Upgrading your microwave isn’t just about heating leftovers faster. A sleek, over the range microwave can be a powerful design statement that blends performance with aesthetics. Whether you're building a dream home from the ground up or renovating a dated kitchen space, the right over the range microwave can bring your design full circle—especially when it includes the right mix of smart features, streamlined silhouettes, and thoughtful ventilation.
At Albert Lee Appliance, more of our shoppers are looking for modern kitchen appliances that go beyond basic function to complement a refined, minimalist look, and adding one of theincludes the rise of the best over the range microwave models to the design is the perfect finisher. Learn what our experts have to say.
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Upgrade to the modern cooking setup with an over the range microwave from Albert Lee.
Shop Over the Range Microwaves8 Over the Range Microwaves for Modern Kitchens
Design. Performance. Convenience. These are the pillars of a reliable over the range microwave, so our experts put the best brands to the test to see which models had what it takes to keep up with the modern kitchen. These are the best over range microwaves that make our cut.
GE Profile 2.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
Shop This GE Profile Over the Range Microwave
This GE Profile over the range microwave is a multitasking marvel, perfect for busy households who want their appliances to keep pace. Chef Connect syncs lights and ventilation with a compatible smart range, cutting down steps while cooking. The sensor cooking takes the guesswork out of reheating leftovers, meaning no more cold centers or overheated microwave dinners. And when dinner is done, the sleek bottom controls and integrated handle make cleanup fast and smooth. It’s built for the cook who values both precision and ease.
⭐Featured GE Profile PVM9005SJSS Review:
“Easy from start to finish! Not only a beautiful look, but has all the favorite features, as well as new features you didn’t even know you wanted in a microwave!
Café 2.1 Cu. Ft. Platinum Over the Range Microwave
Shop This Cafe Over the Range Microwave
This Café 2.1 cu. ft. over the range microwave brings high design and high function together. The Platinum Glass finish on this over the range microwave from Cafe will instantly give your kitchen an updated aesthetic, while Wi-Fi Connect lets you start or adjust cooking without even stepping away from your guests. With Scan-to-Cook, even teens can prep frozen meals to perfection. We also give points for the steam cook function for easy, healthy sides, as well as the Chef Connect function that links others smart Cafe appliances without any manual fuss. This one’s for the stylish chef who refuses to compromise on must-have features.
⭐Featured Café CVM721M2NS5 Review:
“Installation was perfect. The microwave looks fabulous. I love the sweetness of the exterior and that the controls are not always visible, but easily pulled up. Love that I can connect it to my stove and have the lights and fans turn on automatically when I turn on a burner. By the way, they turn off automatically after a while, not sure how long. Totally worth it!”
Learn More: Top Features to Look for in a Wall Oven Microwave Combo
Electrolux 1.9 Cu. Ft. Black Over the Range Convection Microwave
Shop This Electrolux Over the Range Microwave
Thanks to convection and combi cooking, over the range microwave from Electrolux is like having a second oven. Roast, crisp, or microwave—the choice is yours with its flexibility, with the ability to make everything from nachos to lasagna. The sensor cook and multi-stage options keep dinner consistent, even if you're juggling sides and emails. Add in a ventilation system that clears the air fast and a sleek design that blends into modern kitchens, and you’ve got a culinary workhorse that doesn’t demand attention but earns it.
⭐Featured Electrolux EMOW1911AS Review:
“Aesthetically pleasing and works great! Replaced not only our microwave but toaster oven and air fryer. It’s great to have one appliance that does multiple functions to save space and time.”
Samsung Bespoke 2.1 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
Shop This Samsung Over the Rang Microwave
This Samsung over the range microwave is the centerpiece of a connected kitchen. With SmartThings integration, you can control everything from lighting to cooking times on your phone and even get dessert recipes with step-by-step guidance. The sensor cook and auto-connectivity features make it practically run itself, turning on the fan and lights as your cooktop fires up. Plus, the ceramic enamel interior is as easy to clean as it is beautiful. If you're searching for sleek style and a smarter workflow, this built-in microwave is the kitchen upgrade your routine has been waiting for.
⭐Featured Samsung ME21DG6500SR Review:
“Very nice size to fit everything you would need or want in a microwave. Easy to install and flip the fans to exhaust upwards. Quiet and fast cooking with easy-to-use touch capacitive buttons. Helpful features using the Samsung app and can be connected to sync with Samsung stove to auto turn on fan when cooking with stove top. So far loving the microwave after owning for almost 8 months.”
LG 2.0 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
Shop This LG Over the Range Microwave
From Scan-to-Cook capabilities with the ThinQ app to sensor cooking that stops when your food is done, this LG over the range microwave anticipates your next move. It’s also made for everyday use with an EasyClean interior that requires less scrubbing. With over 300 perfect reviews, buyers agree that its seamless design with a WideView window keeps things looking sleek even on the busiest weeknight. Complete with a vent and light syncing for LG cooktops, this pick is the smarter microwave for modern families who want their tech to make life more convenient.
⭐Featured LG MVEL2033F Review:
“Wow, what a great deal. This microwave has so many features that we just love. We looked at least a dozen units and this one stood far above the others. We have purchased LG appliances before and they have never let us down.”
Frigidaire Professional 1.9 Cu. Ft. Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
Shop This Frigidaire Professional Over the Range Microwave
Step into affordable luxury with this Frigidaire Professional over the range microwave that does more than reheat: It reinvents dinner. With Air Fry and Convection Bake, you can enjoy crispy or evenly browned meals without heating up your oven. Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat keep meals flavorful without drying them out, perfect for second-day pizza or fresh fish. The PureAir filter door and LED lighting are small touches that make big differences in day-to-day use. And with smudge-proof stainless steel and a zero-clearance door, it’s as practical as it is polished.
⭐Featured Frigidaire Professional PMOS1980AF Review:
“Air fryer works wonderfully, super crispy results and easy to clean and use. The combo appliance is the best and really love the functionality and ease of use.”
KitchenAid 2.2 Cu. Ft. PrintShield Stainless Over the Range Microwave
Shop This KitchenAid Over the Range Microwave
No other brand can balance power and polish beautifully quite like a KitchenAid over the range microwave, including this refined model. It features the exclusive PrintShield finish to fingerprints at bay, so your kitchen stays pristine even after a marathon cooking session. With 1000 watts of power and Express Start features, it gets meals going fast, which is great for hungry kids or late dinners. The LED lighting and touch-activated controls elevate the cooking experience, while a dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KMMS130RPS Review:
“The KitchenAid Microwave Hood Combination with Auto Functions was the kitchen upgrade I absolutely needed in my life. I’m obsessed with how sleek and modern it looks and it elevates my kitchen which needs/could use some love. Not only does it enhance the space but it performs well too. It does a good job at heating food evenly and I like that the intuitive auto functions take the guess work out of cooking.”
Maytag 1.1 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
Shop This Maytag Over the Range Microwave
This Maytag over the range microwave is a compact powerhouse that’s affordable, attractive, and reliable (an impressive 10-year limited parts warranty!). Use the steam clean cycle and non-stick interior keep maintenance low, or the Keep Warm function for sides that are always fresh and ready when the main entrée is complete. With sensor cooking and a built-in, flush design, this microwave proves small appliances can still deliver big, durable performance. It’s built for real life and built to last.
⭐Featured Maytag MMMF6030PZ Review:
“Looks great since it’s flush the cabinets.”
Modern Details to Look for in an Over the Range Microwave
Choosing a microwave for your space isn’t just about size or wattage anymore. Today’s best picks for a modern over the range microwave offer the kind of visual and functional appeal that elevates your entire kitchen. Here are a few modern microwave design features we recommend to keep your space feeling current (CLICK THE ➕TO LEARN MORE).
➕No-Handle Design
Nothing says “clean and contemporary” quite like a flush over the range microwave with no protruding handle. Handle-free models often include a push-to-open mechanism or a subtle recess that keeps the microwave flush with your cabinetry or upper appliances. The result? A seamless look that works beautifully in minimalist and European-style kitchens.
When it comes to an over the range hood without handle, we see a trend where visual simplicity matters as much as ventilation. Look for an over the range microwave with push button door for that sleek, user-friendly finish that makes your microwave feel intuitive and unobtrusive.
➕Smart Features
For us, the best over the range microwave options include connectivity. On top of makin glife easier, it also keeps cooking precise. From scan-to-cook barcode tech to remote control via app, you can start dinner from your phone or get updates on cooking progress from your smartwatch. That’s the power of a smart over the range microwave in today’s home.
Look for WiFi over the range microwave models that sync with your home assistant (like Alexa or Google Home) or integrate with your oven and range for more cohesive meal prep. Smart sensors can automatically adjust cook times based on humidity, weight, or dish type, which means fewer burnt edges and more perfect reheats.
➕Modern Finishes
Color and material make a big impact in the kitchen. While white microwaves will forever be a classic, many of today’s homeowners prefer a stainless steel over the range microwave for its classic versatility and premium appearance. Stainless blends effortlessly into both transitional and ultra-modern kitchen designs, and it's easy to clean, making it a win-win. Looking to make a bold statement? A black over the range microwave offers a moody, modern edge that pairs well with matte black hardware or darker cabinet tones.
➕Sleek Builds
A modern microwave should never feel bulky or intrusive. Instead, it should sit flush, align with other modern cooking appliances, and complement the overall layout.Sleek models feature low-profile designs that still pack in high performance. These units are ideal for smaller spaces or homes where the microwave doubles as a main venting system. Consider a microwave with a built-in range hood for dual-purpose functionality without sacrificing style.
Learn More: 6 Best Microwave Drawers [& Why You Should Buy]
Over the Range Microwaves 101
While aesthetics are important, there are also functional must-haves to keep in mind when choosing the best over the range microwave for your kitchen. Let’s break down the key elements you need to know before making a purchase.
CFM Ratings: What Is CFM and Why It Matters
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, which is a measure of how much air the microwave’s built-in ventilation system can move. It’s crucial in helping remove steam, smoke, and odors from cooking spaces. Most microwaves range between 200 and 400 CFM, which is suitable for standard home cooking.
For heavy-duty or high-heat cooking—like wok use or daily grilling—look for an over the range microwave with at least 300 CFM. It’s also worth noting that some models offer multi-speed fans, which allow you to control the airflow based on your needs (and reduce noise when full power isn’t necessary).
Capacity: What Size Is Best?
Microwave interiors are measured in cubic feet, and the right size depends on your cooking habits. For most households, a capacity between 1.7 and 2.0 cubic feet is ideal. This gives you enough room for full-size dinner plates, tall mugs, or even a small casserole dish.
If you live alone or have limited space, there are low-profile models around 1.1 to 1.4 cubic feet that can still meet your daily needs. On the flip side, larger households or frequent entertainers might prefer the extra room that comes from models with 2 cubic foot or more of space.
Overhead Lighting
Built-in lighting is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most helpful features in a good over the range microwave design. Task lighting underneath the microwave helps illuminate your cooktop, improving visibility while sautéing or simmering at night.
Modern models include LED lighting, which is brighter and more energy efficient than traditional halogen bulbs. Some microwaves even offer multiple brightness levels or automatic lighting based on cooking status.
Installation Clearance: Get the Height Right
Proper installation is key for both safety and performance. Most manufacturers recommend that the bottom of your over the range microwave should sit at least 16 to 24 inches above a cooktop surface. This ensures there’s enough space for large pots and pans, while keeping ventilation effective.
In total, you’ll want about 30 inches of vertical space between your range and your cabinet above, which gives room for the microwave itself and proper airflow. Always check product-specific installation guides for exact clearance, especially if you’re considering a modern looking microwave with a unique profile.
More Buying Tips
We always advise buyers to think about:
✔Door style: Side swing vs. drop-down doors.
✔Control panel location: Bottom-mounted controls are more accessible than side controls.
✔Cooking modes: Sensor reheat, convection, grilling, or combination options.
✔Power output: Most quality microwaves offer between 900 and 1,200 watts for optimal performance.
These are all critical considerations in any good over the range microwave buying guide, whether you're looking for innovative modern kitchen ideas or just want something that won’t become outdated in a few years.
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Adding that modern touch to the kitchen can be as simple as upgrading to a modern over the range microwave. With the area’s best selection of the best over the range microwave models from major names, Albert Lee is the Puget Sound’s top place to explore stylish appliances for an updated look.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Pacific Northwest with quality products you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Over the Range Microwaves at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop cooking appliances online or visit us today at one of our six locations in the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you explore the best over the range microwave for modern kitchen settings, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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