Unlike traditional countertop kitchen appliances, drawer style microwaves are installed into cabinetry. They slide in & out like a regular drawer for easy microwave access.
Top Microwave Drawer Picks
What We Looked For
During our testing process we evaluated 20+ drawer microwaves to find the best models. After using most of the models offered on the market, we think the best ones combine functionality with design. The best ones also consistently perform
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We looked at usability features like the control panel interface, automatic sensor cooking, preset programs & child safety locks for families with small children.
Obviously build quality & warranty offerings played a factor while we were testing each drawer microwave. We also considered the ease of installation & use. Let's get into why we chose each one.
Why We Liked it:
Sleek design and hands-free operation save space and add ease.
What Could've Been Better:
Needs a separate kit for mounting; no turntable for even cooking.
Our Review:
Our kitchen has been transformed by integrating the Sharp Microwave Drawer, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
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Our upgrade to the Sharp Microwave Drawer has been a game-changer in our kitchen. The sleek stainless steel really helps to highlight the modern design of the kitchen.
Placing the microwave at a more accessible height has made cooking and heating foods more ergonomically friendly. The 1.2 cubic feet capacity is surprisingly spacious, accommodating a large casserole dish with ease—ideal for our family meals and entertaining guests.
While we adore all the functionality, we did need to purchase the flush mount kit separately to maintain that flawless built-in look. Keep in mind the necessity of having the right cabinetry to house this microwave.
And while the lack of a turntable worried us at first, we've found that food is heated thoroughly if occasionally stirred or rotated.
The Sharp Microwave Drawer gave us a smart solution for our previously-lacking kitchen. The benefits of its user-friendly streamlined design outweigh any cons. If you're considering a built-in microwave option, this model should certainly be on your list.
Product Specs Highlights:
- Design: Sleek stainless steel finish, blending seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry.
- Capacity:2 cubic feet, large enough to accommodate a 9" x 13" dish.
- Cooking Power: 950 watts, ensuring fast and efficient cooking.
- Easy Touch Automatic Drawer System: Allows for hands-free operation and convenience.
- Concealed Control Panel: Enhances the sleek design, easy to read and operate at a 45° angle.
- Installation: Designed for flush mount installation, offering a seamless look.
- Dimensions: Product measures 23 7/8" x 15 7/8" x 23 1/64", fitting standard kitchen spaces.
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Why We Liked it:
Impressive mix of functionality & cool design.
What Could've Been Better:
The cost may exceed some budgets.
Our Review:
First let's talk about why it received our award for the most powerful microwave drawer. The ZLINE 24" tackled every cooking challenge with ease, asserting its dominance with swift results.
While using this appliance, we noticed its cooking power right away. The quick and efficient nature with which it prepared our meals left us thoroughly impressed. Its capacity was more than sufficient, easily accommodating our hefty casserole dishes.
We did notice, however, that such style and functionality come at a premium. We think the investment is worth it considering the appliance's performance after using it for 2 months. Its a statement of sophistication and savvy features for any kitchen.
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Not going to lie though, the installation is not forgiving. A ton of effort is needed to install this bad boy but the results speak for themselves.
After giving the ZLINE Microwave Drawer 24-inch a test run, we've found it to be a star performer at the main tasks like reheating and cooking.
Product Specs Highlights:
- Design: Sleek stainless steel finish, integrating seamlessly into cabinetry.
- Cooking Power: 1,000 watts with 11 power levels for versatile cooking.
- Sensor Cooking Technology: Adjusts time and power for precise results.
- Capacity: Spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior, accommodating large dishes.
- Controls: Intuitive touch controls with an easy-to-read LCD display.
- Automatic Drawer: Features automatic open and close for convenience.
- Safety: Includes a child safety lock for added security.
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Why We Liked It:
Streamlines into the kitchen beautifully.
What Could've Been Better:
Buttons need improvement.
Our Review:
The Cosmo Built-In Microwave Drawer 24-inch fits in perfectly with our kitchen cabinetry. Its top-loading mechanism feels modern and saves us the hassle of rearranging items just to heat something up.
Cosmo's drawer microwave earned our award for the best value microwave drawer due to its mixture of lower price and market-competing features.
We've experienced firsthand the convenience of the automatic presets, finding that the popcorn and beverage settings get frequent use in our daily routines. The touch controls are intuitive – a light tap and it smoothly opens, ready for action.
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There's a clear hiccup with the sensor at times, though, causing some frustration when it fails to detect the drawer has closed. We just give it an extra nudge and it's back in business.
It still earns its spot in our kitchen for its overall performance. We quickly noticed the buttons are not quite up to par with the rest of the unit's build; they started to show wear sooner than expected.
Product Specs Highlights:
- Power Levels: 11 power levels with 1000 watts for precise control.
- Automatic Cooking Options: Includes melt, soften, popcorn, and beverage presets.
- Touch Presets: Easy-to-use touch screen control panel for convenient operation.
- Seamless Integration: Integrates into cabinetry, saving valuable counter-top space.
- Defrosting Options: Effective defrosting with weight or timed options.
- Powerful Output: Utilizes 1000 watts for efficient and delicious cooking results.
- Safety Features: Equipped with a child lock function for added safety.
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4. Sharp 24-Inch Microwave Drawer Oven (KB-6524PS)
Why We Liked it:
The auto-touch feature is a gem.
What Could've Been Better:
We missed having color options.
Our Review:
Given our hands-on experience, we suggest considering this model for its blend of space and convenience. After cooking various meals, the spacious interior really stood out. We comfortably fit large dishes inside, an absolute boon for family meals.
The automated drawer movement was a standout feature, freeing up our hands when multitasking. The cooking results met our expectations consistently, making this microwave a solid player in our kitchen lineup.
Something we quickly took note of was its whisper-quiet operation. It's reassuring to hold conversations in the kitchen without raising our voices over the hum of appliances. It's clear that thought went into the design to keep it seamlessly unobtrusive.
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We confidently award it as the easiest microwave drawer to install and use, given our thorough testing.
Product Specs Highlights:
- Size and Capacity: 24 inches with 1.2 cubic feet interior, suitable for larger dishes.
- Cooking Power: 950 watts, providing efficient and fast cooking.
- Design: Sleek, low-profile design with a stainless-steel finish, enhancing kitchen aesthetics.
- Control Panel: Auto-Touch Control Panel for easy operation.
- Convenience: Innovative drawer design for easier access and space-saving.
- Versatility: Tall enough to hold a 20 oz. cup, accommodating various dish sizes.
- Opening Mechanism: Dual ways to open/close the drawer - Easy Open handle or touch control.
What to Consider When Buying a Drawer Style Microwave
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- Microwave Drawer Dimensions: When looking for the best microwave drawer, size matters to match our kitchen's space. We must measure our space carefully for a proper fit. Mostly, these units come in two sizes:
- 24 inches wide.
- 30 inches wide.
- Power and Wattage: Cooking power is measured in watts. Medium-powered microwaves are usually sufficient for most kitchens. More watts typically mean faster cooking. Wattage categories:
- Less than 800W: Low cooking power.
- 800-1,000W: Medium cooking power.
- More than 1,000W: High cooking power.
- Features and Usability: Essential features for better usability:
- Sensor Cooking: Automatically adjusts time and power for different foods.
- Preset Modes: Convenient for common cooking tasks.
- Control Panel: Should be user-friendly with a clear display.
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- Design and Aesthetics: The design should complement our kitchen's style. Popular choices:
- Finish: Stainless steel for a modern look.
- Door operation: Handle vs. Touch-to-Open, based on personal preference.
- Safety and Reliability: Key safety feature examples:
- Child Locks: To prevent accidental use.
- Warranty: For reliability and service assurance.
- Installation and Venting: We confirm if the model is suitable for self-installation or requires professional help. Venting options:
- Recirculating: No need for external venting.
- Requires ductwork for outside venting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microwave drawers offer convenient, space-saving features in modern kitchens. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions to help you make an informed decision.
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What are the top-rated microwave drawer brands?
The top microwave drawers brands include Sharp, Bosch, Cosmo, Zline and Wolf. Sharp continues to lead the industry after inventing microwave drawers. The best brands are known for combining several products into one, like microwave ovens and microwave air fryer combos, for convenience & integrating multiple kitchen appliances into the natural layout of the kitchen.
What is the typical installation cost for microwave drawers?
Installation costs for microwave drawers can range between $150 to $400. This varies based on factors like location, labor fees, and any additional cabinetry work required. When installed as part of a larger kitchen renovation, they can be coordinated with items like a wall oven or convection oven for a cohesive look.
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Are microwave drawers worth it?
Yes, microwave drawers are worth the cost for people who want a modern kitchen design & better accessibility. Their built-in design looks more integrated than a regular countertop microwave.
What is the difference between a 30 and 24 microwave drawer?
The main difference is the size. A 30-inch microwave drawer is wider and can accommodate larger dishes, while a 24-inch model is more compact and suited for smaller kitchen spaces. The larger size may reduce cooking time for bigger meals, making it a suitable companion to a wall oven or warming drawer in a busy kitchen.
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How does microwave drawer size affect kitchen design?
Microwave drawer sizing impacts kitchen workflow & storage. Larger drawers need more space but they have more features and better flexibility when it comes to cooking. Consider your kitchen & how the microwave drawer will fit with other elements like trim kits & other built-in appliances.
How do microwave drawers compare in terms of reliability?
Microwave drawers are generally reliable. Models from established brands come with robust warranties and a track record of longevity when properly maintained. Most models are designed to match the reliability and performance of other high-end kitchen appliances.
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Can you install a microwave drawer in a kitchen island?
A microwave drawer can be seamlessly installed in a kitchen island, offering a sleek look and easy access. Be sure to account for power supply and ventilation requirements.
Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
