It’s an era of space-saving gadgets, which require less space and holds too many functional stuff. Such gadgets are quite useful especially when you are short of space.
One example of space-saving gadgets is built in microwave ovens. These ovens are the perfect solution if you are troubling with less space in your kitchen.
Built in microwave ovens are compact and sleek in design and provides lots of comfort in your kitchen. Besides this, they give you extra working space on the counter as you don’t need to keep them on your counter.
Built-in microwave convection ovens are designed in such a way that it easily fits into any compact space such as drawers, under the counter and wall cabinets of your kitchen.
Let me mention here that built in microwave ovens are comparatively more expensive than their countertop version. Also, their installation is a little bit tricky so it’s better to hire any professional for its installation purpose.
If you are planning to buy a kitchen built-in microwave but you are totally clueless where to start from then this article will definitely help you.
We have jotted down some important factors that you need to consider while buying a microwave oven. Besides this, we have gathered and reviewed some top built in microwaves for you, which is then followed by some frequently asked questions.
But before going ahead, let’s have a quick look at the comparison table of microwaves that help you to quickly figure out their top-notch features.
Comparison of Best Built in Microwave Ovens
1. Frigidaire Built-In Microwave Oven – Best Overall
Frigidaire is a renowned brand in the ground of home appliances. You may find every electronic appliance that makes your household work easier such as microwave oven, dishwasher, and what not!
When it comes to built-in microwave oven, Frigidaire offers a microwave oven with advanced features and unique technology that you will rarely find anywhere.
This 2.2 cubic ft microwave oven is compact enough to fix at any cabinet and shelf in your kitchen. It is big enough to give you extra-large space for cooking and baking.
It features a unique technology of PowersenseTM cooking. With the help of this technology, this brilliant microwave senses the ideal cooking time and power level that is required to cook the food. In this way, it automatically adjusts the power level and cooking times. No more guessing game now!
Apart from this, Frigidaire built-in microwave oven has pre-programmed settings for different snacks, such as nuggets and baked potatoes. You can access to these delicious dishes, just by pressing a single button. Thanks to its easy-to-use-one-touch buttons.
As far as its turntable is concerned, it is made up of glass and has a diameter of 16.5 inch which is big enough to hold large bowls and casseroles.
The entire microwave is made up of smudge-proof TM stainless steel, which makes it beautiful and stylish.
Frigidaire built in microwave oven is the bestest in my list as it has got amazing features.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 2.2cu.Ft
- Turntable type: glass
- Turntable diameter: 16.5 inch
- Display Type: digital
- Depth: 19-5/8”
- Amperage: 14.2A
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 1200W
2. Dacor Dmw2420 S 24″ – Editor’s Choice
Now let’s talk about the microwave oven that is of Editor’s choice. Dacor DMW2420S is a 24” wide microwave that you can also use as a countertop oven.
Dacor is an American brand that is known for manufacturing and designing luxury kitchen appliances for three generations.
As far as its features are concerned, they are simply mind-blowing.
The entire body of the microwave is made up of silver stainless steel that gives it a fine and stylish look.
Just because of its stainless steel body it keeps the food warm even after 30 minutes of cooking. And the best part is it won’t deteriorate the quality of food.
DMW2420S features a unique sensor technology that automatically adjusts the time and temperature of food.
For different dishes, it has got pre-programmed settings. This way you can quickly make your food without any waste of time.
Apart from this, it has got three different defrost options which quickly defrost meat and poultry by weight. These defrost option assures excellent and even result in defrosting meat and poultry.
This is not the end; Dacor DMW2420S has an “add a minute” option. This way users can add a minute of high power cooking in just a single touch.
Dacor DMW2420S is spacious enough to accommodate big bowls and casseroles as it has got the depth of 19 1/8 inch which is quite deep.
If you have a large family then Dacor DMW2420S is the perfect built-in microwave oven for you.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 2.0cu.Ft
- Turntable type: glass
- Display Type: digital
- Depth: 19-1/8”
- Amperage: 14.2A
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 1100W
3. Sharp Smd2470as – Best Value
If you are in search of something unique and stylish, then I am sure you will love the Sharp SMD 2470AS built-in microwave oven. It’s a microwave drawer!
Yes, you read it right!
Installed it using the required trim kit and just operate it like a drawer.
No matter either you installed it below an island, peninsula, or standard cabinetry; it can be operated easily without any problem.
The automatic drawer system easily opens with a gentle pull or a touch of a button. Whereas, it requires a little effort for closing that is a small nudge and it smoothly shuts off for you.
You must be thinking that the opening or closing of the drawer might spill the liquid. But trust me, not even a single drop of liquid will spill. Thanks to its solid construction.
As far as its capacity is concerned, its 1.2 cubic feet in size. This size is big enough to accommodate a 4-quart casserole dish. Even you can keep a 20 oz. tall coffee cup inside the microwave oven.
The most amazing feature is its hidden control panel. The control panel is completely concealed and opens at a 45-degree angle only when you need it. It’s so easy to read and operate.
Sharp drawer style microwave oven lacks a turntable and that’s the reason it’s so easy to clean and maintain.
I am sure that you cannot deny the fact that the Sharp drawer microwave is one of the unique and best built-in microwaves on my list.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 1.2cu.Ft
- Material type: stainless steel
- Style: automatic drawer style
- Display Type: digital
- Depth: 15-9/16”
- Amperage: 14.2A
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 1000W
- Weight: 74 pounds
4. Panasonic Oven Nn-Sn686s -Amazon Choice
You must have heard the name of Panasonic. I would say it’s the brand that has been manufacturing quality electronics since ages. I think we all are using at least one Panasonic product in our home. It’s such an old brand.
You must have an idea about the quality of Panasonic’s products.
Same quality you will find in the range of built in microwave oven.
NN-SN686S is a microwave oven that you can either keep on the top of the counter on installed in the trim kit.
It’s a sleek and stylish microwave oven that has got 1.2cubic feet of total capacity. The microwave oven is of moderate size that is suitable for a medium-sized family.
The body of the microwave is made up of stainless steel silver whereas the door is made up of fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. Fingerprint resistant doors are life saves, since you don’t have to clean the microwave door every now and then.
NN-SB686S has a glass turntable which is 13.4 inches in diameter. With the help of a turntable, the Panasonic microwave oven evenly heats and cooks different food and snack.
Here comes the most interesting feature of the Panasonic microwave.
Panasonic NN-SN6868S microwave is equipped with patented inverter technology which delivers the constant stream of cooking power at every temperature. In other words, you can say that inverter technology produces evenly prepared food, which is cooked properly from edges to the centre.
WOW!
Not only this, but inverter technology also retains more color of food, texture, and nutrients for fast, easy, and delicious results.
Besides this, it is equipped with a “Keep Warm feature” that keeps your food warm even 30 minutes after cooking.
For quick and convenient cooking, you will find 14preset menu items with the help of which microwave will quickly adjust the time and temperature settings according to your selected menu.
Installing Panasonic NN-SN686S is really very easy. It is compatible with a trim kit for a 27-inch cabinet opening.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 1.2cu.Ft
- Made up of stainless steel
- Turntable type: glass
- Turntable diameter: 13.4 inch
- Display Type: digital
- Depth: 14-3/8”
- Amperage: 14.2A
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 1200W
5. Ge Profile Pem31sfss – Easy to Use and Clean
GE appliance is the new player in electronics. It steadily grabs the market as soon as the brand stepped into it.
You will find all types of appliances under the banner of GE and the best part is, all appliances are of top-notch quality with long-lasting durability.
GE PEM31SFSS is a 1.1 cubic feet microwave oven that is a purely built in microwave oven. It is made up of stainless steel with simple and easy to use touchpads.
800 watts of electric supply is enough to rotate its glass turntable.
The turntable is of 10.4 inch in diameter, which is not so big but it can easily accommodate small to medium size of casseroles and bowls.
Indeed this one is suitable for small families.
GE 24inch built in microwave features sensor cooking technology. This technology senses the temperature of food and adjusts the time and power for delicious cooking results.
Adding more into sensor cooking technology, it smartly defrosts your food. How?
Let me tell you.
This intelligent microwave oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level; all you have to do is just enter the weight of the food. That’s it!
Not only this, GE built-in microwave oven featured a child lock function that prevents accidental startups.
The sleek and stylish microwave oven fits perfectly with any style of kitchen.
If you are on a budget and looking for some reliable microwave oven that is economical too, then GE 24 inch built in microwave oven is the perfect choice for you.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 1cu.Ft
- Made up of: stainless steel
- Turntable type: glass
- Turntable diameter: 10.4 inch
- Display type: digital
- Depth: 13”
- Amperage: 14.2A
- Weight:33 pounds
- Wattage: 800W
6. Frigidaire 2.2 Cu – Sensor Cooking Option
Frigidaire built in microwave ovens are known for giving an amazing performance with mind-blowing features. Sadly, they are quite expensive.
But don’t worry, we have chosen another model of Frigidaire built in ovens that will be quite light on your pocket.
Let’s review it!
Frigidaire microwave oven is made up of stainless steel. The best part is, you have got a color option in it. Either you can choose black or silver. It’s totally up to you.
It is of 2.2 cubic feet in size and is around 24 inches wide. This size is quite suitable for small kitchens.
Because of its volume capacity that is 2.2 cubic feet, it is ideal for big families.
The turntable is made up of glass and is of 16.5Inch in diameter which is spacious enough to hold big bowls.
As far as its cooking features are concerned, it features sensor cooking options, which senses the temperature and weight of food and adjust the cooking time and power level accordingly.
Besides this, there are 30 preset cooking programs, with the help of which you can make delicious meals in just a touch fo finger.
The control panel is simple and easy to understand; even a child can easily operate it.
Moreover, you will find other features too such as one-touch keep warm setting and effortless reheat function.
Frigidaire kitchen built in microwave oven is indeed a perfect choice for those users who does not want bundles of features plus, it is cost-effective.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 2.2cu.Ft
- Turntable type: glass
- Turntable diameter: 16.5 inch
- Display Type: digital
- Depth: 19-5/8”
- Amperage: 14.2A
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 1200W
7. Panasonic – 2-In-1 Broiler
Next one on my list of best built in convection oven is again from the house of Panasonic- a key leader in the electronics market.
NN-GN68KS is basically a countertop microwave oven but you can also install in the desired trim kit and operate it as a built-in microwave oven.
This stylish microwave oven has got 1.2 cubic feet of capacity. It is made up of aluminum and stainless steel. It is available only in silver color.
Talking about its dimensions, so it is approximately 24 inches wide and can be fixed easily wherever you want. Since it is made up of aluminum so you can imagine how lightweight it would be.
Let me tell you, it weighs only 34.2 pounds.
NN-GN68KS has got a glass turntable which is 13.4 inches in diameter. This glass turntable ensures that food would be heated evenly.
In order to rotate the turntable, it requires a total of 1000 wattage to function properly.
Here I would like to tell you that Panasonic NN-GN68KS is not an ordinary microwave oven. It’s a oven with a broiler.
So if you crave for the flavor and texture of crisp and browned veggies and chicken then Panasonic NN-GN68KS can fulfill your hunger. Thanks to its two infrared flash Xpress broilers that are there at the top of oven’s cavity to generate instant heat for evenly cooking.
The worth mentioning part here is, this stainless steel built in microwave oven uses inverter technology to heat your food.
I would say this technology is amazing as it evenly heats food with no cold spots.
Plus you will get easy to use broiling rack for even crisping and browning of food.
In a nut shell, Panasonic NN-GN-68KS is a true combination of technology and power.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 1.2cu.Ft
- Material: aluminum
- Turntable diameter: 13.4 inch
- Display Type: digital
- Depth: 20.7 inch
- Amperage: 14.2A
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 1000W
8. Bosch Hmd8451uc – Autosensor Programs
A budget-friendly yet unique microwave drawer that gives your kitchen a new and stylish look- Bosch microwave drawer.
Bosch is a brand that offers affordable electronic appliances that are not only pocket friendly but are durable too.
Talking about Bosch microwave drawer, it has got a total capacity of 33.9 liters with a sleek and compact design. It can be installed easily with a suitable trim kit.
Like other microwave drawer, the control pads of the Bosch microwave oven drawer are also hidden. This way, no one will ever feel that it’s a microwave.
The control panel is concealed completely and when you need it, it will open at an angle of 45 degrees. The control panel has a white LCD which is bright enough that you can easily read the numbers.
The drawer style is really very useful and it adds a” wow factor” in your kitchen.
Bosch microwave drawer is really very simple to operate. The drawer opens automatically with a single touch and closes in the same manner.
The Bosch microwave oven requires 950 watts of electricity to work properly.
Talking about its functions and performance, it has got a sensor control cooking feature, which detects and senses either the food is cooked or not. If the food has cooked, the microwave will automatically turn off.
With the help of the Auto defrost option; you don’t need to enter accurate settings for defrosting the meat. Just enter the weight of meat and it will automatically adjust the cooking time and power level.
Not only this, Bosch built in microwave oven has got a bright interior LED light, which helps you to observe your food during cooking.
Bosch microwave drawer is indeed the best choice for you especially when you are on a budget and need some lavishing appliance for your kitchen.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 33.9 liters or 1.2 cubic feet
- Style: automatic drawer style
- Display Type: digital
- Depth: 23-5/8”
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 950W
9. Advent Mw912bwdk – Outstanding Quality
Advent built in microwave oven is made up of stainless steel and you will get only black color in this microwave oven. Whereas, the inside cavity is white in color as the white color with a bright light makes everything visible and clear.
It is not as such a big and huge microwave oven which is evident by its capacity that is 0.9 cubic feet.
The best thing about Advent built in microwave oven is, you will get these compact microwave oven along with its trim kit. So it becomes really very easy to install it.
As far as its control pad is concerned, it has touch buttons, which are simple and easy to understand. Even a child can easily operate the Advent built in microwaves.
Apart from this, it has got 6 pre-programmed one-touch digital cook settings that let you easily prepare different food without wasting much time.
So no matter how busy your schedule is, deliciously cooked food is just at the touch of a button away.
Moreover, with the help of a glass turntable, it evenly cooks the food, which requires 900 watts of power to rotate the turntable evenly.
Advent built in microwave oven can be used as a countertop microwave oven without a trim kit and built-in oven with trim kit. But keep in mind; it cannot be used as over the range unit, as it does not have a range hood.
This aAdvent built in microwave oven us specially build for RV recreational vehicles, trailer, camper, motor homes and etc.
Specifications:
- Total capacity: 0.9cu.ft.
- Material: stainless steel
- Turntable diameter: 10 inch
- Display Type: digital
- Voltage: 120 V
- Wattage: 900W
10. Panasonic Nn-Sd975 S – Inverter Technology
The last one on my list of best built in microwave is again from the banner of Panasonic.
NN-SD975S is a counter top microwave oven that can be used as a built in oven with an appropriate trim kit.
When it comes to technology, no one can beat the Panasonic microwave oven.
NN-SD975S has got two outstanding technology that is an inverter and cyclonic technology.
With the help of inverter technology, the food warms evenly from all sides. It delivers a constant stream of cooking power at every temperature.
Also, the inverter technology reduces energy consumption.
As far as cyclonic technology is concerned, it is one of the unique features that you hardly find in any microwave oven. Cyclonic technology basically circulates heat waves in a precise and ultra-efficient 3d manner so that you can prepare food in a more easier and versatile fashion no matter how complex the food texture is.
So this combination of cyclonic wave and inverter technology creates and circulates heat energy in such an efficient way that it simmers delicate foods without deteriorating its nutritional value.
Besides this, it has got a one-touch genius sensor cooking feature that adjusts the power level and cooking temperature an time according to the type of food.
Now let’s throw some light on its control pad, it has a dial that you can use to adjust the cooking time. if you are not satisfied with the dial function, then you may find another variant which has no dial feature.
Panasonic NN-SD975S is a reliable and durable 27-inch microwave oven, that fits perfectly with a suitable trim kit.
Specification
- Total capacity: 2.2cu.Ft
- Material: stainless steel silver
- Turntable diameter: 16.5 inch
- Display Type: digital
- Keypad: with a dial
- Technology: inverter and cyclonic wave
- Wattage: 1250W
Buying Guide to Choose A Built In Microwave Oven
Microwaves are the product that becomes a necessary appliance of every kitchen. Different brands of microwave oven offer different features which make hotchpotch in the buyers mind.
In such scenarios, it becomes difficult to choose one best built-in microwave for yourself. That’s the reason we have gathered down some important factors that you need to consider while buying an appropriate built in microwave oven.
So let’s begin!
Size & Capacity of Microwave
So first and the foremost step that you need to consider is to check out the dimension of available space. once you did this, now check out the size of the microwave that fits perfectly on your desired place.
Dimensions of the microwave are of extreme importance when you are installing an over the range or built in microwave oven. In contrast to this, dimension is not a big issue for countertop microwave ovens.
Now check out the capacity of the microwave oven according to your family size. There are many microwave oven with different capacities. Mind you, from capacity I meant to say the internal cooking area of the microwave oven. Usually capacity ranges from 0.7 cubic feet till 2.2 cubic feet or larger than this. A microwave oven with a larger capacity has a large turntable and more interior height, therefore you can cook more than one dish at a time. A large capacity microwave oven is suitable for large families whereas for small families, small capacity built in microwave oven works best.
Wattage of Built in Microwave Oven
Those microwaves that require more power or high working wattage usually heats your food more quickly and evenly. Usually, microwave requires wattages between 600 to 1200 watts. Microwaves that require low wattage are usually cheap and work quite slow.
Expensive and high-end microwave oven requires high wattage and that’s the reason they work so perfectly.
Control Panel
The Control panel of the microwave oven should be intuitive and user friendly. It should not have complex settings. Since the control panel is the key feature with the help of which you can operate the entire microwave oven, so it has to be in simple and easy language.
Some control panels have push-button control, so you have to keep in mind that there should be enough distance between each button and text should be written in clear form.
Whereas, some microwave oven have touch-panels control. Touch buttons are very simple to use plus, they are easier to clean as compared to buttons and knobs.
The majority of the control panel has a small bright screen that shows the cooking time and temperature. The screen should have a bright light that makes it easier for the user to read it properly.
Other Extra Features to Look For
The aforementioned features are the most important features that you have to keep in mind while purchasing a built in microwave oven. But there are some extra features which you can say “additional features” that should be there in a microwave oven. These are:
- Sensor Cooking:
Almost all new models of microwave ovens have sensor cooking control features with the help of which microwave intelligently cooks the food. This sensor cooking features basically detect the level of moisture in the food and then it adjusts the cooking time and power level. This way you will get properly cooked food without being dried.
- Auto-Cook Programs:
Auto cook programs are the lifesaver in today’s era since no one has enough time to play guess game while making favorite dishes.
All you have to do is just select the required dish, input the weight of food, and microwave will;l automatically adjust the power level and cooking time.
Luckily, a new model of microwave oven comes with pre-set cooking programs
- Child Lock Feature:
If you have young children and toddlers in your home, then I will recommend you to must look for a child lock feature. This feature will prevent the naughty children from starting off the microwave accidentally
- Inverter Technology:
Inverter technology is the latest and unique technology in the microwave. With the help of this technology, the heat stream spread evenly inside the food and heats up from edges to corner. This way you will get properly simmered food at a consistently lower temperature. Let me tell you, there are very few electronic brands that are manufacturing microwave with inverter technology, Panasonic is one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Brand of Microwave Is the Most Reliable?
Panasonic and Sharp offer high end built in microwave oven with outstanding features. Since they are market leaders so their products are quite reliable.
Are Built in Microwaves a Standard Size?
To some extent they are. Built in microwave ovens are designed to fit width which has openings 24, 27, and 30 inches wide.
What Is the Difference Between Built in And Countertop Microwaves?
Built in microwaves are the microwaves that are neatly tucked into a cabinet or wall. Whereas, the countertop microwaves are designed to be placed on the kitchen counter.
Which Microwave Is Best for 2020?
Panasonic and Frigidaire microwaves are best for 2020
How Much Space Do You Need Around the Microwave?
There should be 3 inches space between the oven’s top, side, rear, and the area where the unit is to be installed.
Can I Put a Microwave in A Cabinet?
Yes, why not! But make sure it should be a built in microwave oven
Our Verdict
A kitchen without microwave oven is like a cake without frosting, boring, and dry. Microwave oven is the need of every kitchen. Built in microwave oven is the new kitchen trend. They not only save some space on your counter but also add life to your kitchen interior.
We have reviewed some best built-in microwave oven of top-notch brands that are compact and unique and give superior performance.
We would recommend buying a Panasonic NN-GN68KS-built-in microwave oven since it has got inverter technology and is not only a microwave oven but a broiler too.
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