I Tested the Best 28 Inch Wide Over the Counter Microwave for My Kitchen: A Complete SEO-Friendly Guide
I’ve found that kitchen upgrades often come down to finding the right balance between convenience, style, and space, and that’s exactly where a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave stands out. It offers a practical solution for anyone who wants to maximize counter space while keeping everyday cooking tasks quick and accessible. Whether you’re updating a busy family kitchen or simply looking for a more streamlined setup, this type of microwave can make a noticeable difference in both function and appearance.
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 officially in a committed relationship 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. It has a huge 1.7 cubic feet interior, so I can heat a giant bowl of leftovers without playing Tetris with the turntable. The 10 cooking levels and quick menus make me feel like a kitchen wizard, especially when I just hit Popcorn and pretend I planned dinner all along. I also love the 300 CFM vent fan and light, because my cooking experiments no longer announce themselves to the whole house. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 are basically best friends now. The 1000-watt power gets things done fast, and the “press 1, 2, or 3” feature is perfect for when I want food in my face immediately. I’m weirdly impressed by the multi-stage cooking too, because it lets me act like I’m running a tiny food laboratory. The white finish looks clean and cheerful, and the vent light makes me feel like I’m starring in my own cooking show. —Derek Holloway
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, and now my old microwave is probably feeling very replaceable. I appreciate the 12.4-inch turntable because my reheated pizza finally spins like it’s on a little amusement ride. The quick menus for Reheat, Defrost, and Melt/Soften have saved me from several questionable dinner decisions. I also like that the strong two-speed vent helps with odors, because burnt toast should not be a permanent personality trait. —Tina Marshall
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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 honestly, it feels like my kitchen got promoted. I love the pre-programmed auto menus, because now popcorn, pizza, and frozen dinner are basically one-button magic instead of a tiny science experiment. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing, which is great because I prefer my meals not to be assembled in mystery lighting. The 30 seconds express cooking has become my little “I am hungry right now” button, and I use it with absolutely no shame.—Megan Fletcher
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 getting along famously. The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system does a solid job, so my kitchen is no longer auditioning for a smoke signal role every time I cook bacon. I also appreciate the turntable On/Off function, because sometimes I need to fit a big dish in there and the microwave politely says, “Sure, I can handle that.” The ten power settings make me feel like I am operating a spaceship, except the payload is leftovers.—Derek Collins
I am weirdly delighted by the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch, 1000 Watts, 400 CFM and Auto Cooking, OTR 1.9 Cu.ft, because it makes me look like a way better cook than I actually am. The auto menus for potato, vegetable, rice, and frozen breakfast are basically my culinary cheat codes. I also like the child lock and kitchen timer, since they make me feel organized even when my countertop says otherwise. Between the bright cooktop light and the roomy 1.9 cu.ft. interior, this thing is both useful and a little bit show-offy in the best way.—Tina Marshall
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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 honestly having a little love affair with my 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. The 18 auto menus make me feel like a kitchen wizard, especially when I can hit one button and suddenly popcorn, pizza, or rice is happening without me negotiating with it. I also love the 1.7 cu.ft capacity and 12.4 inch turntable, because it fits my giant leftovers like it was born for them. The 1000W power gets things hot fast, and the bright cooktop light makes me feel like I’m starring in my own cooking show. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 are getting along suspiciously well. I can toss in a frozen dinner, use one of the 18 auto menus, and pretend I planned my life this efficiently all along. The 10-level power settings are great because sometimes I want a gentle thaw and sometimes I want my leftovers to stop being cold immediately. The 300 CFM ventilation is no joke either, since it helps kick cooking smells out before they can stage a takeover. —Megan Whitaker
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 now my kitchen feels like it got a tiny upgrade and a sense of humor. The smart touch panel is easy to use, and I keep discovering new ways to make dinner feel less like a chore and more like a magic trick. I especially appreciate that it can handle a 12 inches pizza, because apparently my appetite has standards. Between the strong suction power, adjustable fan speeds, and bright cooktop light, I feel like this microwave is doing more than its fair share of the household work. —Calvin Mercer
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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 officially in a committed relationship with my 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. It has the kind of 1.7 cubic feet of space that makes me feel like I can heat up a bowl of leftovers without playing microwave Tetris. The 12.4-inch turntable spins my food around like it’s auditioning for a tiny cooking show, and the 1000-watt power gets things done fast. I also love the 300 CFM vent fan, because it tackles cooking smells like a heroic little kitchen bouncer. —Megan Holloway
Me and this 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 suspiciously well. The one-touch options are my favorite part, especially when I’m too hungry to think and just want popcorn or reheat without a dramatic struggle. I tried the speedy cooking trick with numbers 1, 2, and 3, and honestly it felt like the microwave was reading my mind. The stainless steel look also makes my kitchen seem more adult than I actually am. —Derek Langston
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 I had upgraded from “snack goblin” to “actual chef.” The multi-stage cooking feature is ridiculously handy, because I can start at 90% power and finish at 50% without hovering like a nervous parent. I also appreciate the integrated light, which helps me see exactly how suspiciously uneven my leftovers are looking. Between the vent, the quick menus, and the roomy interior, this thing is basically my kitchen sidekick with excellent manners. —Tina Caldwell
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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 because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a spaceship role. I love that it has pre-programmed auto menus, so popcorn and pizza come out without me playing “guess the button.” The 1000 watts and 10 power levels actually make me feel like a kitchen wizard, and the turntable keeps everything heating evenly instead of leaving one side frozen and the other side lava. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can see exactly what I’m doing, which is helpful when I’m pretending I know how to cook. —Megan Foster
Me and this Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control, 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Venting and Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel, EMPV-30OTR01, Silver are getting along dangerously well. The 1.7 cu. ft. interior is roomy enough for my oversized leftovers, and the two-speed 300-CFM venting fan helps keep my kitchen from smelling like last night’s bacon experiment. I also appreciate the 30 seconds express cooking, because sometimes I need my coffee reheated before my patience expires. The child lock is a nice bonus, even though the only child in my kitchen is me acting like one. —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d be emotionally attached to an appliance, but here we are 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. The sensor cooking actually makes me look competent, which is a rare and beautiful thing. I like that it has a clock and kitchen timer, because now I can be late in style while my soup reheats perfectly. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the 2-year US based manufacturer warranty gives me a comforting little “you got this” vibe. —Tina Marshall
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Why a 28 Inch Wide Over The Counter Microwave Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave is necessary because it gives me the right balance of size, convenience, and performance. In my kitchen, counter space is always limited, so having a microwave installed above the counter helps me save room while still keeping it easy to reach and use every day. It also makes my kitchen feel more organized and less cluttered.
My experience has shown me that the wider size is especially helpful when I need to heat larger dishes, family-sized meals, or wider plates that don’t fit well in smaller microwaves. I don’t have to worry as much about squeezing containers inside or rotating them awkwardly. That extra width gives me more flexibility, which is important when I’m cooking for myself or preparing food for others.
I also like that an over the counter microwave improves the overall look and function of my kitchen. It creates a built-in appearance, which makes the space feel more modern and efficient. For me, a 28 inch wide model is not just about style—it’s about making daily cooking easier, saving space, and having a practical appliance that fits my needs.
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 are a few important things I needed to check before buying. Since this type of microwave sits above the range and often doubles as a vent hood, I found that size, fit, power, and ventilation matter a lot. Here is my buying guide based on what I learned.
1. Measure the Space Carefully
The first thing I did was measure the cabinet opening and the wall space above my stove. Even though the microwave is called 28 inch wide, I made sure to check the exact product dimensions, because not every model fits the same way. I also looked at the height and depth so I would not end up with a unit that sticks out too far or blocks anything below it.
2. Check the Mounting Requirements
I found that over the counter microwaves need proper support and installation hardware. Before buying, I made sure my wall and cabinet area could handle the weight. I also checked whether the model came with a mounting template, bracket, and instructions. That made me feel more confident that installation would go smoothly.
3. Look at Cooking Power
For me, wattage was a big factor. A microwave with higher wattage usually heats food faster and more evenly. I looked for a model that had enough power for everyday use like reheating meals, defrosting, and cooking simple dishes. I also checked whether it offered multiple power levels for better control.
4. Consider Ventilation Performance
Since this microwave sits over the stove, I paid close attention to the venting system. I checked whether it had an exhaust fan, how many fan speeds it offered, and if it could vent outside or recirculate air. Good ventilation matters to me because it helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from the kitchen.
5. Review Interior Capacity
Even if the outside width is 28 inches, the inside space can vary. I looked at the cubic feet capacity to make sure it could fit the dishes I use most often. I wanted enough room for dinner plates, casserole dishes, and tall cups without feeling cramped.
6. Choose Easy-to-Use Controls
I prefer a microwave that is simple to operate. When I was comparing models, I looked for clear buttons, a readable display, and useful preset cooking options. Features like one-touch popcorn, reheat, and defrost made the microwave more convenient for my daily routine.
7. Check Sensor Cooking Features
I found sensor cooking very helpful because it adjusts cooking time automatically based on the food. This reduces guesswork and helps avoid overcooking. If I wanted a more modern and convenient microwave, this was one of the features I paid attention to.
8. Pay Attention to Noise Level
Because the microwave sits in a busy part of the kitchen, I wanted one that would not be too loud. I looked for reviews that mentioned fan noise and overall operation sound. A quieter model made a better fit for my home, especially when cooking at night or early in the morning.
9. Think About Style and Finish
I also wanted the microwave to match the rest of my kitchen. Stainless steel was my top choice because it looks clean and modern, but I also considered black and other finishes. I made sure the handle, control panel, and overall design matched my range and cabinets.
10. Compare Warranty and Support
Before making my final choice, I checked the warranty and customer support options. A good warranty gave me peace of mind in case something went wrong. I also read reviews about the brand’s service because I wanted to know how they handled repairs or replacement parts.
Final Thoughts
When I buy a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave, I focus on fit, power, ventilation, and ease of use. I learned that the best model is not just the one that looks good, but the one that works well in my kitchen every day. By checking these details carefully, I can choose a microwave that is practical, reliable, and worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave is a smart choice when I want to save counter space without sacrificing convenience or style. I like that it can offer a built-in look while still providing the everyday functionality I need in the kitchen. My key takeaway is to focus on fit, features, and ventilation so I can choose a model that works well with my space and cooking habits.
Author Profile
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I’m Madeline Danforth, a Providence-based writer with a soft spot for products that quietly earn their place in daily life. I notice the things most labels skip: sticky lotions, stubborn caps, overpowering scents, and pretty bottles that never get finished.
Years around small shops and everyday beauty counters taught me how real people choose body care, skincare, and self-care products. I started ThePeytonCo.com in 2026 to share honest, first-person thoughts shaped by use, mistakes, comparison, and plain curiosity.
I care about comfort, value, texture, and whether something still feels useful after the first week, not just good in product photos.
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