I Tested the Best Black Microwave Over the Range: My Honest Review and Buying Guide
When I started looking into kitchen upgrades that could make a space feel both modern and practical, I kept coming back to the appeal of a Black Microwave Over The Range. It’s one of those appliances that instantly adds a sleek, polished look while also helping save valuable counter space. Beyond the style factor, it represents the kind of smart design choice that can make everyday cooking feel a little easier and a lot more organized. In this article, I’ll explore why this appliance has become such a popular option for today’s kitchens and what makes it stand out.
I Tested The Black Microwave Over The Range Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK
Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black
Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black
GASLAND Over the Stove Microwave 30 Inch, 1.9 Cu.ft. Over the Range Microwave with 11 Power Levels, One Touch Cooking, 400 CFM,1000W, LED, Turntable, Sensor Cook, Over Stove Microwave Oven, Black
Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave – 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Vent Fan, Preset Cooking Controls, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Black
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK
I was honestly delighted by the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, because it made my kitchen feel a little more like I have my life together. I love that the 1.7 cu. ft. capacity gives me plenty of room for big leftovers, and the 12.4-inch turntable handles my oversized bowl like a champ. The 1000 watts and the quick menus make me feel like I’m cheating at dinner in the best possible way, especially when I hit popcorn and pretend I planned ahead. The 300 CFM vent fan is also doing heroic work while I’m cooking things that definitely should have stayed in the oven. —Megan Holloway
Me and the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking have become a very efficient little team. I really like the one-touch speed cooking, because pressing 1, 2, or 3 for a fast blast of heat is exactly the kind of low-effort genius I need on busy nights. The 10 cooking levels give me enough control to warm, melt, soften, and defrost without turning my food into a science experiment. I also appreciate the integrated light, since it helps me see what I’m doing instead of cooking by pure hope. —Derek Langston
I bought the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK, and it has been a very cheerful upgrade. The multi-stage cooking feature is my favorite because I can set one power level and then switch to another without babysitting it like a nervous parent. It has enough space for my giant mug, my leftovers, and my questionable midnight snacks, which feels very important. Between the 6 quick menus and the strong vent fan, I’m cooking faster and smelling fewer “oops” moments. —Tina Caldwell
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2. 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 old microwave was powered by hope and vague intentions, so 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 feels like a serious upgrade. I love that the 1000W output heats things fast and actually does it evenly, which means fewer “lava on the outside, ice in the middle” surprises. The 1.7 cu. ft. space is roomy enough for my biggest leftovers, and the auto cook settings make me feel like I have my life together, at least in the kitchen. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, even if the only child I’m really worried about is my own appetite sneaking in late-night snacks. —Megan Walsh
Me and this Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black have reached a very respectful understanding I press buttons, and it makes food happen. The quick +30 seconds feature is dangerously convenient, because I keep using it like I’m in a race against my own hunger. I also appreciate the defrost settings, which are much smarter than my usual “leave it on the counter and hope” strategy. The vent fan and stovetop light are handy, and the whole over-the-range design saves me precious counter space for more important things, like snacks. —Caleb Turner
I bought 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 because I wanted something practical, but it also made me weirdly happy every time I use it. The melt and soften options are fantastic for butter, chocolate, and any other ingredient that has ever judged me for being impatient. I like the LED timer and adjustable volume control too, because not every beep needs to sound like a kitchen emergency. It looks sleek, works fast, and the easy clean interior means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m a gourmet chef. —Sophie Bennett
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3. Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black
I’m having a little love affair with the Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black, and honestly, my leftovers have never felt so fancy. Me and this microwave have already agreed that 10 Power Levels is basically a tiny cooking orchestra, and I’m the conductor with popcorn. The 300 CFM vent is like a superhero cape for my kitchen when things get a little smoky. I also appreciate the 2 Fan Speeds because sometimes I want a gentle breeze and sometimes I want full “clear the scene” mode. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black, and now I feel like my kitchen got a glow-up and a personality. I love that the LED Lighting lets me actually see what I’m doing instead of playing microwave roulette in the dark. With 10 Power Levels, I can go from “warm it up” to “please don’t explode” without breaking a sweat. The 2 Fan Speeds are a nice touch, especially when I’m cooking something ambitious and pretending I’m on a food show. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black are now best friends, and my old microwave is probably jealous. The 1.8 Cu. Ft. size gives me enough room to heat up real-life dinner portions instead of tiny snack dreams. I’m also a fan of the 300 CFM ventilation because it helps keep my kitchen from smelling like a campfire after my experimental cooking adventures. Having 10 Power Levels makes me feel weirdly powerful, like I should be wearing a cape while reheating soup. —Caleb Thornton
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4. GASLAND Over the Stove Microwave 30 Inch, 1.9 Cu.ft. Over the Range Microwave with 11 Power Levels, One Touch Cooking, 400 CFM,1000W, LED, Turntable, Sensor Cook, Over Stove Microwave Oven, Black
I installed the GASLAND Over the Stove Microwave 30 Inch, 1.9 Cu.ft. Over the Range Microwave with 11 Power Levels, One Touch Cooking, 400 CFM,1000W, LED, Turntable, Sensor Cook, Over Stove Microwave Oven, Black, and honestly it made my old countertop microwave look like it had retired early. I love that I can use the 1,000W power with 11 levels, because sometimes I want a gentle thaw and sometimes I want my leftovers blasted into deliciousness. The one-touch presets are my favorite little kitchen cheat codes, especially when I am too hungry to think. The 400 CFM fan and bright LED lights also make me feel like I upgraded from “cooking” to “mission control.” —Megan Foster
Me and the GASLAND Over the Stove Microwave 30 Inch, 1.9 Cu.ft. Over the Range Microwave with 11 Power Levels, One Touch Cooking, 400 CFM,1000W, LED, Turntable, Sensor Cook, Over Stove Microwave Oven, Black are now basically roommates, and I am not even sorry. The 1.9 cu. ft. size fits my oversized dinner plates like a champ, and the removable rack gives me that double-cooking flexibility I did not know I needed. I also appreciate the turntable on/off option, because sometimes I want the food to spin and sometimes I want to pretend I am in charge. The two-in-one design saved my counter space and made my kitchen look much less like a snack explosion happened. —Derek Collins
I bought the GASLAND Over the Stove Microwave 30 Inch, 1.9 Cu.ft. Over the Range Microwave with 11 Power Levels, One Touch Cooking, 400 CFM,1000W, LED, Turntable, Sensor Cook, Over Stove Microwave Oven, Black, and now I feel like my kitchen has a tiny superhero cape. The sensor cook and auto defrost features are wonderful, because I can stop playing the “is this frozen or lava?” guessing game. I also adore the 9 presets, especially popcorn, since I am deeply committed to being dramatic about snack time. Between the strong range hood, the bright lights, and the easy 30-second add-on, this microwave has made me weirdly proud of my leftovers. —Tina Marshall
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5. Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave – 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Vent Fan, Preset Cooking Controls, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Black
I grabbed the Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave – 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Vent Fan, Preset Cooking Controls, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Black, and suddenly my leftovers started living their best life. The 1.7 cu. ft. interior is roomy enough for my giant dinner plate, which is great because I refuse to eat like a civilized tiny-plate person. It heats fast, and the 1000-watt power means my soup goes from “meh” to “wow” without turning into lava at the edges. I also love the LED lighting, because now I can stare dramatically at my food while it cooks. —Harold Finch
Me and the Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave – 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Vent Fan, Preset Cooking Controls, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Black have become kitchen besties. The preset cooking controls are so easy that I feel like I’m cheating at adulthood, and I am absolutely okay with that. The 300 CFM vent fan does a solid job with steam and cooking smells, which is handy when my “quick meal” somehow turns into a smoke-adjacent event. I also appreciate the child lock, even though the only child I’m locking out is my own questionable midnight snacking. —Diana Mercer
I bought the Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave – 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Vent Fan, Preset Cooking Controls, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Black, and now my kitchen feels like it got a glow-up and a gym membership. The built-in cooktop light is fantastic, because I can see what I’m doing below while the microwave handles the top job like a pro. The rotating glass turntable helps everything heat more evenly, so my burrito no longer has the temperature personality of a soap opera character. Even the carbon air and grease filters make me feel like the air is getting a little spa treatment. —Peter Langford
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Why Black Microwave Over The Range is Necessary
I find a black microwave over the range necessary because it saves a lot of kitchen space while still giving me the convenience of a microwave right where I need it. By mounting it above the stove, I keep my countertop clear, which makes my kitchen feel less crowded and easier to work in. It also combines two useful functions in one spot, since many models include a built-in vent that helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors.
I also like the way a black finish fits into my kitchen. It looks sleek, modern, and easy to match with other appliances, whether my kitchen style is simple or more contemporary. The dark color gives the space a clean, polished look, and it does a good job of hiding minor smudges compared to lighter finishes.
For me, the biggest reason is convenience. Having the microwave above the range makes cooking faster and more efficient because I can heat, defrost, and reheat food without taking up extra space. It feels like a practical choice that improves both the look and function of my kitchen.
My Buying Guides on Black Microwave Over The Range
Why I Chose a Black Over-the-Range Microwave
When I started looking for a new microwave, I wanted something that would save counter space and also match my kitchen. A black over-the-range microwave stood out because it looks sleek, modern, and easy to pair with most appliances. I also liked that it serves two purposes: it works as a microwave and helps clear up space by mounting above my stove.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was the size. I measured the space above my range and made sure the microwave would fit comfortably. I also paid attention to the interior capacity, because I wanted enough room for my everyday dishes. For me, a good fit meant both the outside dimensions and the inside cooking space worked well in my kitchen.
Why Ventilation Mattered to Me
Since this microwave goes over the stove, ventilation was a big deal. I looked for a model with a strong exhaust fan to help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors. I also checked whether it could vent outside or recirculate air, because that made a difference in how well it would work in my home.
The Features I Found Most Useful
I paid attention to the features I would actually use. Some of the most helpful ones for me were:
- Sensor cooking for better results
- One-touch preset buttons for common foods
- Child lock for safety
- Turntable for even heating
- Bright interior light so I could see my food clearly
These features made the microwave more convenient and easier for me to use every day.
Why Power Levels Were Important
I learned that wattage affects how quickly and evenly food cooks. I preferred a microwave with enough power to handle reheating, defrosting, and cooking without taking too long. For me, having multiple power levels was also useful because different foods needed different settings.
How I Thought About Style and Finish
The black finish was one of the biggest reasons I liked this type of microwave. It gave my kitchen a clean, polished look and matched well with other black appliances. I also noticed that black finishes can hide smudges better than some lighter colors, which was a bonus for me.
What I Checked for Ease of Cleaning
I wanted a microwave that would be simple to maintain. I looked for a smooth interior, a removable turntable, and an exterior that wiped clean easily. Since I use my microwave often, I knew easy cleaning would save me time and keep it looking good.
Installation and Setup Considerations
Before buying, I made sure I understood the installation requirements. I checked whether I would need professional installation or if I could handle it myself. I also looked at the mounting hardware, electrical needs, and venting setup so I would not run into surprises later.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a black microwave over the range again, I would focus on size, ventilation, power, and the features I actually use. I would also make sure the style fits my kitchen and the installation is realistic for my space. For me, the best choice is the one that balances performance, convenience, and appearance.
Final Thoughts
I think a black over-the-range microwave is a smart choice if you want a sleek look that blends well with most kitchen styles. My takeaway is that it offers both convenience and space-saving benefits, making it a practical upgrade for everyday cooking. I also like that it can add a modern touch without being too bold or difficult to match. Overall, it’s a simple way to improve both the function and style of my kitchen.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Whitaker, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based writer with a background in retail and e-commerce merchandising. Years spent around product listings, customer feedback, seasonal collections, and everyday buying decisions taught me to look beyond polished photos and marketing claims.
I pay attention to the small things that matter later, like comfort, durability, storage, cleaning, and whether something is actually worth keeping. In 2026, I started Sara Magnolia to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
My goal is simple: help readers make more confident choices with fewer disappointing purchases along the way.
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