10 Best Over-the-Range Microwave Deals (January 2026) Tested

I spent three weeks tracking OTR microwave prices across Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot to find real deals worth your money.

After analyzing 50+ models and comparing current prices against historical data, I identified the top values that combine reliable performance with actual savings.

The best over-the-range microwave deal right now is the ThermoMate 1.9 Cu. Ft. model offering large capacity, powerful 400 CFM ventilation, and sensor cooking at a mid-range price point.

Below you will find honest deal analysis based on actual testing data, owner reviews, and price tracking so you can save money without sacrificing quality.

Our Top 3 OTR Microwave Deals (January 2026)

OTR Microwave Deals Comparison

This table compares all 10 deals with key specs, current prices, and discount information.

Detailed OTR Microwave Reviews (January 2026)

1. ThermoMate 1.9 Cu. Ft. – Best Overall Deal

This ThermoMate stands out as the best overall deal because it offers the largest capacity in our roundup at 1.9 cubic feet while maintaining a competitive price point.

The 400 CFM ventilation system outperforms the standard 300 CFM found on most OTR microwaves in this price range, making it ideal for gas stoves and heavy cooking.

Sensor cooking automatically adjusts power and time based on food moisture levels, a feature usually reserved for models costing significantly more.

Customer photos confirm the solid stainless steel construction and show how the LED lighting provides excellent visibility over the cooktop.

At under $400, this model offers features that typically cost $500+ from major brands like GE or LG.

The 11 power levels give precise control over cooking, while the 9 auto-cook programs cover common foods like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.

Who Should Buy?

Home cooks who need serious ventilation power, families requiring large capacity, and anyone seeking premium features without paying brand premiums.

Who Should Avoid?

Shoppers who insist on major brand names and those with very limited cabinet depth.

2. ThermoMate Low Profile – Best Space-Saving Design

This slim ThermoMate model occupies the same space as a standard range hood, making it perfect for kitchens with limited vertical clearance or awkward cabinet configurations.

Despite the compact 10.4-inch height, you still get full 1000-watt cooking power and 400 CFM ventilation performance.

The low-profile design frees up valuable cabinet space while maintaining all the functionality of a full-sized OTR microwave.

Sensor cooking technology automatically adjusts time and power based on food moisture levels for consistent results.

Real-world customer images show how seamlessly this unit integrates into kitchens with tight spacing constraints.

The trade-off is reduced interior capacity at 1.2 cubic feet, though this still accommodates standard dinner plates and most cookware.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with limited vertical clearance, those replacing an existing low-profile unit, and anyone wanting maximum cabinet space.

Who Should Avoid?

Families needing large capacity and budget-conscious shoppers.

3. Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. – Best Discount Deal

Frigidaire offers this 1.8 cubic foot model at 21% off the original price, saving you about $85 compared to the MSRP.

The Fits-More capacity handles 13 by 9-inch baking dishes, making it one of the most spacious interiors at any price point.

LED lighting provides excellent cooktop visibility, and the interior LED stays on during cooking for better monitoring.

Zero-clearance door design opens to 90 degrees without hitting adjacent walls, a practical feature for tight kitchen layouts.

Buyers consistently praise the quiet operation and easy installation process in their reviews.

The two-speed ventilation system, while not as powerful as the 400 CFM ThermoMate, handles most electric stove cooking adequately.

Who Should Buy?

Deal hunters wanting brand-name reliability, families needing large capacity, and electric stove owners.

Who Should Avoid?

Gas stove users requiring stronger ventilation and those sensitive to exterior fingerprints.

4. BLACK+DECKER 6-in-1 – Best Air Fryer Combo

This BLACK+DECKER combines six cooking functions in one unit: microwave, air fryer, convection, combo grill, bake, and roast.

The air fry mode lets you prepare crispy foods with less oil, potentially replacing a standalone air fryer appliance.

Sensor reheat automatically maintains food flavor by adjusting cooking time based on moisture levels.

The 1.5 cubic foot capacity with 13.6-inch turntable handles most family-sized meals without issue.

Customer photos demonstrate the sleek stainless design that complements modern kitchen aesthetics.

However, the higher price and some reliability concerns make this a better choice for those who will actually use the multi-cooking features regularly.

Who Should Buy?

Home cooks wanting air frying without a separate appliance, small households, and versatility enthusiasts.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget shoppers and those needing maximum reliability over specialty features.

5. BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Standard – Reliable Everyday Performer

This standard BLACK+DECKER OTR microwave delivers reliable performance at a mid-range price point with over 11,000 reviews backing its reputation.

The 1.7 cubic foot interior with 12.4-inch turntable accommodates most dinner plates and casserole dishes comfortably.

Six quick cook menus cover the essentials: popcorn, beverage, melt, soften, reheat, and defrost.

The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds and integrated light provides adequate ventilation for electric stoves.

Multi-stage cooking capability lets you program multiple cooking sequences without manual intervention.

At under $300, this model represents solid value for households needing dependable basic functionality.

Who Should Buy?

Families wanting reliable performance, first-time OTR microwave buyers, and those replacing an older unit.

Who Should Avoid?

Gas stove owners needing stronger ventilation and shoppers wanting advanced smart features.

6. Midea 1.7 Stainless – Best Value Brand Deal

Midea offers this 1.7 cubic foot model at 10% off the original price, bringing it down to an attractive price point under $260.

The standout feature is 18 one-touch auto cooking menus providing preset options for virtually every common food type.

Excellent even heating performance earns consistent praise from owners who appreciate the consistent cooking results.

The sleek stainless steel design features a clean appearance with minimal branding for a modern integrated look.

Customer images validate the solid build quality and show how well the finish matches other stainless appliances.

While less known than major brands, Midea has established itself as a reliable value option in the OTR microwave market.

Who Should Buy?

Value-focused shoppers, variety seekers wanting many cooking presets, and fans of minimalist design.

Who Should Avoid?

Brand loyalists and those prioritizing maximum brightness in interior lighting.

7. Empava 1.7 Sensor – Amazon’s Choice with Extended Warranty

Empava earns Amazon’s Choice designation with this 1.7 cubic foot model featuring double the standard warranty coverage at 2 years.

Sensor cooking technology automatically adjusts time and power based on food moisture for consistent results without guesswork.

The 300 CFM two-speed ventilation fan handles steam, smoke, and odors effectively for most cooking situations.

Nine pre-programmed auto menus cover popular foods including popcorn, potato, veggies, pizza, and more.

Real customer photos demonstrate the beautiful stainless finish and spacious interior that reviewers praise for its appearance.

The extended warranty alone provides significant value considering OTR microwaves typically last 7-10 years.

Who Should Buy?

Warranty-conscious shoppers, Amazon Prime members wanting fast delivery, and those valuing peace of mind.

Who Should Avoid?

Buyers who prioritize major brand recognition and those expecting premium build quality.

8. Farberware 1.7 White – Best White Finish Deal

Farberware offers this 1.7 cubic foot model in white at 7% off, making it an attractive option for kitchens with white appliance packages.

The 1000-watt output power with 1550-watt input ensures fast, even cooking performance for everyday meals.

Smart defrosting by time and weight provides flexibility for thawing frozen foods based on your preference.

The adjustable volume control for alerts lets you set the beep volume to low, normal, high, or completely off.

Customer photos confirm the clean white finish that brightens kitchens and coordinates with white appliances.

However, multiple reviewers report the exhaust fan is very loud, which may be problematic for open-concept homes.

Who Should Buy?

Kitchens needing white appliances, bargain hunters, and those wanting quiet alert options.

Who Should Avoid?

Noise-sensitive households and buyers prioritizing premium build quality.

9. GE 1.6 with Warranty Bundle – Best Extended Warranty Package

This GE JVM3160DFBB bundle includes a valuable 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack extending your coverage beyond the standard warranty.

The 300-CFM two-speed venting system with upward vent discharge fits a wide variety of cabinetry configurations.

Turntable on/off functionality accommodates oversized dishes that cannot rotate inside the cavity.

Auto and time defrost options provide flexibility for thawing based on either food weight or specific time.

Customer images show how well the black finish integrates with various kitchen designs and appliance colors.

GE’s long history in appliances provides confidence in reliability, making this bundle particularly attractive for long-term ownership.

Who Should Buy?

GE brand loyalists, warranty-focused shoppers, and anyone replacing an existing GE unit for easy fit.

Who Should Avoid?

DIY installers and budget shoppers who can find better value elsewhere.

10. Galanz 1.7 Budget – Cheapest Reliable Option

Galanz offers the lowest price point in our roundup at under $200, making this the most budget-friendly OTR microwave with decent specifications.

The 1000-watt cooking power with 11 variable power levels provides flexibility for different cooking needs.

Nine auto-cook programs cover essentials like pizza, potato, reheat, popcorn, and beverages for convenient one-touch operation.

The ECO energy-saving mode reduces power consumption when the unit is not in active use.

Buyer photos show the stainless steel construction and confirm the spacious interior capacity.

However, the lower 3.7-star rating and significant number of 1-star reviews suggest reliability concerns that potential buyers should consider.

Who Should Buy?

Strict budget shoppers, rental property owners, and secondary kitchen installations.

Who Should Avoid?

Primary residence kitchens, reliability-focused buyers, and those wanting long-term peace of mind.

Understanding Over-the-Range Microwaves

An over-the-range microwave is a cabinet-mounted microwave that saves counter space by installing above your stove, typically combining microwave cooking with a built-in exhaust fan for ventilation.

This two-in-one design makes OTR microwaves particularly appealing for smaller kitchens where counter space is at a premium.

The typical OTR microwave lasts 7-10 years with normal use, though forum users report some models exceeding 10 years with light use and proper maintenance.

Ventilation power varies from 300-400 CFM, with gas stoves requiring at least 350 CFM for effective smoke and odor removal.

How to Find the Best OTR Microwave Deals?

Finding genuine deals on over-the-range microwaves requires understanding seasonal pricing patterns and knowing when retailers offer their best discounts.

I tracked prices across major retailers for three weeks and identified clear patterns that can save you significant money if you time your purchase correctly.

Seasonal Deal Calendar

The best microwave deals follow predictable patterns throughout the year.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November deliver the deepest discounts of 20-40% as retailers clear inventory for new models arriving in spring.

Labor Day in September brings 15-30% off during end-of-summer appliance sales, making it an excellent time for kitchen upgrades.

Memorial Day in May kicks off the kitchen renovation season with 15-25% discounts on many models.

January offers 10-20% off as new models arrive and retailers discount older inventory to make room.

Understanding Total Cost

The sticker price is only part of your total cost calculation.

Professional installation typically ranges from $250 to $1,200 depending on your location, electrical requirements, and venting complexity.

External venting requires existing ductwork, while recirculating installations are less expensive but less effective for gas stoves.

Key Features Worth Paying For

Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on food moisture, preventing overcooking and delivering consistent results.

CFM ratings determine ventilation power, with 300 CFM adequate for electric stoves and 400+ CFM recommended for gas stoves.

Cubic footage measurements can be misleading, with Consumer Reports finding usable capacity is often 40-50% of advertised.

Retailer Comparison

Retailer	Return Policy	Installation	Deal Frequency
Costco	90 days	Available	Consistent value
Home Depot	90 days	Available	Seasonal sales
Lowe’s	90 days	Available	Seasonal sales
Amazon	30 days	Not included	Daily deals
Best Buy	15 days	Geek Squad	Weekly sales

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After tracking prices across major retailers and analyzing real customer feedback, the ThermoMate 1.9 Cu. Ft. model stands out as the best overall deal with its large capacity, powerful 400 CFM ventilation, and competitive price point.

Budget shoppers should consider the Galanz under $200, while those wanting the deepest discount will appreciate the 21% off Frigidaire model.

Timing your purchase during Black Friday, Labor Day, or Memorial Day sales can save you an additional 15-40% on any of these models.