It’s not everyday microwave and luxury are used in the same sentence. But the humble kitchen appliance has gotten a major makeover with microwave drawers, a new way to integrate the cooking appliance into the kitchen in seamless fashion.
Like you, we were curious about the hype, so to better understand it, we researched why you should buy a microwave drawer, what to expect, and the best microwave drawer brands on the market — and the reviews are in! Follow to discover six of the best drawer microwave options from our catalog of reliable appliances.
At a Glance:
Our Best Microwave Drawer Picks
Microwave Drawers: What Are They? Should You Consider Them?
If you were to ask us “what is a microwave drawer?”, we’d say it’s luxury convenience at its finest. Popping food into a microwave for quick meals is already pretty handy, but undercounter microwave drawers have one major advantage over traditional countertop microwaves, and that’s their ability to organically blend into their surroundings.
In other words, you can consider that block of countertop space your current microwave is hogging reclaimed. Microwave drawers also are extremely designer-friendly. Whether it’s on a kitchen island, beneath a wall oven, or next to a built-in coffee maker, pull-out drawer-style microwaves can be installed virtually anywhere in the kitchen to craft optimum kitchen workflow.
What you should know
- Microwave drawers come in 24” and 30” models.
- A 24” microwave drawer and a 30” microwave drawer will have the same capacity (1.2 cu. ft.).
- Microwave drawers do not come with convection like speed ovens nor ventilation like over-the-range microwaves.
- The price of a microwave drawer starts at around $1,000.
Learn About Other Luxury Appliances: You Asked, We Answered: What is a Speed Oven? [+ Reviews]
Benefits of a Microwave Drawer
It might be a while before the faithful countertop microwave gets replaced, but microwave drawers come with several advantages that make the transition worth it. These are some we like:
✓ Gives back countertop space
✓ Provides easy access for everyone
✓ Child lock safety features are included
✓ No turntable means fewer parts to clean
✓ Removing the turntable also makes it easier to fit dishes of various sizes
✓ There is no handle, so installation is easier
Our Best Microwave Drawer Picks
The built-in microwave drawer sector is still pretty new on the market, but we still have our favorites. Here are microwave drawer reviews for six of the best models from our catalog.
Best Overall: Beko 1.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built-In Microwave Drawer (MWDR24100SS)
Install this 24” microwave drawer from Beko in your kitchen to do fast meals and snacks in style. Lined in stainless steel with contrasting black glass and digital controls, this model is a complement to essentially any kitchen style. Prepare foods with ideal results at the touch of a button with a total of 10 preset sensor cook modes for quick and easy operation.
Features:
- Total capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- 950 watts
- 10 power levels
- Auto open feature
Best Value: Sharp® Carousel® 1.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Microwave Drawer® (KB6524PSY)
If you want the look of the handle to match your other kitchen appliances, this Sharp microwave drawer is a must-see. Features on this Sharp 24” microwave drawer include a large interior with enough room to accommodate a 4-quart casserole dish, plus overhead clearance to fit 20-ounce cups. You’ll also enjoy a list of flexible cooking modes with sensor cooking technology, all from the brand who created “the world’s first Microwave Drawer.”
Features:
- Total capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- 950 watts
- 11 power levels
- Sensor cooking
Best Splurge: Wolf® 1.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Microwave (MD24TE/S)
Your gourmet kitchen is missing the smooth and sophisticated stylings of this Wolf microwave drawer. Designed to flawlessly match Wolf E series ovens, this model helps keep your flow while you cook with 10 power levels and 950 watts to prepare food deliciously and fast. Install in a kitchen island, beneath countertops, or along with your Wolf oven for a two-in-one workstation.
Features:
- Total capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- 950 watts
- 10 power levels
- One-touch door open function
- Digital controls
Best 30” Microwave Drawer: Thermador® Masterpiece® Professional 1.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In MicroDrawer® Microwave (MD30WS)
Roll out this Thermador microwave drawer during your next soiree to impress guests with the element of surprise. Showcasing the professional look of Thermador’s Masterpiece collection, this high-end microwave drawer is crafted to perfection, and with multiple cooking modes and high-power output, your food will too.
Features:
- Total capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- 950 watts
- 10 cooking modes
- Humidity sensor mode
- One-touch open/close function
See How They Compare: Sub-Zero vs Thermador vs Liebherr Comparison Guide
Best JennAir Microwave Drawer: JennAir® NOIR™ 1.2 Cu. Ft. Floating Glass Black Under Counter Microwave (JMDFS30HM)
Sleek in black, this microwave drawer captures the alluring essence of the NOIR collection from JennAir. Make a statement with its 30” build, featuring a full panel of controls atop and stainless steel below for a touch of timeless elegance. There’s a selection for all your favorites, from popcorn for movie night to a Melt setting to indulge in your chocolatey, guilty pleasures.
Features:
- Total capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- 950 watts
- 11 power levels
- One-touch open function
Best Bosch Microwave Drawer: Bosch 800 Series 1.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Drawer Microwave (HMD8451UC)
This model, from Bosch’s premium 800 Series line of appliances, is a buyer’s favorite. According to buyers, highlights include the spacious overhead clearance and ease of use, along with a handsome design that blends with any kitchen theme. There’s always a cooking option with automatic sensor programs and 11 power levels, so all you need to do is insert food, select the setting, and dine.
Features:
- Total capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- 950 watts
- 11 power levels
- Touch open/close function
How We Chose Our Top Microwave Drawers
What goes into a reliable microwave drawer? For us, these matter the most:
Microwave Power
How much watt power does a microwave need? If you want to cook meals quickly, anywhere between 900–1000 watts will do the job. Any less and food will need to cook longer, which wastes time and affects the texture of the food. Each model in our lineup passes the test with 950 watts of power.
Design
A big part of upgrading to a microwave drawer is to achieve a streamlined kitchen. The best microwave drawers used vivid digital controls and wide windows for an easy look inside. Additionally, we preferred the experience of a handless design over models with a handle.
FAQs
Do you need a special cabinet for a drawer microwave?
Luckily, no special cabinetry is needed to install a drawer-style microwave. Just make sure the cabinet where your new unit will go measures 24, 27, or 30 inches, depending on the size of the model.
How do you install a microwave drawer?
Like most built-in appliances, it’s best to contact professional installation near you to install your new microwave drawer. Before calling, make sure to consider the microwave drawer dimensions of the model you select, keeping in mind if you want a flush or “proud” presentation. While a flush install sits completely even with cabinetry, the proud fit protrudes slightly.
How do you use a microwave drawer?
Using a pull-out microwave drawer is just as simple as a regular microwave. Most models have a one-touch open and close feature. Once opened, pop food in, select the cook setting, and enjoy!
Why Trust Us?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Seattle area with the quality you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We are the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Microwave Drawers at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop microwave drawers online or visit us today at one of our locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you discover the best microwave drawer, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
Learn More: The Complete Appliance Buying Guide