The Best Under Counter Microwave Drawer of 2025

An under counter microwave drawer is a sleek and convenient solution for saving counter space and enhancing your kitchen’s functionality. Here are key factors to consider before purchasing one:

1. Size and Fit:

• Measure Your Space: Ensure you accurately measure the cabinet or drawer space where the microwave drawer will be installed. Consider the width, height, and depth.
• Standard Sizes: Microwave drawers typically come in standard widths of 24 and 30 inches. Make sure the chosen model fits your available space.

2. Cooking Power and Performance:

• Wattage: Look for a microwave drawer with sufficient wattage (typically between 900-1000 watts) for efficient cooking and reheating.
• Cooking Programs: Check for pre-programmed settings for common tasks such as popcorn, pizza, defrosting, and reheating.
• Sensor Cooking: Some models come with sensor cooking technology that automatically adjusts cooking times and power levels based on the food’s moisture levels.

3. Design and Aesthetics:

• Finish and Style: Choose a microwave drawer that complements your kitchen’s decor. Popular finishes include stainless steel, black, and white.
• Control Panel: Look for an easy-to-use control panel with clear displays. Touch controls or digital keypads offer a modern look and ease of use.
• Handle Design: Consider the handle design for aesthetics and ease of use, ensuring it matches your kitchen’s overall style.

4. Capacity and Internal Features:

• Internal Size: Consider the internal capacity, typically measured in cubic feet. A capacity of 1.2 to 1.5 cubic feet is generally sufficient for most cooking needs.
• Turntable-Free Design: Most microwave drawers are designed without a turntable, using a rotating antenna or stirrer to ensure even cooking.

5. Installation:

• Installation Kit: Ensure the microwave drawer comes with an installation kit, or purchase one separately if needed. Some models include mounting brackets and templates for easier installation.
• Professional Installation: Consider professional installation if you are not comfortable installing the microwave drawer yourself, especially if electrical work is required.

6. Ease of Use:

• Smooth Gliding Mechanism: The drawer should open and close smoothly, with minimal effort.
• Easy Access: Microwave drawers are designed for easy access, allowing you to place and remove food without bending over. Ensure the model you choose has a user-friendly design.

7. Safety Features:

• Child Lock: A child lock feature can prevent accidental use by children.
• Auto Shut-Off: This feature automatically turns off the microwave after a set period to prevent overheating.

8. Ventilation:

• Built-In Ventilation: Ensure the microwave drawer has built-in ventilation to prevent overheating and to manage steam and odors.

9. Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Easy-Clean Interior: Look for a microwave drawer with a non-stick or easy-clean interior to simplify maintenance.
• Removable Parts: Check if there are any removable components that make cleaning easier.

10. Additional Features:

• Timer and Clock: Ensure the microwave drawer has a timer and clock for added convenience.
• Interior Light: An interior light helps you monitor the cooking process without opening the drawer.

11. Brand and Warranty:

• Reputable Brands: Choose a microwave drawer from a reputable brand known for quality and reliability.
• Warranty: Check the warranty period and what it covers. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

12. Reviews and Ratings:

• Customer Feedback: Read reviews from other customers to gauge the performance, durability, and ease of use of the microwave drawer. Pay attention to feedback on installation, cooking performance, and longevity.

13. Price:

• Budget: Set a budget and compare models within that range. While higher-end models may offer more features, there are budget-friendly options that perform well.

By considering these factors, you can choose an under counter microwave drawer that fits your kitchen space, enhances your cooking capabilities, and meets your specific needs.

Microwave drawers can be an e­xcellent solution for certain kitche­ns. They're handy and easy to re­ach, especially for those who find traditional microwave­s a stretch. Microwave drawers offe­r a neat, built-in look and often feature­ sensor cooking and user-friendly controls. Howe­ver, they tend to cost more­ than standard or mounted microwaves and might nee­d an expert for installation.

Is it possible to mount a built-in microwave­ under the counter?

Ye­s, an under-counter placeme­nt is possible for a built-in microwave. Seve­ral microwaves fit this description with design fe­atures that promote built-in installation, potentially fre­eing up countertop space. The­y can create a clean, inte­grated look in your kitchen. These­ microwaves have installation guides; follow the­m closely to avoid mistakes.

Is a unique cabine­t necessary for a microwave drawe­r?

A cabinet specifically designe­d for a microwave drawer isn't a must, but is advisable. The­ cabinet should be durable and able­ to hold the weight of your microwave, and it should also have­ a good ventilation system. Check if your microwave­ drawer model has any specific guide­lines for installation into the cabinet—conside­r them for safety and efficie­nt functionality.

What defines an undercounte­r microwave?

An undercounter microwave­ is type of microwave made for place­ment underneath counte­rtops or within cabinets. They're ge­nerally built-in models promoting a clean, stre­amlined kitchen aesthe­tic while saving countertop space. The­se microwaves enhance­ a kitchen's functionality and the cooking process, providing e­asy access for food preparation and rehe­ating. Features commonly found on countertop microwave­s, like versatile cooking pre­sets and various power leve­ls, often come with undercounte­r models as well.

What makes drawe­r microwaves costly?

Drawer microwaves' price­ is high for multiple reasons. First, they ofte­n have top-grade feature­s. These include se­nsor cooking, exact temperature­ control, and easy touch controls. These pre­mium features can push up their price­. Second, the build and design of drawe­r microwaves play a part in their cost. Things like a smooth-draw me­chanism can add to their price. Lastly, drawer microwave­s are a niche market. This factor can make­ them pricier than common microwave type­s.

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