Imagine a kitchen that looks sleek and modern, where appliances blend right into the cabinetry. That’s the magic of a built-in microwave oven! But when it comes to picking the perfect one, it can feel like a puzzle. Do you want it above the range, or tucked away in a cabinet? What size do you need? These questions can make your head spin, and you just want a microwave that works well and looks great.
Choosing a built-in microwave isn’t just about heating up leftovers; it’s about finding a seamless fit for your kitchen’s style and your cooking habits. You want something that’s easy to use, powerful enough for your needs, and doesn’t clash with your decor. This can be a tricky decision, with so many features and designs to consider. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
By the end of this post, you’ll feel much more confident about choosing a built-in microwave oven. We’ll break down the different types, explain what to look for, and offer tips to make your decision easier. Get ready to transform your kitchen with the perfect built-in microwave!
Our Top 5 Built-In Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Built-In Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any modern kitchen. It offers a spacious interior and smart cooking features to make meal prep a breeze. Plus, its sleek design will enhance your kitchen’s look.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 cu. ft. capacity is huge! You can fit big dishes and even cook multiple items at the same time. This saves you a lot of time and effort.
- It has smart sensors that figure out the best cooking settings for your food. This means your meals will taste great every time, without you having to guess.
- It’s designed to be built-in, giving your kitchen a clean and professional appearance.
- The dimensions are clearly listed, making it easy to plan your installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The trim kit is sold separately. This means you’ll need to buy it in addition to the microwave, which adds to the total cost.
- You need to choose between a 27″ or 30″ trim kit, so make sure you measure your space carefully before ordering.
This Frigidaire microwave offers excellent cooking power and capacity for busy households. Its smart features simplify cooking, making it a worthwhile upgrade for your kitchen.
2. Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 8.6/10
The Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance that can handle all your cooking needs. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop or can be built into your kitchen for a seamless look. With a spacious 2.2 cubic foot interior, it’s perfect for families and can easily fit large dishes.
What We Like:
- The 1250-watt Cyclonic Inverter technology cooks food evenly and keeps it flavorful.
- Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up the defrosting process, saving you time.
- The large 16.5-inch turntable easily fits big plates and bowls.
- The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for smart cooking.
- It comes with 20 preset menu items for quick meal preparation.
- The delay start and child safety lock features add convenience and peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the large size takes up significant counter space.
- While powerful, the highest power setting might require a bit of getting used to for precise cooking.
This Panasonic microwave oven offers excellent performance and smart features for busy households. It’s a great investment for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient microwave.
3. KoolMore KM-CWO30-SS Built-in Microwave with Convection Oven and Air Fryer
Rating: 8.5/10
The KoolMore KM-CWO30-SS is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer into one sleek, stainless-steel unit. Its built-in design makes it a seamless addition to any modern kitchen. With 1000 watts of power and 10 different levels, it offers a lot of control for all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to install right into your kitchen cabinets, giving your kitchen a clean, built-in look.
- You get three cooking methods in one: microwave, convection oven, and air fryer, so you can cook almost anything!
- The air fryer feature lets you make crispy, delicious food with much less oil, which is healthier.
- Cleaning is simple because it’s a manual clean type, saving you time and effort.
- The 1.6 cubic feet of space is plenty big enough for most meals and dishes, whether you’re cooking for one or a family.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the controls are user-friendly, some users might prefer digital displays with more advanced programming options.
- The manual cleaning, while easy, means you have to wipe it down yourself rather than having a self-cleaning function.
This KoolMore oven is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a multi-functional and space-saving appliance. It offers great cooking flexibility and a modern look.
4. 24 Inch Built-in Microwave and Convection Oven Combination
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the ThermoMate 24 Inch Built-in Microwave and Convection Oven Combination. This stylish stainless steel appliance offers a spacious 1.6 cubic feet of cooking space, making it perfect for busy households and culinary adventures. It seamlessly blends the speed of a microwave with the even cooking of a convection oven, giving you more ways to prepare delicious meals.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It has many cooking modes, including convection, broil, sensor cooking, reheat, and defrost. This lets you try different recipes and get great results.
- Even Heating: The top and bottom heating elements and the convection system circulate hot air. This makes sure your food cooks evenly and preheats quickly.
- Safe and Clear Viewing: The double-layered glass door keeps heat inside and blocks hot steam. You can easily see your food cooking through the clear window.
- Flexible Accessories: It comes with a reversible ceramic turntable that spins both ways and a wire rack. Use the rack for baking, roasting, or grilling.
- Sleek Design: The 24-inch stainless steel finish looks modern and fits well in most kitchens.
- Powerful Performance: With 1000 watts of microwave power and a 1700-watt convection element, it cooks food fast and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Limitations: While 1.6 cubic feet is good for many things, very large dishes might not fit easily.
- Learning Curve: With so many features, it might take a little time to learn all the settings.
This ThermoMate oven combo is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves to cook. It offers both convenience and great cooking performance in one stylish package.
5. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance is designed to make cooking easier and faster. It offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for family-sized meals. Plus, it comes with a fantastic bundle that includes a 2-year extended protection plan on top of the manufacturer’s warranty, giving you extra peace of mind. This microwave is built to last and designed for convenience.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles large dishes with ease.
- The melt feature is super handy for delicate tasks like melting butter or chocolate.
- The steam clean interior makes cleanup a breeze.
- You get a full manufacturer’s protection plan PLUS a 2-year extended CPS protection plan. This is a big deal for long-term security.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, ensuring quality and support.
- The recirculating charcoal filter kit is included, which is great for keeping your kitchen air fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- Sensor cooking, while convenient, can sometimes require a little adjustment to get perfect results.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and convenience for any kitchen. Invest in this reliable appliance and enjoy worry-free cooking for years to come.
Your Guide to Built-In Microwave Ovens: Smart Cooking, Sleek Style
Built-in microwave ovens offer a clean, integrated look for your kitchen. They blend seamlessly into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a modern and spacious feel. Unlike countertop models, they save valuable counter space. This guide will help you choose the perfect built-in microwave for your home.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
- Measure your cabinet space carefully. Built-in microwaves come in standard widths, usually 24 or 30 inches.
- Consider the interior capacity. This is measured in cubic feet. A larger capacity is good for family meals and bigger dishes.
- Think about what you cook most. A smaller capacity might be fine if you only reheat leftovers.
2. Cooking Power (Wattage)
- Wattage determines how fast your food cooks. Most built-in microwaves range from 900 to 1200 watts.
- Higher wattage cooks food more quickly and evenly.
- For most everyday tasks, 1000 watts is a good balance.
3. Venting Options
- Some built-in microwaves are designed to be installed over a range. These often have a built-in fan and light for ventilation.
- If you are installing it in a cabinet away from a range, you might not need this feature.
- Check the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating of the fan if you need good ventilation.
4. Cooking Functions and Presets
- Look for helpful presets like popcorn, potato, or defrost.
- Sensor cooking adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. This is very convenient.
- Convection cooking turns your microwave into a second oven. You can bake, roast, and broil with it.
Important Materials
1. Interior Finish
- Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. They resist stains and odors.
- Porcelain enamel interiors are also a good choice. They are non-stick and simple to wipe down.
- Avoid plastic interiors if possible, as they can scratch more easily.
2. Exterior Finish
- Stainless steel is a popular choice for its sleek look and durability.
- Black stainless steel offers a modern alternative.
- White or black finishes are also common and can match your other appliances.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Enhancers
- Reputable brands often make more reliable appliances.
- Models with robust construction and well-made components tend to last longer.
- Good user reviews and warranty periods signal a quality product.
Quality Reducers
- Flimsy door hinges or buttons can break easily.
- Poorly designed ventilation can lead to overheating.
- Complex controls that are hard to understand can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Convenience
- Reheating leftovers quickly is a primary use.
- Making popcorn for movie nights is a breeze.
- Defrosting meats and other frozen foods is much faster than leaving them on the counter.
Advanced Cooking
- Convection models allow you to bake cookies or roast a small chicken.
- Sensor cooking takes the guesswork out of preparing common foods.
- Built-in microwaves can be part of a larger kitchen remodel, creating a cohesive and professional look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a built-in microwave and an over-the-range microwave?
A: An over-the-range microwave is designed to sit above your stovetop and usually includes a vent. A built-in microwave is installed within your cabinetry and doesn’t necessarily have a vent.
Q: How do I measure for a built-in microwave?
A: Measure the width, height, and depth of the cabinet opening where the microwave will go. Also, check the manufacturer’s specifications for required clearance space.
Q: Can I install a built-in microwave myself?
A: Installation can be complex, involving electrical work and cabinet modifications. It’s often best to hire a professional for safety and proper installation.
Q: How much does a built-in microwave cost?
A: Prices vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for basic models to over a thousand dollars for high-end units with advanced features like convection cooking.
Q: What is convection cooking in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, allowing your microwave to bake, roast, and broil like a traditional oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my built-in microwave?
A: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn stains, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes to loosen grime.
Q: Are built-in microwaves more energy-efficient than countertop models?
A: Not necessarily. Energy efficiency depends more on the appliance’s design and wattage than its installation type.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to detect when food is cooked and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level.
Q: Can I replace an old built-in microwave with a new one of a different brand?
A: Yes, but you need to ensure the new microwave fits the existing cabinet opening and meets any electrical requirements.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a built-in microwave oven?
A: Most built-in microwaves last between 10 and 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!