Imagine a kitchen that looks sleek and modern, where appliances blend in perfectly with your cabinets. No more bulky boxes taking up precious counter space! That’s the magic of a built-in microwave oven. But when it comes to picking the right one, it can feel like a whirlwind of features, sizes, and brands. Do you go for a simple model or one with all the bells and whistles? How do you make sure it fits your space and your cooking style?
Choosing a built-in microwave can be tricky because there are so many things to think about. You want it to look good, work well, and be easy to use. It’s a big decision for your kitchen, and getting it wrong can lead to frustration. But don’t worry! This post is here to help you navigate the world of built-in microwaves.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what makes a great built-in microwave. We’ll break down the most important features, explain what to look for, and help you find the perfect fit for your home. Let’s dive in and discover how to upgrade your kitchen with a stylish and functional 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: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF Built-in Microwave Oven. This spacious 2.2 cu. ft. microwave fits large dishes and multiple items, making cooking a breeze. It’s designed to be built into your cabinetry for a sleek, modern look. Remember, the trim kit is sold separately, but it’s available in 27″ and 30″ sizes to perfectly match your kitchen design.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity fits big meals and multiple dishes.
- Smart sensor cooking automatically adjusts power and time for perfectly cooked food.
- Built-in design creates a clean, integrated look in your kitchen.
- Fits standard cabinet cutouts, making installation easier.
- The Frigidaire Gallery Series offers reliable performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Trim kit must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.
- The width is 24 7/16 inches, so ensure it fits your existing space.
This Frigidaire microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add both style and advanced cooking features to their kitchen. Its large capacity and smart sensor technology make meal preparation efficient and enjoyable.
2. Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 8.9/10
The Panasonic NN-SN98JS microwave oven is a powerful and spacious appliance designed to make your cooking easier. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop and it can even be built into your kitchen. With a large 2.2 cubic foot capacity, it can handle big meals for your family.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: The 1250-watt Cyclonic Inverter technology cooks food evenly and quickly, keeping all the good flavors and healthy stuff in your food.
- Smart Defrosting: Inverter Turbo Defrost helps thaw frozen foods much faster.
- Big Capacity: The 16.5-inch turntable fits large dishes, making it great for families.
- Automatic Cooking: The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for different foods, so you don’t have to guess.
- Lots of Presets: It has 20 preset menu items for easy cooking.
- Versatile Use: It works well as a countertop microwave or can be built into your kitchen cabinets.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: While the capacity is large, the overall unit itself is quite big and might take up a lot of counter space for smaller kitchens.
- Learning Curve: Some users might find all the features a little overwhelming at first.
This Panasonic microwave offers a great combination of power, capacity, and smart features. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
3. Panasonic Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Introducing the Panasonic NN-SN97JS, a 2.2 cu. ft. stainless steel microwave that’s ready to tackle all your cooking and reheating needs. This countertop or built-in unit boasts 1250 watts of power, ensuring your food cooks quickly and evenly. Its sleek silver finish will look great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The Cyclonic Wave technology cooks food thoroughly and keeps it flavorful.
- Inverter Technology gives you consistent power for perfect results every time, no more overcooked edges or cold centers.
- Turbo Defrost makes thawing frozen foods much faster.
- The large 2.2 cu. ft. capacity and 16.5-inch turntable easily fit big dishes and family-sized meals.
- The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for you.
- It has 20 preset menu items, a quick-minute timer, and a delay start option for convenience.
- The food warming feature keeps your dishes ready to serve when you are.
- It has a child safety lock for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The unit requires a 120V 60Hz, 12.7A/1480W power supply, so check your kitchen’s electrical capacity.
- While it’s designed for both countertop and built-in use, installation for a built-in look might require extra steps.
This Panasonic microwave offers a powerful and smart way to prepare your meals. It’s a fantastic addition for busy households looking for efficiency and great results.
4. KoolMore KM-CWO30-SS Built-in Microwave with Convection Oven and Air Fryer
Rating: 9.2/10
The KoolMore KM-CWO30-SS is a sleek, silver, 30-inch built-in microwave that does more than just heat food. It’s a convection oven and an air fryer all in one, packing 1000 watts of power. This means you can cook, bake, and even make crispy, healthier versions of your favorite fried foods. Its large 1.6 cubic feet capacity handles family-sized meals with ease. Plus, it’s designed to fit right into your kitchen cabinetry for a clean, modern look.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 appliance: microwave, convection oven, and air fryer.
- The 1000-watt power heats and cooks food quickly.
- It offers 10 power levels for precise cooking.
- The built-in design gives your kitchen a polished look.
- The 1.6 cubic feet size is great for most meals.
- The air fryer helps you make healthier, crispy foods.
- Cleaning is simple with its manual clean type.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the built-in installation requires professional help.
- The control panel might take a little time to get used to, though it’s user-friendly.
This KoolMore oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible versatility and convenience. It makes cooking a joy with its many features.
5. MilleLoom 30′ Microwave Convection Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The MilleLoom 30′ Microwave Convection Oven is a kitchen game-changer, offering a 1.6 Cu. Ft. capacity and built-in design for smart cooking. It’s a versatile appliance that can do so much more than just heat up leftovers. With its many features, it aims to simplify your cooking and give you more time to enjoy your meals.
What We Like:
- It has a powerful 950 W microwave and convection modes, including an air fryer. You can also make popcorn, speed cook, defrost, sensor cook, and slow cook. This means you can cook almost anything!
- The 1.6 Cu. Ft. interior is quite large. It fits tall coffee mugs and big dishes up to 16 x 16 inches. This gives you lots of room for cooking.
- Using the touch control panel is super easy. Preset cooking modes mean anyone can make great food, even if they don’t cook often.
- Advanced convection technology with 3D surround heating cooks your food evenly. There are no more cold spots, and your roasted dishes will be perfect every time.
- This built-in oven saves valuable kitchen space. It combines a microwave and convection oven into one unit, which is great for smaller kitchens.
- It has a child safety lock, so little hands can’t accidentally turn it on. The drop-down door makes it easy and safe to put food in and take it out.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the touch controls are intuitive, sometimes fingerprints can be visible on the glossy surface.
- The installation process for a built-in appliance might require professional help, which could add to the overall cost.
This MilleLoom oven offers a lot of cooking power and convenience in one sleek package. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen and enjoy more versatile cooking.
Choosing the Right Built-In Microwave Oven: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
A built-in microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It saves counter space and gives your kitchen a sleek, modern look. But with so many options, how do you pick the perfect one? This guide will help you make a smart choice.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
Capacity
- Think about how much food you usually heat up.
- Smaller families might be fine with 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet.
- Larger families or those who cook big meals might need 2.0 cubic feet or more.
Wattage
- Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- Most built-in microwaves have 900 to 1200 watts.
- 1000 watts is a good sweet spot for most people.
Cooking Presets
- These are buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes.
- They take the guesswork out of cooking.
Convection Cooking
- Some microwaves also have a convection feature.
- This means they can bake and roast like a regular oven.
- It’s great for getting crispy food.
Sensor Cooking
- Sensors detect steam and adjust cooking time automatically.
- This prevents overcooking or undercooking your food.
Turntable vs. Turntable-Free
- A turntable spins your food for even heating.
- Turntable-free models use a flat ceramic base.
- Flat bases are easier to clean and can fit larger dishes.
2. Important Materials
The materials used can affect durability and how the microwave looks.
Exterior
- Stainless steel is popular because it looks good and is easy to clean.
- It resists fingerprints well on some models.
- Other options include black or white finishes.
Interior
- The inside is usually made of stainless steel or a ceramic enamel coating.
- Stainless steel is durable.
- Ceramic enamel is very smooth and simple to wipe clean.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a microwave better or worse.
What Makes it Better?
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable microwaves.
- Sturdy Door Hinges: A strong door feels better and lasts longer.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy microwave can be annoying.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays are a plus.
What Can Reduce Quality?
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels light or wobbly might not last.
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is cooked unevenly, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn stains or hard-to-reach corners are frustrating.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave every day.
Everyday Heating
- Reheating leftovers is a common use.
- Making a quick snack like popcorn or heating up soup is easy.
Cooking and Baking
- If your built-in has convection, you can bake cookies or roast chicken.
- It can be a great secondary oven for smaller tasks.
Defrosting
- Defrosting frozen meats or vegetables is a breeze.
- Many microwaves have specific defrost settings.
Choosing a built-in microwave oven involves looking at its size, power, and special features. Consider the materials and what makes a microwave high quality. Think about your daily needs to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Built-In Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the main difference between a built-in microwave and a countertop microwave?
A: A built-in microwave is designed to be installed into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a seamless look. A countertop microwave sits on your counter.
Q: How do I measure the space 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 fit requirements.
Q: Do built-in microwaves come with their own trim kits?
A: Yes, most built-in microwaves come with a trim kit that helps them fit perfectly into your cabinet opening and gives a finished appearance.
Q: Is a convection feature necessary in a built-in microwave?
A: A convection feature is not necessary, but it adds versatility. It allows you to bake, roast, and brown food, essentially acting like a small oven.
Q: How long do built-in microwaves typically last?
A: With good care, a built-in microwave can last between 7 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding overstuffing it helps it last longer.
Q: What is the easiest way to clean the inside of a built-in microwave?
A: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on high for 5 minutes until it steams up. Let it sit for another 5 minutes, then wipe the inside clean with a soft cloth.
Q: Can I replace an old built-in microwave with a new one of a different brand?
A: You can, but you need to make sure the dimensions of the new microwave and its trim kit match the existing cabinet opening. It’s best to stick with similar sizes if possible.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking means the microwave has built-in sensors that detect the humidity released by food as it cooks. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than ceramic enamel?
A: Both have advantages. Stainless steel is very durable. Ceramic enamel is non-stick and extremely easy to wipe clean, making it a popular choice for ease of maintenance.
Q: How much ventilation space does a built-in microwave need?
A: Built-in microwaves need space around them to vent properly and prevent overheating. Always check the installation manual for specific clearance requirements, usually on the sides, top, and back.
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.