Recommended OTR Microwave Brand?

[scfr]

I've started shopping for a new OTR (over the range) microwave.
Anyone shop for one recently, or have one you love? Is there a particular brand you like?

I would like one that is a "good value." My definition of good value isn't necessarily the cheapest but I do want to get a lot for my money. I'm looking for one that gives me basic features without a lot of extra bells and whistles, a good workhorse appliance (we eat almost all of our meals at home), expected to last for a long time.

I guess you could say I'm looking for the "Toyota sedan equivalent" in a microwave.

Thanks.

[snafu]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1sLtDqn_Lg

I no longer subscribe to Consumer's Reports but your library likely has their annual books and magazines. The new models have more features so it helps to review on-line to see which are important to your family. I based our purchase on sized that fit the existing box and that it was simple to install.
You Tube explains how to install the various brands.

[scfr]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1sLtDqn_Lg

I no longer subscribe to Consumer's Reports but your library likely has their annual books and magazines. The new models have more features so it helps to review on-line to see which are important to your family. I based our purchase on sized that fit the existing box and that it was simple to install.
You Tube explains how to install the various brands.

Thank you - Yes, I've looked at Consumer Reports and DH has already watched videos and feels confident he can install. Our current microwave, the one that came with our house, is bigger than we need or want and so we will be using a trim kit no matter what size we buy.

Which brand did you end up going with, snafu?

[greenskeeper]

any GE micro will give you years of service, it's what we spec in our apartments

[cooliemae]

When we last looked for a microwave, we decided to go with panasonic due to their inverter technology. I'm sure other brands out there now have that technology, but we've been very happy with our panasonic. If you look at their website, they have several that can be used with trim kits to be put above a stove.

[bjl584]

These things are basically commodities.
The best advice is probably to stick to brands that you've heard of. GE, Kenmore, etc.

[msomnipotent]

I have a giant Panasonic inverter countertop micro that simply will not die. It is now at our cottage. It gets things so hot, so fast (even for a microwave). I burn myself almost every time I use it. I had a Kitchenaid OTR that was cheaply made and it would have cost $300 to fix a handle that fell off because I would have had to buy a whole door. Same kind of problem with the Kitchenaid fridge. A seemingly simple repair cost a eye popping amount. They were replaced with GE Profile. Meh. I think they are overpriced and the LED lights are different than all the other kitchen electronics, if that matters to you.

[scfr]

I appreciate all the feedback. I'm actually now leaning towards getting a countertop microwave. Sorry folks.