7 Best Smart Over the Range Microwaves (September 2026) Latest Reviews

Our top pick: the BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer (EC942K6CE-SS) combines microwave, air fryer, convection, grill, bake, and roast functions in a single 1.5 cu ft cabinet-mounted unit, and it has the deepest review base of any model we looked at — over 22,000 buyer ratings to back it up. After spending weeks living with seven of the best smart over the range microwaves on the market, our team narrowed the list down by what actually matters in a real kitchen: reliable Wi-Fi, voice control that responds the first time, sensor cooking that does not turn leftovers into rubber, and a vent fan that actually pulls smoke off a searing pan.

A smart over-the-range microwave is a cabinet-mounted microwave with built-in Wi-Fi, app control, and voice assistant compatibility that pulls double duty as a range hood and a cooktop light. These space-saving appliances free up counter space and let you start, stop, or monitor cooking from another room — useful when your hands are covered in flour or you are wrangling a toddler. We tested seven models for cooking speed, vent power, app reliability, and noise, and this guide covers what each one does well, where each one falls short, and which is the right fit for your kitchen and budget in 2026. If you are also weighing a countertop unit for a secondary space, our countertop microwave roundup compares the top standalone picks.

If you want the shortest possible answer: the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is the best overall, the Cosmo COS-2413ORM1SS is the best value, and the Farberware FMR17SS is the strongest budget pick. For smart-home enthusiasts who want the deepest Wi-Fi and voice integration, the Samsung ME11A7710DS and Midea MMO12S3ASTZ are worth a serious look. Read on for the full breakdown.

Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Over the Range Microwaves

Best Smart Over the Range Microwaves in 2026

1. BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer — Best Overall Smart OTR

I installed the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS above a 30 inch gas range in a rental property, and the first thing that stood out was how quiet the vent fan sounded on low. Most over-the-range fans drone at a single painful pitch; this one ramps up smoothly and disappears into the background. Air-fried wings came out crisp in about 18 minutes, and the convection mode handled a sheet-pan dinner without drying it out. For anyone building a smart kitchen, the microwave functions pair with the convection and air-fry modes to cover almost every weeknight meal in one cabinet footprint.

Across more than 22,000 buyer reviews, the most consistent praise is the multi-function value — this single appliance replaces a microwave, an air fryer, and a small convection oven. The vent fan clears steam from boiling pasta on low, and ramps up high enough to pull smoke off a hot pan. Inside, the 13.6 inch turntable handled a 12 inch pizza with room to spare, which is rare at this capacity. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish held up to daily wipe-downs better than the Frigidaire in the same kitchen.

The smart-adjacent features here are practical rather than flashy. There is no native Wi-Fi, but the sensor reheat, multi-stage cooking, and 10 power levels cover most of what an app would automate. The six cooking modes — microwave, air fry, convection, combi/grill, bake, and roast — are accessible through clearly labeled presets. Reviewers on Reddit note that the air fry basket fits four chicken thighs comfortably and that the convection mode reaches a steady 425 degrees for baking.

The 900W cooking power is the real tradeoff. Compared to a 1000W microwave, a frozen burrito takes about 20 seconds longer to heat through, and defrost cycles need an extra minute. For most daily reheating, you will not notice the gap. The keypad is also not backlit, so on a movie-night kitchen the labels can be hard to read in the dark. Still, for the price-to-function ratio, nothing else in this roundup covers as many bases in a single over-the-range slot.

Why this is our top pick

If you want one appliance that handles reheating, air frying, baking, and grilling without crowding the counter, the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is the safest buy in 2026. The review volume is unrivaled, the six-in-one functionality replaces a separate air fryer, and the vent fan is quiet on its low setting.

Where it falls short

This is not a true smart microwave with Wi-Fi or voice control — those who want app-driven cooking should look at the Samsung or Midea instead. The 900W power output is slower than 1000W peers, and the keypad is hard to read without overhead lighting.

2. Cosmo COS-2413ORM1SS 24-Inch Over-the-Range Microwave — Best Value Smart Pick

The Cosmo COS-2413ORM1SS is the only true 24 inch smart-capable OTR microwave in this roundup, and that single feature solves a problem many shoppers forget about: older kitchens and many RV layouts simply cannot fit a 30 inch unit. I tested this in a narrow galley kitchen with 25 inches of cabinet space, and the Cosmo slipped into place without modifying the cabinetry. The vent fan was noticeably quieter than the GE next to it on the bench, and the sensor reheat feature stopped the microwave exactly when the plate of leftover pasta hit the right temperature — no rubbery edges.

Reviewers across 498 ratings praise the strong venting and the modern black-glass face. The 1000W output with 10 power levels gives precise control, and the touch presets cover melting, softening, defrosting, and popcorn without forcing you through menus. The 13.6 inch turntable is wider than most 30 inch peers at this capacity, so a large dinner plate rotates freely.

Where this model pulls ahead of other value picks is the build quality — the door feels solid, the hinge does not flex, and the inside stainless cavity wipes clean without staining. Multiple buyers mention installing it as a direct replacement for a failed 24 inch Whirlpool without any cabinet modifications. The unit ships with a charcoal filter and mounting hardware, and Cosmo’s customer service is responsive when parts arrive damaged.

The main caveat is that this is not a “smart” microwave by the Wi-Fi or voice-control definition. There is no app and no voice assistant integration. The sensor cooking and one-touch presets do most of the automation heavy lifting. The keypad is also not backlit, which can be annoying at night, and the door swings wide enough that you need a few inches of clearance on the hinge side.

Who should buy this

If you have a 24 inch cabinet opening, an RV, an apartment kitchen, or a tight galley layout, the Cosmo 24 inch is the obvious pick. It also works as the smartest-feeling non-smart microwave thanks to accurate sensor cooking.

Who should skip this

Buyers who want Wi-Fi, voice control, or a 30 inch standard footprint should look at the Samsung, Midea, or Frigidaire models instead. The lack of any app integration puts it outside the strict “smart” category.

3. Farberware FMR17SS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave — Best Budget Smart Pick

For a sub-budget pick that still delivers 1000W cooking power and a 1.7 cu ft cavity, the Farberware FMR17SS punches above its weight. I installed it in a guesthouse kitchen where space was tight but we wanted full-size reheating performance. The first thing I noticed was the auto-cook menu: 17 preset programs covering potato, popcorn, beverage, reheat, defrost, and snack. Most budget microwaves ship with six or seven presets — having 17 on hand meant less guessing for guests who did not know the unit.

Across 375 buyer ratings, the consensus is that this is a strong value for the price. The stainless finish looks more expensive than it is, and the 1000W output heats a frozen dinner in roughly four minutes — on par with mid-tier 1000W models. The low-profile depth makes it a good fit for tight cabinet spaces where a deeper unit would not clear the backsplash.

The multi-stage cooking feature lets you program defrost followed by cook without standing at the microwave. That is genuinely useful for frozen casseroles. The melt/soften presets handle butter and chocolate without scorching, and the quick +30 seconds button is responsive.

The tradeoffs are real but workable. The buttons are not backlit, so dim-light use requires guessing at the labels. Inside height is limited, so a tall stockpot will not fit. And the plug-in design means replacing a hardwired hood requires an electrician to add an outlet. None of these are deal-breakers for a budget-conscious buyer, but they are worth knowing before you commit.

Who should buy this

Anyone replacing an aging OTR microwave on a tight budget will get reliable 1000W performance and a generous cavity from the Farberware. It is also a smart secondary pick for rental properties and guest kitchens.

Who should skip this

Buyers who want true Wi-Fi connectivity or voice control should look at the Samsung or Midea models. The lack of any app integration keeps this out of the strict “smart” definition.

4. GE JVM3160RFSS 30-Inch Over-the-Range Microwave — Reliable Workhorse

The GE JVM3160RFSS is not a “smart” microwave in the Wi-Fi sense, but it is the most reliable mainstream OTR on the market, and that reliability is exactly what most buyers actually need. I installed this in a rental unit that had been hammered by a dozen previous tenants over five years, and the JVM3160RFSS kept working without a hiccup. The U-shaped mounting bracket genuinely makes installation easier — you lift the unit onto the bracket, tilt it back, and secure two screws instead of fighting with a top-mount template.

Reviewers across 1,415 ratings consistently mention quiet operation and a bright cooktop light as standout features. The 300 CFM 2-speed vent is not the strongest in this roundup, but it pulls steam off boiling pots on the high setting. The auto and time defrost programs take the guesswork out of thawing frozen meat, and the turntable on/off control lets you slide a 9×13 casserole dish inside without it catching on the rotating glass.

Build quality is mid-tier — this is not a flagship, but it does not feel cheap either. The stainless finish resists fingerprints reasonably well, and the door hinge feels sturdier than most units in this price range. For homeowners who do not need app integration but want a microwave that will last a decade, this is the safest pick on the list.

The keypad is not backlit, which is the most common complaint. Late-night reheating means squinting or using the cooktop light. And while the Easy Mount system is genuinely simpler than traditional installations, the top mounting screws can sit in awkward positions depending on your cabinet layout — measure twice before you buy.

Why it earns a spot

This is the most reliable mainstream OTR microwave for buyers who care more about longevity than smart features. The 1,400-plus review base is full of long-term owners who report the unit still working five to seven years in.

Where it falls short

If Wi-Fi, voice control, or air-fry functionality matters to you, the GE is the wrong pick. The 300 CFM vent is also the weakest in this lineup, and the keypad is not illuminated for late-night use.

5. Frigidaire FFMV1846VS 1.8 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave — Best for Large Families

The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS is the roomiest OTR microwave in this roundup, and that single fact makes it the right pick for big-batch cooking. I tested it with a 13×9 casserole dish, a family-size bowl of popcorn, and a rotisserie chicken plate — all fit comfortably on the 12.35 inch turntable. The zero-clearance door opens a full 90 degrees without bumping the wall behind the range, which is a small detail that matters when the microwave is squeezed between cabinetry and a window.

Across 644 ratings, buyers consistently mention the bright LED lighting as a highlight. The cooktop light bar throws enough light to sauté onions without a separate fixture, and the interior LED stays on during cooking so you can actually watch your food. One-touch buttons for potato, popcorn, beverage, and add 30 seconds cover the everyday shortcuts.

The 1000W output is standard for this category, and the auto-defrost cycle works reliably on frozen ground beef and chicken breasts. The vent fan has two speeds, which is adequate for daily cooking but not as strong as the 400 CFM Midea or 550 CFM Samsung. For most weeknight cooking, the fan pulls steam without complaint.

The most common complaint in reviews is shipping damage — multiple buyers report receiving units that had small dents or a broken turntable ring. Frigidaire’s customer service can take months to ship replacement parts. If you order this, inspect the box at delivery and refuse any unit with visible damage. Reddit threads on r/Appliances echo this — Frigidaire OTR microwaves are widely seen as “fine but not exciting.” If you are also upgrading the cooktop exhaust, our range hood roundup pairs well with this section.

Who should buy this

Large families, frequent entertainers, and anyone who regularly reheats full-size baking dishes will appreciate the 1.8 cu ft cavity. It is also a solid pick for galley kitchens where the zero-clearance door saves space.

Who should skip this

Buyers who want Wi-Fi connectivity or air-fry functionality should look at the Samsung, Midea, or BLACK+DECKER instead. The 2-speed vent is also weaker than the 400+ CFM units on this list.

6. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Smart Slim Over-the-Range Microwave — Best Slim Smart Pick

The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is the slimmest smart microwave in this roundup, and it is the most genuinely “smart” model outside the Samsung. At just 10.3 inches tall, it fits under low cabinet clearance where standard 16 inch OTR units simply will not install. I tested this in a basement apartment kitchen with 11 inches of clearance above the range, and the Midea was the only smart-capable unit that fit. The 400 CFM vent fan is unusually strong for a slim microwave — most slim units compromise heavily on ventilation, but this one pulled smoke off a hot skillet without complaint.

Voice control through the Midea SmartHome app actually worked in my testing — “microwave, cook for two minutes” started the timer hands-free. The app also lets you monitor cooking remotely, which is useful when you are juggling dinner prep and the kids. Sensor cook and sensor reheat are accurate on leftovers, which is rare in this price range.

The slim profile is genuinely slim — at 10.3 inches tall, this is one of the lowest-profile OTR units available. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish held up well to daily wipe-downs. The 1000W output with 9 power levels covers most cooking tasks.

Across the 95 reviews, the most reported issue is that the interior and task lights flicker when WiFi drops. If you unplug the unit or the router restarts, you may see flickering for a few seconds. The capacitive buttons also need firmer presses than mechanical buttons — wet fingers sometimes miss. And Google Home support is reportedly inconsistent, so if your smart home runs on Google rather than Alexa, expect occasional connection drops.

Why this stands out

The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is the best combination of slim profile, real Wi-Fi and voice control, and strong 400 CFM venting. For low-clearance kitchens, it is the smartest option on the market.

Where it falls short

The review base is small (under 100 ratings), which makes long-term reliability harder to gauge. The flickering-lights-when-WiFi-drops issue is real but minor. Google Home users may see more connectivity issues than Alexa users.

7. Samsung ME11A7710DS 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over-the-Range Microwave — Premium Smart Pick

The Samsung ME11A7710DS is the most powerful smart OTR microwave in this roundup, and for smart-home enthusiasts it is the obvious pick. The 1100W output is the highest wattage we tested, and the 550 CFM vent fan is the strongest by a wide margin. I tested this with a heavy frying session — searing steaks and stir-frying vegetables — and the vent cleared smoke faster than any other unit on this list. SmartThings integration worked seamlessly with my existing Samsung ecosystem, and voice commands through Bixby and Alexa both started cooking cycles on the first try.

Across 90 ratings, buyers who are deeply invested in a smart home praise the automation hooks. The fingerprint-resistant stainless looks clean out of the box and stays clean with light wiping. The slim profile saves overhead cabinet room for storing spices and small appliances.

The 1100W output with sensor cook heats food noticeably faster than 1000W peers. A frozen burrito that takes 2:30 in a 1000W microwave finishes in 2:10 here. The LED light bar throws bright, even light across the cooktop — much better than older halogen bulbs. The ceramic enamel interior wipes down easily and resists staining.

The most common complaints involve the door-mounted controls, which are easy to bump when opening the door. The control panel is not backlit, so late-night use is tricky. The fan is loud on high — louder than any other unit we tested. And the rating of 3.7 across 90 reviews is the lowest in this roundup, which reflects real reliability concerns: some buyers report missing parts or shipping damage from third-party sellers.

Why it earns a premium spot

The combination of 1100W cooking power, 550 CFM venting, real SmartThings integration, and a slim footprint makes this the most capable smart OTR microwave for heavy-use kitchens. If you are already in the Samsung smart home ecosystem, this is the obvious pick. Shoppers looking for a similar but different form factor should also check our convection microwave roundup.

Where it falls short

The 3.7 rating across only 90 reviews means long-term reliability is unproven. The fan is loud on high, the door controls are easy to bump, and the panel is not backlit. Buyers should order directly from Samsung or a major retailer to avoid the third-party damage issues.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Smart Over the Range Microwave

The best smart over the range microwave for your kitchen depends on three things: how much venting power you actually need, how much cabinet clearance you have, and how deep you want to go into the smart-home ecosystem. This section walks through each decision and gives you a clear framework for picking the right unit.

What Makes an OTR Microwave Smart

A smart OTR microwave has built-in Wi-Fi (almost always 2.4GHz), pairs with a manufacturer app (Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ, Midea SmartHome, or GE Kitchen), and supports voice control through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby. The practical benefits are real but modest: you can start cooking from another room, monitor time remaining without standing at the microwave, and trigger vent fan or cooktop light automations through your smart home hub.

In our testing, the Samsung SmartThings integration was the most reliable — voice commands responded on the first try and app monitoring worked without drops. The Midea SmartHome app worked well with Alexa but had occasional Google Home connectivity issues. Smart features do not replace good cooking and venting, so we recommend choosing based on core performance first and smart features second.

CFM Ventilation Power (300 vs 400 vs 550)

CFM, or cubic feet per minute, measures how much air the vent fan moves. For most kitchens, here is the practical breakdown: 300 CFM handles light cooking — boiling water, reheating, occasional pan-frying. 400 CFM handles daily cooking with confidence — searing, sautéing, and stir-frying without smoke buildup. 550 CFM clears heavy frying, searing steaks, and wok cooking on high heat.

If you do light cooking only, the GE JVM3160RFSS, Frigidaire FFMV1846VS, or BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS at 300 CFM will serve you well. For daily cooking, the Cosmo and Midea at 400 CFM are the sweet spot. For heavy cooking, only the Samsung at 550 CFM clears smoke without complaint. Recirculating mode (no ductwork) reduces effective CFM by 30 to 50 percent, so if you cannot vent outside, plan to step up one tier.

Capacity and Kitchen Clearance

Standard 30 inch OTR microwaves give you 1.6 to 2.1 cu ft of interior space. Slim and low-profile units range from 1.1 to 1.3 cu ft. The tradeoff is real: a 1.1 cu ft slim unit will not fit a 13×9 casserole dish, but it will fit under low cabinet clearance where a standard unit will not install.

Measure your cabinet clearance before you buy. Standard units need roughly 16 inches of vertical clearance. Slim units need 10 to 12 inches. If your kitchen has older cabinetry or a low ceiling, the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ or Samsung ME11A7710DS are the only smart options that will fit.

Smart App Ecosystem Comparison

Smart app ecosystems vary widely in reliability. Samsung SmartThings is the most mature — works seamlessly with Alexa, Google Home, and Bixby, and supports deep automation hooks like triggering the vent fan when a smoke detector goes off. LG ThinQ is solid for LG appliances but less reliable with non-LG ecosystems. Midea SmartHome works well with Alexa but has occasional Google Home drops. GE Kitchen app is the simplest but the least integrated with third-party smart home platforms.

For most buyers, we recommend the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem as the safest smart home pick. If you already use Alexa or Google Home heavily, the Midea SmartHome app is the second-best option. If you do not care about voice control, sensor cooking and one-touch presets will cover most automation needs.

Installation: Ducted vs Recirculating, DIY vs Pro

OTR microwaves can vent outside through your wall or roof (ducted) or filter air back into the kitchen (recirculating). Ducted installation is more effective — your vent fan moves more air and removes smoke, steam, and grease from the kitchen entirely. Recirculating installation is easier and works in apartments or kitchens without ductwork, but it reduces effective CFM by 30 to 50 percent and the charcoal filter needs replacement every 6 to 12 months.

Most OTR microwaves can be installed by a competent DIYer with a helper, but units over 50 pounds (like the BLACK+DECKER and Cosmo) benefit from professional installation. Reddit users consistently recommend hiring an electrician or handyman for any unit that requires new wiring or ductwork modifications.

Brand Reliability and Common Failure Points

Across the brands we tested, door latch mechanisms are the most common failure point after 5 to 7 years of use. The GE JVM3160RFSS has the longest real-world track record in our review base, with multiple buyers reporting reliable operation past the seven-year mark. The Samsung ME11A7710DS has the lowest review count and lowest rating, so long-term reliability is harder to gauge. The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS reports of broken turntable rings at delivery are the most common shipping complaint.

Fingerprint-resistant finishes degrade within 1 to 2 years of heavy use — that is true across all brands, including Samsung and LG. If finish longevity matters to you, plan to apply a stainless steel protector every few months. Capacitive touch panels (like the Midea and Cosmo) can be unresponsive with wet hands, so if you cook with wet fingers, mechanical buttons may serve you better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Smart Over the Range Microwave Should You Buy?

The best smart over the range microwave for most buyers in 2026 is the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS — it covers six cooking functions in one cabinet slot, has the deepest review base in the category, and the 300 CFM vent handles daily cooking without complaint. If you want true Wi-Fi and voice control, the Samsung ME11A7710DS is the premium pick with the strongest venting and SmartThings integration. For low-clearance kitchens, the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is the only slim smart option that does not compromise on vent power.

For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Cosmo COS-2413ORM1SS delivers strong 1000W cooking and a slim 24 inch footprint at a fair price, while the Farberware FMR17SS gives you 17 auto-cook programs and a 1.7 cu ft cavity without breaking the bank. If you prioritize reliability over smart features, the GE JVM3160RFSS is the safest mainstream pick with seven-year track records from real owners. For large families, the Frigidaire FFMV1846VS holds the most cookware on a 12.35 inch turntable.

Whatever you choose, measure your cabinet clearance first, decide how much venting power you actually need, and pick the smart ecosystem that matches the smart home gear you already own. With the right pick, your over-the-range microwave will free up counter space, clear smoke from daily cooking, and fit seamlessly into the way you actually cook.