Imagine a kitchen where your appliances don’t just work, they blend in perfectly, looking sleek and modern. That’s the magic of a built-in microwave. But finding the right one can feel like a puzzle. Do you want it above your oven, or tucked away in a cabinet? What size fits your needs, and what features truly matter? It’s easy to get lost in all the choices, and the wrong pick can lead to a kitchen that doesn’t quite feel right.
This is where we come in. We’re here to make choosing your perfect built-in microwave simple and stress-free. Forget the confusion and frustration. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a built-in microwave a great addition to your home and feel confident in picking one that fits your style and cooking habits. Let’s dive into how to make your kitchen both beautiful and functional.
Our Top 5 Microwave Built In Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Built In Detailed Reviews
1. Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven. This spacious microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek design fits seamlessly into your cabinetry, creating a modern look. You can easily cook large meals or multiple dishes at the same time. This microwave is designed for busy households that need efficiency.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity handles big meals and multiple items.
- Smart sensor cooking automatically adjusts power and time for perfect results.
- Built-in design offers a clean, integrated look in your kitchen.
- Fits standard cabinet openings for easy installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The trim kit is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Cutout dimensions require careful planning during kitchen renovation.
This Frigidaire microwave is a smart addition for any kitchen needing both style and substance. It simplifies your cooking and elevates your space.
2. Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 8.8/10
The Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven is a big, powerful kitchen helper. It uses special Inverter Technology to cook food evenly and keep it tasting great. This microwave is large enough for family meals and can even be built into your kitchen cabinets.
What We Like:
- This microwave has a huge 2.2 cubic foot capacity, so you can fit large dishes and platters inside.
- The Inverter Technology cooks food consistently and prevents overcooking, keeping your meals flavorful and nutritious.
- Turbo Defrost speeds up the defrosting process, saving you time.
- The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking times and power levels for different foods, making cooking simple.
- It offers 20 preset menu items, a quick-minute timer, and a delay start option for added convenience.
- The large 16.5-inch turntable handles big meals with ease.
- It has a sleek stainless steel design that looks good on your countertop or built-in.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for built-in use, the specific installation kit or instructions for this might need to be checked.
- With its large size, it might take up a significant amount of counter space if not built-in.
The Panasonic NN-SN98JS is a fantastic choice for families who need a large, smart, and powerful microwave. It makes cooking and reheating quick and easy, ensuring delicious results every time.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a sleek, stainless steel addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking or reheating a variety of foods. This microwave boasts 1000 watts of power, ensuring quick and efficient cooking. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space, and the built-in vent fan with light is a practical feature for any stovetop.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits big dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable.
- It offers 10 different cooking levels and quick-touch menus for common items like popcorn and defrosting.
- Speedy cooking options let you microwave at 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes with just a few button presses.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for a single cooking cycle, saving you time.
- The 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and smells from your kitchen, and the light shines brightly on your cooktop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 10-minute maximum for the initial stage of multi-stage cooking a bit short for certain recipes.
- While the vent is strong, it might not be powerful enough for extremely smoky cooking situations.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It combines ample space with smart cooking features and essential ventilation.
4. Panasonic Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the Panasonic Microwave Oven, NN-SN97JS. This sleek, silver, 2.2 cubic foot stainless steel microwave is designed for your busy kitchen. It’s a countertop model but can also be built-in. Its powerful 1250 watts and smart features make cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- The Cyclonic Wave technology cooks food evenly, keeping all the good flavors and nutrients.
- Inverter Technology provides a steady stream of power for perfect cooking every time. No more overcooked edges and cold centers!
- Turbo Defrost speeds up the time it takes to thaw frozen foods.
- It has a large 16.5-inch turntable, fitting big dishes easily.
- The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for different foods.
- It comes with 20 preset menu items for quick cooking.
- The food warming feature keeps your dishes hot until you’re ready to eat.
- It has a delay start option and a child safety lock for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size is quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
- While the sensor is smart, some users might prefer manual control for very specific cooking needs.
This Panasonic microwave offers a great balance of power, capacity, and smart features. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen looking for efficient and delicious results.
5. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is a great addition to any home. It offers 1.6 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for heating up meals or preparing snacks. The convenience cooking controls make it easy to use for everyone.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for families.
- Convenience cooking controls make operation simple.
- Comes with a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack for peace of mind.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks good in any kitchen.
- It’s from GE USA, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- Some users might prefer more advanced or specialized cooking presets.
This bundle offers a complete package for a worry-free microwave experience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly over-the-range microwave.
Your Guide to Choosing a Built-In Microwave
Thinking about upgrading your kitchen? A built-in microwave can give your kitchen a sleek, modern look. It fits right into your cabinets, saving counter space. Let’s explore what makes a good built-in microwave.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind.
1. Size and Capacity
- Interior Space: How much food can you fit inside? Most are measured in cubic feet. A larger family might need a bigger one.
- Exterior Dimensions: Make sure it fits the space you have in your cabinets. Measure carefully!
2. Wattage (Power)
- Cooking Power: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most are between 700 and 1200 watts. 1000 watts or more is usually great for most tasks.
3. Cooking Modes and Presets
- Special Functions: Some microwaves have special buttons. These are for things like popcorn, baking potatoes, or reheating pizza.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. It senses how much moisture is in your food. It then adjusts the cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking.
4. Venting Options
- Over-the-Range Models: These often have a fan to vent smoke and smells outside. Some recirculate air back into the kitchen with a filter.
- Microwave-Only Built-Ins: These usually don’t have a strong venting system. They are meant to be placed in a cabinet. Make sure your cabinet has some airflow.
5. Controls
- Easy to Use: Buttons should be clear and simple. Touchscreens can look fancy but might be harder to use with messy hands.
- Child Lock: This safety feature stops kids from turning it on by accident.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and easy to clean your microwave is.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are very durable. They are also easy to wipe clean. Some have a ceramic coating that is also tough and smooth.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is common for the outside too. It looks nice and resists fingerprints. Some have glass doors.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one microwave better than another?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make more reliable appliances.
- Warranty: A longer warranty usually means the manufacturer stands behind their product.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food evenly. No more cold spots in the middle!
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is nicer to have.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Cheap Plastics: Plastic parts can crack or melt over time.
- Uneven Heating: This is a big problem. It means your food won’t cook properly.
- Difficult Controls: If the buttons are confusing, it makes using the microwave frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use built-in microwaves?
- Saving Space: The biggest win is freeing up counter space. This makes your kitchen feel bigger and tidier.
- Modern Look: They blend in with your cabinets. This creates a seamless, high-end kitchen design.
- Quick Meals: They are perfect for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking frozen meals.
- Defrosting: They make defrosting meat or other frozen items quick and easy.
- Baking and Roasting (Some Models): Some advanced models can even bake or roast small items. This gives you more cooking options.
A built-in microwave can be a great addition to your kitchen. Think about your needs and what features are most important to you.
Built-In Microwave FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between a countertop and a built-in microwave?
A: A countertop microwave sits on your counter. A built-in microwave is installed into your cabinets. It looks more permanent and saves counter space.
Q: How do I measure for a built-in microwave?
A: You need to measure the width, height, and depth of the cabinet opening. Also, check the manufacturer’s specifications for required clearance around the microwave.
Q: Do built-in microwaves need special installation?
A: Yes, they often do. Some require professional installation to ensure they are securely fitted and properly vented if needed.
Q: What is wattage, and why does it matter?
A: Wattage is the power of the microwave. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture in food. It then automatically adjusts cooking time and power for best results.
Q: Can I put a regular countertop microwave in a cabinet?
A: You might be able to, but it’s not ideal. Built-in microwaves are designed to fit specific cabinet spaces and often have better ventilation.
Q: How much do built-in microwaves typically cost?
A: Prices can vary widely. Basic models might start around $300, while high-end models with many features can cost $800 or more.
Q: What is the best material for the inside of a microwave?
A: Stainless steel or ceramic enamel are usually the best. They are durable and easy to clean.
Q: Do I need to worry about ventilation for a built-in microwave?
A: Yes. Even if it doesn’t have a fan, the cabinet needs to allow air to circulate. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for ventilation requirements.
Q: Are built-in microwaves hard to clean?
A: They can be a bit trickier than countertop models because they are fixed in place. However, stainless steel and ceramic interiors are generally easy to wipe down.
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!