3 Best Convection Over-the-Range Microwaves (October 2026)
The best convection over-the-range microwaves include the BLACK+DECKER 1.5 Cu Ft Air Fryer Over-the-Range Microwave for air frying and convection in one, the Sharp R1874T 1.1 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave for pure convection baking, and the KoolMore 1.5 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave for plain convection with a 300 CFM fan.
On this page (17 sections)
- How we picked the best convection over-the-range microwaves
- Side by side: convection modes, size and power
- The three convection picks in detail
- What convection adds to a microwave
- Air fryer or pure convection: how to choose
- Venting and cabinet fit for convection models
- Convection or regular: which fits your cooking?
- How convection cooking changes what you can make
- Air fry mode: what it does and what it doesn't
- Cavity size and the dishes that fit
- Installing a heavy convection unit
- Setting up a convection microwave for the first time
- Power, output and cooking time
- Cleaning a convection cavity
- Price tier: what the three picks cost you
- Who should skip a convection microwave
- Which convection over-the-range microwave should you buy?
A convection over-the-range microwave adds a heating element and a fan, so it can bake, roast and crisp food as well as microwave it. Three models here do that in a 30-inch body, and they handle the job in different ways.
We kept this list short on purpose. Few convection units in this size publish enough detail to compare fairly, so we only picked the three we could check against the specs.
The choice comes down to one question. Do you want air frying and convection in one unit, or do you want a convection-first model for baking and broiling?
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for air frying and convection in oneBLACK+DECKER 1.5 Cu Ft Air Fryer Over-the-Range Microwave
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for pure convection bakingSharp R1874T 1.1 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
7.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for plain convection with a 300 CFM fanKoolMore 1.5 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
7.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
How we picked the best convection over-the-range microwaves
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. For a convection search, the cooking modes, the cavity size and the venting are the main checks.
Each model faced these checks:
- Does it bake, roast or broil, not just microwave?
- How many cooking programs does it have?
- How big is the cavity, and how large a dish fits?
- How strong is the venting?
- How does the depth affect the fit in the cabinet?
Cooking modes counted most, since a convection unit is only useful if the modes match your meals. Cavity size came second, because it decides whether a casserole or a sheet pan fits.
Here's how the scores landed:
- BLACK+DECKER, 8.0: six functions, including convection and air fry, with the larger interior and the shallowest body.
- Sharp, 7.9: 12 convection programs and racks for baking and broiling, at the premium tier.
- KoolMore, 7.3: plain convection from 100 to 450 F with a 300 CFM fan, and no air fry mode advertised.
Side by side: convection modes, size and power
The three differ most on cooking modes and depth. The BLACK+DECKER gives six functions in one unit, the Sharp is built around 12 convection programs, and the KoolMore keeps to microwave plus convection.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Cooking modes | Size (W x D x H) | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.5 Cu Ft Air Fryer Over-the-Range Microwave | air frying and convection in one | 1.5 cu ft | 6 functions, including convection | 29.9 x 13.9 x 16.4 in | 8.0 |
| Sharp R1874T 1.1 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave | pure convection baking | 1.1 cu ft | 12 convection and 8 sensor programs | 29.9 x 16.3 x 15.3 in | 7.9 |
| KoolMore 1.5 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave | plain convection with a 300 CFM fan | 1.5 cu ft | Microwave and convection, 100 to 450 F | 29.75 x 16.28 x 15.25 in | 7.3 |
The Sharp and the KoolMore are both about 16.3 inches deep, while the BLACK+DECKER is 13.9 inches deep. The BLACK+DECKER is also taller by about an inch, and the Sharp has the smallest interior at 1.1 cu ft.
The three convection picks in detail
The BLACK+DECKER leads because it does the most in one unit. The Sharp is the better pick for a baker who wants convection programs first, and the KoolMore is the plain-convection alternative.
BLACK+DECKER 1.5 Cu Ft Air Fryer Over-the-Range Microwave
- 1.5 cu ft with six cooking functions
- Convection, air fry, grill, bake and roast
- 13.6-inch turntable and a 300 CFM vent
- Child safety lock and a light over the cooktop
The most flexible unit here, with air fry, bake, roast and grill modes next to convection. It's the shallowest of the three, and it has a bigger interior than the Sharp.
Pros
- Six cooking functions in one unit
- 1.5 cu ft interior with a 13.6-inch turntable
- Air fry mode for crisp food
Cons
- 300 CFM venting is below the 400 CFM microwaves in our 30-inch roundup
- Air fry is one of six modes, so pure baking is the Sharp's focus
BLACK+DECKER's 1.5 cu ft unit is the more flexible of the first two. It has six functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, combi grill, bake and roast.
It measures 29.9 inches wide, 13.9 inches deep and 16.4 inches tall. The 13.6-inch turntable holds a large plate, and the unit has a light over the cooktop.
BLACK+DECKER says its air fry mode cooks crispier food with less oil. Its sensor reheat mode is meant to keep leftovers tasting fresh, which helps with reheating.
The fan runs at 300 CFM on two speeds. That's below the 400 CFM microwaves in our 30-inch roundup, so the fan is the weaker side of the unit.
BLACK+DECKER is the lower-priced of the three convection picks here. It makes sense for a cook who wants air frying and baking without buying a separate appliance.
Sharp R1874T 1.1 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
- 12 convection programs and 8 sensor programs
- 850 watts of microwave power
- Browns, bakes, broils, crisps and roasts
- Low and high racks and a hood light
The convection-first unit here, with 12 convection programs and racks for baking and broiling. It sits in the premium tier, and its interior is the smallest of the three.
Pros
- 12 convection programs for baking and roasting
- Low and high racks included
- Hood light and a 13-inch turntable
Cons
- Premium price tier and 71.5 pounds
- 850 watts of microwave power is less than the 1,000-watt units
Sharp's R1874T is built for convection cooking first. It has 12 convection programs and 8 sensor programs, so the menu leans toward baking, broiling and roasting.
It runs 850 watts of microwave power on a 13-inch turntable. Low and high racks come in the box, so you can bake on one level and broil on another.
It measures 29.9 inches wide, 16.3 inches deep and 15.3 inches tall, and it weighs 71.5 pounds. Check how far the cabinet reaches before you order, and plan for two people on delivery day.
Sharp doesn't state a CFM figure for the fan, so check the manual for the airflow before you buy. The hood light is standard, and the unit sits in the premium tier.
The trade-off is power and price. 850 watts is less microwave power than the 1,000-watt units, and the price puts it at the top of this roundup.
KoolMore 1.5 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
- Microwave and convection cooking
- Convection from 100 to 450 F
- 300 CFM ventilation
- Six one-touch settings and 10 power levels
A plain convection microwave with a wide oven range and a 300 CFM fan, and no air fry mode advertised. It matches the BLACK+DECKER's 1.5 cu ft interior and sits in the premium tier.
Pros
- Bakes from 100 to 450 F
- 1.5 cu ft interior with a 300 CFM fan
- KoolMore backs it with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor
Cons
- No air fry mode is advertised
- 66.6 pounds and 16.28 inches deep, so check the cabinet and plan the lift
- Premium price tier
KoolMore's 1.5 cu ft model is a straightforward convection microwave. It bakes at settings from 100 to 450 F, and its 900-watt microwave side has 10 power levels, six one-touch settings and express cooking.
It measures 29.75 inches wide, 16.28 inches deep and 15.25 inches tall, and it weighs 66.6 pounds. KoolMore calls for a 13-inch cabinet depth and at least 66 inches from the floor to the top of the unit, so check both against your kitchen.
The fan runs at 300 CFM. KoolMore describes the unit as UL listed, and it backs the microwave with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
KoolMore doesn't advertise an air fry mode, and the price sits in the premium tier. It makes sense for a cook who wants a plain convection oven in the microwave slot and doesn't need the extra modes.
What convection adds to a microwave
Convection adds a heating element and a fan that move hot air around the food. A standard microwave heats with microwave energy alone, which warms food from the inside but doesn't brown it.
That's why convection models can bake, roast and broil. A microwave alone can't crisp the top of a casserole or brown the edges of a pan of vegetables.
Convection over-the-range microwave modes compared
All three picks offer convection, but the BLACK+DECKER adds air fry and grill modes on top. The Sharp is more focused on convection cooking, with its 12 convection programs and two racks.
If you only need bake and roast, the Sharp or the KoolMore is the more direct tool. If you want a crisp side or a quick snack, the BLACK+DECKER covers more ground.
Air fryer or pure convection: how to choose
Pick an air fry model if you cook frozen snacks, reheated fries or chicken and want crisp results without a separate appliance. The BLACK+DECKER is the choice for that kind of cooking.
Pick a pure convection model if baking, roasting and broiling matter more than air frying. The Sharp's 12 convection programs give you more settings for those jobs, and the KoolMore gives you a wide temperature range.
Our guide to over-the-range microwaves with an air fryer explains how air fry modes work if that's your main need.
Venting and cabinet fit for convection models
Convection cooking adds heat to the kitchen, so the fan does more work than it does on a microwave-only unit. A weak fan can leave heat and cooking smells in the room for longer.
The BLACK+DECKER and the KoolMore both move 300 CFM, and the Sharp doesn't state a CFM figure, so check the manual before you buy. If venting is your top concern, the venting roundup compares the stronger 400 CFM and 550 CFM models.
Measure the cabinet opening and the depth before you order. The Sharp and the KoolMore reach about 16.3 inches deep, while the BLACK+DECKER's 13.9-inch depth suits a shallower spot.
Convection or regular: which fits your cooking?
A convection model can handle some baking and roasting tasks without a separate oven. A standard model is enough if you mostly reheat, steam and defrost.
If you're weighing the two types, our convection vs regular microwave guide walks through the trade-offs in more detail.
For a tight cabinet gap, the low profile roundup covers shorter models. Those models have less room inside, but they fit spaces that a 16-inch unit can't.
How convection cooking changes what you can make
Convection moves hot air around the food, so the outside browns and the inside cooks more evenly. That's useful for roasted vegetables, baked casseroles and anything you want crisp on the outside.
The Sharp's 12 convection programs cover baking, roasting and broiling, so you can use it as a small oven for many meals. The BLACK+DECKER offers convection along with air fry and grill modes, and the KoolMore lets you set a baking temperature.
Convection still has limits. A small cavity holds one tray or one dish, so a large roast or a full sheet pan needs a full oven.
Air fry mode: what it does and what it doesn't
Air fry mode uses hot circulating air to crisp food with little oil. It's useful for fries, wings, frozen snacks and reheated pizza, where the crust matters.
BLACK+DECKER says its air fry mode cooks crispier food with less oil. Results depend on the food size, so cut pieces to an even size and avoid piling them.
Air fry works best for small batches. A large batch crowds the cavity and slows the crisp, so cook in two rounds if you need more.
Cavity size and the dishes that fit
Cavity size decides what fits. The BLACK+DECKER and the KoolMore both have 1.5 cu ft of room, and the BLACK+DECKER's 13.6-inch turntable handles a standard round dish and most single-tray cooking.
The Sharp is 1.1 cu ft, so it holds less room, but its low and high racks let you bake on two levels. Check the rack layout against your usual dish before you buy.
Measure the dish you use most, and compare its width and height with the cavity in the manual. A dish that fits the turntable can still be too tall for the cavity.
Installing a heavy convection unit
Convection microwaves run heavy. The Sharp weighs 71.5 pounds and the KoolMore 66.6 pounds, and both hang over a hot cooktop.
Have a qualified installer mount the unit, and a licensed electrician check the outlet and the circuit. Plan for two people on delivery day.
Setting up a convection microwave for the first time
Read the manual's first-use steps before you cook. Follow the maker's guidance for any preheat or first-use run, since convection units can differ.
Check that the fan works on its first run. A quick test with a microwave-safe dish confirms the controls before you cook a full meal.
Power, output and cooking time
Microwave output is measured in watts, and the picks here run 850 to 900 watts of microwave power. The Sharp's 850 watts is the lowest of the group, so reheating may take a little longer than on a 1,000-watt unit.
Convection and air fry cook slower than microwaves do, since hot air heats the food from the outside in. Plan for longer times on a convection setting, and check the food as it cooks.
Use the microwave setting for reheating and the convection setting for browning or baking. Switching between the two makes more sense than running one mode for everything.
Cleaning a convection cavity
Wipe the cavity after each use, since baked-on spills can smoke on the next cook. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner, and keep abrasive pads away from the interior.
Clean the grill and the racks as your manual says. Remove the racks before cleaning, and let the cavity cool before you wipe it.
Price tier: what the three picks cost you
The BLACK+DECKER sits in the mid-range tier, and the Sharp and the KoolMore sit in the premium tier. The Sharp is built around convection baking, while the BLACK+DECKER adds air fry and grill modes on a bigger interior.
Compare what you'll use before you compare the tier. If you need air frying, the BLACK+DECKER covers more jobs for less.
If you need convection baking and broiling, the Sharp or the KoolMore earns its premium tier only if you'll use those programs most weeks.
Who should skip a convection microwave
If you only reheat, steam and defrost, a standard microwave covers the job. The convection modes add cost and cleaning work, and you won't use them.
If you already have a full oven and bake often, a convection microwave is a second heat source, not a replacement. Keep the oven for large roasts and multiple trays.
Which convection over-the-range microwave should you buy?
Pick the BLACK+DECKER if you want air frying and convection in one over-the-range unit at a lower price tier. Pick the Sharp if baking, broiling and roasting matter most, and you can pay the premium price.
Pick the KoolMore if you want a plain convection microwave with a wide temperature range. Whichever one you choose, check the fan's airflow, the cavity size and the depth before you order.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for air frying and convection in one
BLACK+DECKER 1.5 Cu Ft Air Fryer Over-the-Range Microwave
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for pure convection baking
Sharp R1874T 1.1 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
7.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for plain convection with a 300 CFM fan
KoolMore 1.5 Cu Ft Convection Over-the-Range Microwave
7.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a convection over-the-range microwave?
It's a microwave with a heating element and a fan, so it can bake, roast and broil as well as microwave. The three picks here do that inside a 30-inch body and vent the cooktop at the same time.
Can a convection microwave replace a wall oven?
Not fully. A convection microwave handles baking, roasting and crisping for smaller meals, but its interior is about 1.1 to 1.5 cubic feet, so a full oven still does more for large roasts and multiple trays.
Is an air fryer microwave the same as a convection microwave?
They overlap, since both use hot air to cook and brown food. The BLACK+DECKER does both, while the Sharp and the KoolMore focus on convection baking.
Do convection microwaves need more venting?
Convection cooking adds heat to the kitchen, so the fan does more work than it does on a microwave-only unit. Check the fan's airflow figure in the manual, and choose a unit with a strong enough fan for the way you cook.
