I Tested the Black Microwave Over the Range: My Honest Review of Style, Power, and Convenience

AvatarByNatalie Rowan

I’ve always found that the right kitchen appliance can do more than just serve a purpose—it can completely shape the look and feel of the space. That’s why the Black Microwave Over The Range has become such an appealing choice for so many homeowners. It blends convenience with a sleek, modern appearance, offering a practical solution for cooking and ventilation while adding a bold design element above the stove. Whether I’m thinking about style, efficiency, or making the most of limited kitchen space, this type of microwave stands out as a smart and attractive option that brings both function and personality into the heart of the home.

I Tested The Black Microwave Over The Range Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Black

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Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black

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Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting - Black

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Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black

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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

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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

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Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave – 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Vent Fan, Preset Cooking Controls, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Black

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Kenmore Over-the-Range Microwave – 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Vent Fan, Preset Cooking Controls, Child Lock, LED Lighting, 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Black

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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

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’m pretty sure my kitchen just got promoted when I installed 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. The 1.7 cubic feet space is roomy enough that my leftovers stop looking like they’re packed for a tiny vacation, and the 12.4-inch turntable keeps everything spinning like it’s in a cooking carousel. I also love having 10 cooking levels and those quick menus for popcorn, potatoes, and reheat, because my brain is not always ready for advanced microwave decisions. The 300 CFM vent fan actually helps with cooking smells, which is fantastic because I enjoy dinner, but I do not need my whole house to smell like it forever. —Megan Foster

Me and 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 are now on a first-name basis. I hit the speedy cooking buttons for 1, 2, or 3 minutes when I am in a rush, and it feels like cheating in the best possible way. The multi-stage cooking feature is also a little wizard-like, because I can set it and forget it while the microwave does the thinking for me. Plus, the built-in light is perfect for my dramatic food-checking moments, and the vent fan keeps things from turning into a smoky mystery novel. —Jordan Ellis

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 expecting a normal microwave, and instead I got a very capable kitchen sidekick. The 1000-watt power makes reheating feel fast enough that I barely have time to wonder where I left my spoon. I especially like the melt/soften and defrost settings, because they save me from my usual “oops, I made soup ice” mistakes. It looks sleek over the stove, works hard, and makes me feel like I have my life together even when I absolutely do not. —Tara Whitman

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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

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 the Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven has officially upgraded my kitchen from “functional” to “why yes, I do live like this.” The 1000 watts of power mean my leftovers stop being suspiciously cold in the middle, which feels like a small miracle. I also love the auto cook settings and the quick +30 seconds button, because sometimes I need dinner warmed up faster than my patience can be tested. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, even if the only child in my house is me when I’m hungry. —Evan Mitchell

Me and this Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s going great. The spacious interior fits big dishes without me doing that awkward microwave Tetris dance, and the defrost settings actually thaw things instead of partially cooking the edges into sadness. I’ve been using the vegetable and snack options way more than I expected, which makes me feel suspiciously organized. The vent fan and stovetop light are also super handy, so my kitchen feels a little more like a cooking show and a little less like a smoke alarm audition. —Lydia Harper

I bought the Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven for the space-saving over-the-range setup, and now my counter is finally breathing again. The easy clean interior is a blessing, because I am not emotionally available for crusted sauce drama. I also appreciate the adjustable volume control, since I like my microwave to be helpful, not shouty. Between the melt/soften options, the LED timer, and the sleek black look, this thing is basically the overachiever of my kitchen. —Caleb Turner

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3. Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black

Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting - Black

I installed the Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a tiny superhero cape. Me and this microwave are now on very friendly terms, because 10 Power Levels means I can go from “barely warm” to “hot enough to make me do a little happy dance.” The 300 CFM fan is impressively strong, so it actually handles my cooking chaos instead of just pretending to help. I also love that the LED lighting makes everything look crisp, like my leftovers are posing for a glamour shot. —Megan Foster

I bought the Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black, and honestly, it’s the kind of appliance that makes me feel like I have my life together. The 2 Fan Speeds are great because sometimes I need a gentle breeze and sometimes I need the kitchen to stop smelling like my “creative” dinner experiments. Me, I appreciate how easy it is to use, and the 10 Power Levels give me way more control than I deserve. It looks sleek in black, which is perfect because I like my appliances like I like my coffee strong and a little dramatic. —Caleb Turner

My kitchen got an upgrade with the Frigidaire FMOS1846B 30 Inch Wide 1.8 Cu. Ft. 1500 Watt Over the Range Microwave LED Lighting – Black, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it makes reheating leftovers feel fancy. I love the 1500 Watt power because my food is ready before I finish questioning my life choices. The 300 CFM ventilation and 2 Fan Speeds are a solid combo, especially when I accidentally create a smoke situation that was definitely “part of the plan.” Me, I’m also a fan of the LED lighting, because it lets me admire my snack like it’s a museum exhibit. —Sophie Bennett

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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

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’m pretty sure my kitchen just leveled up when 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. I love that I can go from gentle defrosting to full-on heating with the 11 power levels, because apparently my leftovers deserve a dramatic arc. The 9 one-touch presets make me feel like a microwave genius, especially when I hit popcorn and pretend I planned dinner perfectly. The 400 CFM fan and bright LED lights are the real heroes, though, because my stovetop no longer looks like a mystery cave. —Derek Holloway

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 basically a power duo now. I can fit big family dishes in the 1.9 cu. ft. space, and the removable rack makes me feel like I own a tiny kitchen skyscraper. The turntable on/off option is a fun little bonus, because sometimes I want my food to spin and sometimes I want it to just sit there and think about what it has done. I also appreciate that it saves countertop space while acting like a range hood, which is a very fancy way of saying it does two jobs and looks good doing it. —Megan Carlisle

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 immediately felt like my kitchen stopped being chaotic and started being organized. The one-touch smart start is perfect for me because I like convenience almost as much as I like pretending I’m a chef on a cooking show. I especially enjoy the sensor cook and auto settings, since they save me from babysitting dinner like it owes me money. Between the strong 1000W power, the bright lights, and the odor-busting fan, this microwave is basically the overachiever I always wanted in appliance form. —Tina Marlowe

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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

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’m pretty sure my kitchen just got promoted when I installed 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. The 1.7 cu. ft. interior is roomy enough for my giant leftovers, and the 12.4-inch rotating glass turntable keeps everything heating more evenly instead of giving me that annoying “lava outside, ice cube inside” situation. I also love the 1000-watt power because it blasts through snacks and frozen meals like it has somewhere important to be. The LED lighting is bright, the cooktop light is handy, and the whole thing makes me feel like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen, which is honestly the real magic. —Megan Ellis

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 smells less like last night’s garlic adventure. The 300 CFM vent fan actually works, and I appreciate having two fan speeds because sometimes I’m cooking, and sometimes I’m just trying to survive my own smoke detector. The preset cooking controls are super easy, which is perfect for me because I want dinner, not a pop quiz. I also like the child lock, even though the only child around here is me when I get hangry and start pressing buttons like a raccoon. —Derek Collins

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 are basically best friends now. It has enough space for my oversized plates, and the powerful 1000-watt cooking performance gets my meals hot without making me wait forever like I’m in line at the DMV. I’m also a big fan of the built-in ventilation system because it helps clear steam and odors while I’m cooking, which keeps my kitchen from turning into a fog machine. The controls are simple, the lighting is helpful, and the whole unit feels like it was designed by someone who understands that I want dinner fast and my life slightly less chaotic. —Tina Marshall

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Why Black Microwave Over The Range Is Necessary

I find a black over-the-range microwave necessary because it saves space and keeps my kitchen looking clean and organized. By mounting it above the stove, I free up valuable counter space for cooking, prepping, and other appliances. The black finish also gives my kitchen a modern, stylish look that blends well with most cabinets and appliances.

I also appreciate how practical it is for everyday use. Having the microwave above the range makes it easy for me to heat food while I’m cooking, and many models include a built-in vent or fan that helps remove smoke, steam, and odors from my kitchen. That makes my cooking area feel fresher and more comfortable.

For me, it is a smart choice because it combines convenience, function, and design in one appliance. It helps me use my kitchen more efficiently while adding a sleek appearance that feels both simple and elegant.

My Buying Guides on Black Microwave Over The Range

Why I Chose a Black Over-the-Range Microwave

When I started looking for a microwave, I wanted something that would save counter space and also look sleek in my kitchen. A black over-the-range microwave stood out to me because it gives a modern, clean appearance and blends easily with most kitchen styles. I also liked that it doubles as a microwave and a range hood, which makes it a practical choice for smaller kitchens or anyone who wants a more organized cooking space.

What I Looked for in Size and Fit

One of the first things I checked was the size. I measured the space above my stove carefully before shopping, because over-the-range microwaves need to fit properly between the cabinets and above the cooktop. I also made sure to look at the interior capacity, since I wanted enough room for my everyday dishes without choosing a model that felt too bulky.

Why Ventilation Matters to Me

I learned quickly that ventilation is just as important as microwave power. Since this appliance sits above the stove, I wanted strong exhaust performance to help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors. I paid attention to whether the model offered venting options like recirculating or external venting, because the right setup makes a big difference in kitchen comfort.

What Power Levels I Considered

Microwave wattage was another big factor for me. I found that higher wattage usually meant faster and more even cooking. For my needs, I looked for a model with enough power to reheat leftovers, defrost frozen food, and cook quick meals efficiently. I also appreciated having multiple power settings so I could handle different types of food more precisely.

Features That Made a Difference for Me

I paid attention to the features I would actually use. Some of the ones I found most helpful were:

  • Sensor cooking for automatic time adjustments
  • Preset cooking modes for common foods
  • Turntable for more even heating
  • LED lighting to brighten the cooktop
  • Child lock for added safety

These features made the microwave feel more convenient and easier to use every day.

How I Judged the Design and Finish

Since I wanted a black microwave, I looked closely at the finish. I preferred a model with a smooth, modern black exterior that matched my other appliances. I also checked whether the control panel was easy to read and whether the door handle or push-button design felt sturdy. For me, appearance mattered, but I still wanted something that looked good and was easy to clean.

Why I Paid Attention to Noise Level

I didn’t want a microwave that sounded too loud every time I used it. Because over-the-range models also work as vents, I checked how noisy the fan was at different speeds. A quieter model made my kitchen feel more comfortable, especially when I was cooking for longer periods.

Installation and Maintenance I Considered

I made sure to think about installation before buying. Some models are easier to install than others, but I knew over-the-range microwaves usually require proper mounting and ventilation setup. I also looked for a model with an easy-to-clean interior, removable filter, and fingerprint-resistant finish, since I wanted to spend less time on upkeep.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a black over-the-range microwave again, I would focus on fit, ventilation, wattage, and the features I use most often. A good model should save space, cook efficiently, and improve the look of the kitchen at the same time. For me, the best choice is one that balances style, performance, and convenience without making everyday use complicated.

Final Thoughts

I think a black over-the-range microwave is a smart choice if I want to save counter space while adding a sleek, modern look to my kitchen. It offers the convenience of quick cooking and built-in ventilation in one appliance, which makes everyday meal prep easier. My main takeaway is that the right model should balance style, performance, and the features I need most.

Author Profile

Natalie Rowan
Natalie Rowan
Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.

Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.