Buying an Over the Range Microwave Oven

Over the Range Microwave Oven

By Anne Ahira

Though most of the microwaves that are sold in the world today are countertop models, an over the range microwave oven is an appealing alternative for people who have limited kitchen or countertop space.

As you may know, a range is simply a stove, and an over the range microwave oven, not surprisingly, can be installed over the average stove.

The appeal of these ovens is not only that they save counter space, but also that they put everything in one place, i.e., the cooking station is where all of the cooking will be done.

No longer will you have to run back and forth between the microwave and the stove as water boils and timers beep. But these microwaves are far from perfect and there are reasons why they are not nearly as popular as countertop models.

First and most importantly, parents of small children may be apprehensive about installing an over the range microwave oven for fear that their kids might get burned on the stove. Of course, adults can and have been burned before, often as they rush to prepare a meal and forget that a burner is on.

Another problem with an over the range microwave oven is that they are normally installed four or more feet off the ground. And for short people or folks that suffer from arthritis or other degenerative conditions, it may be difficult for them to lift things in an out of a microwave that is almost at eye-level.

An over the range microwave oven is also smaller and more expensive than the average countertop model, though not by much. The average model costs between $350 and $700, which is, on average, about one hundred dollars more.

An over the range microwave oven may also be difficult to install and calling in a handyman or a carpenter to do the job for you will probably set you back a few hundred more.

During the installation, an over the range microwave oven must replace the existing lighting and ventilation system under the hood of the conventional oven.

This almost always results in decreased ventilation and could be a problem when you overcook something, especially on one of the front burners, since the microwave will not extend over them.

With all that said, there is a reason why sales for over the range microwave have increased and why they now account for over 15 percent of all sales. Not only do they save valuable counter space, but their deficiencies are really quite slight.

For instance, they are a bit more expensive, but only by about a hundred dollars. And while they may be smaller than some of the largest countertop models, they are actually the same size or bigger than the average size ones.

But the installation is still a major concern, which is why most folks who put in an over the counter microwave oven, install them when they are building their own home or remodeling their kitchen. This saves time and money and also gives homeowners a good idea of how much space they will have in their new kitchen.

Here's Over the Range Microwave Oven Selections:

LG LMV1680WW Over-the-Range 1-3/5-Cubic-Foot Micro...	Customer Review: A little over a year and microwave is dead. It turns on, buttons work but food does not get heated. LG Customer service again terrible with this product, they should change their dept name to customer disservice. They alone will stop me from ever b... Read More	$209.99 (43)
Frigidaire FFMV164LS 1.6 cu. ft. Over the Range Mi...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info
GE Profile Spacemaker Series : JVM1790SK 1.7 cu. f...	Customer Review: Overall, the microwave works fine like any micro should, no real complaints there. However, we have had this micro for a little over a year. The inside light burned out as well as the task light that lights up the stovetop below. I searched for th... Read More	(9)
GE Profile Spacemaker Series JVM1540DPWW 1.5 cu. f...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info
GE Profile : SCA1001KSS 30in 1.4 cu. ft. Over-the-...	Customer Review: I luv my Advantium, however those considering this oven need to know it does require a 220 v outlet. It will brown foods with halogen bulbs on top and bottom, bakes cookies and breads, yum!I have had my Advantium for about 7 years with fairly light t... Read More	$859.99 (4)