You will make your life easier with a decent built-in microwave oven. It helps you to prepare food without having to babysit it—you can set it, go about your business, and return when the timer beeps to enjoy hot, evenly cooked food.
Whatever your cooking requirements are, the built-in microwave you choose should provide a good balance of price, build quality, ease of use, and cooking efficiency.
Built-in microwaves aren’t all created equal. Although some are designed with just enough functions to handle their most basic cooking task—reheating leftovers—others have more advanced features, such as convection, that turn them into a dual function cooker.
Food ability, motor speed, the number of pre-programmable cooking modes, and warranty duration are all factors to consider. It’s easy to get frustrated because there are too many variables to remember.
You will make your life easier with a decent built-in microwave oven. It helps you to prepare food without having to babysit it—you can set it, go about your business, and return when the timer beeps to enjoy hot, evenly cooked food.
Whatever your cooking requirements are, the built-in microwave you choose should provide a good balance of price, build quality, ease of use, and cooking efficiency.
Built-in microwaves aren’t all created equal. Although some are designed with just enough functions to handle their most basic cooking task—reheating leftovers—others have more advanced features, such as convection, that turn them into a dual function cooker. Food ability, motor speed, the number of pre-programmable cooking modes, and warranty duration are all factors to consider. It’s easy to get frustrated because there are too many variables to remember.
Functions and Features
You can look for a microwave with an Add 30 seconds button, which allows you to add 30-second intervals to the cooking time for fast “shortcut” cooking. Preset cooking cycles are another must-have feature of any microwave (from 1 to 6 minutes). This simplified control allows you to cook food for a certain amount of time by selecting the appropriate number (buttons 1 to 6).
Microwaves with a child lock feature are worth considering if you have small children. This security feature allows you to lock the keypad when the computer is turned on or off. By doing so, any cooking cycle selected will not be changed in any conditions, and no one will be able to operate the oven unintentionally.
High-end versions with racks will work well if you want to cook two or three separate dishes at the same time but can’t afford an oven-microwave combination. A microwave with automatic sensors, which allows your oven to turn off automatically when the food is ready, is one of our favorites. This reduces the risk of overcooking the food.
The mute, auto defrost, and steam cook functions are only a few of the many valuable features to consider. Although most modern models come with these extras, it’s still a good idea to double-check the product description. It’s important to remember that microwaves with lower power ratings operate at a slower rate than those with higher power ratings. When you buy a 700-watt microwave, it takes 25-30% longer to heat food than a 1000-watt or higher model.
Built-in microwaves are much more attractive than countertop or over-the-range microwaves because they are built to blend in rather than stand out. They are, however, significant investments and are usually more costly, so picking the right one is critical. Consider how the aesthetic would fit into the kitchen’s overall design, which way the door should open, what features will help you cook, and whether or not the microwave is a dependable piece of equipment. Here are seven of the best built-in microwaves to help you make your choice.
NN-SN686S Panasonic
Despite being one of the more affordable versions, the Panasonic NN-SN686S delivers excellent results. It has over 14 presets (including a “keep warm” option) and uses inverter technology to reduce cooking time while evenly cooking food.
The turntable is large enough to hold a small casserole dish and is lightweight, so it’ll be easy to remove for a fast rinse. The reheat sensor tends to overcook food, but this microwave is still a good option.
KB-6524PS Sharp KB-6524
Microwaves with drawers are the most user-friendly, and the Sharp KB-6524PS is much better than the rest. You can either use the handle or the control panel to open the drawer.
If you have children, this may be a problem, but there is a control-lock solution that will keep them from playing with the microwave. It can hold a casserole dish as well as a Venti-size cup of coffee. The sensors are very accurate and cook food uniformly, in addition to the thoughtful design.
FGMO226NUF Frigidaire
Although the Frigidaire FGMO226NUF is significantly larger than most built-in microwaves, it does not appear to be notably bulky. The model is made even more seamless by the fingerprint-resistant surface and streamlined push release.
There are a few more preset options available. There are over 30 products, including potatoes, vegetables, and snacks. The microwave sends out alerts beeps when your food or drink is ready, which can be annoying but also helpful if you’re forgetful.
PEB7227DLBB by GE
GE has a history of producing high-quality microwaves, and the PEB7227DLBB is no exception. This microwave has fine-tuned sensor cooking controls in addition to the dramatic all-black look, the 16-inch turntable, and the considerable size.
They’re strong enough to quickly and precisely cook food without creating a lot of noise. The control panel is easy to understand and is dimly lit so that it won’t detract from the rest of your well-designed kitchen.
Sharp SMD2470ASY Microwave Drawer
As the inventor of microwave drawers, Sharp provides many of the essential components that other manufacturers use in their products. With a more excellent selection than any other company, you’ll have more choices to choose from.
- 950 watts of power
- If the show is visible or hidden
- Control panel with a 45-degree angle
- Stainless steel or black stainless steel are available.
- Touch or wave open door feature OR auto available with a button/close
- Tackle included or not
- The logo on the touch/wave model is hidden.
Sharp recently unveiled a new version of its 24-inch microwave drawer that includes wi-fi connectivity. SMD2489ES is the model number for this edition. As we receive more user reviews from our users, we will update the post.
Bosch HMD8451UC Microwave Drawer
If you already have Bosch appliances in your kitchen, a Bosch microwave drawer would look great next to them. Depending on the setup, you might be eligible for a 10-15% rebate when you buy a Bosch appliance suite from us.
- 24” model, 950 watts, flush with the cabinet
- Installation of the 30” platform flush or proud
- At the touch of a button, a smooth glide operation is enabled.
- Automated sensor programs that are easy to use
- A 30″ LCD monitor that is both elegant and modern can be mounted underneath a wall oven.
- Sensor technology that works automatically
Microwave Drawer by Thermador: Thermador MD24WS
With a qualifying package order, Thermador has a fantastic 1-2-Free discount scheme where you can get a microwave drawer for free.
- A two-year warranty is included.
- 950 watts of power
- Touch controls on glass
- ten different cooking modes
- Blue LCD monitor with sensor cooking
- Built-in flushing system
Thermador’s microwave drawer line was affected by a significant design update to the wall oven. The updated models have much greater flush mount integration for both 24″ and 30″ drawer installations. The microwaves’ face plates complement the rest of Thermador’s offerings. The two-year warranty remains unchanged. The updated model numbers are as follows:
MD24WS Microwave Drawer for 24″ Thermador Microwave Drawer for 30″ Thermador Microwave Drawer for 30″ Thermador Microwave Drawer for 30″ Thermador Microwave Drawer for 30″ Thermador Microwave Drawer for
MS24TES (Wolf Microwave Drawer)
A Wolf microwave drawer complements your current Wolf wall oven and is backed by a solid warranty. People prefer Wolf products for various reasons, but the most crucial reason is Wolf’s commitment to customer service.
Wolf is the only appliance manufacturer in the United States committed to your complete satisfaction. Even though Sharp owns the patent on Wolf’s technology, all microwaves are designed to Wolf’s quality specifications and undergo rigorous testing. Customers benefit from this strategy because Wolf appliances are less likely to be serviced.
- Electronic control boards and magnetron tubes have a 2-year full warranty and a 5-year restricted warranty.
- 950 watts of power
- There are ten power levels to choose from, including a Keep Warm environment.
- Gourmet mode for humidity and moisture detection
- Cook time and power level are automatically adjusted for delicious performance.
VMOD5240SS Viking
Over the past few years, Viking has offered the VMOD5240SS microwave drawer, which comes with a complete 2-year warranty and a 5-year restricted warranty for magnetron tubes, as well as a fantastic 90-day cosmetic guarantee. It would be an intelligent idea for Viking wall ovens to get a makeover to fit Sharp and other competitors’ streamlined looks.
SMD2499FS Sharp
The only product on the market with convection cooking is this Sharp convection microwave drawer. This feature allows you to use the SMD2499FS as a standard oven, which saves space. You’ll also be able to clear some space on your counter since you won’t be using the toaster oven.
Sharp’s mobile app was reprogrammed to support the launch of the convection microwave drawer. The app now has 50 programs that you can use to give yourself a break while meal planning. Additionally, you can add up to 30 more favorites to your menu.
You can barbecue burgers, toast bread, and even air-fried chicken tenders with the Sharp convection microwave cabinet. This microwave holds a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet and includes racks and equipment to get you started.
This microwave drawer can be controlled by an app or the angled control panel, which can be hidden with a touch of a finger. The door glides open (or closes with a gentle nudge) and closes with a gentle nudge. When the door slides in and out, you won’t have to worry about spilling your soup or coffee.
Buyer’s Guide
There are many important characteristics to consider when selecting the best under cabinet microwave for your needs to ensure that you make the best decision. When shopping for an over-the-range microwave oven, bear the following features in mind:
Its dimensions
If you’re looking for an under cabinet microwave, saving space on your kitchen countertop is probably one of your top priorities. Be sure to measure the cabinet where the oven hood is located and the cabinet where the microwave oven will be installed to ensure that the one you choose will fit in the available space.
The ability
The size of the cavity you choose is determined by the styles and dimensions of the meals you want to prepare. Microwave ovens come in a variety of capacities, ranging from 0.5 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet. When choosing a microwave with the right size, measure the dishes, casseroles, and other cookware you’ll be using, as well as the number of people in your household you’ll be serving.
The available energy and cooking choices
Please note the microwave oven’s wattage and strength to get a sense of how fast and powerful it is for cooking, defrosting, reheating, and other tasks. The more wattage the appliance has, the more efficient it is. Also, pay attention to the microwave’s power levels. Some foods need higher temperatures to cook correctly, while other functions need medium to low power settings.
Higher power levels are needed for ground beef, fish, and some other foods, while medium power is appropriate for roasting meat, braising, slow cooking, reheating, and cooking casseroles or poultry. Lower power settings are ideal for defrosting, simmering, and softening butter, chocolate and keeping food warm.
What kind of microwave do you require?
Some conventional microwaves can only be used for heating, reheating, defrosting, making popcorn, and preparing other favorite foods. Others are more sophisticated, with options for baking, broiling, roasting, browning, and crisping various foods and meals, as well as convection cooking.
If you choose to use a microwave instead of a conventional oven, go for a more sophisticated model with more cooking choices and settings. If you’re going to use it to make popcorn and heat cocoa or other drinks and meals, a more straightforward and less costly under cabinet microwave will suffice.
Options for venting and exhausting
Since you’ll be installing the microwave under a cabinet, also over your oven, you’ll require a good exhaust vent and fan to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and steam when you’re using it or the range underneath it. Over-the-range microwaves are built to replace oven hoods. They should be able to provide an alternative – with effective exhaust and venting and lights underneath them to illuminate the stovetop or the surface underneath them.
External and interior fan exhausts are standard on the top models, and most fans for this form of the microwave are 300 CFM. Most high-end over-the-range microwaves have potent fans that can operate at two or more speeds. Some also have a grease filter on the bottom that can be removed and washed, as well as charcoal filters, cavity lights, night lights, and other features that help keep the kitchen tidy, sanitary, and free of cooking odors and smoke.
The preset programs and ease of use
Many microwaves have pre-programmed settings for the most widely consumed foods, drinks, and functions. A microwave usually has a preset choice for popcorn, fries, pizza, frozen vegetables, drinks, and other products. Simpler microwaves have defrosted settings that allow you to defrost food based on its weight, time, or with integrated sensors that change the time and temperature for you.
Some of the more expensive versions come with over 30 preset choices for a wide range of meals and cooking methods. Some feature cutting-edge touch screens, one-touch buttons, and digital keys, while others feature dials or other mechanical controls.If you want to use the microwave without worrying about getting the settings correct every time, the controls should be simple to understand, enter, and use.
Choose an appliance in which you can feel at ease.
The style is unique.
The microwave’s design is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for ergonomics, ease of use, and safety. Having a microwave oven that is easy to clean both on the outside and inside is often beneficial. If you want to keep your small children secure and away from the appliance, look for one with a child protection lock. Some over-the-range microwave ovens have flexible designs that allow you to use the turntable or switch it off and use the racks instead.
If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use the microwave when the rest of the family is sleeping or resting, choose one that allows you to switch off the audible buzz or signal that sounds when the timer is up.
Also, the materials used to build the microwave are essential. If you want your appliance to last a long time, invest in a higher-quality under cabinet microwave made of durable materials and has a dependable and long-lasting design.
