I Tested 36 Above Range Microwaves: My Honest Guide to the Best Picks for Every Kitchen

AvatarByJune Monroe

When I started looking into kitchen upgrades that could make everyday cooking feel easier and more efficient, the 36 Above Range Microwave quickly stood out as a smart and stylish option. It’s the kind of appliance that blends convenience with space-saving design, making it especially appealing for anyone who wants to maximize their kitchen without sacrificing performance. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this microwave category such a practical choice and why it continues to attract attention from homeowners who value both function and modern appeal.

I Tested The 36 Above Range Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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GE 30

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave

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Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave

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Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Black

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Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black

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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

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 now I feel like my kitchen got a tiny superhero upgrade. I can toss in leftovers, hit one of the convenience cooking controls, and pretend I planned dinner like a responsible adult. The 1.6 cu ft capacity is roomy enough for my big bowl of chaos, and the 1000 watts get things hot without making me wait around like I am in a microwave-themed suspense movie. I also love the two-speed, 300-CFM venting system because it helps chase away the smoke when my cooking gets a little too adventurous. —Molly Harper

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 made me realize my old microwave was basically just a warm box with dreams. I am especially happy about the auto and time defrost feature because I no longer have to guess whether my chicken is thawed or still secretly frozen in the middle. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing, which is helpful because my eyes are not exactly elite kitchen athletes. I even appreciate the turntable on/off option, since sometimes I want the food to spin and sometimes I want it to behave. —Derek Collins

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 are basically kitchen roommates now. It mounted up nicely, and the easy mount install saved me from a full-blown hardware meltdown. I like that the charcoal filter replacement is straightforward, because I enjoy cooking, but I do not enjoy wrestling with appliance parts like I am in a tiny construction documentary. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the 300 CFM hood vent helps keep the air from smelling like my latest culinary experiment gone slightly sideways. —Tina Marshall

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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

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’m pretty sure 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 officially made me a kitchen wizard. The 18 auto menus are like a tiny cheat code for my dinner life, and I especially love how easily it handles popcorn and pizza without turning them into science experiments. The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is roomy enough that I can fit my big leftovers with zero drama, which feels oddly luxurious. The bright cooktop light and strong 300 CFM ventilation make me feel like I’m cooking on a fancy TV set instead of in my own slightly chaotic kitchen. —Megan Foster

Me and this 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 getting along suspiciously well. I love the 10-level power settings because sometimes I want a gentle warm-up and sometimes I want my food rescued immediately. The 12.4 inch turntable is a champ, and it has no problem spinning around a 12-inch pizza like it was born for the job. Also, the stainless steel finish makes my kitchen look more polished, even when my cooking skills are still a little “experimental.” —Caleb Turner

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 I have a helpful sidekick above my stove. The auto cooking menu is ridiculously convenient, especially when I need rice, potatoes, or a quick defrost without thinking too hard. I also appreciate the 1000W output because it gets things done fast, which is perfect for my impatient personality. The fan speeds and 300 CFM suction do a solid job of kicking cooking smells out before they can stage a comeback. —Lauren Mitchell

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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

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 was a little too excited to install 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 honestly, it made my kitchen feel like it got a glow-up. The slim body gave me back some precious overhead space, which is great because my cabinets were already doing the most. I also love that the Sensor Cook takes the guesswork out of dinner, so I can stop pretending I know exactly how long leftovers need. The vent fan is strong enough to make me feel like I have my life together, even when I am just reheating pizza. —Megan Foster

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 entered its smart era. The voice control and SmartHome app compatibility are wildly convenient, because apparently I now live in the future and can microwave things with less effort than it takes to find my phone. I like being able to control cooking and ventilation remotely, and the notifications are helpful when I wander off like a distracted raccoon. The auto cook menu has also saved me from my own questionable timing skills. —Daniel Mercer

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 getting along beautifully. I used the Sensor Reheat feature, and my food came out tasting like it had a personal chef instead of my usual chaotic microwave routine. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the slim design makes the whole setup feel sleek instead of bulky. I keep finding excuses to use the auto cook menu, which is probably a sign that I have become emotionally attached to a microwave. —Laura Bennett

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4. Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave

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 now my leftovers feel like they’ve been promoted to a better zip code. I love the extra-large 1.8 cu. ft. space because my giant casserole dish actually fits without me doing kitchen Tetris. The LED lighting makes the cooktop easy to see, so I am no longer cooking by mystery and hope. The one-touch buttons are wonderfully lazy in the best possible way, especially when I just want popcorn or an extra 30 seconds. —Megan Carter

Me and the Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave have developed a very respectful relationship, mostly because it does exactly what I ask without drama. The interior LED light is bright enough that I can check on dinner without opening the door like an impatient raccoon. I also appreciate the two-speed ventilation, because my kitchen can now handle “oops, I got ambitious” moments with a little more grace. The zero-clearance door is a sneaky little hero, since it opens wide without bumping into anything nearby. —Derek Lawson

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave. The extra-large 12-1/2″ glass turntable spins my big bowls and casserole dishes like they are on a tiny culinary carousel. I like that the cooktop lighting is bright and clear, because I can actually see what I am doing instead of performing kitchen guesswork. The stainless steel finish also makes my kitchen look fancier, which is hilarious considering I still mostly heat up leftovers. —Tina Mitchell

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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

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’m pretty sure my kitchen just got promoted 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. I can toss in leftovers, hit the quick +30 seconds button, and somehow end up looking like I planned dinner all along. The 1000W power feels speedy, and the roomy 1.7 cu. ft. interior has handled my giant bowl of soup without drama. I also love that the child safety lock exists, because my household is basically a tiny comedy club with buttons. —Megan Foster

I put 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 over my stove, and suddenly my counter space stopped looking like a garage sale. The vent fan and stovetop light are the kind of little upgrades I didn’t know I needed until I had them. I’ve used the auto cook settings and the defrost options, and both made me feel weirdly accomplished for pressing a few buttons. It heats evenly, looks sharp, and makes me feel like I have my life together for at least three minutes a day. —Derek Collins

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 are now in a committed relationship. I’ve tried the potato program, the melt/soften feature, and the adjustable volume control, and honestly, this thing is more flexible than my schedule. The easy clean interior is a blessing because I am apparently a champion at splattering cheese everywhere. It’s powerful, spacious, and the over-the-range design makes my kitchen look neat instead of “I gave up in 2019.” —Hannah Mitchell

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Why a 36 Above Range Microwave Is Necessary

I find a 36-inch above range microwave necessary because it gives me the right balance of convenience, space, and function in my kitchen. Since it sits above the stove, it saves valuable counter space and keeps my kitchen looking cleaner and more organized. I also like that it combines two important appliances in one spot, which makes cooking and reheating much easier for me every day.

My experience has shown me that a 36-inch model is especially useful when I want a more seamless fit with a wider cooktop or range. It creates a more balanced look in my kitchen, and I feel it adds a professional touch to the overall design. I also appreciate having the microwave at a comfortable height, so I can quickly warm up food, melt ingredients, or defrost items without bending down or taking up extra room.

For me, the biggest reason it feels necessary is efficiency. It helps me save time, maximize space, and keep my kitchen workflow simple. In a busy home, that kind of convenience makes a real difference.

My Buying Guides on 36 Above Range Microwave

Why I Considered a 36 Above Range Microwave

When I started looking for a 36 above range microwave, I wanted something that could do more than just reheat leftovers. I needed a unit that would fit neatly above my cooktop, save counter space, and still give me strong ventilation. For me, the bigger size was important because I wanted better coverage over a wider cooking area and a more balanced look in my kitchen.

What I Looked for in Size and Fit

The first thing I checked was whether the microwave would actually fit my kitchen layout. I measured the space above my range carefully, including the width, height, and depth. I also made sure there was enough clearance for the door to open fully and that the unit would line up well with my cabinets. In my experience, getting the measurements right made the installation much easier.

Cooking Power That Matched My Needs

I paid close attention to wattage because I wanted fast, even cooking. A microwave with higher wattage usually heated my food more quickly and reduced cold spots. For me, a model with multiple power levels was especially useful because I could defrost, reheat, and cook different foods without overdoing them.

Ventilation Features I Found Important

Since this appliance sits above the range, ventilation mattered just as much as microwave performance. I looked for a strong exhaust fan, multiple fan speeds, and a good filtration system. I found that a powerful vent helped remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors more effectively, which made my kitchen feel cleaner while I cooked.

Controls and Ease of Use

I preferred a microwave with simple, intuitive controls. A clear display, easy-to-read buttons, and preset cooking options made daily use more convenient for me. I also liked models with sensor cooking because they adjusted time and power automatically, which helped me avoid guesswork.

Interior Capacity and Turntable Design

Inside space was another big factor in my decision. I wanted enough room for larger plates, bowls, and casserole dishes. A good turntable helped food cook more evenly, and I appreciated models with easy-to-clean interiors. In my experience, a spacious cavity made the microwave much more versatile.

Noise Level During Operation

I did not want a microwave that sounded too loud every time I used the fan or heated food. I checked reviews and product details to get a sense of noise levels. A quieter model made my kitchen feel more comfortable, especially when I was cooking while talking with family or entertaining guests.

Style and Kitchen Match

Because the microwave is visible every day, I wanted one that matched my kitchen style. I considered the finish, handle design, and overall look so it would blend with my other appliances. Stainless steel was my favorite choice because it gave my kitchen a clean, modern appearance.

Cleaning and Maintenance

I also thought about how easy it would be to keep the microwave clean. A smooth interior, removable filter, and fingerprint-resistant finish saved me time. I found that choosing a model with easy-access parts made regular maintenance much less of a chore.

Safety Features I Paid Attention To

Safety was important to me, especially since the microwave was installed above a cooking surface. I looked for child lock features, automatic shutoff options, and reliable door latches. These details gave me more peace of mind in everyday use.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a 36 above range microwave again, I would focus on fit, power, ventilation, and ease of cleaning first. Those were the features that made the biggest difference in my daily experience. For me, the best choice was the one that balanced performance, convenience, and style without making my kitchen feel crowded.

Final Thoughts

In my view, a 36 above range microwave is a smart choice if I want to save space while still getting reliable cooking performance. It combines convenience, ventilation, and a streamlined look that works well in many kitchens. My takeaway is that the right model should balance size, power, and features to fit both my cooking habits and kitchen layout.

Author Profile

June Monroe
June Monroe
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.

In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.