I have a microwave over the stove and it lights up. Has a clock on it and it is lit up. Mine is a GE about 3 years old.

Whirlpool WMH78019HZ

Cafe CVM721M2NS5

these are both the handle-less, extra-wide door style which I don't like but may not be a problem for other (possibly taller?) people.

@erinsean: "I have a microwave over the stove and it lights up."

What is the GE model number?

Based on the photos, only the clock and numbers on the Whirlpool WMH78019HZ appear to be lit. The Cafe CVM721M2NS5 controls do appear to be lit -- against a gray background -- but it's $900(!).

While they may not be lit, the lettering on the control panels of the CR-recommended LG LMV2031ST and LG LMH2235ST appear to be high contrast white against a black background.

JVM195DF1CC is the GE model #, The clock lights up, when you push cook time button it will light up in the clock area, but not the button itself.

Waht is the Mnadels effect. My MW closk is always lit up I must be misunderstanding the question.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting: "My MW clock is always lit up I must be misunderstanding the question."

She wants a microwave where all the controls are backlit. Some ovens have low-contrast control panels. Perhaps manufacturers think that ovens look sleeker if the control panel text has less contrast with the background. This Whirlpool WMH32519HT is an extreme example:

Typically it's only the LED diodes that are illuminated.

I do not recall any instrument panels illuminated for maybe 40 years.