Microwave Ovens

Microwaves combine speed and convenience — perfect for reheating, defrosting, and quick meals. Choose over-the-range, built-in, or drawer configurations to match your kitchen layout and workflow. Convection microwaves add an additional heating element for browning and crisping — ideal for finishing dishes, toasting, and light roasting. InnovDepot carries over-the-range, built-in, and drawer microwaves from Thor Kitchen, ILVE, Forno, ZLINE, Kucht, Forza, and Cosmo in stainless steel finishes that match your range hood and appliance suite. Every microwave ships free to the lower 48 states with full manufacturer warranty from an authorized dealer.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

Over-the-range microwaves mount directly above your cooktop, combining a microwave oven with a ventilation hood in one unit. This dual-function design saves cabinet space and eliminates the need for a separate range hood. Venting options include ducted (vents to exterior) or recirculating (filters and returns air). Over-the-range models are ideal for kitchens where cabinet space is limited or galley layouts are tight. Most come with two-speed ventilation fans to match your cooking intensity. Mounting requires professional installation to ensure proper support and ducting.

Built-In Microwaves

Built-in microwaves fit into kitchen cabinetry — typically at eye level or integrated into an appliance wall with your wall ovens. This placement saves counter space and creates a seamless, custom appearance. Built-in units often feature larger capacities (1.5-2.0 cubic feet) than compact models. They're ideal for gourmet kitchens where counter clutter is minimized and every appliance serves a purpose. Pair your built-in microwave with matching wall ovens for a unified appliance suite. Installation requires proper cabinetry cutouts and electrical work.

Microwave Drawer Configuration

Microwave drawers open from the front like a kitchen drawer — perfect for accessible, ergonomic placement. No reaching above your head or bending to cabinet level. Drawers typically offer 1.2-1.6 cubic feet of capacity and integrate into island cabinetry or under-counter locations. Some high-end kitchens use multiple microwave drawers for different cooking stations. Drawer models are less common than over-the-range or built-in but offer a modern, streamlined aesthetic. Perfect for barrier-free kitchen design and accessibility.

Convection Microwave Technology

Convection microwaves add a heating element and fan that circulates hot air — essentially combining microwave speed with convection oven results. Microwave mode uses electromagnetic waves for fast reheating. Convection mode (or combination mode) browns, crisps, and finishes dishes faster than a traditional microwave alone. Use convection to bake frozen appetizers, crisp chicken wings, toast bread, or caramelize roasted vegetables. The tradeoff: convection models cost 50-100% more than standard microwaves and take longer for cooking tasks that require baking (20-30 minutes instead of 10-15 for microwave alone).

Ventilation Coordination with Range Hoods

Over-the-range microwaves are either vented (ducted to exterior or recirculating with filters) or ducted to a separate range hood. When selecting a microwave, match the ventilation style to your cooktop and kitchen layout. Ducted venting is most efficient — removing heat and moisture directly outside. Recirculating models filter grease and odors but return some heat to the kitchen. If you already have a separate range hood, verify clearance and electrical capacity before adding an over-the-range microwave. Some kitchens support both; others require removing the existing hood.

Stainless Steel Matching and Cabinet Integration

Modern kitchens demand visual cohesion. Choose microwaves in stainless steel or panel-ready finishes that match your range, refrigerator, and appliance suite. Stainless steel microwaves blend seamlessly into professional-looking kitchens. Panel-ready models accept custom cabinet panels, disappearing entirely into cabinetry for an ultra-modern appearance. ILVE, Forno, and Thor Kitchen offer matching microwave, range, and hood systems in coordinated finishes. Built-in and drawer models integrate with surrounding cabinetry more naturally than over-the-range units.

Capacity and Power Ratings

Standard microwaves range from 1.0 to 2.0 cubic feet with power ratings from 800 to 1,200 watts. Larger capacity lets you heat family-sized portions and plates simultaneously. Higher wattage (1,100-1,200W) cooks and reheats faster. Compact over-the-range models (1.1-1.6 cu ft) sacrifice some space but fit above standard cooktops. Built-in and drawer models offer more flexibility in size selection. Consider your usage: families who reheat multiple items daily benefit from 1.6+ cubic feet; single users or couples do fine with 1.2 cubic feet.

Top Brands and Features

Thor Kitchen delivers powerful over-the-range and built-in microwaves with convection options at excellent value. ILVE manufactures Italian-designed microwaves with professional ventilation matched to ILVE range hoods. Forno offers reliable mid-range microwaves with convection technology. ZLINE provides sleek, modern designs in stainless and panel-ready finishes. Kucht, Forza, and Cosmo deliver budget-friendly standard and convection microwave options with solid performance.

Why Buy From InnovDepot?

InnovDepot is an authorized dealer for every microwave brand we carry. Your manufacturer warranty is fully valid, you get factory-direct pricing, and our team helps you choose ventilation style, capacity, and configuration based on your kitchen layout. We offer 0% APR financing through Shop Pay Installments — 4 interest-free payments or 3-12 months. Contractors and designers access volume pricing through our Trade Program. Every microwave ships free with insured freight delivery to the lower 48 states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over-the-range microwave vs. built-in — which is better?

Over-the-range microwaves save space by combining ventilation and cooking, ideal for kitchens with limited cabinet room or tight layouts. Built-in microwaves integrate at eye level or into appliance walls, offering better access and a custom appearance. Over-the-range works great for galley kitchens or small homes. Built-in suits open-concept kitchens and remodels where cabinetry is custom. Cost is similar; choice depends on kitchen layout and workflow preferences. Discuss your space with our team — we'll recommend the best placement.

Can a microwave replace a range hood?

Partially. Over-the-range microwaves include ventilation fans (800-400 CFM) that clear some cooking odors and steam. However, most building codes require 300+ CFM of ventilation above a cooktop — and range hoods typically deliver 400-600+ CFM. An over-the-range microwave may meet minimum code in small kitchens but won't match the ventilation power of a dedicated range hood. If you do heavy cooking (high heat, frequent frying), pair your over-the-range microwave with a separate under-cabinet or wall-mounted range hood for best results. Check local building codes with your contractor.

Do I need a convection microwave?

If you reheat and defrost mostly, standard microwaves are fine. If you bake occasionally, brown dishes, or finish cooking in the microwave, convection adds value. Convection microwaves cost 50-100% more but combine speed with browning — useful for families who cook multiple cuisines or entertain frequently. For most households, standard microwave capacity and power matter more than convection. Test your workflow: if you use a toaster oven or convection oven regularly, you probably don't need convection microwave too.

Related Collections

Range Hoods · Wall Ovens · Ranges · Cooktops & Rangetops · Appliance Packages · Thor Kitchen · ILVE · Forno