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Whirlpool WMH32519HZ Microwave Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Jul 10, 2024 at 10:13 am

The Whirlpool WMH32519HZ is a budget-friendly, over-the-range microwave with a big cooking chamber. It comes equipped with a steam sensor, which can help make microwaving more automatic, and includes a cooking rack for 2-level cooking. You can choose to mute the microwave completely or simply silence the programming beeps every time you push a button, which is a nice touch.

Our Verdict

8.5 Power

The Whirlpool WMH32519HZ is a fast 1000-watt microwave. A few over-the-range microwaves we've tested can heat food marginally faster, but not by much.

Pros
  • Heats food quickly.
  • Has a steam sensor.
  • Mute controls option.
Cons
  • Cooktop fan and light aren't as adjustable as some.

Performance Usages

  • 8.5 Power
  1. Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Whirlpool WMH32519HZ comes in a few different colors: Stainless Steel (WMH32519HZ), Black Stainless Steel (WMH32519HV), Black (WMH32519HB), White (WMH32519HW), and Biscuit (WMH32519HT), which is a beige color. We tested the 'Stainless Steel' colorway, and you can see the label for the unit we tested here.

You may notice an extra number at the end of the label (WMH32519HZ10). This isn't a different model, but you may need the extra digits if you're buying replacement parts for your specific machine from the manufacturer.

If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Microwaves

The Whirlpool WMH32519HZ is an over-the-range microwave. Unlike the cheapest over-the-range models we've tested, such as the LG LMV1764ST, its controls include sensor cooking programs, which you can use to steam or simmer foods or have the microwave automatically calculate the cook time for things like popcorn and potatoes. There's a rack included for 2-level cooking and for steaming food by placing a bowl of water underneath. However, it doesn't have an app, like the pricier LG MVEL2033F, and it gives you less control over the fan and cooktop light compared to the high-end KitchenAid KMHS120ESS.

If you're looking for a recommendation, check out the best over-the-range microwaves and the best microwaves.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Body
Installation
Over-The-Range
Height 17.1" (43.5 cm)
Width 29.9" (76.0 cm)
Depth Without Handle
15.7" (39.8 cm)
Depth With Handle
17.4" (44.3 cm)
Power Cord Length 3.12 ft (0.95 m)
Design
Cooking Chamber
Advertised Chamber Volume
1.9 cu. ft.
Turntable Diameter
12.0" (30.5 cm)
Chamber Height
9.4" (24.0 cm)
Chamber Width
21.5" (54.5 cm)
Chamber Depth
14.6" (37.0 cm)
Measured Chamber Volume
1.7 cu. ft. (0.05 m³)

It has a big cooking chamber, although most over-the-range microwaves are pretty similar in size. It's very easy to see into the cooking chamber when it's running.

Design
Controls And Functions
Door Release
Handle
Cooking Sensor
Yes
Popcorn Button
Yes
Defrost Button
Yes
Add Time Button
Yes
Kitchen Timer
Yes
Mute Sounds Button
Yes
Lock Controls Button
Yes

This microwave has many different options for sensor cooking, where it detects steam to calculate the cook time, including a sensor-based 'Popcorn' program. The microwave also comes with a cooking rack, so you can set your food above a bowl of water when using the steam or simmer modes to cook things like rice or vegetables. The screen displays a bit more information than some microwaves, so you don't necessarily have to refer to the manual to know what program you've selected. The turntable rotation can be switched off, although only if you're using manual (non-sensor) mode. The cooktop light only has one brightness level, but you can program it to switch on and off at certain times every day. The fan can be set to low or high, and it can also be set to run for 30 minutes before switching off automatically.

Design
In The Box

  • Damper assembly (for ventilation)
  • Turntable
  • Turntable roller
  • Cooking rack
  • Hardware packet (screws, nuts, and bolts)
  • Mounting plate
  • User guide and installation guide

Performance
8.5
Performance
Power
Inverter Technology
No
Advertised Microwave Output Power
1,000 W
Tested Heating Rate At 100% Power
686 W
Performance
Shallow Dish Heating Uniformity
Area Of Underheated Dinner Plate
1%
Grayscale Range Dinner Plate
57
Area Of Underheated Turntable
1%
Grayscale Range Turntable
57

Its performance for heating food evenly in shallow dishes is similar to other microwaves. Evenness depends on what you're heating up and what container you're using, not which microwave you have. You can read more about our investigation into microwave performance here.

Performance
Deep Dish Heating Uniformity
Min. Food Temperature (100% Power)
92 °F (33 °C)
Food Temperature Range (100% Power)
105 °F (58 °C)
Min. Food Temperature (50% Power)
94 °F (34 °C)
Food Temperature Range (50% Power)
105 °F (58 °C)

There's also no noticeable difference between microwaves when evenly heating food in deep containers like bowls. It depends on your specific food and container. Read more about our investigation into microwave performance here.