One of the most convenient kitchen appliances found in almost every home is the popular over-the-range microwave, more commonly known as an OTR microwave oven. Many consumers nowadays are looking to have the option of cooking with convection right in their over the range microwave as well.
We are going to take a look at the top five models on the market today to see which is the best convection microwave for over the range, and we'll also fill you in on a little background about these products in general.
Table of Contents
- Frigidaire Gallery FGBM15WCVF
- GE Cafe CVM517P2RS1
- Maytag MMV6190FZ
- KitchenAid KMHC319ESS
- Bosch HMV8053U
Looking to Learn More? Watch Our Microwave Buyer's Guide Video!
Overview: Over the Range Microwaves & Convection Microwaves
The OTR microwave has taken the place of the countertop microwave and vent hood assembly, which saves space by combining both products into one handy package. Power capacities can vary from 850 watts for reheating or up to 1,200 watts for cooking of full meals.
Just about every model is manufactured with a recirculating or outdoor vented multiple speed fan assembly and a light to illuminate the cooking surface below. The built-in exhaust fans will vary from a quiet 170 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to power-boosting 400 CFM fan velocity to pull odors, steam, smoke, oil mists, and heat through the grease and/or charcoal filters. Many models have heat sensors built into the body that will automatically turn on the exhaust fan to cool the components and get rid of excessive heat if it recognizes an overheated interior cavity or too much heat build-up from the cooking surface.
Like an oven, a convection microwave can be preheated, and it uses a fan to improve heat circulation. The convection microwave can behave like a microwave or like a miniature oven. You can actually brown and crisp foods with a convection microwave! Learn more about choosing a new microwave in our microwave buying guide!
Let's take a look at the top five best convection microwave oven models to see which one is going to be the best for your kitchen!
1. Frigidaire Gallery FGBM15WCVF- 1.5 cu ft, 1,000W - $699
The Frigidaire FGBM15WCVF over-the-range with convection oven has a stainless steel 1.5 cubic foot interior and 13.63" turntable. The diamond pattern rear wall is specifically designed for dispersing microwave energy evenly throughout the cavity rather than spot cooking or heating.
This model features a three-speed ventilation fan plus LED interior lighting. Microwave cooking power of 1,000 watts is more than practical for everyday cooking and reheating, and the convection cooking feature handles most large foods, such as roasts or a whole chicken, and is capable of cooking an entire family meal. With the push of easy-to-use buttons, you may cook popcorn, melt butter, defrost, or add 30 seconds to the cooking time.
Frigidaire also includes a SpaceWise Rack to expand your cooking space, allowing you to prepare many dishes at once. This Frigidaire Professional model has great styling with many features and is available at $699.
Click here to view over 185 real customer reviews of this product!
2. Cafe CVM517P2RS1 - 1.7 cu ft, 950W - $1,008
Next on the list of best convection microwave oven models is a 1.7 cubic foot capacity option from GE's Cafe customizable hardware collection. This model comes in matte black or matte white as well as in stainless steel with customizable bronze, stainless, black, brass, black, or copper hardware. The Cafe CVM517P2RS1 convection microwave comes with Fast Cook and 950 watts of microwave cooking power to provide various levels of cooking strength. The 13.6" turntable is adequately sized for most dinner plates and casserole dishes.
Convection Cooking Controls include quick option settings for Convection Bake and Fast Cook capabilities. Convenient sensor settings for proper power and cooking times for steam cooking, popcorn, and beverages are also added. A three-speed 300 CFM fan assembly takes care of venting with external venting or recirculating options through the included grease filters, which captures any fine airborne oils and grease. Use the Chef Connect smart appliance feature to automatically activate vents and lighting when your stovetop is in use.
GE includes a 1-year parts and labor warranty and a 5-year magnetron tube warranty with this microwave. Priced at $1,008, this microwave has all the power to handle full meals for the entire family.
3. Maytag MMV6190FZ - 1.9 cu ft, 1,000W - $719
Maytag focuses on powerful and durable appliances. The Maytag MMV6190FZ is their convection microwave oven with a 1.9 cubic foot stainless steel oven cavity and a two-level cooking rack. Power is 1,000W microwave and 1,600W convection plus a 400 CFM fan assembly easily handles your cooking and ventilation needs. The 14" turntable is adequately sized for family-size meals or even a casserole dish.
When it comes to convection cooking foods, Maytag's baking system allows you to cook a roast or other foods inside and out, speeding up the process while also sealing in juices. It can also handle more basic tasks, such as crisping a side dish of mashed potatoes. You can use that roomy interior with a rack to cook multiple dishes at once!
A 10-year part warranty on the magnetron tube is in addition to Maytag's 1-year all-over coverage. Pricing at $719 in stainless steel, this may be the one for your family’s needs.
Click here to read over 65 real customer reviews of this product!
4. KitchenAid KMHC319ESS - 1.9 cu ft, 1,000W - $1,049
Next up on our list of the best convection microwave ovens for 2023 is the KitchenAid KMHC319ESS. This model has a 1.9 cubic foot stainless steel cavity for a premium look that's also easier to clean. The cooking power consists of 1,000 microwave and 1,500 convection watts.
This convection microwave oven features a Steam Cleaning function to release spills and stains. It also comes with sensor steam and simmer cook cycles, plus a steamer container, that allow you to precisely steam your food. You get a higher-than-average ventilation at 400 CFM and 6 fan speeds.
The stainless steel oven cavity/inner door has a 10-year parts warranty, while the touch control system parts and electric element have a 5-year parts warranty. The entire unit has a one-year parts and labor warranty. If you want a powerful convection microwave oven with professional styling, keep this KitchenAid model in mind. This model is priced at $1,049 in stainless steel and in white, and at $1,099 in black stainless steel with PrintShield Finish.
Click here to read over 1,105 real customer reviews of this product!
KitchenAid KMHC319ESS - $1,049
5. Bosch HMV8053U - 1.8 cu ft, 1,000W - $879
Bosch, a brand characterized by innovative strength and social commitment, competes in this category with Bosch HMV8053U. Its 1.8 cubic foot cooking interior allows you to cook different dishes and delivers oven-like results. With this capability, you can use it as your second oven.
This microwave makes cooking convenient with its sensor cooking that monitors when the food is done then automatically turns off. It also offers Popcorn settings, Automatic Defrost and a Reheat setting.
The LED light is energy-efficient but provides great lighting while the display screen has easy-to-read white LED console lettering. This Bosch model is packed with all these features and is retailing at $879 in stainless steel.
Click here to read over 75 real customer reviews of this product!
We hope you enjoyed our review of the 5 Best Convection Microwave Oven Models for 2023. If you're interested in unique styling, check out the Frigidaire Gallery model (#1) and KitchenAid model (#4) with the controls on the door. The Maytag model (#3) and the KitchenAid model (#4) offer the largest capacity microwave ovens at 1.9 cubic feet.
Now, you can head out shopping and see which model fits your needs. Please leave us a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in August of 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.
