Kitchen

[JeanLouiseFinch]

We also have a full size over-the-range Whirlpool that's dated 2014.  It's served us well.  

Last spring we gifted a microwave to one of our kids.  He chose a full size GE from the Home Depot website.  It's nice, looks good, and he likes it.  DH helped remove the old one and install the new one.  Other than the time it took, the job itself was pretty straightforward.  

If you decide to check it out on the HD website, it comes in a few different finishes.  Also, don't go by the price on the product page.  Add it to your cart for the correct price.  

[Ainhisg]

I've always had over the range GE microwaves.  One thing I like about them is that the lights underneath that shine on the stove top are at the front portion of the microwave, so they give better coverage than lights that are at the back.  Make sure to check for that with whatever one you decide to get!

The GE microwaves we've had seem to last many years.  On the last one we bought, though, where you put the light bulbs in underneath, one socket started crumbling (no idea why) making it near impossible to replace the bulb.  We sold the house while the current bulb was still working, thank goodness, because I don't think we were going to be able to get the bulb removed when it burned out again.  (Not that a buyer would ever know that and would likely replace the appliances anyway, but still...)

Before the GE...decades ago in a different house...I had Sharp and loved them.  There was a built in place in our cabinets for the microwave. In our current "new to us" home, there is only a place for a counter microwave.  We bought a Hamilton Beach, and I can't tell you how much I love that thing.  It's right up there with the Sharp microwaves I had years ago.  Cooks fast and evenly and looks sleek.  

You'll have to report back and tell us what you got and how you like it!  Good luck!

[bajsf]

Yrs ago my husband made a shelf above the stove for our stand alone micro..Its good but there is no light or vent hood.  Now with the low profile Microrwaves I am very much interested in them.  Any thoughts on it?  I am looking at a whirlpool one from Home Depot.  Need low profile..since the cabinets are lowered when we bought the house..the woman was not tall...so that has been a problem with a full size one.  thank you

[wagirl]

I have a GE model over the stove in this apt. Have to say, until moving in here 5 years ago--I never had a bulit -in---always one on my counter top. It has worked pretty good altho my short-ish  DD has problems trying to put things in and out. I have cooked in mine  but usually only for reheting and defrosting and making popcorn too.---also use the potatoe cycle---in my new place--I have ALL new appliances including the M/W--am so excited !!!

[Jo1313]

No over the stove microwave for me..I could never reach it..I have trouble reaching the fan on the range hood.

[Shelbelle]

In the last 25 years I have had 3, first 2 were Whirlpool and didnt last very long at all, last one was Maytag and lasted 16 years. They rarely get repaired, just replaced. The Maytag died 4 years ago, it still is there but we use it for storage now and got a countertop small one at least for now. 

[LTT1]

@We rescue cats 

This is my type. It was replaced after the first one here...5 years ago. The new one has a door that sounds kind of "tinny" when closing, but I have been happy with the way it heats evenly, etc.

[Rockycoast]

We have had our large Kenmore Elite for more years then I can remember. Works well, has many functions, easy to read panel.

One thing I would not do is have an over the stove microwave.  Very poor kitchen design imo.  Much rather the micro at waist/counter height.

[auntgranny]

I've had  my Kenmore microwave since 2006 and never had a problem with it.  Still works great.

[We rescue cats]

Thank you for all the info!

@bajsf thanks, those are my thoughts exactly. . .but DH nixed it.

Samsung is a real disappointment for anything outside of our TVs! Everyone seems to have that same opinion for their appliances.

If I had the counter space I would give up the over the range without a second thought. I don't cook in it, it's a reheat, heat water and defrost appliance. So I left it up to DH and our handiman . . . not sure what they have settled on, I may regret this . . .