Café CVM517P3MD1

Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens

We expect this model to perform similarly to the tested Café CVM517P2MS1 although it may differ in price and features.

This standard 30 -inch wide Café 1.70 cubic-foot 950 -watt microwave oven has the following:

a sensor
auto defrost
speed-cook
convection
Touchpad / Dial controls

a wire rack for bi-level cooking

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CR's Expert Take

How did it perform in our owner surveys and expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model incorporates our expert lab test results, as well as ratings for that brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction from our annual product owner survey of members.

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Current Range of Tested Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens

What goes into the Overall Score?

OWNER SURVEYS

Learn More

Heating evenness

/ 5

Defrosting evenness

/ 5

Speed of heating

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Microwaving noise

/ 5

Vent noise

/ 5

Venting (air flow)

/ 5

Color

/ 5

Claimed capacity

Usable capacity

Detailed Test Results

Heating Evenness: This model performed mediocre in our heat evenness test consisting of reheating a bowl of mashed potatoes.
Auto Defrost: This model performed very good in our defrosting test consisting of thawing a pound of frozen ground beef.

About

This Café CVM517P3MD1 is part of the Microwave ovens test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Over-the-range microwave ovens microwave ovens models like the CVM517P3MD1 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Heating evenness:This reflects how evenly a model reheated a dish of cold mashed potatoes.
Defrosting evenness:This is based on how well the automatic-defrost program defrosted one pound of frozen ground chuck.
Speed of heating:This score is based on the temperature rise of water heated in the microwave.

Brand Reliability & Satisfaction

#? in Reliability of all Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Brands

Did the brand perform consistently well over time?

PREDICTED RELIABILITY SCORE

/ 100

Predicted brand reliability ratings are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased over-the-range microwave ovens, not covered by an extended warranty or service contract, by the end of the 5th year of ownership. Ranked #? of 21

Would our members recommend this brand?

OWNER SATISFACTION SCORE

/ 100

Brand owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their microwave oven to their friends and family. Ranked #? of 21

Source: Consumer Reports' 2023, 2024, and 2025 Spring Surveys

Features & Specs

Features

Convection mode

Yes

Sensor

Yes

Stainless/SS-look option

Yes

Speed-cook mode

Yes

Grill

Racks for bi-level cooking

Yes

Air Fry Setting

Specs

Watts

950

Detailed prompts

Yes

Type

Over-the-range microwave ovens

Control type

Touchpad / Dial

Door-Open Method

Handle

Turntable size

13.5 in.

Power level display/recall

Yes

Turntable diameter

12.5 in.

Touchpad/Dial

Dial/Touchpad

Exterior height

in.

Exterior width

in.

Exterior depth

in.

Price & Shop

Café CVM517P3MD1

CR's Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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