Tired of juggling multiple appliances on your countertop? Imagine reclaiming that valuable space while still enjoying perfectly crispy fries and quickly reheating last night’s dinner. That dream appliance is closer than you think, blending two kitchen essentials into one sleek unit: the Over The Range Microwave with an Air Fryer!
Choosing the right combination unit can feel like navigating a maze. You worry about whether the air frying actually works well or if it’s just a gimmick. You need good ventilation above your stove, but you also crave versatility. How do you find a model that saves space *without* sacrificing performance in either cooking function?
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great Over The Range Microwave with an Air Fryer. You will learn which features truly matter, how to compare power levels, and what to look for in terms of size and ease of cleaning. By the end, you will feel confident picking the perfect space-saving powerhouse for your kitchen.
Top Over The Range Microwave With Air Fryer Recommendations
- Large Capacity: 1.5 cubic feet over the range microwave features a spacious interior and 13.6-inch turntable; measures 15.43"D x 29.88"W x 16.42"H.
- 6-in-1 Microwave Oven: Features six functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, combi (grill), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs. This appliance will be your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- Air Fry Mode: This mighty microwave cooks healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with less oil. An easy-to-use operation will make your meal planning and cooking time seamless.
- Sensor Reheat Mode: This advanced function maintains the fresh flavor of your food--even on leftovers.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
- Preset Cooking Options: This microwave air fryer combo countertop oven includes preset cooking options for popcorn, potato, beverage, reheat, and frozen dinner for quick and precise cooking.
- Features: When it comes to countertop microwave ovens, our stainless steel microwave cooker is superior with 1000 watts, 12.4” microwave turntable, pull handle door, & 1.1 cu. foot capacity.
- User-Friendly Controls: Touch controls with LED display and 10 one-touch menu options make our large microwave ovens convenient. Includes 'Kids meals' auto-cook options for quick family meals.
- Hooded Ventilation: Featuring a 300 CFM Hood Fan with 3-speed operation, this over range microwave ensures effective smoke and odor removal, perfect for any over the stove microwave setup
- Great tools at a great price
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifuntional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- RV/TRAILER COMPATIBLE: This BBQ and Grill station comes with a bracket to mount right onto the side of your motorhome, RV, or trailer so you can have a cookout wherever you are
- Large Capacity: 15.4"D x 29.9"W x 16.4"H. Featuring a spacious interior, this 1.7 cubic feet microwave oven includes a 12.4-inch turntable and will serve as your top sous chef for any meal or cooking adventure.
- 10 Cooking Levels: With aa 1000-watt output, this over-the-range microwave oven has 6 quick menus for your daily meals, including settings for Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost.
- Speedy Cooking: For quick action, press numbers 1, 2, or 3 for using the 100% power level at 1-3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by cooking with 90% microwave power for 10 minutes and then cooking with 50% power for 5 minutes in one time setting.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: With a 2-speed strong suction, the powerful vent on this stainless steel microwave helps to remove fumes and odors while an integrated light offers focused lighting while cooking.
- GE USA AUTHORIZED - Includes 2 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL Manufacturer Protection
- Air Fry | 1.7 cu. ft. capacity | Fast Cook | Dimensions: 16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 17 1/4 D
- IN THE BOX: Recirculating Charcoal Filter Kit
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: GE Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel
- 2 Year Extended Service Protection Plan
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus, and you can make popcorn, pizza, defrost, soften cream cheese, rice, potato, and so on. Feel free to create delicious dishes efficiently and easily.
- 1.7 cu.ft capacity with 12.5 inch turntable can easily hold your big rotisserie chicken and 12 inches pizza.
- 10-level power settings satisfy your different heating needs. (With 1000W outcome power)
- CFM 300 strong suction power with adjustable fan speeds, effectively removes the unpleasant fumes and odor.
- Bright cooktop light to serve your cooking with a clear view.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Over-The-Range Microwave with Air Fryer
You want a kitchen upgrade that saves space and cooks food better. An Over-The-Range (OTR) Microwave with an Air Fryer built-in is a smart choice. It replaces your old microwave and adds a powerful air fryer function above your stove. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at what these appliances can actually do. A good OTR microwave with an air fryer needs more than just basic settings.
- True Air Fry Function: Make sure the air fryer isn’t just a fancy convection setting. Look for high-wattage heating elements and a good fan system that circulates hot air quickly for crispy results.
- Microwave Power (Wattage): Higher wattage (usually 1000W or more) means faster reheating and cooking.
- Ventilation Power (CFM): This measures how well it pulls smoke and steam away from your cooktop. Higher Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) ratings are better for heavy cooking. Look for at least 300 CFM if you fry or sear often.
- Pre-set Cooking Modes: Smart features like “Air Fry Chicken,” “Defrost,” or “Sensor Cook” make daily use much simpler.
- Easy Cleaning: Since air frying can cause splatters, check for non-stick interiors or easy-to-remove grease filters.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your appliance lasts and how easy it is to keep clean.
Exterior and Interior
- Stainless Steel: Most quality models use stainless steel for the exterior. It looks professional and resists fingerprints better than glossy black plastic.
- Interior Liner: Ceramic enamel interiors are excellent. They resist scratches and wipe clean easily. Avoid very thin plastic interiors, as they can stain from high-heat air frying.
Filters and Vents
The grease filters are crucial for safety and performance. Look for metal mesh filters over paper ones. Metal filters trap grease effectively and you can usually wash them in the dishwasher.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one unit better than another? It usually comes down to performance and user-friendliness.
Quality Boosters:
- Inverter Technology: This feature allows the microwave to use continuous, low power instead of pulsing on and off. This heats food more evenly.
- Dual Cooking: Some advanced models cook with microwave energy and air fryer heat simultaneously. This cooks food faster while still achieving a crispy exterior.
- Quiet Operation: Check reviews for noise levels, especially for the fan during air frying and ventilation.
Quality Reducers:
- Small Air Fry Basket: If the included air fry basket is tiny, you might have to cook in multiple batches, defeating the purpose of a large appliance.
- Weak Ventilation: An OTR unit with low CFM will struggle to keep your kitchen clear of cooking odors and smoke.
- Complicated Controls: If the air fryer settings are buried under three different menus, you won’t use them often. Simple, dedicated buttons improve quality of life.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you cook every day. This appliance combines three things: a microwave, a range hood, and an air fryer.
Daily Use Scenarios
- Quick Reheating: Use the microwave for leftovers, just like a standard unit.
- Weeknight Dinner Hero: Use the air fryer function to make frozen foods—like chicken nuggets or French fries—crispy and delicious without using a separate countertop appliance. This frees up counter space!
- Stovetop Ventilation: When you sear steaks or cook smelly fish, the powerful vent system keeps the air clean.
If you cook a lot of fried foods but have limited counter space, this combination unit offers excellent value. It streamlines your cooking setup into one central location above your range.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the air fryer really work as well as a countertop model?
A: Most modern OTR air fryer microwaves perform very well. They use high heat and strong fans. However, very high-end, dedicated countertop air fryers might sometimes achieve slightly crispier results because they are optimized purely for air frying.
Q: Do I need special cookware for the air fryer part?
A: Yes. You must use metal or oven-safe trays provided with the unit for the air fryer function. Never put plastic or standard microwave dishes in the air fryer heating element.
Q: How hard is the installation?
A: Installation is similar to a standard OTR microwave. It must be mounted securely to the wall studs and connected to your home’s ventilation system (either venting outside or recirculating back into the kitchen).
Q: Will the air fryer heat up the microwave cavity too much?
A: Manufacturers design these units to handle the heat. The internal insulation and venting systems protect the microwave components during high-temperature air frying cycles.
Q: Can I use the air fryer and microwave at the same time?
A: Generally, no. You use one function at a time—either microwave, air fry, or the grill/broiler element, if available.
Q: What is the difference between convection and air fry?
A: Convection uses a fan to circulate hot air for even baking. Air frying is a specialized, more intense version of convection, using much higher heat and often a smaller basket to achieve a deep, crispy texture quickly.
Q: Are the filters easy to clean?
A: Most units have removable metal grease filters. You should clean these monthly. Most metal filters are safe to wash by hand or in the dishwasher.
Q: How loud is the fan when using the high-power vent?
A: Noise levels vary by brand and CFM rating. Units with higher CFM ratings (like 400+) often sound louder, especially on the highest setting, similar to a powerful bathroom fan.
Q: Do these models save counter space?
A: Yes, that is their main benefit. They replace your old microwave and your external range hood, freeing up valuable counter space that a separate air fryer would otherwise take.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of an OTR Microwave with Air Fryer?
A: Like most major appliances, you can generally expect 8 to 12 years of service, provided you clean the filters regularly and use the appliance as intended.