Two budget-to-mid-range over-the-range microwaves with very different value propositions: the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS brings convection heating and a massive review base at $455.99, while the Farberware FMR17BLKD1 undercuts it at $289.99 with more interior space and higher wattage. The BLACK+DECKER leans on its 22,300 reviews and convection feature to justify the extra cost, whereas the Farberware trades finish options and power level granularity for a lower price and a roomier 1.7 cu ft cavity. If you need convection capability in an OTR microwave, the choice narrows quickly; if raw capacity and price matter most, the Farberware makes a compelling case.
Quick winner
The Farberware FMR17BLKD1 wins for most buyers: more capacity (1.7 vs 1.5 cu ft), higher wattage (1000W vs 900W), a higher rating (4.4 vs 4.2), and a $166 lower price, unless you specifically need convection cooking, in which case the BLACK+DECKER is the only option here.
Key differences, measured
The Farberware FMR17BLKD1 is 36% cheaper ($289.99 vs $455.99).
The Farberware FMR17BLKD1 is 0.2 cu ft larger (1.7 cu ft vs 1.5 cu ft).
The Farberware FMR17BLKD1 is 100 W higher (1000 W vs 900 W).
The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS has 5 more power levels (10 vs 5).
The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is 0.1 in wider (29.88 in vs 29.76 in).
The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is 1.4 in larger (13.6 in vs 12.24 in).
Amazon buyers rate the Farberware FMR17BLKD1 0.2 stars higher across 23,490 combined reviews.
The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is priced at $455.99 and rated 4.2 stars across 22,300 reviews, making it one of the most-reviewed OTR microwaves on the market. Its standout feature is convection heating, which standard electric OTR microwaves do not offer. The cavity measures 1.5 cu ft with a 13.6-inch turntable, and the 900W output is on the lower end for this category. Ten power levels and a touchscreen interface round out the feature set, and the stainless steel finish fits most kitchen aesthetics.
Buy this if: Buy the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS if convection cooking matters to you, it is the only model in this matchup that can bake or roast using circulated heat, not just microwave radiation. It also suits buyers who find reassurance in a very large review pool and want a stainless steel look.
The Farberware FMR17BLKD1 sells for $289.99 and earns a 4.4-star rating from 1,190 buyers, giving it one of the stronger satisfaction scores in this price range. At 1.7 cu ft, the interior is notably larger than the BLACK+DECKER, and 1000W of output power will heat food faster than 900W in everyday use. The 12.24-inch turntable is slightly smaller, and the five power levels offer less fine-tuning than the BLACK+DECKER's ten. It comes in black with a touchscreen interface and standard electric heating.
Buy this if: The Farberware FMR17BLKD1 is the better fit for anyone who primarily uses their OTR microwave for reheating and cooking standard meals. The larger 1.7 cu ft cavity handles bigger dishes, the 1000W output is faster, the rating is slightly higher, and the $166 savings over the BLACK+DECKER is real money for a unit that does everything most households need.
Does the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS actually have convection, and what does that mean?
Yes, the EC942K6CE-SS is rated as a convection unit, meaning it can circulate hot air to brown and crisp food similarly to a small oven, not just heat from microwave energy alone. This makes it useful for baking cookies, roasting small cuts of meat, or getting a crispier finish on food. The Farberware FMR17BLKD1 uses standard electric heating only, so it cannot replicate convection results.
Which microwave has more interior space?
The Farberware FMR17BLKD1 offers 1.7 cu ft of capacity versus 1.5 cu ft in the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS. That 0.2 cu ft difference is noticeable when fitting large dinner plates or tall containers. The BLACK+DECKER does have a slightly larger turntable at 13.6 inches compared to the Farberware's 12.24 inches, which can matter for wide dishes.
Is the $166 price difference between these two justified?
It depends on whether you will use convection cooking. If you only need standard microwave functions, the Farberware FMR17BLKD1 at $289.99 gives you more capacity, more wattage, and a better rating at a significantly lower price. If you want convection capability, which effectively doubles the oven's usefulness, the BLACK+DECKER's $455.99 price is harder to argue against since it is the only convection option between the two.
Do either of these microwaves work with smart home systems?
Neither model is compatible with smart home systems. Both the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS and the Farberware FMR17BLKD1 are listed as not smart home compatible, so voice control or app integration is not available with either unit.
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