For space-saving and extra convenience, more and more shoppers prefer to buy over-the-range microwaves. However, noise is the next problem! If you want to get the best cooking experience without annoying other members, check out this list.
Here are the quietest over-the-range microwaves you can buy in 2024:
- Best Budget Option: GASLAND OTR1603B
- Easy To Install: Cosmo COS-3019ORM2SS
- Easy To Clean: Sharp SMO1854DS
- Powerful: FRIGIDAIRE FGBM19WNVF
- Smallest Capacity: GE JVM3160DFCC
- Largest Capacity: LG LMHM2237ST
| 6 Quietest Over-The-Range Microwaves | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Budget Option | GASLAND OTR1603B | |
Easy To Install | Cosmo COS-3019ORM2SS | |
Easy To Clean | Sharp SMO1854DS | |
Powerful | FRIGIDAIRE FGBM19WNVF | |
Smallest Capacity | GE JVM3160DFCC | |
Largest Capacity | LG LMHM2237ST | |
Best Budget Option: GASLAND OTR1603B
- Great functions for the price - 10 power levels, 4 auto-cook menus, and “Add 30 sec” mode
- Effective odor removal - 300 CFM recirculation exhaust with two-speed fan
- Easy to use - digital display with touch control buttons & energy-saving lights
- Flimsy back support
- The door could be easier to open/close
If you want to heat food quickly without breaking the bank, consider this affordable model from GASLAND.
Unlike some other budget over-the-range microwaves, the unit is powerful and comes with an impressive array of functions like 10 power levels, 4 auto-cook menus, and “Add 30 sec” mode.
The 1.6-cubic-foot capacity provides ample space for cooking a wide range of foods while the recirculation exhaust produces 300 CFM of airflow for decent suction power.
Other practical features include a digital display with touch control buttons and energy-saving lights.
| GASLAND OTR1603B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 29.92 x 15 x 16.42 inches |
Material | Stainless Steel, Glass |
Capacity | 1.6 Cubic Feet |
Number of Power Levels | 10 |
Highlight Features | 10 power levels, 4 auto-cook menus, and “Add 30 sec” mode 300 CFM recirculation exhaust with two-speed fan digital display with touch control buttons & energy-saving lights |
The GASLAND OTR1603B is a perfect budget option for those who desire a quiet over-the-range microwave without hurting their wallet.
Easy To Install: Cosmo COS-3019ORM2SS
- Easy to assemble – detailed and intuitive instructions
- Allowing for cooking more food – an optional rack
- Preventing burnt foods & convenience - heat sensor & auto-shutoff function
- No complaint
If you have no experience on installing an OTR microwave, then the Cosmo COS-3019ORM2SS is your best bet.
We appreciate the included step-by-step instructions which are very clear and intuitive. There is a detailed guide for each installation type, tools you’ll need, and the required mounting space plus the construction is high-quality.
Talking about functions, it provides more preset cooking options (up to 6), along with a rack for two-level cooking. But the best feature is the heat sensor, which can automatically turn off if the microwave food is done cooking.
| Cosmo COS-3019ORM2SS Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 16.4 x 29.8 x 15.4 inches |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Capacity | 1.9 cu. ft. |
Number of Power Levels | 10 |
Highlight Features | detailed and intuitive instructions an optional rack heat sensor & auto-shutoff function |
Don’t worry if you’re a new user of OTR microwave because the Cosmo COS-3019ORM2SS is very easy to install.
Easy To Clean: Sharp SMO1854DS
- Easy to clean - stain-resistant enamel interior
- Able to pull/push more air than usual - three-speed fan design
- Easy to replace the ventilation system
- Very heavy
- The right and left light is a bit dim
With the Sharp SMO1854DS, maintenance is just a breeze. This OTR microwave highlights stain-resistant enamel interior, which is easy to clean by utilizing a wet cloth to wipe it down after each use.
Compared to the two above options, the ventilation system works a lot better thanks to the three-speed fan design for 450 CFM of performance. It is also reasonably positioned for quick and easy replacement.
The button pad is well thought out.
| Sharp SMO1854DS Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 29.9 x 16.3 x 15.9 inches |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Capacity | 1.8 cu. ft. |
Number of Power Levels | 10 |
Highlight Features | stain-resistant enamel interior three-speed fan design |
We love the Sharp SMO1854DS for ultra-quiet performance and easy-to-clean design that won’t take much of your time and effort for maintenance after each use.
Powerful: FRIGIDAIRE FGBM19WNVF
- Retaining beauty & low-maintenance – fingerprint-resistant stainless steel case
- Powerful - a 300CFM two-speed ventilation system and a 1000W cooking power
- Too bright display light at night
Compared to other 1.9-cubic-foot OTR microwaves, this model from FRIGIDAIRE is considered the most powerful with a 300CFM two-speed ventilation system and a 1000W cooking power.
Though there are only four power levels, it strikes back with a cooking sensor for less babysitting, more convenience. This additional function can modify power level and detect moisture to cook food to the perfect with no burns.
Another favorite feature is the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel construction for low maintenance and beauty retention.
| FRIGIDAIRE FGBM19WNVF Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 15.75 x 29.88 x 16.38 inches |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Capacity | 1.9 cu. ft. |
Number of Power Levels | 4 |
Highlight Features | fingerprint-resistant stainless steel case a 300CFM two-speed ventilation system and a 1000W cooking power |
With a 1000W cooking power and a 300 CFM fan, the FRIGIDAIRE FGBM19WNVF becomes the most powerful OTR microwave in its class.
Smallest Capacity: GE JVM3160DFCC
- Reliability - a free 10-year warranty on major components & made in the US
- Great value – including a lot of appliances parts and accessories & oven accessories
- A bit bulky compared to similarly sized OTR microwaves
For singles, this 1.6-cubic-foot over-the-range microwave from GE is the best option. This option is a bit pricier than the GASLAND OTR1603B (which has the same capacity), but for good reasons.
It’s easier to use, more durable, and can cook faster (within just 1 to 6 minutes). Above all, it will be a preferable choice for those who love shopping for “made in the US” products.
The price also includes a free 10-year warranty on major components from the manufacturer plus a lot of appliances parts and accessories.
| GE JVM3160DFCC Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 33.5 x 19.4 x 20.2 inches |
Material | Stainless steel |
Capacity | 1.6 Cu. Ft. |
Number of Power Levels | 10 |
Highlight Features | a free 10-year warranty on major components & made in the US including a lot of appliances parts and accessories & oven accessories |
With 1.6-cubic-foot capacity, the GE JVM3160DFCC is one of the quietest OTR microwaves with the smallest capacity. And, the durable design plus great warranty policy make it unbeatable in its field.
Largest Capacity: LG LMHM2237ST
- Able to handle family-sized cooking tasks – 2.2-cubic-foot capacity
- Space-saving despite the extra-large interior - 29.9 x 15.9 x 17.95 inches of measurement
- Wish the touch panel was more sensitive
Opposite to the GE JVM3160DFCC, this model is our favorite pick for the largest capacity, which is 2.2 cubic feet while the change on the overall measurement is unnoticeable.
In other words, it’s a great balance of ample capacity and space-saving that can handle any family-sized cooking tasks but still fit any narrow kitchen counter.
If you’re afraid that a larger food load during the cook would make more odors, then don’t. This model is equipped with a very powerful yet quiet exhaustion fan, so it really moves a lot of air without making loud noise.
When using this large capacity microwave, you may wish to find a microwave oven safe dinnerware set that can accommodate a big meal, we've got your back with this article.
| LG LMHM2237ST Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 29.9 x 15.9 x 17.95 inches |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Capacity | 2.2 Cubic Feet |
Highlight Features | 2.2-cubic-foot capacity 29.9 x 15.9 x 17.95 inches of measurement |
Consider the LG LMHM2237ST if you’re looking for an OTR microwave with the largest capacity to serve big family’s meals faster.
How To Choose The Quietest Over-The-Range Microwave?
Build Quality
When it comes to microwaves, noice is almost unavoidable.
Magnetron, transformer, capacitor, and diode all make sound when functioning in normal condition. But to prevent the noise from getting worse, choosing a well-built microwave is highly recommended.
There’re ways to figure out a high-quality machine: through the customer reviews, experts’ recommendations, or purchasing from a reliable brand.
Or, simply pick a stainless-steel unit as this material has proven to hold up well against the test of time.
Venting Fan
One of the common sources that create noise when an OTR microwave is on is a venting fan. This part takes the role of controlling odors, steam, and smoke. It’s measured in cubic feet per meter, or CFM.
A basic rule of thumb is the higher the CFM rating, the more powerful the fan and the noisier the machine.
To balance between ventilation and quietness, this feature should be carefully calculated due to your comfort noise level, the microwave’s size, and others.
In general, a machine with at least 300 CFM is fine.
Power Output
Similar to the ventilation fan, the higher the power output, the noisier than the microwave when operating.
Again, it needs to be carefully calculated to meet both your microwaving needs and noise preference. Consider which kinds of food you need to microwave the most and which functions you need on the machine.
Do you need heating water or defrost function?
Do you intend to use the machine for cooking casseroles or baking?
Also, remember that the higher the power output, the steeper the electricity bill.
Which Brands Make The Quietest Over-The-Range Microwave?
Cosmo Appliances
For modern luxury kitchen appliances, Cosmo Appliances is the best choice. They offer a wide range of premium product lines, known for seamlessly integrating design, technology, and performance to level up the kitchen from mere form and function.
Sharp
In the world’s microwave market, Sharp is the leading brand for durability and longevity, aside from efficiency. Their products are claimed to last for decades despite daily abuse. Established in 1915, this is also the world’s famous Japanese multinational corporation for electronic products.
Frigidaire
Founded in 1916, Frigidaire is dedicated to consumer and commercial home appliances. They are an American brand subsidiary of multinational company Electrolux, which is renowned for reliability, performance, and customer service.
LG
This is a South Korean multinational conglomerate corporation, founded in 1947. Worldwide customers love them for the wide range of product options at a budget-friendly price range, aside from smart, fancy functions and aesthetic design.
FAQs
Are there silent microwaves?
Yes, there are. Many modern microwaves are built with a silent mode to mute the operation noise.
Why does my microwave sound like popcorn?
Popcorn-like sound is regularly caused by the food item with a high fat content being microwaved inside.
How do I make my microwave quieter?
To make a microwave quieter, you can:
- Repair the cooling fan
- Replace the high-voltage diode
- Replace the magnetron
- Replace or clean the drive coupler
- Replace the motor
- Engage the silent mode
- Hard reset the machine
- Refresh the sensors
How long do over-the-range microwaves last?
An over-the-range microwave regularly lasts about 10 years if well-maintained.
What is the difference between a built-in and over the range microwave?
The biggest difference between a built-in and over-the-range microwave is that you only can mount a built-in model into a wall, under the countertop, below a wall oven, or among cabinetry.
Meanwhile, the over-the-range microwave is mounted on the bottom of your over the range kitchen cabinet
Conclusion
According to the increasing demand, more and more new over-the-range microwaves are added and upgraded at a dizzying pace.
We understand how challenging it is to find the quietest over-the-range microwave that matches your budget and this complete guide has been written for that reason. Hope you find it helpful.
