BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu.Ft Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, Stainless Steel Review
A compact over-the-range microwave with 1000 watts, a 300 CFM vent fan, and one-touch controls.
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER |
|---|---|
| Category | Over-the-Range Microwaves |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 1.7 cu ft |
| Turntable | 12.4 inches |
| Power Output | 1000 watts |
| Best for | Small to mid-size kitchens needing over-the-range venting |
Product Overview
The BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu.Ft Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a stainless steel unit designed to install above a stove. It combines a 1000-watt microwave cavity with a 300 CFM exhaust fan and integrated light, offering ten power levels, one-touch menus, and multi-stage cooking.
This review checks the confirmed specifications, design and build, real-world cooking and venting performance, and how it compares with common over-the-range alternatives. All details below come from the product listing.
Score Breakdown
This verdict is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon listing and its product images, the confirmed materials and design, real buyer ratings, and our research into the product category. Scores are consistent editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements, and we did not receive a paid sample.
Key Features
1.7 cubic feet with a 12.4-inch turntable.
1000-watt output with six quick menus for popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, reheat, and defrost.
Press 1, 2, or 3 for 100% power cooking at 1 to 3 minutes.
Set a 90% power stage for 10 minutes followed by a 50% power stage for 20 minutes in one cycle.
300 CFM two-speed exhaust fan with an integrated cooktop light.
Design and Build Quality
The microwave has a stainless steel finish and measures 13.2 inches deep, 29.9 inches wide, and 16.4 inches high, with a 1.7 cubic foot cavity and a 12.4-inch turntable. It is built as an over-the-range unit, so it mounts above the stove and replaces a separate hood.
The control panel includes ten power levels, six quick menus, and an express cook option using the number pad. The vent fan offers two speeds and is rated at 300 CFM, with an integrated light for the cooktop below. The listing confirms a child safety lock is included.
Performance in Everyday Use
With 1000 watts and ten power levels, the microwave can handle standard reheating, defrosting, and popcorn. The six quick menus cover popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, reheat, and defrost, and the express cook buttons start 100% power for one, two, or three minutes. Multi-stage cooking allows a two-step program, such as 90% power for ten minutes then 50% power for twenty minutes.
The 300 CFM exhaust fan with two speeds is moderate for an over-the-range microwave, suitable for basic smoke and odor removal but not as strong as higher-CFM range hoods. A real limitation is the 12.4-inch turntable, which may be small when using oversized or rectangular dishes.
How It Performs: The Evidence
| Decision factor | What we found | Evidence and measurement | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Speed | 1000 watts with 10 power levels | Product feature bullets list 1000-watt output and 10 power levels | 8.0 | Good mid-range power for reheating and defrosting. |
| Preset Convenience | 6 quick menus and express 1 to 3 minute buttons | Bullets list popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, reheat, defrost and express number keys | 8.5 | Covers common foods without manual settings. |
| Venting | 300 CFM, two-speed fan with light | Bullet states 300 CFM vent fan with light and 2-speed strong suction | 7.5 | Moderate airflow for basic over-the-range venting, not high-CFM. |
| Capacity and Turntable | 1.7 cu ft, 12.4 inch turntable | Bullet lists 1.7 cubic feet and 12.4-inch turntable | 8.0 | Spacious for most meals but turntable may limit large dishes. |
| Multi-Stage Flexibility | Two-phase cooking program | Bullet describes 90% power for 10 minutes then 50% for 20 minutes | 8.5 | Useful for simmering or defrost then cook without supervision. |
Who Should Buy It
- Rental or apartment kitchens
- Replacing an existing 1.7 cu ft over-the-range unit
- Daily reheating and popcorn
- Venting smoke and odors without a separate hood
- Households that prefer one-touch presets
- Shoppers who want convection or sensor reheating
- 12.4-inch turntable may be small for oversized casserole dishes
- Listing does not confirm exterior depth clearance or sensor cooking
Full Specifications
How It Compares
| Feature | BLACK+DECKER | Typical option | Higher-tier option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.7 cu ft | 1.6 to 1.9 cu ft | Countertop microwave, 0.9 to 1.2 cu ft |
| Power | 1000 watts | 900 to 1100 watts | 700 to 900 watts |
| Vent Fan | 300 CFM, 2 speeds | 300 to 400 CFM, 2 speeds | No venting or recirculating only |
| Cooking Presets | 6 quick menus | 6 to 12 presets, sometimes sensor | Basic dial or button presets |
| Multi-Stage Cooking | Yes, two-stage example | Often yes | Rare or single-stage only |
| Installation | Over-the-range, stainless steel | Over-the-range | Countertop or built-in trim kit |
Alternatives Worth a Look
This BLACK+DECKER is a straightforward over-the-range microwave with useful one-touch menus and a strong vent fan. It lacks advanced sensor features that competitors sometimes offer, but the core specs are solid for basic cooking and venting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of this microwave?
The listing states 13.2 inches deep, 29.9 inches wide, and 16.4 inches high.
How much cooking power does it have?
It has 1000 watts and 10 power levels.
What quick preset menus are included?
There are six quick menus for popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, reheat, and defrost.
Does it have a vent fan?
Yes, it has a 300 CFM two-speed vent fan with an integrated light.
What is the turntable size?
The turntable is 12.4 inches in diameter.
Does it support multi-stage cooking?
Yes, the listing shows a two-stage example with 90% power for 10 minutes then 50% power for 20 minutes.
This review is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon product listing and its images, the confirmed materials and design, and our own research into over-the-range microwaves as a product category. Our scores are editorial judgments made against consistent criteria, not laboratory measurements, and we did not carry out destructive or long-term stress testing.
Where the listing did not clearly confirm a detail, such as exact dimensions, weight or certifications, we have deliberately left it out rather than guess. If you are buying, always confirm the current specification and price on the live Amazon listing, since configurations and availability change.