The Over The Counter Microwave
If you are going to purchase a microwave oven, you should consider an over the counter microwave. There are many reasons for doing this. Maybe your kitchen is very small. When there just isn’t enough room in the kitchen for another large appliance, and you want something bigger than a mini microwave, an over the counter microwave oven might be just the thing you are looking for.
Although theoretically you could mount one of these ovens anywhere you want to, they are designed specifically to place in the spot directly over the range oven. Most models are made to fit in this empty spot, since kitchen cabinets placed directly over the range pose a fire risk. Placing a metal microwave in this location does not pose much of a risk.
Here are my over the counter microwave reviews:
Manufacturers of Over the Counter Microwave Ovens
The main producer of these appliances is Sharp. The Sharp over the counter microwave is a full-featured oven that has all the capabilities of its countertop cousins.
Here are some of the features of the sharp 1100 watt over the counter microwave:
- 11 different power levels to choose from and 8 instant action buttons for quick turn-on
- One and a half foot capacity, which makes it a full size oven
- 14 1/8 inch turntable, big enough for most microwave uses
- Features an autodefrost and a keep-warm function
- Comes with a one year warranty
General Electric also makes a model that fits over the oven. Here are features of the GE over the counter microwave:
- Weighing in at 157 pounds, this microwave is definitely heavy. Make sure that you attach it securely to the wall!
- It has a 1.5 cubic foot capacity, which is also full sized
- Auto Defrost
- There is a button that turns the rotating turntable off, which is good for microwaving odd-sized dishes
LG Over the Counter Microwave
The LG over the counter model has a few unique features that most microwaves don’t have.
- One of them is the bi-level cooking rack, which lets you put two dishes in the oven at once
- It also has a melt/soften setting, for when you don’t want to actually cook something
- Charcoal filter: I’m not sure what this does, but it probably has something to do with the air that enters the microwave.
In my opinion, the best over the counter microwave is the LG. Although Sharp and GE have been around for decades, LG has proven to be a formidable adversary in the appliance sector. Their machines are quality made and are very durable as well.
How to Install Over the Counter Microwave
Over the counter microwave installation is definitely harder than just putting a microwave on the counter. Installation will vary depending on the model you choose, but all of them need to be securely fastened with metal brackets. Read the instruction manual that came with the microwave you purchased, and follow their guidelines. If you install it incorrectly, you risk the chance that the heavy appliance falls off the wall. Your other alternative is to simply get a microwave that sits on either a kitchen cart or a bar fridge. This is a lot easier as far as installation goes, but it takes up a bit more space.