Imagine a kitchen that looks sleek and modern, with everything in its place. A built-in microwave oven can make that happen! These handy appliances tuck away neatly into your cabinets, saving counter space and giving your kitchen a polished look. But choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle.
There are so many brands, sizes, and features to consider. Do you need a powerful convection model, or will a basic microwave do the job? How do you make sure it fits perfectly in your cabinet? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. You want a microwave that works well and looks great, but the process of picking one can be frustrating.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a good built-in microwave oven. You’ll learn about the different types available, what features are important, and how to measure and install one. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect built-in microwave to upgrade your kitchen.
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: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF. This built-in microwave oven offers a spacious 2.2 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. Its sleek design will make your kitchen look modern and stylish. Remember, the trim kit is sold separately, so you can choose the right size for your cabinet.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. cooking space fits large dishes and multiple items.
- Sensor cooking automatically adjusts power and time for perfectly cooked food.
- It’s a built-in unit, giving your kitchen a clean, seamless look.
- The Frigidaire Gallery Series is known for its quality and performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The trim kit is sold separately, which is an additional purchase.
- It requires a specific cutout size, so measure carefully before buying.
This Frigidaire microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen that needs more cooking power and a streamlined look. Its smart features make cooking easier and deliver delicious results every time.
2. Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven. This spacious microwave offers plenty of room for your favorite dishes. Its sensor cook feature makes heating food easy and accurate. This microwave is designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a sleek, built-in look. Remember, a trim kit is needed to complete the installation, and it’s sold separately.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity handles large meals.
- Sensor Cook technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power.
- Its built-in design creates a clean, integrated look in your kitchen.
- The 24 3/8 inch width fits many standard cabinet openings.
- Easy-to-use controls make selecting cooking options simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The required trim kit (PMTK3080AF) is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Cutout dimensions are specific, so careful measurement is necessary before purchase.
- Limited availability might make finding this model challenging.
This Frigidaire microwave is a solid choice for those seeking a built-in solution with convenient features. It offers ample space and smart cooking technology for everyday use.
3. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a sleek stainless steel appliance that can sit on your counter or be built into your cabinetry. It’s a powerful 1200-watt microwave with a good-sized 1.2 cubic foot interior. This microwave uses special Inverter Technology to cook food evenly and quickly, meaning no more cold spots in your meals. It also has a Genius Sensor that figures out the best cooking time and power for different foods, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 1200 watts of power cooks food fast.
- Inverter Technology ensures food is cooked evenly.
- The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking settings.
- Turbo Defrost speeds up the thawing process.
- It has a Keep Warm feature to hold food at the right temperature.
- The compact design saves counter space.
- It has a child lock for safety.
- The 13.4-inch turntable fits larger dishes.
- There are 14 preset menu items for easy cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The membrane keypad might not be as durable as physical buttons for some users.
- The 12-hour clock display might be less convenient for those who prefer a 24-hour format.
This Panasonic microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering powerful and convenient cooking. It makes preparing meals easier and more enjoyable.
4. Gasland 24 Inch Built in microwave oven
Rating: 9.0/10
This Gasland 24 Inch Built-in Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any modern kitchen. It’s a combination microwave and convection oven, meaning it can do more than just reheat leftovers. You can bake, broil, and roast with it! It boasts a sleek stainless steel finish and a spacious 1.6 cubic feet capacity, making it ideal for families or anyone who loves to cook.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave and use it as a convection oven. This means you can cook a variety of foods like steaks, roasts, and pizza.
- The “One Touch Cooking” feature has 8 pre-programmed menus. This makes cooking simple, as you just touch a button for things like popcorn or frozen foods.
- The 3D Convection Heating ensures food cooks evenly. It spreads hot air all around, so there are no cold spots and your food cooks faster.
- The Cool Door Technology uses a 3-layer tempered glass door. This keeps the heat inside the oven and the outside of the door cool and safe to touch, which is great for families with kids.
- It has an ultra-quiet soft-close door. This means it closes gently and quietly, so it won’t disturb anyone in the house.
- The touch controls and LCD display are easy to use and look modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel comes with a protective film that needs to be peeled off, which is an extra step for users.
Overall, this Gasland microwave oven combo is a versatile and user-friendly appliance. It simplifies cooking and adds a touch of modern style to your kitchen.
5. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a powerful 1000W cooking output, making it great for busy households. With its spacious 1.7 cu. ft. interior, you can easily fit large dishes. This microwave comes packed with features that make cooking simple and efficient, from auto-cook options to advanced defrosting. Plus, its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space and adds a sleek, modern look to your kitchen.
What We Like:
- High-power 1000W cooking heats food quickly and evenly.
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity holds many different sizes of dishes.
- It has many cooking options like vegetables, snacks, and a potato program.
- The time and weight defrost settings are very smart.
- The Quick +30 seconds button is super handy for fast reheating.
- The Melt/Soften feature is great for butter or chocolate.
- A child safety lock makes it safe for families.
- The LED display and timer are easy to read.
- The built-in vent fan and stovetop light are very useful.
- You can change the volume of the alerts to your liking.
- The over-the-range design saves precious counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit tricky.
- The vent fan could be a bit more powerful for heavy cooking odors.
This Farberware microwave oven is a powerful and space-saving solution that simplifies meal preparation. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich over-the-range microwave.
The Built-In Microwave Oven: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
A built-in microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It blends seamlessly with your cabinets, saving counter space and giving your kitchen a sleek, modern look. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel a bit tricky. This guide will help you find the perfect fit for your cooking needs and style.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a built-in microwave, keep these important features in mind:
Capacity and Size
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes, measured in cubic feet. Smaller ones are good for reheating snacks, while larger ones can handle bigger dishes and even baking. Think about what you’ll cook most often.
- Dimensions: Built-in microwaves need to fit into a specific cabinet space. Always measure your opening before you buy! You’ll need to know the width, height, and depth required.
Power and Performance
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 800 and 1200 watts. More watts are generally better, but if you only reheat, a lower wattage might be fine.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have special buttons for popcorn, potatoes, or defrosting. These make cooking specific foods super easy.
- Convection Cooking: Some built-in microwaves also act like a small oven. This “convection” feature lets you bake, roast, and broil, giving you more cooking options.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Control Panel: Look for a control panel that’s easy to understand and use. Digital displays and simple buttons are usually best.
- Interior Cleaning: A smooth, non-stick interior makes cleaning up spills a breeze. Some models even have a steam clean feature.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures your food heats evenly. Some larger models might not have a turntable, but they usually have special racks to help with even cooking.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a built-in microwave affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice for both the interior and exterior. It looks great, is durable, and resists rust. It can, however, show fingerprints.
- Enamel Coating: This is often found on the interior. It’s usually easy to wipe clean and is quite tough.
- Glass: The door window and the turntable are typically made of strong glass.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Here’s what makes a built-in microwave great, and what might not be so good:
Quality Boosters
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food evenly without hot or cold spots.
- Durable Door Seal: A tight seal keeps the microwave’s energy inside and prevents food smells from escaping.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are much quieter than others. This can be a big plus if your kitchen is open to other living areas.
- User Reviews: Reading what other people say about a microwave can give you a good idea of its real-world performance.
Quality Reducers
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is sometimes cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave might not be heating evenly.
- Flimsy Controls: Buttons that feel cheap or hard to press can be annoying.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn stains or hard-to-reach corners make cleaning a chore.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Built-in microwaves are designed for convenience and style.
Everyday Use
Most people use their built-in microwave for quick tasks like reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or heating up a cup of tea. The ease of use and quick heating make them perfect for busy days.
Entertaining
When you have guests, a built-in microwave can be a lifesaver. You can quickly warm up appetizers or side dishes without taking up valuable oven space. If your model has convection, you can even bake a small batch of cookies.
Specific Cooking Needs
For those who enjoy a variety of cooking, a built-in microwave with convection can be a great alternative to a full-sized oven for smaller meals. It’s also perfect for defrosting meats and vegetables quickly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average cost of a built-in microwave oven?
A: Prices can vary a lot, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the brand, features, and size.
Q: Do I need a trim kit for my built-in microwave?
A: Yes, most built-in microwaves require a trim kit. This kit helps the microwave fit perfectly and look finished in your cabinet opening.
Q: How do I measure for a built-in microwave?
A: You need to measure the width, height, and depth of the cabinet opening where the microwave will go. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for exact measurements.
Q: Can I use a countertop microwave as a built-in?
A: No, it’s not safe or recommended. Built-in microwaves are designed with ventilation and safety features specifically for enclosed spaces.
Q: What is convection cooking in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking means the microwave also has a heating element and fan. This circulates hot air, allowing you to bake, roast, and brown food like a regular oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my built-in microwave?
A: You can usually wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tougher spots, place a bowl of water with lemon juice inside and microwave it for a few minutes to loosen grime.
Q: Are built-in microwaves more efficient than countertop models?
A: Efficiency can vary by model, but built-in models are often designed for better ventilation, which can help them perform well. The main benefit is the space-saving and aesthetic integration.
Q: What does wattage mean in a microwave?
A: Wattage is a measure of the microwave’s power. Higher wattage means it can cook or heat food faster.
Q: How long do built-in microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care, a built-in microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.
Q: What are the benefits of a built-in microwave over a countertop one?
A: The main benefits are saving counter space, a cleaner and more organized kitchen look, and often a more integrated and stylish appearance.
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.