Upgrade your kitchen with above-st stove microwaves that combine power, convenience, and space-saving design. This guide highlights five top options, each with sensor cooking, venting, and user-friendly presets. Explore features, sizes, and performance to find the best fit for daily meals and quick weeknight dinners. The summary below helps you compare capacity, power, and key functions at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Capacity | Power | Vent | One-Touch Presets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EM044K6CE-SS | BLACK+DECKER | 1.7 cu ft | 1000 W | Yes | Yes (Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, Defrost) |
| EM044KB19 | BLACK+DECKER | 1.9 cu ft | 1000 W | Yes | Yes (multiple auto menus) |
| EMPV-30OTR01 | Empava | 1.7 cu ft | 1000 W | Yes | Yes (popcorn, potato, veggies, etc.) |
| EC942K6CE-SS | BLACK+DECKER | 1.5 cu ft | 900 W | Yes | Yes (air fry, convection, bake, etc.) |
| GE JVM3160DFBB | GE | 1.6 cu ft | 1000 W | Yes | Yes (auto menus) |
The following sections provide in-depth looks at five well-rounded above-stove microwaves, each offering strong performance, dependable reliability, and user-friendly controls suitable for American kitchens.
BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS: 1.7 Cu Ft With Vent and Auto Cooking
This BLACK+DECKER model offers a roomy 1.7 cubic feet interior with a 12.4-inch turntable, enabling flexible cookware while occupying a compact footprint. It has a robust 1000-watt output and six quick menus designed for daily use, including Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost. A built-in vent helps manage steam, making it suitable for cooking with the overhead exhaust. The appliance balances capacity and power with streamlined controls for quick meal prep.
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave
This variant provides 1.9 cubic feet of capacity with a 1000-watt heater and 10 power settings. It includes pre-programmed auto menus covering popcorn, potato, vegetables, pizza, snacks, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and a frozen breakfast option. The unit also features a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second quick-cook option, and a child lock for safety. An integrated cooktop LED light delivers clear illumination for the cooking surface below.
Empava EMPV-30OTR01 Over the Range Microwave
Empava’s model emphasizes sensor cooking and a 300 CFM venting system. Its 1.7 cubic feet interior accommodates standard bakeware and offers pre-programmed auto menus including popcorn, potato, vegetables, pizza, hot dog, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and soup. The LED cooktop lighting provides bright, even visibility. It operates on standard 120V/60Hz power and combines a straightforward control interface with a reliable venting solution for kitchen versatility.
BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS: Air Fry, Convection, Bake
This 1.5-cubic-foot microwave from BLACK+DECKER adds versatility with a six-function combo: microwave, air fryer, convection, combination grill, bake, and roast. The 13.6-inch turntable supports larger items, and the air fryer mode delivers healthier, crispier results with less oil. Its compact design makes it a strong choice for families seeking multi-function efficiency without additional small appliances cluttering the counter space.
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS: 1.8 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range
Frigidaire’s 1.8 cubic feet over-the-range microwave emphasizes visibility with interior and cooktop LED lighting. The spacious interior is designed to accommodate larger cookware, and its 1000-watt output supports confident fast heating. The unit also features 300 CFM venting to manage steam and odors, making it suitable for open-concept kitchens where airflow matters during meal prep.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Ventilation needs vary by cooking style. If you regularly use the microwave for frying or sauteing, prioritize a higher CFM vent (300 CFM or more) to keep your kitchen comfortable. Sensor cooking helps reduce guesswork for reheating and defrosting; models with multiple auto menus simplify weekday meals without manual timing.
Capacity matters for cookware and dish sizes. Larger interiors (1.7–1.9 cu ft) comfortably fit pizza boxes, casserole dishes, and larger plates. Consider the turntable diameter and whether the interior supports 12-inch or 13.6-inch cookware.
Power and performance balance with energy usage. A 1000-watt microwave delivers quick heating, but ensure the unit’s exterior dimensions fit your cabinet opening. LED lighting improves visibility on the cooktop, especially when your oven light is dim or obstructed by overhead cabinets.
Control ease and presets influence daily use. One-touch options reduce the steps needed to prepare popular foods. Look for child lock safety if you have young children in the home. A clock and a timer add convenience for timed reheating and meal prep.
Build quality and warranty are important for long-term reliability. While all listed brands are common in American households, verify the included protection plans and look for models that have straightforward maintenance and readily available replacement parts.
Energy efficiency, noise level, and convection or air-fry features offer additional value. If you want healthier cooking results without a separate appliance, consider models with built-in air frying or convection modes. For kitchens with limited space, slim-profile designs or compact dimensions can maximize overhead clearance.
Finally, ensure compatibility with your kitchen’s style. Stainless steel finishes, silver tones, and clean lines suit most modern kitchens, while black or metallic accents can coordinate with existing appliances.