Did you know that the average American household uses its microwave 10.8 times each week? That involves a lot of reheating, defrosting, and rapid cooking! Choosing between a countertop and an over-the-range microwave can have a big impact on the usefulness and aesthetics of your kitchen.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the fundamental distinctions between these two common microwave types and help you decide which one is best for your kitchen in 2024.
Key Takeaways
Countertop Microwave
- Easier and less expensive to install (just plug in).
- Typically more affordable, ranging from $50 to $400.
- Portable and can be placed anywhere with an outlet.
- Does not include ventilation features.
- Takes up counter space.
Over-the-Range Microwave
- Requires professional installation, including secure mounting and ventilation setup.
- More expensive, starting around $200 and can go up to $600 or more.
- Saves counter space by integrating into kitchen cabinetry.
- Includes built-in ventilation to remove smoke, steam, and odors.
- Combines microwave functionality with a range hood.
Differences Between Countertop and Over-the-Range Microwaves?
Countertop and over-the-range microwaves answer different needs in the kitchen. For example, countertop microwaves offer flexibility when it comes to installation since one can place them anywhere there is power. Thus, it is the perfect choice for renters and people who do not need to have a lot of changes within their kitchens.
They are available in an incredibly broad range of sizes, power, and features, ranging from basic, no-frill appliances with just reheat functions to sophisticated models that offer multiple cooking modes. Usually, they have larger capacities and more power settings to answer various ways of cooking.
Top 10 Best Under Cabinet Lighting Picks for 2024OTR microwaves, on the other hand, are designed to blend under the kitchen architecture and consume less counter space. They inherently include the features of a range hood in the microwave, allowing ventilation over the stovetop. Since they are fixed installations, they might be a bit tricky to install; therefore, professional guidance might be needed.
They often have more specialized ventilation systems, like multi-speed fans or charcoal filters; therefore, they are suitable for the busiest kitchens. While they perhaps don’t offer the broadest size range of countertop units, OTR microwaves are usually located a little higher and sometimes less accessible but can really free up counter space due to consolidation in food preparation into fewer appliances.
Best Countertop Microwave: Toshiba EM925A5A-BS
- Stylish black stainless steel with timeless design kitchen appliances; Rated voltage: 120V – 60Hz; Rated input power (Microwave ovens): 1350W; Rated output power (Microwave ovens): 900W
- 2Pre-programmed menu for 6 popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more, also defrost by weight and time
The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS is the very essence of a countertop microwave, especially if one is roaming in the markets searching for both functionality and compactness. At 0.9 cubic feet, measuring 16.1″ D x 19.2″ W x 11.5″ H, it perfectly fits into small kitchens, dorms, and offices without compromising a bit on the cooking space. This 900-watt microwave oven hosts ten different power levels to help diversify its usage in cooking.
Some of the key features include a removable turntable of 10.6 inches, which can accommodate a pizza up to 10 inches in diameter, thus versatile for everyday meals. It will also contain six pre-programmed Auto Menus that make the cooking of popular foods like popcorn and pizza quite easy. Other features, such as the mute function, ECO mode, and child lock, contribute to convenience and safety; therefore, families can use it.
The sleek black stainless steel design boosts not only its aesthetic value but also the durability factor. The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS best suits any buyer looking for a compact microwave that is sure to offer good reliability and pack some of the fundamental features with modern conveniences into a small footprint. Blending in performance with a compact design, it becomes an ideal addition to any kitchen.
Best Over-the-Range Microwave: BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19
- Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potato, vegetable, pizza, snack, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and frozen breakfast..Rated Voltage : 120V – 60Hz
- 1000 Watts with ten power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking and child lock.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a good replacement if you’re after a reliable over-the-range microwave. With dimensions of 16.41″ D x 29.88″ W x 15.41″ H and a capacity of 1.9 cubic feet, it provides decent space for larger dishes to be cooked, making this appliance quite appropriate for family kitchens. Equipped with an output power of 1000 watts, this unit provides continuous performance at ten different power levels suited for individual applications of cooking.
This 13.5-inch turntable microwave can be turned off when cooking larger dishes. This model comes with an incorporated two-speed 400 CFM venting fan system that effectively removes smoke and odors from your stovetop, thus keeping your kitchen cleaner. This product makes it way easier how you cook your food with pre-programmed auto menus for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and frozen dinners. Moreover, LED cooktop lighting is provided to let you clearly see your cooking.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 brings out functionality with convenience in features like express cooking, child lock, and a strong metal rack that allows two-level cooking. So, this microwave will be suitable for any person looking for ample space inside the interior and additional power, besides very handy features to make running the kitchen easier.
Countertop vs. Over-the-Range Microwaves: Frequently Asked Questions
Which appliance is more energy-efficient, a countertop or over-the-range microwave?
Countertop microwaves are usually more energy-efficient than their over-the-range counterparts. First, countertop models usually use less power, typically in the range of 600 to 1200 watts, and are targeted at small and compact tasks, hence enabling some form of energy saving. Other over-the-range microwaves might have different characteristics, such as ventilation, but mostly they have stronger wattages, on average, totaling 900 to 1200 watts due to the consequential increases in capacity and number of functions added.
This increase in power demand makes them generally less energy-efficient. Moreover, additional energy is also added to the usage of over-the-range microwaves through their venting systems. In this regard, if energy consumption is a serious issue, then a countertop microwave is the best option.
Which is more space-efficient, countertop or over-the-range microwave?
Over-the-range microwaves are, however, space-efficient compared to countertop ones. The design allows for mounting above a stovetop, thereby freeing up very important counter space for use elsewhere in the kitchen. This feature is hence very beneficial in small kitchens where maximizing counter space is paramount.
The microwave’s integration into cabinetry adds to the over-the-range models’ benefit of streamlining the layout of the kitchen. Countertop microwaves are portable, easier to install, and take up counter space. Therefore, this could be a major disadvantage for kitchens with limited surface space. In terms of better space efficiency, an over-the-range microwave is preferred.
What are the differences in installation and cost?
Installation is far easier and less of a problem with countertop microwaves, not nearly as expensive as over-the-range ones. Countertop units are convenient and inexpensive since they only require plugging of the microwave. Their general price varies from $50 to $400, depending on the manufacturer and the features.
Installation for over-the-range microwaves is much more intense because of the secure mounting above the stovetop and proper setup of ventilation. Much of this has to be done professionally, thereby adding to the overall cost. Typical costs for over-the-range microwaves are between $200 and $600 or more for some of the more feature-packed models.
How do the ventilation features of countertop vs. over-the-range microwaves compare?
Over-the-range microwaves come with built-in ventilation systems that help remove smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen. These models typically feature exhaust fans that can be vented outside or recirculate air through filters. The ventilation capability of over-the-range microwaves, usually rated between 200 to 400 CFM (cubic feet per minute), provides a dual function by combining microwave and range hood features.
In contrast, countertop microwaves do not include any ventilation system. They focus solely on cooking and heating food without offering any air filtration or ventilation capabilities. This means they do not assist in managing kitchen odors or smoke, making over-the-range microwaves a better choice for kitchens that need additional ventilation support.
Which is better, countertop or over-the-range microwave?
It will depend whether a countertop or over-the-range microwave best fits your needs. If you are looking for a cheap, easy to install and portable microwave, it is better for all.
An over-the-range microwave may better serve your purpose: saving counter space or needing to include more kitchen ventilation. This appliance serves both a microwave and range hood and is perfect for a kitchen that does not have any separate vent. But it does come at a higher price, with associated professional installation costs.
In the end, your choice must depend on your layout, budget, and ventilation needs.
