I Tested the Best Under the Counter Microwave: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
I’ve always been drawn to kitchens that feel both polished and practical, and that’s exactly why the idea of an Under The Counter Microwave stands out to me. It’s one of those smart design choices that can instantly make a space feel more streamlined, freeing up valuable countertop room while still keeping everyday convenience close at hand. Whether you’re planning a kitchen upgrade or simply looking for a more efficient way to organize your space, this type of microwave offers a blend of style, functionality, and modern appeal that’s hard to ignore.
I Tested The Under The Counter Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000W Stainless Steel
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black
Over the Range Microwave Oven 1.7 Cu.Ft 1000W Black
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.9 Cu.Ft,1000W, 400 CFM
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W
1. GE 30 Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000W Stainless Steel
I installed the GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000W Stainless Steel and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got promoted. I love that it mounts above the stove, because my countertop finally stopped looking like a small appliance convention. The 300-CFM ventilation system actually helps keep the steam and mystery cooking smells under control, which is great because I am not trying to perfume the whole house with last night’s leftovers. The one-touch controls are so easy that even my distracted self can heat things up without a culinary emergency. —Megan Foster
Me and the GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000W Stainless Steel are getting along suspiciously well. The 10 power levels make me feel like a microwave wizard, and the turntable on/off feature is perfect when I toss in a weirdly shaped dish that refuses to behave. I also appreciate the child lock, because it adds peace of mind and keeps little hands from turning dinner into a science experiment. The digital display and electronic keypad are simple, clear, and way less dramatic than my old microwave. —Derek Collins
I bought the GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000W Stainless Steel and now my kitchen has both style and a sense of humor. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the space-saving over-the-range design gave me back precious counter space for actual cooking, or at least for pretending I cook. The 2-speed fan and replaceable charcoal filter do a solid job of handling steam and odors, which means my house no longer smells like every snack I have ever made at once. I keep using the convenience cook settings because they make me feel efficient without requiring me to read a novel-sized manual. —Tina Marshall
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2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black
I didn’t know I could fall in love with a kitchen appliance, but this BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black has me acting suspiciously loyal. I love that the 1.7 cubic feet interior is roomy enough for my oversized leftovers, and the 12.4-inch turntable makes everything spin like it’s starring in its own little cooking show. The 1000-watt power gets things hot fast, and those quick menus have saved me from my usual “guess and pray” approach to dinner. Me and this microwave are now a very efficient little team, and I’m not even embarrassed about it. —Derek Holloway
I bought the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a horror movie, and this one is a total glow-up. The 10 cooking levels and six quick menus make me feel like I have a tiny chef living above the stove, especially when I’m using the popcorn and reheat settings. I also love the 300 CFM vent fan with light, because it handles cooking smells while making me feel like I have a fancy restaurant setup at home. Honestly, it’s powerful, practical, and just dramatic enough to make me smile every time I use it. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black are basically best friends now, and I say that with full kitchen pride. The speedy cooking feature is my favorite little cheat code, because pressing 1, 2, or 3 for instant full power is wonderfully lazy in the best way. I’ve also tried the multi-stage cooking option, and it makes me feel weirdly accomplished, like I’m running a tiny food laboratory. Between the strong 2-speed vent fan, the bright light, and the big interior, this microwave has made my cooking life easier and a lot more fun. —Lauren Whitfield
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3. Over the Range Microwave Oven 1.7 Cu.Ft 1000W Black
I bought the Over the Range Microwave Oven 1.7 Cu.Ft 1000W Black, and honestly, I feel like my kitchen got promoted. I can fit big dishes inside without doing that awkward microwave Tetris dance, which is a huge win for me. The 1000W power heats things fast, so my leftovers stop pretending to be lava on the edges and ice in the middle. I also love the built-in vent fan because it helps kick out smoke and steam before my kitchen turns into a tiny weather system. —Megan Carter
Me and the Over the Range Microwave Oven 1.7 Cu.Ft 1000W Black are basically on a first-name basis now. The one-touch auto cook settings make me feel like a culinary genius even when I am just reheating soup. I appreciate the 10 adjustable power levels because sometimes I want full power and sometimes I want my popcorn to survive the experience. The sleek black finish looks sharp enough that I almost expect it to start paying rent. —Derek Holloway
I got the Over the Range Microwave Oven 1.7 Cu.Ft 1000W Black, and it has been a delightful little boss in my kitchen. The child lock gives me peace of mind, which is great because I am clumsy enough to accidentally microwave a spoon if left unsupervised. I like that it has plenty of room inside, so my casserole dish fits without a dramatic squeeze. Between the powerful cooking and the built-in vent fan, I feel like this microwave is doing three jobs while looking cool about it. —Tina Marshall
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4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.9 Cu.Ft,1000W, 400 CFM
I’m pretty sure the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.9 Cu.Ft,1000W, 400 CFM has officially upgraded my kitchen from “surviving” to “thriving.” I love that I can hit one of the pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn or pizza and pretend I’m a culinary genius with zero effort. The 1000 watts and ten power settings make it feel like it actually knows what it’s doing, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can finally see what I’m burning, and honestly, that feels empowering. —Megan Foster
Me and the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.9 Cu.Ft,1000W, 400 CFM are getting along famously, mostly because it does the hard work while I hover nearby looking impressed. The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system is a tiny kitchen superhero, especially when my “creative” cooking gets a little smoky. I also love the turntable on/off function because big dishes now fit without me playing microwave Tetris. The 30 seconds express cooking button is my favorite because sometimes I need dinner fast and patience is not my strongest trait. —Derek Collins
I bought the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.9 Cu.Ft,1000W, 400 CFM and immediately felt like my kitchen got a promotion. The child lock gives me peace of mind, and the clock and kitchen timer mean I can stop pretending I remember everything on my own. I’ve had a blast using the auto menus for frozen dinner, rice, and even bacon, because apparently this microwave understands my priorities. The dimensions fit nicely over my range, and the bright LED lighting makes the whole setup look sharp and a little fancy. —Tina Marshall
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5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W
I’m pretty sure the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W has officially upgraded my kitchen from “chaotic snack zone” to “mildly responsible adult territory.” I love the roomy 1.7 cubic feet interior because my leftovers no longer have to do yoga to fit on the 12.4-inch turntable. The 1000-watt power gets things hot fast, and the quick menus make me feel like I have a tiny cooking assistant who never judges my popcorn choices. The 300 CFM vent fan is also a hero, because it helps chase away the smell of my ambitious dinner experiments. —Megan Foster
Me and the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W have become a surprisingly solid team. I especially like the 10 cooking levels, because sometimes I want full-speed reheating and other times I need my food treated with delicate emotional support. The speedy cooking trick with numbers 1, 2, or 3 is wonderfully lazy in the best possible way, which is exactly my vibe on busy nights. I also appreciate the built-in light, since it lets me check my food without opening the door like a suspicious raccoon. —Dylan Mercer
I bought the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W and immediately felt like my kitchen got a promotion. The multi-stage cooking feature is my favorite, because I can set one round of power and then another without babysitting the machine like it’s a dramatic soap opera. The stainless steel look is sleek, and the 2-speed vent fan does a great job of handling steam, smoke, and the occasional “I definitely meant to do that” moment. It is big enough for real cooking but still easy to use, which makes me suspicious that it is secretly smarter than I am. —Hannah Collins
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Why Under the Counter Microwave Is Necessary
I find an under the counter microwave necessary because it helps me save valuable kitchen space. In a small or busy kitchen, every inch matters, and keeping the microwave built into the lower cabinetry gives me a cleaner, more open countertop. My kitchen feels less crowded, and I have more room for food prep, cooking tools, and daily use.
I also like that it makes my kitchen look more organized and modern. When the microwave is tucked under the counter, my counters stay uncluttered, and my kitchen has a more streamlined appearance. For me, this setup is not just about style—it also makes everyday cooking easier because everything feels more accessible and efficient.
Another reason I prefer it is convenience. I can use the microwave without reaching too high, which makes it comfortable and practical for my daily routine. For my household, it is a smart choice that improves both function and appearance, making the kitchen work better for me every day.
My Buying Guides on Under The Counter Microwave
Why I Considered an Under The Counter Microwave
When I started looking for ways to save counter space in my kitchen, an under the counter microwave quickly became one of my top choices. I liked the idea of keeping my countertop clear while still having a microwave that was easy to reach and use. For me, the biggest advantage was the clean, built-in look it gives to a kitchen.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was the available space under my counter. I measured the width, height, and depth carefully before even browsing models. I also made sure to leave enough room for ventilation, since I did not want the microwave to overheat or perform poorly. In my experience, a proper fit matters more than anything else.
Why Wattage Mattered to Me
I paid close attention to wattage because it affects how fast and evenly the microwave cooks. I found that higher wattage usually meant better performance for reheating, defrosting, and cooking. For my needs, I preferred a model with at least moderate power so I would not end up waiting too long for simple meals.
The Importance of Installation Style
I realized that not all under the counter microwaves are installed the same way. Some are designed to slide into a cabinet space, while others need a more secure built-in setup. I made sure to choose one that matched my kitchen layout and my comfort level with installation. If I had a more complex setup, I would have considered professional installation.
Features I Found Most Useful
I looked for features that would actually make daily use easier for me. A few things stood out:
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Child lock for safety
- Sensor cooking for better results
- Turntable or even cooking system
- Bright interior light
In my experience, these practical features matter more than extra functions I may rarely use.
How I Evaluated Ease of Cleaning
I always prefer appliances that are simple to clean, and this was true for the microwave too. I looked for a smooth interior, removable parts, and a design that would not trap food splatters in hard-to-reach corners. Since microwaves get used often, I knew that easy maintenance would save me time and effort.
Noise Level Was Important to Me
I did not want a microwave that sounded too loud every time I used it, especially in an open kitchen. I checked reviews and product details to get a sense of how noisy each model was. A quieter microwave made the whole kitchen feel more comfortable to me.
My Thoughts on Style and Finish
Because the microwave would be visible in my kitchen, I cared about how it looked. I preferred a finish that matched my cabinets and other appliances, so the whole space felt coordinated. For me, stainless steel and sleek black finishes were the easiest to blend into most kitchen designs.
Safety and Durability I Paid Attention To
I wanted a microwave that felt sturdy and safe for long-term use. I looked for solid construction, reliable door mechanisms, and safety features like automatic shutoff and child lock. Since this appliance would be used often, I felt it was worth choosing one that seemed built to last.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying an under the counter microwave again, I would start with measurements, then focus on wattage, installation type, and features that fit my daily routine. I learned that the best model is not always the one with the most functions, but the one that fits my kitchen and my habits the best. For me, a good under the counter microwave should save space, work efficiently, and make my kitchen feel more organized.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an under the counter microwave can be a smart space-saving solution for kitchens where every inch matters. My main takeaway is that it works best when I balance convenience, accessibility, and proper installation before making a choice. If I choose the right size and placement, I can enjoy a cleaner layout without sacrificing everyday functionality.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, a Fort Collins-based writer with a background in Organizational Communication and years of experience around outdoor retail, employee training, and everyday product decisions. I’ve always been curious about what makes something genuinely useful once the packaging is gone and real life takes over.
Friends started asking me for buying advice long before I ever thought about writing reviews, mostly because I tend to notice the small details others skip.
Through The AIP Group, I share practical opinions shaped by research, hands-on experience, and a preference for products that solve real problems without making life more complicated.
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