models we examined. The supplied template is uncomplicated to use and needs only one less bolt to remain stable.
The JVM6175 GE appliance has an array of up to six finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match to any kitchen style. You're sure to love the design results!
Stainless steel: JVM6175SKSS Fingerprint-resistant stainless: JVM6175YKFS White: JVM6175DKWW Black: JVM6175DKBB Fingerprint-resistant black stainless: JVM6175BLTS Fingerprint-resistant slate: JVM6175EKES
Flaws but not dealbreakers
This GE fan is a tad noisier and whooshier than other models we tested, yet it still emits the same advertised airflow (300 CFM). Originally, we had meant to assess the volume and frequency with a sound meter early in 2020, yet our office was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so we were unable to initiate the tests.
Testing demonstrated that the JVM6175 was not as effective at heating soup and potatoes compared to other OTR models. We witnessed variance in power output among individual units, and the model may be 10-15% slower than the competition. Nonetheless, the discrepancy in performance is insignificant, thus our recommendation stands. Users may merely need to adjust the food preparation times accordingly.
Despite some reports of short lifespan, the JVM6175 has achieved a terrific overall user rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from the more than 9,000 reviews that Home Depot has collected since 2016, which is among the best scores for OTR microwaves. Some failures are probably caused by defective units, but many are likely due to incorrect installation, such as incorrect vent alignment or the failure to set it to recirculation mode to vent heat, which leads the appliance to overheat and burn out.
Runner-up: Whirlpool WMH31017
Runner-up
Whirlpool WMH31017
Costs less, fewer controls
Although it’s missing some express options and a few other useful controls, this affordable Whirlpool performs well and runs a bit quieter than most over-the-range microwaves.
If the product you're after is unavailable or you're looking to save a bit of cash, the Whirlpool WMH31017 also makes a great over-the-range microwave. With even heat distribution and no hot or cold spots, plus a great cooktop light that delivers a bright high mode and a night-light-friendly half-power setting, it's a solid choice.
The Whirlpool lacks express controls, though it does have an Add 30 Seconds button. There’s no mute option, no turntable-off feature, no sensor-based modes either. The control panel isn’t as extensive by comparison. Even though you can do without any of these settings, some people will miss the express-cook options.
white, stainless steel, slate and black. The cost-savings don't end there; the Whirlpool boasts similar heating performance as the JVM6175, while the ventilation fan moves the same amount of air at a notably quieter level. And not only that, but you can pick from four different finishes including white, stainless steel, slate and black.
Stainless steel: WMH31017HS Fingerprint-resistant stainless: WMH31017HZ White: WMH31017HW Black: WMH31017HB
The competition
Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid all manufacture microwaves, many of which share similarities to the Whirlpool WMH31017. With quality performance that is the same across the board, finding a lower price, or a different design or extra features is sure to result in an appliance just as satisfying as the WMH31017.
Our testing of the GE JVM3160, the lowest-tier model in their OTR lineup, proved it a valuable alternative to the Whirlpool WMH31017. It offers more express controls, but its heating is not as even. Light and fan noise output closely match that of the WMH31017. Plus, it's one of the few microwaves still available in the classic Bisque finish. If you require more cooking room, then the somewhat pricier yet otherwise similar GE JVM7195 might be a better fit.
It looks as though the Frigidaire FFMV1645T is comparable to the GE JVM3160, perhaps even from the same plant. However, it lacks express features and its white cooktop light isn't effective as a night light.
The LG LVM1762ST garners a lower than average user rating than the other models we tested. It lacks express controls other than an Add 30 Seconds button and More/Less buttons to vary the run time by 10 seconds. Additionally, a testing revealed a 'dead spot' in the middle of the turntable, a rare occurrence that could prove maddening for users.
We aimed to try the Samsung ME16H702SE but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, our office had to be shut. From what we know, it is among the cheapest Samsung over-the-range models and its average user rating is lower than the others.
The Magic Chef MCO165UW is usually the most affordable over-the-range microwave available, though it also has the lowest user satisfaction rating. Without a night-light setting and the sole express control being an inefficient Add Minute option, this microwave also has a distinct dead spot for heating in its center.
The Insignia brand at Best Buy has a few options in Over the Range microwaves, though we did not have time to test them. From our research we believe the NS-OTR16SS9, a stainless steel model, is comparable to the Magic Chef model of a similar price range. The black stainless NS-OTR16BS8 (currently out of stock) however may be a higher quality choice.
Though some of the higher-end brands have microwaves we didn't test, which may come in packages with other kitchen appliances, it is likely that these come from the same few factories and include similar core components as their cheaper counterparts. Differences like those found in design, aesthetics and control panels are the primary variations between price-points. Unlike the stove or refrigerator, paying extra won't make the reheating of your favorite meal any easier; it may or may not last longer.
For those who need a low-profile OTR microwave, Whirlpool's WML55011 (and similar models) should be strongly considered. Despite its shorter stature, it's still high enough to accommodate a pint glass. An expensive option, but nonetheless ideal for solving a space issue.
Microwave safety, care, and maintenance
Our suggestions from both the guide to countertop microwaves and the article on microwave fires can be used for this as well. Bottom line: Don't worry about microwave radiation, make sure to clean the inside often, avoid shutting the door abruptly, don't use it without anything inside, don't put in any metal items or foil, and refrain from attempting to repair it yourself.
Hiring a pro to install an over-the-range microwave is a wise move, yet it's not outside the realm of possibility to manage the task solo. I'm no handyman extraordinaire, yet I installed my first microwave in around 45 minutes, so it can be done! All of the OTR microwaves we tested include a paper template that'll help throughout the process, plus the needed support hardware. You will, however, require a power drill, stud finder, and several drill bits, as well as a pencil and some tape. You may also want a friend to help you hoist the appliance.
Ensuring proper ventilation during installment is the key to extended life for over-the-range models. Each of the microwaves we evaluated possess 3 venting options, failure to pick the right one can result in overheating and eventual burnout. Manufacturers suggest that the filters beneath the unit be cleaned out monthly, and if your unit comes with a charcoal filter, the maintenance has to be done every 6 months.
Rachel Wharton offered assistance with the report.
