Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Buying an over-the-range microwave is really two purchases in one: a microwave that sits above your stove, and a ventilation fan that pulls smoke, steam, and cooking odors out of your kitchen. The pick that suits most kitchens is the BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu.Ft — it puts the microwave, the vent fan, and the cooktop light into one unit so you get back the counter space a countertop model would eat.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Before you buy, know this: the picks below match capacity loosely — about 1.7 cubic feet, or roughly 1.6 to 1.8 cu ft — so not every one is the exact number you typed in. The nearest same-type size and wattage does the same job. What really decides your fit is three things: the unit fits your 30-inch cutout, it vents the way your kitchen allows, and it moves enough air. The 1.7 cu ft over-the-range microwave list below keeps all three in view.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 1.7 Cu Ft Over-the-Range Microwave
The microwave part is easy: anything around 1.7 cubic feet with 1000 watts heats leftovers the same way. The hard part is everything bolted above it. Venting, cutout width, and the height you leave over the stove decide whether this installs in an afternoon or becomes a weekend project. Start there, not with the wattage.
Measure your cutout and your clearance first
Nearly every pick here fits a 30-inch cabinet opening, and the KoolMore spells out the rest of the geometry: you need a 16.5-inch cabinet height clearance and at least 66 inches from the floor to the top of the unit. Widths run around 29.75 to 29.92 inches depending on the model, so the bracket and cabinet opening matter more than the badge. Before you buy anything, measure the opening, the depth you have, and the height between your rangetop and the bottom of the cabinets.
Pick your venting route before you pick the model
An over-the-range microwave can exhaust three ways: up through a cabinet (top vent), straight out through the wall behind it (back vent), or ductless through a charcoal filter when you have no outside duct at all. Two picks here, the KoolMore and the Kenmore, offer flexible three-way venting, which means one box covers every kitchen layout. If you are replacing an old unit, the simplest path is matching the venting on the one you are pulling out.
Understand what CFM buys you
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute — it is how much air the exhaust fan moves per minute. Nearly everything on this list runs 300 CFM, and each pairs it with a two-speed fan. That airflow matters when you sear a steak or boil pasta and do not want the smoke alarm joining dinner. A ductless setup will always move less air than a ducted one, so if you can vent outside, do.
Weight your countertop and lighting needs too
With the microwave overhead, your counter is free for prep, and the KoolMore notes this plainly. Most units here also throw light on the cooktop below — a detail that makes a real difference for late evening cooking when the overheads are off.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Cooking Power | Vent Fan | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu.Ft★ Best Overall | Everyday family kitchens | 1.7 cubic feet | 1000 watts | 300 CFM, 2-speed | Amazon |
| Midea 1.7 Cu.FtBudget Pick | Budget-first installs | 1.7 cubic feet | 1000 watts | 300 CFM, adjustable speeds | Amazon |
| Empava EMPV-30OTR01Quiet Performer | Quiet-running kitchens | 1.7 cubic feet | 1000 watts | 300 CFM, 2-speed | Amazon |
| Sharp SMO1754JS | Small kitchens and ventless installs | 1.7 cubic feet | 1000 watts | Not published | Amazon |
| Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. | Low-clearance stovetops | 1.7 cubic feet | 1000 watts | 2-speed, low-profile design | Amazon |
| ThermoMate 30″ | Simple one-touch reheating | 1.7 cubic feet | 1000 watts | 300 CFM, 2-speed | Amazon |
| KoolMore 30-inch | Three-way venting flex | 1.6 cubic feet | 1000 watts | 300 CFM, convertible | Amazon |
| Kenmore Over-the-Range | Replacing a same-size Kenmore | 1.7 cubic feet | 1000 watts | 300 CFM, 3-way venting | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W
Our pick — over 4★ from 12,000+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The stainless workhorse that runs the whole kitchen shift without asking for much
If your household reheats something three times a day, this is the pick that holds up to the workload. It is a 1.7-cubic-foot stainless unit with a 12.4-inch turntable — that glass plate is the piece that decides whether a full dinner plate spins freely or bumps the walls. Measured depth runs 13.2 inches, width 29.9 inches, and height 16.4 inches, so it lines up with a standard 30-inch cabinet opening.
Cooking side, it puts out 1000 watts with 10 cooking levels, so you can dial power down for a gentle melt or push straight to 100%. There are six quick menus covering Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost, plus a numeric shortcut: press 1, 2, or 3 and it runs the 100% power level for as many minutes. Multi-stage cooking lets you stack a cooking sequence, like 90% power for one stretch followed by 50% power for another, all in one time setting. The 300 CFM two-speed vent fan pulls fumes and odors out while the integrated light focuses on the cooktop below.
Owners praise the easy controls, fast heating, and clean look that suits a family kitchen. Buyers report: “It took us a while to figure out that it is programmed for turn off after 3 seconds but other than that it is good microwave.” That 3-second shutoff is a small quirk to learn. There is also an open up button to press before the door opens, and forgetting it wears the door mechanism over time. Some units arrive with a door latch that fails after about 14 months.
Why It Earns The Top Spot
- 1.7 cubic feet with a 12.4-inch turntable that fits a big plate
- 1000 watts and 10 power levels with six quick-cook menus
- 300 CFM two-speed vent fan with a focused cooktop light
- Speedy 1/2/3-minute shortcut buttons and multi-stage cooking
What To Know Before You Buy
- Programmed 3-second shutoff takes some getting used to
- Door needs the open up button pressed first each time
- Door latch is the recurring weak point over the long run
The One To Beat: best for busy family kitchens that want space, fast reheats, and a vent that clears the air at once.
Handle With Care: bear in mind the door mechanism wears faster if you forget the open up step.
2. Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel
Eighteen one-touch menus packed into a stainless body without a heavy footprint on your wallet
If you want the most automated reheating for the least outlay, this Midea is the straightforward answer. It carries 18 auto menus — popcorn, pizza, defrost, soften cream cheese, rice, potato and more — triggered by one touch, so you are not standing there guessing power settings. The 1.7-cubic-foot capacity holds a big rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza, and the 12.4-inch turntable rotates the lot for even heating.
Power sits at 1000 watts across 10 levels, and the vent is a 300 CFM unit with adjustable fan speeds to pull cooking fumes out of the little air above the stove. The bright cooktop light gives you a clear view while you work. Compared with the BLACK+DECKER above, it trades some of the family-favorite polish for a friendlier entry price — same capacity, more presets.
The honest catch is the door glass and the sound they made. Owners mention the vent light is on the dim side, and the unit runs noticeably louder than premium brands, though not enough to be a bother in practice. Customers note: “Love this microwave. Very powerful, cooks quick and it looks really nice. Easy to use.” First-time installers should look for the mounting bracket on the back of the unit — it ships attached, not loose in the box, so check before you think it is missing.
Automation Over Extras: the 18 auto menus are what sell most people, and the sturdy door handle holds up.
A Minor Trade: the under-cooktop light is dimmer than you may expect, and the fan runs louder than a premium unit.
Reach For This If: you want one-touch cooking, a 1.7-cubic-foot interior, and a duct-venting layout on a tight budget.
Look Elsewhere If: you need the brightest possible cooktop light or a near-silent fan.
3. Empava 1.7 Cu.Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave, 1000W, Silver, EMPV-30OTR01
The one buyers keep describing as simply quiet — no drama, just steady daily performance
When one thing decides whether you actually like a microwave above your face is how loud it runs, this is the pick to weigh. Empava’s edge is right there in the name of what owners value most: it stays quiet in operation, an aspect singled out more than any other. That matters most in a kitchen where the microwave sits over the stovetop and you are cooking and reheating at the same time.
Under the hood you are still getting real muscle: 1000 watts, 10 power levels, a clock and kitchen timer, and a two-speed 300 CFM vent fan for clearing the air. The turntable rotates to heat evenly without you turning anything, and LED lighting keeps the cooktop bright. There is a 30-second express button for quick reheats and a child lock to stop little hands opening the door.
The obvious follow-up is warranty and build. Empava backs it with a 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty, double the usual 1-year term. Two speed bumps are worth knowing: the painted finish seems very light, and a small dent on arrival is a recurring arrival matter that is usually hidden once mounted. Reviewers point out: “Easy install, good fit. First unit faulty; customer service replaced immediately. Works daily 1+ yr, heats fast/quiet.” The first unit may not be the final one — but replacements come through.
from the start: the fit, quiet operation, and installation ease are what keep owners talking.
The Real Catch: the panel buttons take a firm press, and a dent on delivery is the recurring arrival complaint.
Great Fit For: a busy kitchen that wants 1.7 cubic feet, 1000 watts, and a whisper-quiet daily runner.
Not Ideal If: you need a premium-feeling finish or hard-wearing buttons that always take a precise press.
4. Sharp SMO1754JS 30 in. 1.7 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave Oven
A ventless-ready unit that slips under a low cabinet and heats faster than the one it replaced
If you are working in a small kitchen or replacing a unit that vents straight back into the room, this Sharp is built for that setup. It is a 1.7-cubic-foot model with a 30-inch width and a ventless mode, and a buyer describes it as the perfect fit for exactly that reason. The contemporary edge-to-edge stainless with a gray interior and a bright white LED display gives it a clean look above the stove.
Cooking runs through sensor cook menus with precise reheating, express cook up to 9 minutes for instant start, and a Melt/Soften feature for cheese, chocolate, or cream cheese in a hurry. The interior lights up bright through the LED, so you can see what is happening without opening the door.
Where this one gets tricky is installation and finish. Some shoppers say it goes in with no issues; others say the hanging brackets need modifying to sit right, and one review describes missing parts on arrival. The stainless trim has been known to peel, so handle the edges gently. For a small kitchen though, size and speed often outweigh the extras.
What Draws People In
- Sensor cook menus with precise reheating and a clear LED display
- Ventless-compatible design for kitchens without an outside duct
- Express cook up to 9 minutes for quick starts
- Melt/Soften for cheese, chocolate, and cream cheese
What Needs A Second Look
- Installation can require bracket modification
- Stainless trim has been known to peel over time
- Narrower feature set than the pricier units here
Smart Choice For: small kitchens and ventless installs where a 30-inch, 1.7-cubic-foot unit needs to slide in cleanly.
Weigh The Trade-Off If: you want a fuss-free bracket install and a fully loaded feature set.
5. Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
Keeps the space over your stove open without giving up the 1.7-cubic-foot interior
If your cabinets sit low over the range and headroom is the deciding factor, the Farberware is the one to size up first. This is the low-profile model in the line, standing at roughly 10.375 inches tall with a 30-inch width and 19-inch depth, which frees up more clearance above the stovetop. It still packs 1.7 cubic feet inside, so you are not sacrificing meal-size capacity to gain that space.
Cooking spec-wise, it delivers 1000 watts output paired with 1550-watt input, which the listing describes as the setup for efficient, uniform cooking. There are 10 power levels behind vegetables, snacks, auto cook, and a dedicated potato program, plus a time and weight defrost for breaking down frozen meat. Quick +30 seconds and melt/soften round out the everyday buttons. The vent is a two-speed system, and the cooktop light is a two-LED setup.
Owners praise the even heating first, then the fit and finish. Where it falls down is visibility: the touchscreen is dark with unlit buttons, and both the range light and the interior light are dim, with the range light stuck on a single brightness. A budget-quality door feel is a smaller note. Buyers report: “This microwave is a good product. Easy to use and clean. Works well and heats food evenly. Ideal fit for small spaces and low noise level.”
Why It Works: the low profile frees up stovetop height without cutting the 1.7-cubic-foot capacity.
The Honest Catch: the unlit buttons and dim lights mean you may want the kitchen overheads on at night.
Best For You If: you have low cabinets, need 1.7 cubic feet and 1000 watts, and value a low-profile body.
skip it if: you need bright interior lighting and a backlit touchscreen you can read without the room lights on.
6. 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven, ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity Microwave Over the Stove with One Touch, 1000 Cooking Watts, 300 CFM, 10 Power Levels, LED Lighting, Stainless Steel
A straightforward 30-inch workhorse with one-touch buttons that skip the guesswork
For someone who just wants to press a button and walk away, the ThermoMate is the least complicated pick here. It comes in at 1.7 cubic feet and 30-inch width — 29.92 × 15 × 16.42 inches overall — with four auto-cook programs covering reheat, popcorn, baked potato, and beverage that set the power and time for you. The one-touch buttons do the thinking so you can wander off.
It runs 1000 watts across 10 power levels, so you can go from 0% to 100% depending on what is in the dish, and a removable glass turntable spins 360° for even heat. Add-30-seconds makes a comeback for a quick top-up without resetting the cycle, and a child safety lock stops accidental use. The two-speed vent pushes up to 300 CFM to pull smoke, steam, and odors out of the cooking zone, while the built-in LED lighting brightens the stovetop below. It wipes clean in a hurry, which matters when you’re cooking multiple times a day.
Where owners get tripped up is durability over the long run. One review reports a unit that ran hot even when idle after a year and was treated as a fire hazard. More commonly, the door feels a little loose over time and the unit runs louder than previous models, especially the door itself. Installation was simple for most, though one owner chose to drill new cabinet holes and another left it to a pro. Compared with the Farberware above, it lacks the low-profile clearance advantage, but it beats it on one-touch simplicity.
The Draw: four auto-cook programs and 10 power levels put real cooking on a single tap.
What To Watch: the door loosens over time on some units, and this model runs louder than the one it usually replaces.
The Right Pick For: buyers who want a 30-inch, 1.7-cubic-foot over-the-range microwave with one-touch buttons that are hard to get wrong.
Think Twice If: you need the quietest operation or a door that stays rock-solid for years.
7. KoolMore 30-inch 1.6 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave Oven with Sensor Cooking, 1,000 Watts and 300 CFM in Stainless-Steel and Black, UL Listed
Vents three different ways, so it drops into almost any kitchen layout you have
If you are fitting this into an unfamiliar kitchen — a new build, a rental, a layout where you are not sure which way the duct runs — the KoolMore’s three-way convertible venting is the feature that saves you. It works as a top vent, a back vent, or ductless (no duct at all), depending on what the room allows. That flexibility is not common in this category, and it takes the guessing out of install day.
Sensor cooking handles the timing, and a dual lighting system splits the difference: LED interior lighting for a clear view of your food, and incandescent over-the-range lights to brighten the countertop below. There is a child-safe lockout and express cook from 1 to 6 minutes. In terms of fitment, it wants a 30-inch cabinet width, a 16.5-inch cabinet height clearance, and no less than 66 inches from floor to the top of the unit. It is UL Listed, DOE compliant, and backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labor.
Most owners love it: it installs cleanly, operates with a nice wide set of labels and buttons, and fits without swallowing the room. The recurring gripes are the door drawer occasionally not staying fully closed and the fact that a heavier unit like this one is genuinely hard to handle for one person. It will never be the cheapest pick here, and the 1.6-cubic-foot interior is a touch less than some rivals — but for the vent flexibility and the UL listing, that is a fair trade.
Standout Strengths
- Convertible venting — top, back, or ductless — for any kitchen layout
- Sensor cooking with express cook from 1 to 6 minutes
- Dual LED interior and incandescent cooktop lighting
- UL Listed and DOE compliant with a 1-year parts and labor warranty
Worth The Honest Note
- 1.6 cubic feet is slightly less than the 1.7-cubic-foot picks here
- The drawer has been reported as not staying fully closed
- Heavy — two people make the install far easier
Ideal For: kitchens where the vent path is uncertain, and you want sensor cooking with UL-listed build quality.
The Trade-Off: a bulky cabinet-heavy unit that wants two people on install day.
8. Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave – 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Stainless Steel
The direct same-size swap that drops right onto your old mounting brackets
If you are replacing a dead over-the-range unit and want to keep the work minimal, this Kenmore is built for the direct swap. It offers a 1.7-cubic-foot interior with a 12.4-inch rotating glass turntable — the same plate size as the BLACK+DECKER and Midea picks above — that holds larger plates and family meals. Its three-way venting covers top, back, and ductless routes, and the vent fan is a 300 CFM two-speed setup with carbon air and grease filters to catch airborne particles and odors.
Power comes in at 1000 watts, and the controls run six preset cooking options — Cook, Defrost, Melt, Reheat, Soften among them — behind an LED touch panel. Interior LED lighting makes it easy to monitor food, and the cooktop light washes over the range below. There is a child safety lock to prevent unintended use. The exterior depth runs 16.5 inches, width 29.9 inches, and height 15.8 inches, making it a straightforward match for a standard 30-inch cutout.
The headliner feature is compatibility: several owners mention this one replacing an older Kenmore using the existing brackets and venting with no changes at all. The recurring note is the door — some units arrive with a door that needs a firm push to close and shut off, so check the latch on arrival. If you are swapping out a tired unit and want the simplest path, this is the direct-replacement choice here; if you want a fresh redesign, the BLACK+DECKER or Midea will feel more current.
Why You Pick It: the 12.4-inch turntable and 1.7-cubic-foot capacity handle family-size plates without rethinking your layout.
One Note To Watch: double-check the door closes cleanly on the unit you receive before banishing the packaging.
Your Pick If: you are replacing an aging Kenmore and want to reuse the existing bracket and vent route.
Consider Other Options If: you need more than six presets or a door that never needs a firm push.
Understanding the Specs
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Capacity describes the usable space inside — the 1.7-cubic-foot interiors here hold a full dinner plate or a 12-inch pizza with room to spare. The Kenmore, BLACK+DECKER, and Midea picks all use a 12.4-inch turntable, so a large round dish can spin freely. If your meals run to oversized casseroles, bigger capacity matters; if you mostly reheat plates, 1.7 cubic feet is generous.
Wattage and Power Levels
Wattage is the cooking muscle — 1000 watts is the standard for this class, and it heats leftovers noticeably faster than lower-wattage budget units. Power levels (usually 10) let you dial down to 50% or 20% for gentle work like softening butter without melting it to liquid. More levels means smoother control, but 10 covers nearly any home task.
CFM (Vent Fan Airflow)
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute — how much air the vent fan pulls out of your kitchen each minute. Most picks here run 300 CFM with two speeds, enough to pull steam and light smoke away as you cook. A ducted setup moves more air than a ductless one, so ventilate outside if your kitchen allows. Lower-CFM units leave more cooking odor behind, which you will notice on a stir-fry night.
Venting Setup
There are three ways to route exhaust: top vent (up through a cabinet), back vent (straight out the wall), or ductless (recycled through a charcoal filter when no duct is available). The KoolMore and Kenmore each support all three, which makes them the flexible choice for a kitchen layout you are unsure about. Match your venting type to the opening you already have to keep installation simple.
FAQ
How do I know if an over-the-range microwave will fit my kitchen cabinet?
What does 300 CFM mean on an over-the-range microwave?
Can I install an over-the-range microwave without a duct?
Is 1000 watts enough for daily cooking in an over-the-range microwave?
What size turntable fits a standard dinner plate?
Top vent vs back vent vs ductless — which should I pick?
How high should the microwave sit above the stove?
What is the difference between sensor cooking and auto cook menus?
Are over-the-range microwaves UL Listed and why does it matter?
Can I replace my old over-the-range microwave with the same bracket?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most kitchens, the 1.7 cu ft over-the-range microwave to buy is the BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu.Ft — its 1.7-cubic-foot interior, 1000 watts, and 300 CFM two-speed vent (CFM measures how much air the fan moves per minute) cover the everyday family workload, and its 4.4-star average across more than 12,000 ratings backs that up.. If budget and one-touch menus matter most, grab the Midea 1.7 Cu.Ft, whose 18 auto menus keep cooking simple. And if your kitchen has no duct at all, the KoolMore 30-inch handles three-way venting or ductless installs without leaving you stranded — worth the extra outlay for the flexible vent routing and UL Listing (a safety certification from Underwriters Laboratories).
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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