Quiet Over The Range Microwave: Top Picks & Reviews [2025]

January 11, 2025

Finding the perfect space for a microwave oven is often challenging. Built-in appliances give your kitchen a streamlined appearance, but sacrificing a cabinet in a small kitchen might not be the best idea. This is where over-the-range microwaves step in. And if you also have a young kid, you may wonder which is the best quiet over-the-range microwave you can get.

When picking an OTR microwave, know that you have to consider the noise level of the range fan, as well as the overall noise level of the oven.

Then, there are other things to keep in mind. You may want to check out the number of pre-programmed cooking functions, ease of use, maintenance, power, and capacity. Does all this give you headaches?

You needn’t worry. We did the hard part for you and found the best microwave with quiet exhaust fan to get this year.

Does a quiet over-the-range microwave oven really exist?

Things are often challenging when assessing the noise level. If you’re looking for a whisper-quiet microwave, you’re out of luck. Even the quietest microwave ovens make some noise. They are even louder when you turn on the range exhaust fan.

However, most over-the-range microwaves are quieter than a traditional range hood.

Some units have noise-off buttons that also allow you to turn off the beeping at the end of the cooking cycle and the keypad. These functions are essential if you have young kids or turn home late at night and don’t want to wake up your roommates.

The microwave ovens on this list aren’t whisper-quiet, but they are no louder than normal conversation. This is incredibly quiet by microwave standards.

What is the most reliable brand of over-the-range microwaves?

It is hard to decide which is the best brand. Various companies offer various options that differ in capacity and functions. To determine which is the best brand for you, ask yourself what you require from the microwave oven.

Would you rather have a more powerful exhaust fan and fewer cooking functions or lots of cooking functions regardless of the fan power?

How tall are you? Would you have difficulties reaching the top buttons on a side control panel? Ask yourself the same question if you have disabilities. If you believe a side keypad would be impractical, get a microwave with a bottom control panel.

While recommending one specific brand is difficult, over-the-range microwave ovens from Sharp, LG, Frigidaire, GE Appliances, and other big brands are all guaranteed for quality.

Does a quiet over-the-range microwave oven need to be vented?

Not all over-the-range microwaves need to be vented, but some do. It depends on the type of fans the vent hood portion has.

Almost all microwave ovens with range hoods have carbon filters and an odor removal system that doesn’t require it to be vented to the outdoors. However, if your microwave also removes the steam and cooking grease, it requires outdoor ventilation.

Aside from the ventilation, you must consider the required clearance. Like all built-in microwaves, the over-the-range models require a certain clearance on the sides and back. You have to respect these requirements; without proper airflow, the oven’s motor can get burned.

What do you need to look for in an over-the-range microwave?

Choosing an over-the-range microwave is often more challenging than getting a countertop microwave. Here are a few things to consider before buying:

Sound Off Button

One of the most important things to look for in a microwave if you want to be quiet is a sound-off button. Some units may not have a specific button, but you can use a combination of keys to turn off the sound. In addition to turning off the beeping, you should also consider a unit that enables you to turn off the keypad.

Noise Level

Besides a sound-off button, you should also consider the overall noise level of the microwave oven you want to buy. All microwaves make noise, but some are louder than others. Generally, a microwave oven with inverter technology is quieter than a standard oven.

Capacity

How big is your household? Over the range, microwave ovens vary in capacity from compact, 1-cubic-foot units to family-sized ovens. A small microwave is perfect for students, young professionals, and small households.

If you have a family of four or more or live in a large shared accommodation, look for a bigger oven that would enable you to cook for crowds.

Exhaust fan power

When choosing an over-the-range microwave, it is crucial to consider the exhaust fan. Most people would do just fine with a 300-400 CFM fan, but if you’re an avid home chef, then nothing short of the best over-the-range microwave with 600 CFM would do.

Design

All over-the-range microwaves are similar in design, but the position of the control panel can change. Some brands have kept the control panel on the right side of the door, similar to the control panel of countertop units.

Other brands positioned it at the bottom of the unit for easier access. While the choice is yours, we prefer the bottom control panel on over-the-range microwave ovens.

Turntable off button

The sound-off button is not the only thing a quiet over-the-range microwave should have. You might also like a turntable off button. This button allows you to switch off the rotating plate and use larger, rectangular pans and trays to heat the food.

Without this function, you wouldn’t be able to heat a rectangular casserole that is longer than the turntable’s diameter.

Cooking settings

Are you an avid chef or an occasional home cook? The former would likely know how to set the microwave oven and cook food to perfection.

Pre-programmed cooking functions can take the guesswork out of the game for the rest of us. Sensor cooking is another thing to look for. This sensor enables the microwave to adjust the cooking time and cooking power based on the amount of water in your food, helping you leave the guesswork out of the game.

With this in mind, let’s find out which is the best over-the-range microwave oven.

Quietest Over-the-Range Microwave Reviews

1. Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave

Sharp RT is one of the best over-the-range microwave ovens with convection. It is ideal for weekend cooks and avid home chefs alike. Beyond its convection power that allows you to bake, roast, and broil, it comes with lots of cooking programs. This isn’t the most powerful microwave oven out there, but it’s well worth the investment.

More than a silent microwave oven, this is a microwave and convection oven in one. It is perfect for smaller kitchens where you might not have enough space for two ovens. Eleven power levels and 20 cooking programs make it ideal for all kitchens.

Turntable button

This microwave oven has a 13-inch turntable that you can easily switch on and off with a touch of a button.

Easy to clean

This appliance has a brushed stainless steel finish that not only looks good but it’s also very easy to clean. The smudge-free surface makes it easy to wipe off stains and fingerprints.

What could be better

Power level

While this microwave oven is amazing, it only reaches 850 watts of power. It still cooks perfectly, but you’ll have to wait longer than other ovens.

Exhaust fan

This oven comes with a built-in exhaust fan that doesn’t require outdoor venting. However, the fan only has two speeds, which can be frustrating. The max power is 300 CFM.

2. LG LMHM2237ST 2.2 Cubic Feet Over-The-Range Microwave Oven

This over-the-range microwave oven from LG is an excellent alternative to the Sharp if you have a large family. It has a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet and a 14.2-inch turntable that can accommodate two dinner plates at a time. It doesn’t have as many cooking options as the Sharp, but it’s still an excellent choice for the weekend cook or avid chef alike.

Venting system

Like Sharp, this microwave oven has a built-in venting system with a charcoal filter. It doesn’t require outdoor venting, but the vents have three speeds and can reach 400 CFM.

Ease of use

A control panel located at the bottom of the door makes usage a cinch. You don’t have to worry about reaching the top buttons, regardless of your height. The control panel itself is intuitive.

Design

Another thing that we like is the door handle. This design is often seen as old school, but the handle is more practical than a button for opening the door. The silver stainless steel finish and sleek black glass enhance the aesthetic factor.

What could be better

Display

Like all microwave ovens, this one has a display. However, the display is smaller compared to other ovens, and the digits are white. This could make it difficult to spot the cooking time from a distance or the clock when the oven is not in use.

Interior light

Aside from the dim display, this oven also has a dim interior light. You’ll likely have to open the door to control the cooking progress.

3. FRIGIDAIRE FGBM19WNVF 30″ Gallery Series Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave

Frigidaire is one of the most popular microwave oven brands. Its over-the-range microwave addresses those who want a quality appliance but can’t afford to spend a fortune. The main difference between this microwave oven and the LG is the fewer fan speeds and fewer pre-programmed cooking options. All in all, though, this unit is still perfect for families.

Why we love it