Imagine a kitchen where cooking is faster and your counters stay clear. That’s the dream, right? Many people want this, but choosing the perfect built-in microwave can feel like a puzzle. You want something that looks great, cooks food well, and fits your kitchen’s style, but there are so many choices!
Finding the right one can be tricky. You might wonder about size, power, and all the different features. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure it all out. This post will make choosing a built-in microwave much easier.
By reading on, you’ll learn what to look for. We’ll break down the important things so you can pick a microwave that makes your kitchen look amazing and your cooking a breeze. Let’s dive in and find the built-in microwave that’s perfect for you!
Our Top 5 Inbuilt Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Inbuilt Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF Built-in Microwave Oven. This spacious microwave offers 2.2 cubic feet of cooking space, so you can easily fit large dishes and cook multiple items at once. Its smart sensor technology automatically adjusts power and cook time, ensuring your food comes out perfectly every time. Plus, its sleek built-in design will give your kitchen a modern, streamlined look.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity fits big meals and multiple dishes.
- Smart sensors take the guesswork out of cooking, delivering delicious results.
- Built-in design creates a clean, integrated look in your kitchen.
- Sensor cooking ensures food is heated evenly and tastes great.
- Fits standard cabinet cutouts for easy installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- Trim kit is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Requires careful measurement for proper built-in fit.
This Frigidaire microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone seeking convenience and style in their kitchen. Its ample space and smart features make meal preparation a breeze.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cu. ft. stainless steel microwave fits perfectly over your stove, giving you extra cooking power and a handy ventilation system. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and faster, whether you’re reheating leftovers or preparing a full meal.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch turntable handle big meals and dishes easily. It’s like having an extra kitchen helper!
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: With 1000 watts of power, you get 6 one-touch menus for common foods like popcorn and pizza. Plus, you can easily defrost or reheat food.
- Speedy Cooking: Need food fast? Press buttons 1, 2, or 3 for 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes. It’s perfect for quick snacks.
- Smart Cooking: The multi-stage cooking feature lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle. Cook at 90% power then switch to 50% without stopping.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 2-speed vent fan pulls smoke and smells away from your kitchen. It has a bright light to illuminate your stovetop while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: Some users might need a little time to get used to all the special cooking functions.
- Ventilation Noise: While powerful, the vent fan can be a bit noisy on its highest setting for some kitchens.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It offers great features and convenience for everyday cooking needs.
3. Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 9.2/10
The Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook offers a sleek, integrated look for your kitchen. Its spacious interior and smart cooking features make meal preparation a breeze. This microwave is designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinetry, creating a clean and modern aesthetic. Remember, the stylish trim kit is sold separately, allowing you to customize the finish to match your kitchen.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity easily fits large dishes.
- Sensor Cook technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
- Built-in design creates a seamless and professional kitchen appearance.
- The 24-inch width fits standard cabinet openings.
- It’s easy to operate with its intuitive controls.
What Could Be Improved:
- The trim kit (PMTK3080AF) is required for installation and sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Specific cutout dimensions (24 3/4″ W x 20″ D x 16 3/4″ H) need careful measurement for a proper fit.
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart home connectivity features.
This Frigidaire microwave is a solid choice for those seeking a built-in solution with helpful cooking technology. Its capacity and ease of use make it a great addition to any kitchen renovation.
4. Frigidaire PMBS3080A 24 Inch Wide 2.2 Cu. Ft. 1100 Watt Built In Microwave with Sensor Cook – Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire PMBS3080A, a sleek 24-inch built-in microwave in stainless steel. This microwave offers a generous 2.2 cubic feet of space, making it a fantastic addition for families or anyone who cooks large meals. With 1100 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. Plus, its modern design blends seamlessly into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a polished look.
What We Like:
- Fits-More Microwave: This microwave boasts a spacious interior, so you can easily fit larger dishes and multiple items at once.
- Sensor Cook: Take the guesswork out of cooking! Sensor Cook technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels for perfect results every time.
- Convenient Quick Start Options: Need to heat something up fast? The quick start buttons let you begin cooking with just a touch.
- Sensor Reheat: Leftovers are no problem. Sensor Reheat detects the moisture in food and reheats it to the perfect temperature.
- Stylish Stainless Steel Finish: The attractive stainless steel exterior complements any modern kitchen decor.
What Could Be Improved:
- Built-in Installation Required: This is a built-in model, so it requires professional installation or a good understanding of kitchen renovations.
- Size Might Be Too Large for Small Kitchens: While the “Fits-More” feature is great, its 24-inch width might be too big for very compact kitchens.
The Frigidaire PMBS3080A is a powerful and smart microwave that simplifies your cooking. It’s a great choice for those seeking convenience and style in their kitchen appliance.
5. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven is a versatile countertop appliance that brings a lot of cooking power to a compact size. It’s a great choice for smaller living spaces like dorm rooms or offices, and it also works well in busy kitchens. This stainless steel microwave doesn’t just reheat; it can air fry, convection bake, and broil, making it a true multi-tasker.
What We Like:
- It’s compact but still offers a good 1.0 cubic foot of space.
- The 1050-watt power heats food quickly.
- The air fry mode makes foods crispy and healthier.
- Convection baking ensures food cooks evenly.
- The broil function adds a nice sear to foods.
- Preset cooking options, like for fries, make it super easy to use.
- The child lock feature adds safety for families.
- The glass turntable cooks food evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, the learning curve for all of them might take some time.
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals.
This GE microwave oven packs a lot of cooking versatility into a small package. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their countertop cooking options.
Choosing the Right Inbuilt Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
An inbuilt microwave is a fantastic way to add convenience and style to your kitchen. It blends seamlessly with your cabinets, saving counter space and giving your kitchen a sleek, modern look. Let’s explore what makes a great inbuilt microwave and how to pick the perfect one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an inbuilt microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually heat up at once. A larger family might need a bigger microwave (around 2 cubic feet) than a single person or a couple (around 1.0-1.5 cubic feet).
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage (1000 watts or more) heats food faster and more evenly. Lower wattage (around 700-800 watts) is fine for basic reheating.
- Cooking Functions: Many inbuilt microwaves offer more than just basic reheating. Look for features like:
- Grill Function: This browns and crisps food, like toast or pizza toppings.
- Convection Function: This turns your microwave into a mini oven, letting you bake, roast, and broil.
- Sensor Cooking: This automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture.
- Defrost Options: Many have specific settings for meat, poultry, and bread.
- Ease of Use: Controls should be simple and intuitive. Digital displays are helpful. Some models have touch controls, while others use knobs. Think about what you find easiest to operate.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures food cooks evenly. Many inbuilt models have a hidden or removable turntable for a cleaner look.
- Child Lock: This is a great safety feature, especially if you have young children. It prevents them from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Important Materials
The materials used in an inbuilt microwave affect its durability, appearance, and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice for both the interior and exterior. It’s durable, looks modern, and is generally easy to wipe clean. Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a bonus!
- Glass: The door window is typically made of tempered glass, which is strong and heat-resistant. The interior cavity might have a ceramic or enamel coating. Ceramic interiors are very durable and easy to clean. Enamel is also good but can chip if hit hard.
- Plastic: Some internal components and control panels use high-quality, heat-resistant plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an inbuilt microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. Doors should open and close smoothly. Controls should feel responsive. Brands known for quality appliances usually offer better build quality.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat food consistently. Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Poorly designed microwaves can leave hot spots.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for comments on how quiet the unit is.
- Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior, like ceramic, is much easier to clean than one with nooks and crannies. Non-stick coatings also help.
- Brand Reputation: Established appliance brands often have better customer service and stand behind their products with good warranties. This can significantly improve your experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
An inbuilt microwave is designed to make your life easier.
- Quick Meals: Reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or make popcorn in minutes.
- Snack Prep: Warm up a mug cake, melt chocolate for baking, or toast a bagel.
- Smart Cooking: Use sensor cooking for perfectly steamed vegetables or baked potatoes.
- Baking and Roasting: If your microwave has convection, you can bake cookies or roast chicken without turning on your main oven. This is great for smaller batches or when your main oven is in use.
- Space Saving: Its biggest advantage is freeing up valuable counter space, creating a cleaner, more organized kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between an inbuilt microwave and a countertop microwave?
A: An inbuilt microwave is designed to be installed into your kitchen cabinets, looking like part of the kitchen design. A countertop microwave sits on your counter.
Q: How much space do I need for an inbuilt microwave?
A: You’ll need to check the specific dimensions of the microwave and the cabinet space you plan to install it in. Manufacturers provide detailed installation guides.
Q: Are inbuilt microwaves harder to clean?
A: Generally, no. Many have smooth interiors and are designed for easy wiping. Some even have self-cleaning functions.
Q: Can I replace my old countertop microwave with an inbuilt one?
A: It depends on your cabinets. You might need to modify your cabinetry to fit an inbuilt model. It’s best to consult with a kitchen designer or cabinet maker.
Q: What does “convection” mean on a microwave?
A: Convection means the microwave has a fan that circulates hot air, allowing it to bake, roast, and broil food like a regular oven.
Q: How do I know if my microwave is heating evenly?
A: You can test this by placing a mug of water in the center and at the edges. If the water heats up to boiling at different rates, it might not be heating evenly.
Q: Is a grill function really useful?
A: Yes, a grill function is great for browning and crisping food. It can make toast, chicken wings, or pizza toppings deliciously crispy.
Q: Do inbuilt microwaves come with a plug?
A: Most inbuilt microwaves are hardwired into your home’s electrical system during installation. However, some smaller models might have a plug.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an inbuilt microwave?
A: With good care, an inbuilt microwave can last between 7 to 15 years.
Q: Should I choose a microwave with a digital display or knobs?
A: This is a matter of personal preference. Digital displays offer precise settings, while knobs can be simpler and quicker for some users.
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.