Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

Bring the Heat: Countertop Microwaves vs. Over-the-Range Microwaves

Caylin Harris

By Caylin Harris
Published January 22, 2024

A new microwave is the easiest appliance swap to make in your kitchen. Most stick with the microwave type they already have for easy installation. But if you’re looking to make a switch or need to replace an old or broken countertop or over-the-range microwave, here’s how to pick your new model.

An over-the-range microwave in a kitchen with white cabinets.

Pros of Countertop Microwaves and Under-Counter Microwaves

A kitchen with white tile backsplash, blue cabinets and a countertop microwave.

Sure, you’re giving up counterspace for a countertop microwave, but if you use your microwave frequently it’s worth it. Plus, you have the options to buy a small microwave that takes up less space than an over-the-range microwave. A compact microwave can easily be tucked into an appliance garage or placed in a walk-in pantry. If you want to fake a built-in look, you can install a countertop microwave underneath a countertop or upper cabinet according to the installation instructions.

Features to Consider When Shopping for a Countertop Microwave

  • Choose whatever size you want when purchasing a countertop microwave.
  • Colors come in a wide variety, from stainless steel to white to red.
  • Countertop microwaves can come with trim kits and can be placed or installed to mimic a built-in look, refer to your model’s instruction options first.
  • Buy a countertop microwave for under $100 or for over $500 for high tech models.
  • An under-counter microwave doesn’t require any special installation, just a space for the microwave to be plugged in.
  • A countertop microwave is easy to access and remove food from safely.
  • There’s flexibility in microwave sizes, from 15 inches to over 30 inches.
  • If you’re looking for the best microwave for countertops, options are available from all your favorite brands like GE, Whirlpool, Samsung and more.

Pros of Over-the-Range Microwaves

A white kitchen with a blue over-the-range microwave installed.

An over-the-range microwave is a great example of making use of the vertical space in your kitchen. It allows you access to this handy appliance without sacrificing valuable counter space. Since the microwave hangs directly over your range, it’s easy to move food to the stove quickly and easily too. A microwave above the stove comes with built-in ventilation and some models allow you to install venting outside to remove food odors from the kitchen.

Features to Consider When Shopping for an Over-the-Range Microwave

  • Keeps the microwave up and away from young kids who shouldn’t be using it.
  • An over-the-range microwave can double as a vent hood, vented microwaves move smoke and odors out of your home.
  • A microwave above the stove doesn’t take up valuable counterspace.
  • Available in popular colors like stainless steel to blend in with your existing appliance suite.
  • Over-the-range microwaves come with special features like air-fry, fingerprint resistance, wi-fi capabilities, different kinds of air filters and more.
  • Prices start from $175 up to $1,000.
  • Lowe’s over-the-counter microwaves are available from brands like Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, Bosch and KitchenAid.

Over-the-Range vs. Countertop Microwave FAQs

Shot of a kitchen with a white countertop and white shelves stocked with all the kitchen appliances.

How Do I Know I Need to Replace my Microwave?

The typical lifespan of a microwave is eight years, but if your microwave isn’t cooking food evenly, is having any electrical issues, is making weird noises while it’s cooking food or if the door or seal is corrupted in any way it’s time to consider replacing your microwave.

How Do I Choose Between an Over-the-Range Microwave or a Countertop Microwave?

Most people let their existing kitchen design inform that choice. If you’re doing a simple replacement, it’s much easier to replace your existing unit. If you remove an over-the-range microwave, consider whether or not you’ll have to retile the backsplash behind the range, which would be a much larger project. If you’re remodeling your entire kitchen, then choose whatever style you like best and suits your cooking style.

Why Are Over-the-Range Microwaves More Expensive?

Since an over-the-range microwave at minimum needs to match roughly the width of your range, over-the-range microwaves tend to be bigger than countertop microwaves. That said, countertop microwaves are available in a wide variety of prices to fit every budget.

Can I Put a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet?

If you’re just storing and not using the microwave, then you can. But a countertop microwave has vents that need a place to release heat. If there’s not enough air flow, it’s not safe to operate your microwave. There are under-the-counter microwave and under cabinet options if you don’t want to take up counter space.

Related Tags: