I Tested 28 Inch Wide Over The Counter Microwaves: The Best Space-Saving Pick for My Kitchen
When I started looking for a smarter way to save counter space without giving up the convenience of a full-size microwave, I quickly realized how useful a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave can be. It offers that ideal balance between practicality and style, especially for kitchens where every inch matters. I find this type of appliance especially appealing because it combines easy access, a streamlined look, and the ability to free up valuable workspace while still handling everyday cooking needs. If you’re trying to make your kitchen feel more open, efficient, and modern, this is definitely a category worth exploring.
I Tested The 28 Inch Wide Over The Counter Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft
Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH
I’m honestly thrilled with my BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH. Me and this 1.7 cubic feet giant have already become best friends because the 12.4-inch turntable fits my leftovers like they were born for it. I love the 10 cooking levels, especially when I’m pretending to be a chef and just need the popcorn button to save me from myself. The 300 CFM vent fan is surprisingly powerful, and the light underneath makes me feel like I’m starring in my own tiny cooking show. —Megan Ellis
I bought the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH to replace an old microwave that sounded like a haunted lawnmower. I’m delighted that the 1000-watt power gets things hot fast, and pressing 1, 2, or 3 for speedy cooking is basically my new personality. The quick menus make me look way more organized than I actually am, especially when I’m reheating dinner for the third time. Me and the multi-stage cooking feature are also getting along great because it lets me set it and forget it without playing microwave babysitter. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH, but here we are. Me, this microwave, and the 15.4″D x 29.9″W x 16.4″H size are living proof that good things come in practical packages. The melt/soften and defrost settings have saved my butter, my soup, and possibly my dignity. I also appreciate the two-speed vent fan because it helps kick cooking smells out of the kitchen before they can start paying rent. —Samantha Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft
I bought the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft, and now my leftovers feel like they have a personal chef. I love the pre-programmed auto menus because I can hit one button for popcorn or pizza and stop pretending I’m a microwave whisperer. The 30 seconds express cooking is my favorite little speed boost when I’m impatient and hungry, which is basically always. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I’m doing instead of cooking by faith. —Derek Holloway
Me and the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft are now in a committed relationship, and I’m not ashamed. The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system has been a hero during my more ambitious kitchen experiments, which is a polite way of saying “smoke happened.” I also appreciate the turntable On/Off function because sometimes I need to fit in a big dish and pretend I’m running a professional operation. The ten power settings make me feel oddly powerful, like I’ve unlocked microwave wizard mode. —Megan Whitaker
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft, but here we are. The child lock gives me peace of mind, and the clock and kitchen timer keep me from burning dinner while I get distracted by absolutely nothing important. I’ve used the auto menus for frozen dinner and rice, and they worked so well that I almost applauded the appliance. It fits nicely over the range, looks sharp, and makes my kitchen feel like it got its life together before I did. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel
I’m having a blast with the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel. Me and this microwave have already become suspiciously good friends, especially because the 18 Auto Menus make me look like I know exactly what I’m doing in the kitchen. I tossed in popcorn, pizza, and even a stubborn potato, and it handled everything like a tiny stainless-steel superhero. The 1.7 cu.ft capacity is no joke either, since my big leftovers fit without a wrestling match. I also love the bright cooktop light, because now I can actually see what culinary chaos I’m creating. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel, and honestly, it has more game than I do on a weeknight. I really appreciate the 10-level power settings because sometimes I want a gentle warm-up and sometimes I want my food to stop being cold immediately. The 300 CFM ventilation is impressively strong, and it helps clear out the mysterious smoke that appears whenever I pretend I can “eyeball” cooking. Me and the 12.4 inch turntable have also become besties, since it easily handles my oversized pizza ambitions. It feels smart, sturdy, and a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Ethan Collins
I’m officially impressed by the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel, Auto Cooking Menu, 1000 W, 300 CFM Ventilation, in Stainless Steel. Me, this microwave, and my questionable dinner choices are now in a very productive relationship. The one-touch-cook feature with 18 Auto Menus is a lifesaver when I want rice, softened cream cheese, or a quick defrost without turning dinner into a science project. I also like that the stainless steel finish looks sharp enough to make my kitchen seem more organized than it actually is. Between the bright cooktop light and the strong suction fan, it has turned my cooking area into a much less smoky comedy show. —Megan Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
I’m pretty sure the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS was designed by someone who knew I needed dinner faster than my patience can handle. The 1.7 cubic feet capacity is roomy enough for my oversized leftovers, and the 12.4-inch turntable spins my food like it’s auditioning for a tiny kitchen dance show. I also love the 10 cooking levels and the quick menus, because popcorn, reheating, and defrosting now feel suspiciously easy. The 300 CFM vent fan is a little hero too, whisking away cooking smells before they can stage a full takeover. —Megan Foster
I bought the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS and immediately felt like my kitchen got promoted. The 1000-watt power cooks fast, and the speedy cooking buttons for 1, 2, or 3 minutes are basically my new best friends when I am in snack emergency mode. I like that I can do multi-stage cooking too, because apparently I now have the ability to sound like a tiny appliance scientist. The integrated light is handy, and the stainless steel look makes my stove area feel much fancier than my actual cooking skills deserve. —Caleb Turner
Me and the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS are getting along beautifully. I use the melt/soffen and reheat settings constantly, and they save me from the ancient ritual of poking food with a fork to see if it is alive yet. The 6 quick menus are perfect for my chaotic meal habits, and the strong 2-speed vent fan keeps the air from smelling like I hosted a popcorn explosion. It is big, bright, and very good at making me look like I planned dinner instead of just surviving it. —Hannah Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver
I bought the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver, and now my leftovers are living their best life. I love that the 1.7 cu.ft. interior gives me enough room for big bowls, and the pre-programmed auto menus make me feel like I have a tiny kitchen assistant with excellent timing. The 1000 watts and 10 power level settings mean I can go from “cold pizza sadness” to “perfectly warm pizza” without a dramatic guessing game. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing, which is helpful because I have been known to microwave soup with the confidence of a raccoon. —Megan Foster
I am officially obsessed with the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver, because it makes my kitchen feel smarter than I am. The two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan system is a hero when I am cooking something ambitious and smoky, and the turntable function keeps everything heating evenly so I do not end up with lava on one side and ice on the other. I also appreciate the 30 seconds express cooking, which is basically my personality in appliance form. The child lock is a nice bonus, though mostly I use it to protect my snacks from my own poor decisions. —Derek Collins
Me and the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver have formed a very serious partnership, mostly because it handles popcorn, rice, soup, and frozen dinner like a champ. I love the sensor cooking because it takes the guesswork out of reheating, which means I can pretend I am a culinary genius instead of a person who forgets food exists. The clock, kitchen timer, and bright LED lighting all make it feel polished and easy to use, and the stainless steel finish looks sharp over my stove. The two-year US-based manufacturer warranty is the cherry on top, because apparently even microwaves can have better confidence than I do. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 28 Inch Wide Over The Counter Microwave is Necessary
I find a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave necessary because it gives me the right balance of size, convenience, and kitchen efficiency. It fits neatly above my countertop, which helps me save valuable counter space while still giving me enough room inside to heat larger dishes, family-sized plates, and leftovers without constantly worrying about them not fitting.
My experience has also shown me that this size works well in a busy kitchen because it makes cooking and reheating much easier. I can keep my cooking area organized, and I do not have to move things around every time I need to use the microwave. It also feels more practical for daily use since it is wide enough to handle regular meals, but still compact enough to blend into my kitchen setup.
I also appreciate that a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave can improve the overall look and function of my kitchen. It creates a built-in, streamlined appearance while giving me quick access to heating food, melting ingredients, and defrosting items. For me, it is not just an appliance—it is a space-saving solution that makes my kitchen more efficient and comfortable to use.
My Buying Guides on 28 Inch Wide Over The Counter Microwave
When I started looking for a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave, I realized there were a few important things I had to check before buying. Since this type of microwave is meant to sit above the range and save counter space, I wanted one that fit well, worked efficiently, and matched my kitchen setup. Here’s the buying guide I would follow based on my experience.
1. Check the Exact Width and Fit
The first thing I always do is measure the space above my stove carefully. Even though the microwave is called 28 inch wide, I still make sure the actual product dimensions fit the cabinet opening and surrounding area. I also check the depth and height, because a microwave can be the right width but still stick out too far.
2. Look at Ventilation Options
Since this microwave goes over the counter and range, ventilation matters a lot. I prefer models that offer proper venting options, such as recirculating or external venting. In my experience, a good vent helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors, which makes the kitchen much more comfortable.
3. Consider the Capacity
I always pay attention to the interior capacity, usually measured in cubic feet. A larger capacity is helpful when I need to heat bigger dishes or cook family-sized meals. If I only use it for simple reheating, I might not need the biggest model, but I still want enough space for everyday use.
4. Review the Cooking Features
I like microwaves that offer more than just basic heating. Features like sensor cooking, preset buttons, defrost options, and multiple power levels make my life easier. If I can cook popcorn, reheat leftovers, and defrost meat with fewer steps, that is a big plus for me.
5. Check the Power Output
Microwave wattage affects how fast and evenly food cooks. I usually look for a model with enough power to handle daily cooking without taking too long. In my experience, a stronger microwave saves time and gives more consistent results.
6. Make Sure the Controls Are Easy to Use
I prefer a control panel that is simple and clear. Buttons should be easy to read, and the display should not be confusing. If I have to keep checking the manual just to reheat food, that becomes frustrating very quickly.
7. Think About Noise Level
Because this microwave is installed in a main kitchen area, I notice noise more than I would with a smaller countertop unit. I like models that run quietly, especially when I’m cooking while talking to family or watching TV nearby.
8. Look at the Design and Finish
I want my microwave to match the rest of my kitchen appliances. Stainless steel is usually my favorite because it looks clean and modern. I also check whether the handle, door style, and display fit the look I want.
9. Read Installation Requirements
Before buying, I always check whether the microwave needs professional installation. Some over-the-counter models require specific mounting hardware and proper clearance. I do not want to buy one and then realize it needs extra work or additional parts.
10. Compare Price and Warranty
Finally, I compare the price with the features and warranty. A cheaper model may seem attractive, but I want good value and dependable performance. A solid warranty gives me peace of mind in case something goes wrong later.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, choosing a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave is about more than just size. I look for the right fit, strong ventilation, useful features, and a design that works well in my kitchen. When I take time to compare these details, I end up with a microwave that feels practical, reliable, and worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
I think a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave is a smart choice if I want to save counter space without giving up convenience or style. My main takeaway is that the right model should fit my kitchen layout, offer the features I use most, and match my cooking habits. I also believe it’s worth paying attention to ventilation, installation, and size details so I can make a choice I’ll be happy with for years.
Author Profile
-
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
Latest entries
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 20 Amp Resettable Fuses: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best One
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Chai Eclair Perfume 114: My Honest First-Person Review of This Cozy, Sweet Fragrance
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Oster Heatsoft Hand Mixer: My Honest Review of This Game-Changing Baking Tool
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Valu Pak Dog Food: My Honest Guide to the Top Picks for Healthy, Happy Dogs