8 Best Low-Profile Over-the-Range Microwaves (October 2026)
The best low-profile over-the-range microwaves include the Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven for low overhead clearance, the GE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft. for a standard-size replacement, and the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. for a compact countertop.
On this page (5 sections)
The best low profile microwave in this roundup is the Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven, with a 10.3 in height and 400 CFM vent fan. It combines microwave cooking with range ventilation in a slim body, which can help when overhead space is limited.
This roundup includes one low-profile OTR model, one standard-height OTR option and several countertop alternatives. The countertop picks can solve a compact cooking need, but they don't replace a range hood.
You can also compare microwave drawers with countertop models when planning kitchen placement.
If you're comparing low-profile units with a conventional model, start with the Over-the-Range Microwave Dimensions Standard.
For a primer on what the slim style means, read What Is a Low-Profile Over-the-Range Microwave? What to Know.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for low overhead clearanceMidea Over the Range Microwave Oven
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a standard-size replacementGE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft.
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a compact countertopChefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itFarberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft.
Best for simple countertop cooking - 5
Best for a compact 900W countertopCheck it - 6
Check itTOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
Best for sensor cooking on the counter - 7
Best for flatbed countertop cookingCheck it - 8
Check itGE Profile Countertop Microwave
Best for connected countertop cooking
The best low-profile microwave options for different kitchens
The Midea is the only low-profile over-the-range model among these picks, while the GE offers more capacity in a taller cabinet. The countertop models suit kitchens where a separate hood handles ventilation or where a counter appliance is the intended setup.
We compared the dimensions, installation type, cooking features and ventilation details available for each option. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
We did not treat a countertop microwave as a substitute for a range vent.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (W x D x H) | Installation | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven | low overhead clearance | 1.2 cu ft | 29.9 x 18.2 x 10.3 in | Over-the-range | 8.3 |
| GE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft. | a standard-size replacement | 1.6 cu ft | 29.88 x 15.56 x 16.13 in | 9.1 | |
| Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. | a compact countertop | 0.7 cu ft | 17.52 x 12.93 x 9.53 in | Countertop | 9.7 |
| Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft. | simple countertop cooking | 0.7 cu ft | 17.3 x 12.99 x 10.14 in | Countertop | 9.5 |
| TOSHIBA Microwave Oven | a compact 900W countertop | 0.9 cu ft | 18.7 x 13.3 x 10.7 in | Countertop | 9.2 |
| TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor | sensor cooking on the counter | 1.2 cu ft | 20.6 x 14.8 x 11.8 in | Countertop | 8.9 |
| Panasonic Japanese Microwave | flatbed countertop cooking | 1.0 cu ft | 18.5 x 15.3 x 13.7 in | Countertop | 8.8 |
| GE Profile Countertop Microwave | connected countertop cooking | 1.1 cu ft | 24 x 12.88 x 11.87 in | Countertop; optional under-cabinet hanging kit | 8.6 |
Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven: Best for low overhead clearance
- 10.3 in height
- 29.9 in width
- 400 CFM vent fan
- Sensor cook and reheat
- SmartHome app and voice control
A slim body helps preserve overhead cabinet space, while the 400 CFM vent fan combines microwave cooking with range hood ventilation. Confirm the installation dimensions and vent arrangement for your kitchen.
Pros
- Low 10.3 in height
- 400 CFM vent fan
- Sensor cooking and app control
Cons
- Installation and duct fit need checking
- No ventilation speed details provided
The Midea is the direct match for buyers who need a low-profile microwave with a range hood function. Its stated dimensions are 29.9 in wide, 18.2 in deep and 10.3 in high, and it has a 400 CFM vent fan.
Sensor cook and sensor reheat use steam sensing to set cooking time and power, according to Midea's product details. The model also supports the SmartHome app and voice control, with notifications and remote control described among its features.
The Midea is a practical candidate when replacing an under-cabinet hood, but measure the opening and compare its installation instructions with your current setup. Check the width, depth and height, plus the duct or recirculation arrangement your kitchen needs.
Choose it when overhead clearance is the main constraint and you want an integrated microwave and vent. If your cabinet space can take a taller unit, compare the GE below for a larger stated capacity.
GE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft.: Best for a standard-size replacement
- 16.12 in height
- 29.87 in width
- 300 CFM two-speed ventilation
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- Turntable on/off
This 30 in over-the-range microwave pairs a larger 1.6 cu ft capacity with a two-speed vent. Its 16.12 in height makes it a taller option than the low-profile Midea.
Pros
- Larger 1.6 cu ft capacity
- 300 CFM two-speed vent
- Charcoal filter and turntable on/off
Cons
- Taller than a low-profile model
- Confirm clearance and mounting fit
The GE is a standard-height OTR option for shoppers who can fit a taller cabinet and want more stated cooking capacity. Compare GE over-the-range microwave models for more options.
It measures about 16.12 in high and 29.88 in wide, with a 1.6 cu ft capacity.
Its ventilation system is rated at 300 CFM and has two fan speeds. A replaceable charcoal filter is included for fumes and odors, and the turntable can be switched off for larger or oddly shaped dishes.
This is the better fit when capacity matters more than a slim profile. Its height is nearly 6 in greater than the Midea's, so compare it with the available vertical clearance before considering a swap.
If you're weighing the GE against other conventional OTR sizes, see What Size Is a Standard Over-the-Range Microwave? and What Is the Standard Width for an Over-the-Range Microwave?.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for a compact countertop
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 17.52 in width
- 700 watts
- Mute button
- Six cooking presets
This compact countertop microwave offers a small footprint and mute function. It does not mount above the range or replace a range hood.
Pros
- Compact countertop dimensions
- Mute button
- Six cooking presets
Cons
- Does not provide range ventilation
- Uses counter space
The Chefman is a compact countertop microwave for kitchens that can keep the range hood separate. It measures 17.52 in wide, 12.93 in deep and 9.53 in high, with 0.7 cu ft capacity and 700 watts of output power.
Six presets cover popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes and leftovers. The mute button can silence its beeps, and the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe.
Its compact size does not make it a low-profile range microwave. Choose it only if a countertop appliance fits your plan and range ventilation is already handled by another hood.
Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 cu.ft.: Best for simple countertop cooking
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 17.3 in width
- 700 watts
- Ten power levels
- Six one-touch options
A compact 0.7 cu ft design suits countertop use where a smaller cooking appliance is the goal. It is not an over-the-range microwave or vent hood.
Pros
- Compact 17.3 in width
- Ten power levels
- Six one-touch options
Cons
- Does not free counter space
- No range hood ventilation
The Farberware is another small countertop pick, with 0.7 cu ft capacity and a 17.3 in width. It provides 700 watts, ten power levels and six one-touch cooking options.
Defrost can be set by weight or time, and the model includes a child safety lock, LED display, kitchen timer and clock. Its stainless steel finish may suit kitchens with other stainless appliances.
Like the Chefman, this is not an over-the-range or hood replacement. It makes sense when countertop cooking is the goal and you have a separate plan for steam and cooking odors.
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven: Best for a compact 900W countertop
- 0.9 cu ft capacity
- 18.7 in width
- 900 watts
- 11 power levels
- Two-step child lock
This countertop model has 0.9 cu ft capacity and 900 watts of output power. It offers compact cooking, but no over-the-range mounting or ventilation.
Pros
- 900W output power
- 11 power levels
- Defrost by weight or time
Cons
- Uses countertop space
- Does not vent the range
The TOSHIBA 0.9 cu ft microwave suits countertop buyers who want more capacity than the 0.7 cu ft options without moving to a full-size OTR. It measures 18.7 in wide, 13.3 in deep and 10.7 in high.
It has 900 watts of output power, 11 power levels and six preset menus. Defrost by weight or time and a two-step child lock are also included.
This unit does not mount over a range and has no stated vent fan. Pick it for countertop cooking, not as a low-profile microwave with a range hood.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor: Best for sensor cooking on the counter
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 20.6 in width
- 1000 watts
- 13 preset menus
- Mute mode
Sensor cooking and 13 preset menus offer countertop convenience in a 1.2 cu ft model. Its larger footprint and lack of a vent make it a different solution from a low-profile OTR.
Pros
- Sensor cooking
- 13 preset menus
- Mute mode
Cons
- Requires countertop space
- Does not provide range ventilation
The TOSHIBA Smart Sensor model offers 1.2 cu ft capacity and 1000 watts in a countertop format. Its dimensions are 20.6 in wide, 14.8 in deep and 11.8 in high.
Thirteen preset menus and sensor cooking add automatic options, while mute mode can silence beeps. Its wider footprint needs more counter room than the 0.7 cu ft models.
Choose this when you want sensor features in a countertop microwave and have space for it. The model does not provide an over-range vent, so it cannot replace a hood.
Panasonic Japanese Microwave: Best for flatbed countertop cooking
- 1.0 cu ft capacity
- 1200 watts
- Flatbed interior
- Genius Sensor 2.0
- Inverter technology
A flatbed interior and sensor cooking set this Panasonic apart from turntable countertop models. It does not mount above the range or include a range vent.
Pros
- Flatbed interior without a turntable
- 1200W output
- Sensor cooking and inverter technology
Cons
- Countertop placement only
- No range hood ventilation
The Panasonic differs from the other countertop options with a flatbed interior and no turntable. It has 1.0 cu ft capacity, 1200 watts and dimensions of 18.5 in wide, 15.3 in deep and 13.7 in high.
Genius Sensor 2.0 monitors food temperature, while inverter technology provides consistent microwave power, according to Panasonic's product information. The flatbed surface also removes the need to lift out a turntable for cleaning.
This is a fit for buyers who want flatbed countertop cooking, not for a range opening. For shoppers focused on output power, our best 1200 watt microwave guide covers the related choice.
GE Profile Countertop Microwave: Best for connected countertop cooking
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- 24 in width
- 800 watts
- Sensor cooking
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity, sensor cooking and an optional hanging kit offer flexibility for this countertop model. It is not an over-the-range microwave and does not vent cooking fumes.
Pros
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Sensor cooking
- Optional under-cabinet hanging kit
Cons
- Needs 3 in clearance on each side and above
- No range hood ventilation
The GE Profile countertop microwave offers 1.1 cu ft capacity, 800 watts and a 24 in width. It adds sensor cooking, scan-to-cook and Wi-Fi connectivity, with support for Alexa and Google Assistant.
The optional hanging kit allows under-cabinet installation, but this does not make it an OTR microwave. GE calls for 3 in of clearance on each side and above, 1 in at the rear, and an unobstructed bottom for airflow.
Choose it if connected cooking features matter and you have a suitable countertop or approved under-cabinet setup. For a built-in option, see our guide to a built in microwave air fryer combo.
How do you measure for a low-profile over-the-range microwave?
Measure the opening and clearance before choosing a low-profile microwave, then compare those numbers with the model's installation instructions. The Midea is 29.9 in wide, 18.2 in deep and 10.3 in high.
Measure cabinet width, depth and height, and note where the bottom of the cabinet sits above the cooktop. Also check the microwave's mounting and vent requirements, including whether the kitchen needs ducted or recirculating ventilation.
A low-profile body can add vertical clearance, but it does not guarantee a match for your existing cabinet or wall. Use our guide to How Tall Is an Over-the-Range Microwave? to compare the height question with standard OTR designs.
If there is no cabinet above the range, installation needs a different plan. Our guide to an Over-the-Range Microwave Without Cabinet explains what to consider for that setup.
Is a low-profile microwave enough ventilation for your range?
A low-profile microwave can include a vent fan, but the fan rating and installation path matter for the cooking you do. The Midea is rated at 400 CFM, while the GE listed here is rated at 300 CFM.
CFM is one comparison point, not a complete measure of how well a setup will manage cooking fumes. For more on how over-the-range microwaves vent, check the model's installation instructions.
Check the manufacturer installation instructions and confirm how the unit exhausts air in your kitchen.
Also consider filter access and maintenance. The GE includes a replaceable charcoal filter, while the Midea's stated product details highlight its 400 CFM fan.
What should you check before replacing a range hood?
Check the cabinet opening, mounting method and vent arrangement before replacing a hood with a low-profile microwave. The Midea is described as fitting the same space as an under-cabinet range hood in most cases, but your own dimensions still need to match.
Write down the current hood's width, depth and height, then measure the available opening. Verify that the new microwave's mounting points, electrical supply and exhaust route fit the kitchen and follow the unit's installation instructions.
A microwave hood combo adds cooking capability above the range, but it also means the appliance occupies the hood's location. If you prefer keeping a separate hood, choose a countertop microwave and plan the ventilation separately.
Which low-profile microwave should you choose?
Choose the Midea if you need a slim over-the-range microwave with a vent fan, and choose the GE if your opening allows a taller 30 in model and you want 1.6 cu ft capacity. Pick a countertop model only when you have a separate range ventilation plan.
Before buying, measure the opening and verify the mounting and exhaust details against the installation instructions. For the core size comparison, use Over-the-Range Microwave Dimensions Standard as your next step.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for low overhead clearance
Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a standard-size replacement
GE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft.
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a compact countertop
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a low-profile over-the-range microwave?
A low-profile over-the-range microwave is a shorter microwave designed to mount over a cooktop while providing ventilation. The Midea here measures 10.3 in high and includes a 400 CFM vent fan.
Check the installation instructions and your cabinet dimensions before buying, since height alone does not confirm fit.
Is a low-profile microwave the same as a range hood?
A low-profile over-the-range microwave combines microwave cooking with a vent fan above the range. The Midea has a 400 CFM vent fan, while the standard-height GE has 300 CFM ventilation.
Confirm how each model vents and whether its installation suits your kitchen.
Will any 30-inch microwave fit above my range?
No. Width is only one part of fit.
Compare the microwave's width, height and depth with your cabinet, mounting area and cooktop clearance, then check the installation requirements for the vent path.
A 30 in label does not guarantee that the mounting holes or duct connection will match.
Can I use a countertop microwave instead?
Yes, if you have a safe, suitable counter location and don't need the microwave to vent the range. Countertop models here range from 0.7 to 1.2 cu ft, but they take counter space and don't replace a hood.
Follow the required clearance and airflow guidance for the model you choose.
