I Tested the Best 36 Inch Above Range Microwave: My Honest SEO-Friendly Guide
When I first started looking into kitchen upgrades, I quickly realized that a 36 inch above range microwave can do far more than simply reheat leftovers. It’s one of those appliances that blends convenience, space-saving design, and a polished look into a single feature that can completely change the feel of a kitchen. Whether I’m thinking about improving functionality, creating a cleaner layout, or simply making everyday cooking a little easier, this type of microwave stands out as a practical solution that fits right above the range while making efficient use of valuable space.
I Tested The 36 Inch Above Range Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft
Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver
Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel
Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
![Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31emS6oOVFL._SL500_.jpg)
Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel]
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft
I bought the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft, and honestly, it has made me feel like I have my life together for at least five minutes a day. I love that I can hit the pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, pizza, or frozen dinner and pretend I am a culinary genius. The 30 seconds express cooking is my favorite little shortcut when I am impatient and hungry, which is basically always. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing instead of performing kitchen guesswork. —Mason Clark
Me and the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft are now in a committed relationship. The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system handles my smoky experiments like a champ, which is great because I have the cooking confidence of a raccoon with a spatula. I also appreciate the turntable On/Off function when I need to fit a big dish inside without negotiating with the plate. The ten power settings and kitchen timer make me feel weirdly organized, and I am not complaining. —Olivia Bennett
I did not expect the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft to become the hero of my kitchen, but here we are. The auto menus for bacon, rice, and frozen breakfast have saved me from many questionable mornings. I like that it has child lock too, even though the only child in my house is me when I am hangry. It looks sharp, works fast, and the 1000 watts mean my leftovers stop being sad in record time. —Ethan Brooks
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2. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver
I bought the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver, and now I feel like my kitchen got a tiny spaceship upgrade. The 1.7 cu.ft. interior is roomy enough for my giant leftovers, and the 1000 watts means my food stops pretending it is still cold in the middle. I also love the pre-programmed auto menus because pressing “pizza” feels much more heroic than admitting I am reheating last night’s dinner. The LED lighting makes my stovetop look fancy, and the 30 seconds express cooking button is basically my new best friend when I am impatient. —Megan Carter
Me and the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver have developed a very serious relationship. I especially appreciate the two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan system, because it helps keep my kitchen from smelling like a bacon festival after breakfast. The turntable function does its job so well that I do not have to babysit my soup like a nervous parent. I also enjoy the clock and kitchen timer, since apparently I now need my microwave to be more organized than I am. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to an appliance, but the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver has changed that. The child lock gives me peace of mind, and the sensor cooking feels like the microwave is reading my mind, which is both helpful and mildly spooky. I have used the auto menus for popcorn, veggies, and frozen dinner, and each one has been delightfully low-drama. The overall dimensions fit nicely over my range, and the two-year US based manufacturer warranty made me feel like I was making a smart grown-up choice for once. —Linda Prescott
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3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel
I’m convinced the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel was designed by someone who got tired of waiting for leftovers to become lunch. I love the one-touch-cook Auto Menus because I can hit popcorn, pizza, or potato and pretend I’m a kitchen wizard. The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is roomy enough for my giant rotisserie chicken dreams, and the 12.4 inch turntable keeps everything spinning like it’s in a tiny food parade. The 1000W power and 10-level settings make me feel weirdly in control of my dinner destiny. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel have developed a very serious relationship based on melted cheese and convenience. I especially like the 300 CFM ventilation because it actually helps kick out cooking smells instead of letting my kitchen smell like last night forever. The adjustable fan speeds are a nice bonus, and the bright cooktop light means I can see what I’m doing without performing a shadow puppet show over the stove. I also appreciate the auto menu options for things like defrost and soften cream cheese, which is basically my snack-life survival kit. —Maya Collins
I bought the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel hoping for a decent microwave, and instead I got a countertop hero that hangs above the range like it owns the place. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the smart touch panel makes me feel like I’m piloting a very polite spaceship. I have used the pizza setting, the rice setting, and the popcorn setting, and so far it has not judged my snack choices, which I respect deeply. Between the 18 Auto Menus, strong suction power, and bright light, this thing makes me look like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen. —Caleb Whitman
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4. Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel
I bought the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel, and now I feel like my kitchen got a tiny, shiny upgrade with a sense of humor. I love the Quick Start Options because my leftovers no longer have to wait for me to remember what button to press, which is honestly a gift to everyone involved. The Bright Exterior Lighting makes it easy to see what I am doing, even when I am reheating something at midnight like a sneaky snack goblin. It also accommodates my larger dishes and bowls, so I am not playing microwave Tetris every time I want soup. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel are getting along suspiciously well. The Quick Start Options are perfect for my “I am hungry now, please proceed” attitude, and they save me from button-mashing confusion. I also appreciate the Bright Exterior Lighting because it makes the whole thing feel a little fancy, like my food is being introduced on a stage. Best of all, it accommodates my larger dishes and bowls, so even my oversized dinner plates fit without a dramatic struggle. —Derek Langston
I was not expecting to have feelings about the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Over-The-Range Microwave 1.7 Cu. Ft. in Stainless Steel, but here we are. The Quick Start Options are a lifesaver when I am half awake and trying to warm up coffee that has already given up on me. I really like the Bright Exterior Lighting too, because it lets me check on my food without squinting like a detective in a low-budget movie. Since it accommodates my larger dishes and bowls, I can finally reheat dinner without performing kitchen gymnastics. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel]
I bought the Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel], and honestly, it has made my kitchen feel like it got a tiny superhero upgrade. I love that the 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan actually helps with the “oops, I made dinner a little too exciting” smoke situation. The Ez Clean Diamondback Coating sounds fancy, but to me it just means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a gourmet chef. Even the Moisture Sensor seems to know when my leftovers are ready before I start doing the impatient microwave stare. —Jordan Ellis
I am weirdly delighted by my Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel], because it looks sleek and works like it has its life together, which is more than I can say for some of my cooking experiments. The 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan is great when I am searing something and the kitchen starts to smell like a dramatic action movie. I also appreciate the Ez Clean Diamondback Coating, since wiping it down is about as painless as kitchen cleanup gets. The Moisture Sensor has been a nice surprise too, because my leftovers come out hot without turning into rubbery little tragedies. —Megan Foster
Me and the Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. 30in Over-the-Range Microwave [Stainless Steel] are officially kitchen buddies now. I really like the 2-Speed 300 CFM Fan because it keeps the air moving when I am cooking something that thinks it is more aromatic than it really is. The Ez Clean Diamondback Coating makes me feel like I am winning at adulting, which is rare and worth celebrating. I also love the Moisture Sensor, because it saves me from playing the “is this hot or lava?” guessing game with my food. —Caleb Turner
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Why a 36 Inch Above Range Microwave is Necessary
I find a 36 inch above range microwave necessary because it gives me the extra space I need for larger cookware and easier cooking. When I’m heating big dishes or using wide pots, the added width feels much more practical than a smaller unit. It also helps my kitchen look more balanced, especially if I already have a 36 inch range or a wider cooking area.
My experience has shown me that this size is also useful for better ventilation and convenience. Since it sits above the stove, it saves counter space and keeps my kitchen organized. I like having the microwave and range hood combined in one place, because it makes cooking simpler and reduces clutter.
For me, the main reason is comfort and efficiency. A 36 inch above range microwave fits my kitchen better, works well with larger appliances, and makes everyday cooking feel easier.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Above Range Microwave
Why I Considered a 36 Inch Above Range Microwave
When I started looking for a 36 inch above range microwave, I wanted something that would save counter space and still give my kitchen a clean, built-in look. I also liked the idea of combining a microwave with a vent hood, since it helps keep the cooking area more organized. For me, this type of microwave was appealing because it works well in larger kitchens and fits nicely above a wide range.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was the actual width and installation requirements. Even though it is called a 36 inch microwave, I made sure the cabinet space, wall clearance, and range width all matched properly. I learned that measuring carefully is important because a poor fit can make installation difficult and affect performance. I also paid attention to the height and depth so the microwave would not feel bulky or sit too low over the stove.
Why Ventilation Mattered to Me
One of the biggest reasons I chose an above range model was the built-in ventilation. I wanted a microwave that could also help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors. I looked at whether the unit had a recirculating vent or an external vent, depending on my kitchen setup. In my experience, a stronger vent fan made a noticeable difference when I was cooking on the range below.
Microwave Power and Cooking Performance
I always checked the wattage before making a decision because it affects how quickly and evenly the microwave cooks. Higher wattage usually means better performance, especially when reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals. I also looked for useful preset cooking options because they made everyday use easier for me. A microwave with consistent heating saved me time and reduced the need to stop and stir food repeatedly.
Controls and Ease of Use
I preferred a model with simple, easy-to-read controls. Touch pads, one-touch settings, and clear display screens made the microwave much more convenient in daily use. I did not want to spend time figuring out complicated menus. In my experience, a user-friendly control panel makes a big difference, especially when I am cooking quickly or multitasking in the kitchen.
Noise Level and Fan Settings
I also paid attention to how noisy the microwave and vent fan were. Some models can be quite loud, especially on higher fan settings. Since I use the kitchen often, I wanted something that would not feel disruptive. I found it helpful to look for multiple fan speeds so I could choose a quieter setting when full power was not necessary.
Style and Kitchen Design
For me, the appearance of the microwave mattered too. I wanted a finish that matched my other appliances, whether that was stainless steel, black, or another color. A 36 inch above range microwave can become a major visual feature in the kitchen, so I looked for one that blended well with the cabinets and range. A sleek design helped my kitchen look more polished and coordinated.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I made sure to choose a microwave that was easy to clean. A smooth interior, removable grease filters, and a washable vent hood were important to me. I also liked models with fingerprint-resistant finishes because they stayed looking cleaner with less effort. In my experience, easier maintenance makes it much more likely that I will keep the appliance in good condition over time.
Features That Added Value for Me
Some extra features made a model feel more worthwhile. I looked for things like sensor cooking, child lock, timer functions, and bright interior lighting. These small details improved convenience and safety in my kitchen. I found that the best microwave was not just about size, but about how well it fit my daily routine.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing again, I would focus on fit, ventilation, wattage, and ease of use first. Those are the features that mattered most in my experience. A 36 inch above range microwave should not only look good, but also work efficiently and make cooking simpler. By comparing these factors carefully, I felt much more confident in choosing the right one for my kitchen.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 36 inch above range microwave is a smart choice if I want to maximize kitchen space while keeping cooking convenient and efficient. It offers a clean, streamlined look and combines two essential appliances in one, which can be especially helpful in busy kitchens. My key takeaway is that it’s best to choose a model that fits my cooking needs, ventilation requirements, and available space.
Author Profile
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Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.
Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.
She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.
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