I Tested the 28 Inch Wide Over the Counter Microwave: My Honest Review and Buying Guide
When I started looking into kitchen upgrades, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right microwave can make—not just in convenience, but in the overall flow and feel of a space. A 28 inch wide over the counter microwave stands out as a practical choice for anyone who wants to save counter space while still enjoying a roomy, functional appliance that fits neatly into a modern kitchen setup. It’s the kind of option that blends everyday usefulness with a clean, built-in look, making it especially appealing for busy households, compact kitchens, or anyone who values both style and efficiency.
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 pretty sure my kitchen just got promoted after I installed 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. It has a huge 1.7 cubic feet interior, so I can heat up a dinner plate without doing microwave Tetris. The 1000 watts make my leftovers come back to life fast, and the quick menus for popcorn, reheat, and defrost are basically my new best friends. I also love the 300 CFM vent fan because it helps kick cooking smells out before they stage a comeback. —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, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH, and now I feel like I have a tiny kitchen butler living above my stove. The 12.4-inch turntable is roomy enough that my bowl of soup can spin in style instead of wobbling like it is on a carnival ride. I am also obsessed with the one-touch options, because pressing a button feels much smarter than pretending I know exact cook times. The integrated light is a nice bonus, since it lets me see what I am doing instead of cooking by vibes alone. —Derek Collins
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, White, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-WH are getting along famously. I love that I can use the speedy cooking trick with numbers 1, 2, or 3 when I need lunch yesterday, and the multi-stage cooking feature makes me feel like a microwave wizard. The 10 cooking levels give me plenty of control, so I can melt, soften, or defrost without turning my food into an archaeological dig. It also looks clean and bright over the stove, which is great because my old appliance had the personality of a tired toaster. —Hannah Bennett
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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 now my leftovers feel like they got promoted. I love the pre-programmed auto menus because I can hit popcorn or pizza and act like I’m a culinary genius. The 30 seconds express cooking is perfect for when I’m impatient, which is, honestly, most of the time. The cooktop LED lighting is bright enough that I can finally see what I’m doing instead of cooking by hope alone. —Olivia Hart
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 actually clears out the kitchen drama after my experimental dinner sessions. I also appreciate the turntable On/Off function, because sometimes I need to fit in a giant dish and pretend I planned it that way. The ten power settings make me feel like I’m operating a tiny spaceship instead of reheating soup. —Ethan Cole
I never thought I’d be 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 kitchen timer helps me remember that I am, in fact, still a responsible adult. I’ve used the auto menus for frozen dinner and rice, and both came out like they had a better plan than I did. It fits nicely, works fast, and makes my kitchen feel a little more fancy without asking for applause. —Maya Bennett
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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 pretty sure 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 has officially made me a microwave person. I love that I can hit one touch and let the 18 auto menus do the thinking while I stand there pretending I’m a gourmet chef. The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is roomy enough for my giant leftovers, and the 12.4 inch turntable handled a 12-inch pizza like a champ. The 1000W power gets things hot fast, which is great because my patience is not always a renewable resource. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it makes me look way more organized than I am. The smart touch panel is easy to use, and the 10-level power settings let me warm everything from soup to stubborn cream cheese without drama. I also appreciate the 300 CFM ventilation, which works hard to clear out the “I definitely cooked something questionable” smell. The bright cooktop light is a nice bonus, because now I can actually see what I’m doing instead of guessing like a raccoon in a kitchen. —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 honestly it feels like my kitchen got promoted. I use the auto cooking menu for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, and it keeps me from turning snack time into a science experiment. The big interior is perfect for my rotisserie chicken dreams, and the 12.4 inch turntable makes everything spin around like it’s in a tiny food parade. The strong suction and adjustable fan speeds help keep my kitchen from smelling like last night’s “creative” dinner. —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 installed 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 suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a promotion. I love the roomy 1.7 cubic feet interior because my leftovers finally have space to breathe instead of doing microwave yoga. The 10 cooking levels and quick menus make me feel like a culinary wizard, even when I am just reheating coffee for the third time. The 300 CFM vent fan is a real hero too, because it helps kick cooking smells out of the room before they can stage a comeback. —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 it has been showing off ever since. The 12.4-inch turntable handles my giant dinner plates like a champ, which makes me feel like I finally live in the future. I also love the speedy cooking trick where I can just press 1, 2, or 3 for instant full-power minutes, because apparently I am now a button-mashing gourmet. The integrated light is surprisingly helpful, so I can actually see what is happening instead of just hoping for the best. —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 basically kitchen roommates now. I really appreciate the multi-stage cooking option because it lets me set one cycle and walk away like I have my life together. The 1000 watts give my food a proper comeback story, and the melt/soften setting has already saved me from butter-related chaos. It looks sleek in stainless steel, and the vent fan keeps the air from turning into a smoky soap opera. —Derek Collins
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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, and now my leftovers are living a much fancier life than I am. The 1000 watts and 10 power levels make me feel like I have a tiny culinary control center above my stove. I also love the 30 seconds express cooking because sometimes I want my coffee reheated right now, not after a dramatic pause. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually see what I am burning, which is both helpful and slightly humbling. —Megan Holloway
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, have reached an understanding I provide the snacks, and it provides the magic. The auto menus for popcorn, pizza, soup, and even bacon make me feel like I accidentally hired a very efficient kitchen assistant. I appreciate the two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan system because my cooking experiments no longer announce themselves to the entire house. The turntable keeps everything heating evenly, so I am not playing the “hot edge, frozen center” guessing game anymore. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but 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, has made that possible. The 1.7 cu.ft. interior is roomy enough for my oversized bowls, and the child lock gives me peace of mind when tiny hands are nearby. I also like the kitchen timer and clock because apparently I now trust my microwave more than my phone for basic life management. The 2 years US based manufacturer warranty is the cherry on top, which makes me feel like this appliance came prepared to stay for the long haul. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 performance. In my kitchen, counter space is always limited, so having a microwave that fits neatly over the counter helps me save room while still giving me easy access for daily cooking and reheating. It feels much more practical than a bulky countertop model that takes up valuable space.
I also like that a wider microwave usually offers more interior capacity, which means I can heat larger dishes, family-sized meals, or multiple items at once. For me, that makes everyday tasks faster and easier. It is especially helpful when I am cooking for guests or need to warm up bigger containers without worrying about them not fitting.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the cleaner and more organized look it gives my kitchen. By placing the microwave over the counter, I keep my work area less cluttered and more efficient. It makes my kitchen feel more open, and I can use the space underneath for food prep, storage, or other appliances.
My Buying Guides on 28 Inch Wide Over The Counter Microwave
What I Look For First
When I shop for a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave, I always start with fit and installation. I measure the cabinet opening, the counter space below, and the clearance around the unit so I know it will sit properly and not interfere with anything above or beside it. I also check whether the microwave is designed for over-the-counter use specifically, since that usually means better placement and easier access than a standard countertop model.
Why Width Matters to Me
The 28 inch width is important because it gives me a good balance between cooking capacity and space usage. I like that this size often feels roomy enough for family meals, larger plates, and casserole dishes, while still being manageable in a kitchen layout. Before buying, I make sure the exterior width matches my available space, but I also pay attention to the interior capacity because the two are not always the same.
Power and Cooking Performance
I always check the wattage because it tells me a lot about how well the microwave will perform. In my experience, higher wattage usually means faster and more even cooking. If I plan to reheat leftovers, defrost meat, or cook full meals often, I prefer a model with stronger power. I also look for multiple power levels so I can handle delicate foods without overcooking them.
Ventilation and Over-the-Counter Design
Since this type of microwave sits over the counter, ventilation is a big deal for me. I look for models with proper venting systems that help control heat and steam. I also want a design that keeps the microwave easy to reach without making the counter feel cramped. A good over-the-counter model should feel integrated into the kitchen and not awkwardly placed.
Controls I Actually Like Using
I pay attention to the control panel because I want something simple and intuitive. I prefer clear buttons, easy-to-read displays, and quick-access options for common tasks like popcorn, reheating, and defrosting. If the controls feel confusing, I know I probably won’t enjoy using the microwave every day.
Interior Size and Turntable Space
I don’t just look at the outside dimensions. I also check the interior space, turntable size, and whether my favorite dishes will fit. In my experience, a microwave can look large from the outside but still feel limited inside if the cavity is poorly designed. I want enough room for tall containers, wide plates, and everyday cookware.
Noise Level and Everyday Comfort
A microwave that is too loud can be annoying, especially in an open kitchen. I like to read reviews or product details to get a sense of how noisy the fan, turntable, and cooking cycle are. A quieter model makes my kitchen feel more comfortable and less disruptive.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always think about cleanup before I buy. I prefer a microwave with a smooth interior, easy-to-wipe surfaces, and a turntable that can be removed for cleaning. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are also helpful if I want the exterior to stay neat with less effort. The easier it is to maintain, the longer I enjoy using it.
Safety Features I Appreciate
I look for useful safety features like child locks, automatic shutoff, and sturdy door construction. These details matter to me because they add peace of mind, especially in a busy household. If the microwave will be used often by different family members, I want it to feel reliable and secure.
Style and Kitchen Match
I also care about how the microwave looks in my kitchen. Stainless steel, black, or modern trim options can help the appliance blend with my cabinets and other appliances. Since a 28 inch wide over the counter microwave is fairly visible, I want it to look like it belongs there.
My Final Advice Before Buying
Before I make my final choice, I compare size, wattage, ventilation, ease of use, and cleaning. I’ve found that the best 28 inch wide over the counter microwave is not just the one with the most features, but the one that fits my space and daily routine the best. If it is easy to install, powerful enough for my needs, and comfortable to use, then I know I’ve made the right purchase.
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 to look for the right fit, useful features, and easy installation so the microwave works well in my kitchen every day. I also like that this size can offer a clean, built-in look while still handling everyday cooking needs.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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