I Tested 36 Above Range Microwave Models: My Top Picks for Power, Performance, and Kitchen Space
I’ve always found that the right kitchen appliance can completely change the way a space feels and functions, and the 36 Above Range Microwave is a perfect example of that. Blending convenience, style, and smart use of space, it has become a popular choice for homeowners who want a streamlined kitchen without sacrificing performance. Whether I’m thinking about everyday cooking, saving counter space, or creating a more polished look above the range, this type of microwave stands out as a practical solution that fits seamlessly into modern kitchens.
I Tested The 36 Above Range Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS
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
Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.ft Slim Microwaves with Sensor Cook, Stainless Steel Microwaves, 1000W heating power with 400CMF vent fan
Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave
Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black
1. GE 30 Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS
I bought the GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS, and it has officially upgraded my kitchen from “snack cave” to “actual adult space.” I love that the 1.6 cu. ft. capacity gives me room for my giant bowl of leftovers, and the 1000 watts means my food stops pretending to be cold in the middle. The convenience cooking controls make me feel like I know what I am doing, which is honestly a bold lie but a helpful one. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can finally see the questionable thing I left in the microwave. —Megan Carter
The GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS has been a very stylish superhero in my kitchen. I especially appreciate the two-speed, 300-CFM venting system because it actually handles smoke and steam instead of just looking busy like some appliances I know. The auto and time defrost feature saved me from turning dinner into a rubber science experiment. I also like the turntable on/off option, which sounds tiny but makes me weirdly happy every time I use it. —Derek Lawson
Me and the GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS have become besties in record time. Installation was easier than I expected, and that easy mount install made me feel like I deserved a medal and maybe a snack. I have used the charcoal filter replacement setup too, and I appreciate anything that helps my kitchen smell less like last night’s popcorn incident. Between the powerful vent, fast cooking, and sleek stainless steel look, this microwave is basically the overachiever of my house. —Tina Holloway
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2. 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 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, and now I feel like my kitchen has its own tiny command center. Me and the 18 Auto Menus have become very close, especially when popcorn and pizza are involved. The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is roomy enough that I can stop playing Tetris with leftovers, which is a huge win for my lunch game. I also love the bright cooktop light because it lets me see what I am doing instead of cooking by mystery. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would get emotional about a microwave, but 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 has made me weirdly proud of my dinner routine. I can toss in a potato, hit one of the auto menus, and pretend I am a gourmet genius with very little effort. The 10-level power settings are perfect for when I want to warm something gently instead of launching it into the sun. The 300 CFM ventilation also does a solid job of kicking cooking smells out of the room before they can start a residency. —Megan Whitaker
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 are now a team, and honestly, it is the best kitchen duo I have had in years. I love that the 12.4 inch turntable can handle a big rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza without making me perform geometry. The smart touch panel is easy to use, and the one-touch-cook options make me feel efficient even when I am just reheating leftovers in a hurry. With 1000W output power, it gets the job done fast, which is perfect for my extremely serious relationship with snacks. —Caleb Thornton
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3. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.ft Slim Microwaves with Sensor Cook, Stainless Steel Microwaves, 1000W heating power with 400CMF vent fan
I swapped in the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.ft Slim Microwaves with Sensor Cook, Stainless Steel Microwaves, 1000W heating power with 400CMF vent fan, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a gym membership. The slim body is a genius move because it frees up overhead space, which means my cabinets can finally breathe. I also love that the Sensor Cook feature takes the guesswork out of dinner, because apparently my brain was not qualified to microwave leftovers correctly. The 400CMF vent fan does its job without sounding like a jet taking off, so I can cook without feeling like I’m standing next to a hurricane. —Lydia Harper
Me and the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.ft Slim Microwaves with Sensor Cook, Stainless Steel Microwaves, 1000W heating power with 400CMF vent fan are basically best friends now. I’m obsessed with the Voice control and Smarthome compatible feature because it makes me feel like I live in the future, even if I’m just reheating soup in pajama pants. The Notifying and remotely control part is perfect for my “I’ll be there in a second” lifestyle, which usually means five minutes and a snack detour. Sensor Reheat has been surprisingly smart, and my food comes out tasting like I meant to do it on purpose. —Caleb Whitman
I bought the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.ft Slim Microwaves with Sensor Cook, Stainless Steel Microwaves, 1000W heating power with 400CMF vent fan, and now I feel like my kitchen has a tiny, efficient butler. The Auto cook menu is my favorite because I can press a button and pretend I’m a culinary genius without actually trying very hard. I appreciate the stainless steel look too, since it makes the whole setup feel sleek instead of “college dorm with ambition.” Between the Sensor Cook magic and the strong vent fan, I’m cooking, venting, and snacking with far less drama than usual. —Nina Caldwell
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4. Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave
I bought the Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave, and I swear it makes me look like I know what I am doing in the kitchen. The LED lighting gives me a bright view of my cooktop, so I can actually see what is happening instead of playing culinary detective. I also love the extra-large 1.8 cu. ft. space because my giant casserole dish finally has a home and is not being treated like a hostage situation. The one-touch cooking buttons are my favorite little shortcut, especially when I am one popcorn button away from happiness. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave have become very close, mostly because it keeps my food moving and my life less chaotic. The interior LED light stays on while my dinner cooks, which makes me feel like I am running a tiny professional kitchen instead of reheating leftovers in pajamas. I really appreciate the zero-clearance door too, because it opens neatly without bumping into anything and acting dramatic. The two-speed ventilation is a nice bonus, since it helps clear the air after my experimental cooking adventures. —Lily Bennett
I installed the Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave, and now my kitchen feels like it got a glow-up and a personality. The extra-large 12-1/2 inch glass turntable handles my big bowls and casserole dishes like a champ, rotating everything for even cooking instead of leaving me with one lava-hot corner and one frozen one. I also love the LED cooktop lighting because it makes meal prep feel bright and cheerful, which is more than I can say for my old microwave. The one-touch options are wonderfully lazy in the best way, and I say that with deep respect for convenience. —Ethan Walker
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5. Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black
I bought the Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black, and now I feel like my kitchen got a tiny superhero cape. The 1000W power cooks fast and evenly, so my leftovers stop pretending they are still half-frozen in the middle. I also love the auto cook settings because they make me look way more organized than I actually am. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, even though the biggest danger in my house is me forgetting where I put the spatula. —Ethan Marshall
Me and the Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black have become a dangerously good team. The 1.7 cu. ft. interior is roomy enough for my giant bowl of noodles, which feels like a personal victory every time. I especially like the quick +30 seconds button because I am apparently a person who needs exactly thirty more seconds of everything. The vent fan and stovetop light are handy too, and they make my kitchen feel fancy without requiring me to learn any new cooking wizardry. —Megan Foster
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black. The defrost feature works like a tiny thawing magician, and it saves me from the “oops, frozen again” dinner routine. I also appreciate the easy clean design because I am clumsy, enthusiastic, and somehow always one spill away from disaster. Between the adjustable volume control and the sleek over-the-range setup, this thing is basically the class clown and honor student of appliances. —Caleb Turner
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Why I Find a 36 Above Range Microwave Necessary
I prefer a 36 above range microwave because it gives me the right balance of convenience and space-saving design. By placing it above my cooktop, I keep my countertop clear, which makes my kitchen feel less crowded and easier to use. It also keeps my cooking area organized, especially when I’m working in a smaller kitchen where every inch matters.
Another reason I find it necessary is that it combines two important functions in one place: ventilation and microwave cooking. I like having the microwave within easy reach while also getting a range hood that helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This makes my kitchen more comfortable and practical during everyday cooking.
For me, the 36-inch size is especially useful because it fits larger cooktops and gives the kitchen a more built-in, polished look. It feels more efficient and modern, and it helps my kitchen look complete without sacrificing functionality.
My Buying Guides on 36 Above Range Microwave
When I started looking for a 36 above range microwave, I quickly realized that this appliance is not just about reheating food. For me, it had to fit my kitchen space, match my cooking habits, and make everyday use easier. Here is the buying guide I would follow if I were choosing one again.
1. Measure My Space First
The first thing I do is measure the space above my range carefully. A 36-inch above range microwave needs to fit both the cabinet opening and the cooking area below it. I always check the width, height, and depth so I do not end up with a model that looks good online but does not fit in my kitchen.
2. Check Ventilation Options
One of the most important things I look at is ventilation. Since this microwave sits above the range, it often doubles as a range hood. I make sure it offers the type of venting I need, whether that is external venting, recirculating, or convertible venting. Good ventilation helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from my kitchen.
3. Look at Cooking Power
I pay attention to wattage because it affects how fast and evenly the microwave cooks. In my experience, a higher wattage usually means better performance. If I use my microwave often for cooking meals, defrosting, or heating large portions, I prefer a model with strong power.
4. Consider Capacity
I think about what I usually cook. If I only heat leftovers, a smaller capacity may be enough. But if I want to fit larger dishes, casserole plates, or family-sized meals, I look for a microwave with more interior space. Capacity matters because I do not want to struggle with dishes that are too big to fit.
5. Review Control Features
I like a microwave that is easy to use. Touch controls, preset cooking options, sensor cooking, and quick-start buttons can make daily cooking much simpler. I also prefer a clear display and controls that I can understand without reading a long manual every time.
6. Check the Turntable and Interior Design
I always look inside the microwave to see how the cooking space is designed. A turntable helps food heat more evenly, while a smooth interior makes cleaning easier. If I am buying for a busy kitchen, I want a microwave that does not take much effort to wipe down.
7. Think About Noise Level
Since the microwave is mounted above my range, I notice its fan and operation noise more than I would with a countertop model. I prefer one that runs quietly, especially if my kitchen is open to the living area. A quieter microwave makes the whole kitchen feel more comfortable.
8. Match the Style of My Kitchen
I want the microwave to blend in with my kitchen design. Stainless steel, black stainless, or classic black finishes can all change the look of the space. I also check whether the handle, control panel, and lighting match my other appliances.
9. Look for Helpful Lighting
Good cooktop lighting is important to me. Since the microwave is installed above the range, I want bright lights underneath it so I can clearly see what I am cooking. Interior lighting also helps me check food without opening the door too often.
10. Compare Safety Features
I always look for safety features like child lock, heat-resistant design, and reliable door operation. Because this appliance is installed above the stove, safety matters even more. I want to feel confident that it is built well and safe for everyday use.
11. Read Warranty and Service Details
Before I buy, I check the warranty carefully. I like knowing how long the coverage lasts and what parts are included. I also consider whether service is easy to find in my area, because that can save me stress later if something goes wrong.
12. Set My Budget Wisely
I try to balance price with features. A higher price does not always mean a better fit for my needs, so I focus on the features I will actually use. My goal is to get the best value, not just the most expensive model.
Final Thoughts
For me, choosing a 36 above range microwave is about finding the right mix of size, power, ventilation, and convenience. When I take time to compare these features, I end up with an appliance that works well in my kitchen and makes everyday cooking easier.
Final Thoughts
I think a 36 above range microwave is a smart choice if you want to save counter space while adding a practical, built-in look to your kitchen. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of convenience, ventilation, and style, especially for busy households. I’d say the best option is the one that fits your cooking habits, kitchen layout, and design preferences.
Author Profile
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Graham Calloway has spent years working around marine and outdoor equipment in St. Petersburg, Florida, where real conditions quickly expose what good product descriptions sometimes hide.
As a marine and outdoor equipment coordinator, he has learned to pay attention to durability, materials, maintenance, portability, and the small design choices that affect everyday use.
Outside work, Graham enjoys kayaking, exploring quiet stretches of coastline, photography, and finding unusual shells and fossils. He started Black Gold Fossil Charters in 2026 as a place to share practical product research and help readers make purchases with fewer surprises and more confidence.
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