If you have a small counter space but still want to have a microwave for daily use, then the best over-the-range convection microwave is a great option. The oven combo will provide you with a massive range of advanced functionalities and excellent cooking power, unlike a standard microwave with traditional microwave technology.
While a convection oven might be the perfect addition to your space, it can be pretty strenuous to find options available for you. Fortunately, we have shortlisted the best options available in the market as well as a buying guide to help you choose the best one. But first, let's see what a convection microwave is and if they are really worth it.
Which brand convection microwave is best?
Is a Microwave with Convection Worth It?
A convection microwave is an appliance that works like the traditional microwave oven as it heats your food using the power of microwaves. However, they come with bonus features like a fan and heating coil to allow it to perform functions like browning, baking, and roasting foods.
Over-the-range convection microwaves, also known as OTR microwaves, are installed over the stove and on the cabinets. Unlike the countertop microwaves, these microwaves free up your kitchen counter space. In addition, these microwaves provide convectional cooking, providing uniform heat and versatile functions to cook multiple dishes.
How Does a Convection Microwave Oven Work?
Convectional microwaves will cook food in two different ways, and the combination of both microwave energy and convection cooking feature makes them very powerful. When you set your conventional microwave to only warm something, then it will work like a standard microwave. However, when you use the convection settings in the microwave, it will work more like an oven.
So, with that being said, here are the five best over the range convection microwaves you should consider
1. Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
- Stylish Stainless Steel (color of door frame is stainless steel,...
- Pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods...
- One touch popcorn button and two defrost settings – custom...
- Equipped with power-saving eco mode, sound on/off option and...
- 1100 watts with 10 power settings, clock, and kitchen timer
If you're on a budget and looking for a cost-effective and compact option, then the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven should be among your top consideration. Coming at an affordable price, this countertop microwave oven provides great value for money. Although it comes with a compact footprint, it can still be able to accommodate bigger things.
The higher cooking power of 1100 watts will not only offer much faster cooking but also even cooking, baking, or defrosting frozen foods. You get several functions in the pre-programmed sensor cooking function to allow for even cooking. There are custom defrosts, auto defrosts and one-touch popcorn buttons that ensure more effectiveness of this unit.
In addition, the unit comes with a power-saving ECO mode, a child safety lock and a sound on/off option. The display is also clear, making it easy to read, and the built-in smart sensor is useful for monitoring the moisture and temperature levels of different meals.
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2. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel
- Panasonic Microwave: This 1200 Watt high power, 1.2 cubic foot...
- Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost: Patented Inverter...
- Compact Design: This countertop microwave with 13.4 inch...
- Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor: Built in automatic...
- Keep Warm Feature: This inverter microwave keeps soups, gravies...
Panasonic is a brand that is well understood globally based on its reliability on devices such as microwaves. This Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel has a power output of 1200 watts which not only cuts down the cooking times, but also provide an even distribution of heat.
The 1.2 cu ft size is suitable for preparation and reheating of meals and this allows for other larger portions of food also to fit. One of the unique aspect of this microwave is the patented inverter technology that makes it possible to conduct the operation using less power while delivering the intended results for the oven.
Furthermore, the advanced turbo defrosts technology comes in handy to reduce the defrosting time. It also comes with a 13-inch turntable that is compact and lightweight, as well as a built-in genius sensor that automatically adjusts the cooking time and heat based on the food you're cooking. The keep-warm feature ensures your food remains fresh and warm until you serve it.
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3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a compact 1.7 Cu. ft. over the range microwave oven that is not only a good looking appliance but very functional as well. It has enough space for serving large number of family members, and a firm stainless steel appearance enhances the look of the kitchen.
It also has unique operations such as one button for popping corn, steaming vegetable and among others while the vent has two speeds to deal with steam and odors. Sharp and easy-to-read LED display is accompanied with good performance and rated power of 1000 W. It is suitable for every person who wants to make changes to the kitchen but does not want to over-complicate things – solid, large, and stylish.
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4. COSMO COS-3016ORM1SS 30 in Over the Range Microwave Oven
COSMO COS-3016ORM1SS 30” Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a suitable and attractive kitchen appliance. This one comes as a Microwave with a range hood all in one unit; it has excellent performance and is space-efficient. This model has a 1.6 cu. ft. cooking capacity which is just perfect for family meals, and its power of 1000 watts ensures even and fast cooking.
The material is stainless steel, and that makes it rather sleek and contemporary – any kitchen would look well with it. It comes with features like sensor cook which changes the time and power depending on the type of food and touch control panel that is easy to clean. The fan that is installed helps to regulate air quality in the kitchen, while the LED lights offer optimum visibility when cooking at the top of the stove. Classy and professional looking, as well as compact and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for commercial areas.
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5. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven
Empava over the range microwave oven is a modern kitchen appliance that provides efficiency with style and elegance. It also intends to take less counter space, which makes it ideal for homes with small kitchen space. Having a durable construction, it is perfect for popcorns to reheating leftovers in the quickest time possible.
Of course, a massive plus are the touch controls which are quite logical, and it has various cooking programs to make routine work easier. It also features a strong vent fan to deal with cooking fumes effectively. By and large, it is a useful oven for those customers who look forward to a microwave that will not occupy much space in the kitchen interior.
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Benefits of Over The Range Microwave Convection Oven Combo
1. Versatility
With an over-the-range microwave convection oven, you enjoy the versatility as it caters to most of your kitchen needs. It can not only reheat, cook or defrost food but also comes with the broil, grill, steam, and bake functionality.
2. Energy Efficiency
These convection ovens use the hot air inside for cooking or reheating food which helps reduce the power consumption, thereby minimizing your bills. In addition, the radiofrequency energy is combined with the hot air technology to retain the moisture to cook the food faster. Furthermore, this over-the-range oven uses both convection cooking and microwave to preheat before cooking time which ensures you can cook food faster, saving electricity.
3. Saves Space
Since these microwave ovens are installed on your cabinets over your stove, they help save on counter space. This makes them a great option for small kitchen spaces.
4. Reliable Ventilation System
When you are buying these microwave ovens, it should give you a ventilation system, which has been made an inseparable part of the appliance. This does away with the necessity of having to have a range hood for purposes of eradicating cooking smells, smoke as well as steam in the cooking area.
What Should You Consider When Buying the Best Over the Range Convection Microwave?
1. Size and Space
While buying over-the-range microwaves, it is important to ensure that the microwave fits correctly in the desired place and doesn't take too much of the kitchen space. Over-the-range convection microwave ovens are designed to fit a specified dimension. Therefore, you don't want to waste money buying a microwave that won't fit your cabinets.
Similarly, the capacity, which is the interior dimensions of a microwave, is also important. The interior cooking space is measured in cubic feet. Generally, the best over the range convection microwave will come with a cooking space of between 0.7 cubic feet and two cubic feet
2. Power
A microwave's power is measured in watts, and most of them come with a power of between 600 and 1200 watts. A microwave with higher energy will heat up faster and evenly than one with a lower wattage. Ideally, the larger and more expensive microwaves have a higher wattage and vice versa.
3. Control and Settings
Most over-the-range microwave convection ovens offer a huge range of settings and control to cook different foods. With some, you can adjust the temperature and have preset functions like grilling, browning, and roasting.
4. Design
The kind of microwave whether simple or elegant will influence the overall appearance of the specific kitchen area. Microwave convection ovens come in many models, and different finishes like black, white, Stainless steel or black stainless steel. However, the appearance, buttons, handle, and the size of the microwave that fits well in your space should be efficient for your space.
5. Other Additional Features
A microwave convection oven can include some other vital features, depending on the model. These features include;
- Stainless steel interior that won't absorb odors and is easy to clean.
- The non-stick coating in the interior for easy cleaning
- Trays and removable racks that act as a surface for cooking foods. The racks will also allow users to prepare two different dishes at the same time.
- Interlock safety feature to prevent the microwave from operating when the door is open.
- A turntable is a rotating glass plate that helps ensure the food heats evenly.
- Automatic sensors will measure the interior steam to determine if the food has finished the convection cooking period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Over the Range Microwave Convection Oven
1. How do I maintain my microwave convection oven?
When it comes to maintaining a microwave convection oven, always clean it and remove the stuck foods or spills after every use. For food that has stuck, you can fill a bowl with water, then set the microwave to cook the water for about three minutes. The hot steam from the will help loosen the stuck food, making it easy to clean. When done with cleaning, wipe it with a wet towel and leave it to dry completely before using it. You can also use some of the best oven cleaner spray available in the market.
2. How long will a microwave convection oven last?
Generally, a good over-the-range oven will last between seven and ten years. However, there are several factors that can affect the lifespan of a convection oven including, how well it is taken care of and maintained as well as how often it is used.
3. Can you put metal in a convection microwave oven?
Generally, with the amazing features that come with an over-the-range microwave convection oven, it is safe to use metal in the oven. However, do not use metal in a microwave that comes with standard features only.