We have a Sharp Carousel over the stove with power vents. Haven't had to change the lights. It's OK, not especially good or bad.

I have a Kenmore agree it is ok but nothing special and it too has difficult to replace lights and it really does not have much suction for the vent. I don't think I would get another.

I have a Samsung and the lights are so far back that they are nearly worthless. I'll be interested in what you find out because ours has quite a few issues now (broken handle, burn mark inside from me leaving a spoon in something, and a couple of odd electrical happenings that are scary) and will need replacing soon.

A very quiet closing door would be the main thing I would look for. I babysit 3 little great grandkids and they occasionally spend the night. On the nights they do, when I get up early in the morning, I put my coffee in the microwave to warm it up, and shutting the door is so loud, no matter how quiet I try to be. When I remove my cup, I dont even bother to shut that door, because, I dont want to wake up these babies. My microwave happens to be a GE and I really do like it, except for the loudness of the door.

I just thought of something I don't like about mine. The microwave is high for me, and it makes me nervous removing hot dishes from it. I'm afraid I'll pour something hot down my front. It's also a convection, which I've never used.

I had to get this kind of microwave/vent over the stove because the vents alone stuck out too far and people would bump their heads cooking. So we got the microwave/vent which is more recessed, and I have a countertop microwave as well which is the one I use.

Susan, would you be interested in just getting a power vent for over the stove and then a countertop microwave? Would probably be more expensive but you might like it better.

I have a Hamilton Beach I bought at WalMart several years ago, it "talks" but you can turn off the voice if you want...don't know how much longer it will last but so far I'm happy with it.

I may be mistaken, but I don't think Hamilton Beach makes one for over the range.

I wouldn't be surprised if over-the-range microwaves are losing favor, although my son and DIL have one in their house, which is newly built.

Socks, I can't sacrifice the counter space, as my kitchen is small. I don't think it looks all that small because it's open, but the counter space is minimal.

Here's a ranking from C.R. in case that helps. Interior capacity varies. Interesting that Samsung has so many among the top.

1. Kenmore Elite 8852 $550
2. Panasonic Genius Prestige NNSD-297 $430
3. Samsung SMH1816S $320
4. Samsung SMH 2117 $500
5. GE JVM1540 DP (A Best Buy) $220
6. Samsung SMH 1713 $270
7. Frigidaire Gallery FMGV174
8. Samsung SMK9175 $600

Thanks, Maire! I tried to look up the CR ratings online, but of course they said I needed a membership.

KMart has the GE on sale!It's on clearance, but only for a limited time. It was $259.99, and now it's only $259.88. Yes, you read that right. LOL

It might be perfect for me, though. I don't do any serious cooking in the microwave, just heating and defrosting mostly.

The first Samsung on the list has absolutely wretched reviews on Amazon, apparently because if a shorting-out problem on the keypad that shows up after a couple of months--not something CR is in a position to experience.

Wow.....I'm seeing a slew of bad reviews on the other Samsungs as well. I'm surprised. I love my Samsung TV. Maybe they should stick to TVs. But how odd that CR liked them so much.

To look at the reviews--not just these models, but microwaves in general--one would think microwave owners are a disgruntled bunch. Could the manufacturers be doing that bad a job?

There's no way, in this age, I'd buy an over-the-range microwave--anymore than I'd replace my range with a wood-burning stove. Having had an Advantium for the past 13 years, it would be a HUGE step backwards to go to a regular microwave.

I strongly suggest you consider upgrading to an advantium. They do microwave, but they also do REAL baking (they brown and crisp), as well as broil. Because they speed cook using a combination of halogen light technology and microwaves, you can bake cookies in 4 minutes, a REAL baked potato in about 8 (nice skin, not those awful steamed ones you get out of the microwave), a casserole--with a nicely browned crust takes only 12 minutes. That's total time--no preheating necessary (you can't preheat the advantium). Well worth the extra dollars to get an appliance that's more versatile than a microwave. And it certainly ups the value of your kitchen when you get around to selling. Truly, if you get one, and take the time to learn how to use it, you will hardly use your 'real' range anymore.

That really does sound like an exciting appliance, Azzalea. I'm sure I'd love it--especially since I don't have a toaster oven, or anything except my gas range. But I just looked them up, and they cost 3 or 4 times what I was planning on spending.

You're a good saleswoman.....I'm not usually easily persuaded, but I would seriously consider one if I hadn't just bought a generator and if I weren't still facing my car issue: spend thousands on a repair, or spend more thousands on another vehicle.

I have a 3 year old Panasonic with a burnt out lightbulb. The only way to replace the light bulb is to take it to a service center.

Sorry, I wasn't thinking about the over the range types when I mentioned I had a Hamilton Beach....

Blfenton, that's crazy! No wonder there are so many disgruntled microwave owners out there....

Thanks anyway, Pekemom.

I really thought I'd like an Advantium, and checked it out thoroughly. I decided in the long run that I didn't need or want the cooking features, and am glad I went with an OTC microwave. I much prefer to cook the old fashioned way, the stovetop and oven, and mainly just reheat or defrost stuff in the microwave. Works for me.

My Frigidaire Gallery works just fine for nearly 8 years now. However, the very cheap plastic handle has broken two times. It is a terrible design where you have to dismantle the entire door in order to screw the new handle in. We gave up and had to have it professionally repaired twice now--have almost paid more for the repairs than the microwave. So my advice would be to make sure you buy one with a sturdy handle.

I've bought two Samsungs. The first developed a problem about a month after the warranty ran out. Foolishly I didn't pursue the problem. Again, foolishly I purchased another of the same model (SMH9197ST) thinking that the first unit I got was just a lemon, and I basically liked the model.

Of course, you know the story: The second one also died, even sooner than the first. I did get online with Samsung and after a long conversation with their rep I set up an appointment for a repair man to look at it. I was told that some parts may be replaced free of charge, but others I would be responsible for, and I could not book an appointment until I agreed to that. I did not want to pay for a repair that would cost more than the unit! Exaspirated, I reluctantly agreed.

Seems that we don't have a certified repairman closer than 100 miles or so away, but he arrived at the appointed time and told me that Samsung has had problems with the computer on the keypad and that if that was the problem it would be replaced free of charge. It was, and they did.

In checking online about that particular model I did find tons of complaints about it, and I only hope that they've discontinued it.

I haven't heard anyone mention Sharp? In the old days they ruled as counter top microwaves. I have a counter top model that's 8 years old I purchased used.

It seems buying any appliance these days is a crap shoot. You might be lucky and get one to last 10 years then again it might break in a month. They're making everything so cheaply nothing seems to last.

I wonder if you might get more answers on the Appliance forum?

I have wanted an Advantium for a while now. If I ever get the kitchen remodeling started I will have one. I will also have my microwave down in my island at a safe level. I had that setup in my previous house and loved it. I detest microwaves that are up high it's dangerous and definitely not friendly to those of us in chairs, or unable to reach that high. My sister had her kitchen remodel and for some crazy reason they put her microwave way up above her double oven it is almost unusable. When we get together for big family meals one of the men has to stay in the kitchen for microwave duty. She has very limited counter space and cabinet space but I think I would have given up some cabinet space for a usable safe location.

My current one is above the stove but I seriously doubt it is at the proper height above the burners it is close. When I use a tall gumbo pot it is almost touching. Therefore the steam from the food just swamps the microwave and it's covered in water droplets. Which seems like it would be very bad for the printed circuit board in the control panel.

By the way the microwave my sister had before the redo was one of the old Amana radar ranges that thing worked great, had the door that opened like a real oven not to the side.
I know they still make microwaves so Amana might be a good candidate.

I have a GE over the stove microwave and love it. Had it 3 or 4 years now. Haven't had to change any light bulbs tho. Bought it at Best Buy and I did a lot of research on it before buying. DH wanted to buy a cheap $150.00 one and I insisted on this one and we've been very happy with it.

I also have counter top microwaves and always Sharp. I have had my present one for 8 years. My son has a friend who is an appliance repair person and she repairs all appliances except over the stove microwaves, they are too heavy for her to remove. I have limited counter space in my kitchen but fortunately I have a built in spot with a plug in the back and it is not on the counter.

I have a built in shelf in my kitchen for a microwave, and it looks like I'll be buying one too. I noticed last night the carousel isn't working. I only use it to heat up things, so I'll go to Target and get another Emerson or Delonghi for under $100.

We have a Bosch microwave, stove and dishwasher. The lights, two with dual settings are easily replaced. Remove one screw and you're done.

They don't make our model any more but I've added a link below of the model they recommend as a replacement. It gets 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This is what ours looks like.

Jodi-

Here is a link that might be useful: Bosch microwave

I had a Sharp ct micro for over 20 years and it was working just fine at the time we replaced it in a remodel. We didn't have any room on the counter either so I bought a small cart for it, which I put next to the kitchen table. Gook luck in your search, Alisande.