The Best Over-the-Range Microwave | Reviews by Wirecutter

Whirlpool Corp. makes microwaves under the Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid labels. Most of them are similar to the Whirlpool WMH31017, based on what we’ve seen of them in stores. We think you can expect similar performance across the board, so if you find one of the other models on sale, or you prefer the look or certain options, you’ll still be getting a good microwave.

One notable higher-end model is the Whirlpool WML55011 (or any of the similar models made by Whirlpool Corp.), a low-profile OTR microwave. It’s a few inches shorter than anything else, fitting into spaces with lower-mounted cabinets. It’s tall enough to fit a cup roughly the size of a pint glass. It’s an expensive microwave, but it solves a unique problem. (Whirlpool also makes the WMMF5930PZ, which sits flush with your counters.)

We tested the GE JVM3160, which is the bottom-end microwave in that company’s OTR lineup. It’s a solid alternative to the Whirlpool WMH31017, with more express controls but less-even heating, and roughly equal lighting and fan-noise characteristics. It’s also one of the few models that’s still available in the classic Bisque finish. GE also makes a slightly larger and more expensive model, the JVM7195, which is otherwise similar to the JVM6175.

Insignia (Best Buy’s store brand) has a few OTR models made by other manufacturers. We didn’t test any, but based on our research, we think some of their less expensive models, like the stainless-steel NS-OTRB16SS3, could be essentially the same low-end microwave made by the brand Magic Chef, while others are of higher quality.

Most of the brands we’ve covered have higher-end models that we didn’t test. GE Profile models are another notable example—some of them offer additional cooking functionality, such as baking and broiling.

Many other premium appliance brands have microwaves, too, often included as a toss-in with a larger kitchen-appliance package deal. Based on what we know about how microwaves are built, these are all built in the same few factories as the cheaper models, most likely around the same core components. So the main differences are in the aesthetics and control panels. Higher-end models might blend in better with a higher-end kitchen design, but don’t expect them to reheat your lasagna more evenly, and they may or may not last longer.

From our research, LG and Samsung both appear to make their own microwaves, which is generally a plus for performance. We did not evaluate those brands in this guide, as their models are typically design- and feature-rich and thus more expensive than those we considered, but we hope to in the future.