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?
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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 renowned brand that is known for its reliability specialty when it comes to durability and functionality. The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel boasts a power output of 1200 watts that not only help reduce the cooking times but also give even cooked results.
With a capacity of 1.2 cu ft, you will be able to cook meals as well as accommodate larger pieces of food when reheating. An outstanding feature of this microwave is the Patented Inverter Technology which helps reduce the power consumption without affecting the effectiveness of 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. Cuisinart CMW-200 1.2-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven with Grill
- Unit Dimensions: 21.20" L x 19.00" W x 12.20" H | MC Weight:...
- 1.2-cubic-foot capacity, 1000 watts
- Brushed stainless with embossed Cuisinart logo and dark tinted...
- Touchpad controls with LCD, Two convenient defrost functions to...
- Instruction and recipe book included, BPA Free
If you're looking for a convection oven that comes with an ultimate combination of smartness, high functionality, and style, then you should consider the Cuisinart CMW-200 1.2-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven. As one of the best convection ovens, this microwave comes with a tinted glass window and a brushed stainless steel design that makes it very attractive.
It also comes with a 1.2 cu ft capacity and requires 1000 watts of power for smooth operation. The stainless steel interior will also make cleaning easy, and it absorbs no order. In addition, this CMW0-200 provides multi-stage cooking options which can be adjusted with only one button. It also includes a reversible grill rack and a 12-inch glass tray for easy operation.
This OTR microwave has some pre-programmed settings, including frozen vegetables, beverages, popcorn, pizza, and reheat. The touchpad control panel features an LCD to reduce the hassle in the kitchen. Moreover, the convection baking system reduces the cooking time by ensuring constant heating on all sides.
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4. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1645TS 30" Over the Range Microwave
- Over the range
- 1000 watts/ 10 Power levels
- 2 speed ventilation/ 220 cfm/ cooktop LED lighting
- Dimensions (WHD): 29-7/8 x 16-13/32 x 15-1/4"
Looking for the best over-the-range convection microwave that provides lots of options and functionality that you can choose from? The Frigidaire FFMV1645TS 30" Over the Range Microwave Oven comes with several buttons to make life easier. You get separate buttons for potatoes, reheating, defrosting, and potatoes.
You can also adjust the power consumption of this unit, and there is even a different button for softening or melting frozen. The LED lightings and the interior of this conventional oven also make the cooking so much easier as you don't have to worry about your food getting burnt.
The 1.6 cubic foot of interior space is big enough to accommodate most meals. However, unlike other stainless steel appliances, this model comes with steel that is not smudge-proof. This means that you can see the smudges and fingerprints. Luckily, you can easily clean the surface using a good quality steel cleaner.
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5. Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
- 850-watt, over-the-range convection microwave browns, bakes,...
- 2-color, 7-digit, interactive display; Smart and Easy sensor...
- 1.1-cubic-foot, stainless-steel interior with light; 13-inch...
- Built-in exhaust system; hood light, powerful fan, low and high...
- Outer Dimensions: 29-15/16 by 16-11/32 by 15-9/32 inches
The Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave is a 2 in 1 microwave that can be used to roast, bake, brown, and broil. This oven includes a quick defrost and a quick reheat function that is a time saver. It also comes with smart digital settings that are easy to use.
Its stainless steel finish is attractive and adds to the kitchen aesthetic. An outstanding feature of this oven is that it comes with a built-in exhaust system that offers three venting options, including vertical, horizontal, and ductless circulation. It ensured that your food was baked or cooked evenly, with no hot spots.
With a capacity of 1.1 cubic feet, this microwave will for sure satisfy all your kitchen needs and the fact that this is an over-the-range microwave oven will also help in saving the kitchen space. In addition, the digital settings and interactive cooking system ensure smart sensor cooking progress.
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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
These microwave ovens come with their own ventilation system that has been integrated into the appliance. This eliminates the need to have a range hood for removing cooking odors, smoke, and steam from your kitchen.
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 design and construction of a microwave will affect how to looks in your kitchen space. Microwave convection ovens are available in a wide range of styles and finish options, including black, white, stainless steel, or black stainless steel. In addition to the aesthetic, it is important to check the buttons, handle, and size of the microwave that perfectly fits 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.
