There's nothing wrong with a MW drawer. The vast majority of people are perfectly happy with theirs.

If you read the reviews--no matter what site you go to, they all say the same thing. About 50% of the reviews say they make a grinding sound, they do not heat and white smoke comes out and there is no one to repair them because they're not authorized to fix "drawers". I want one but they are expensive to buy just for aesthetics.

I’m on my second MW drawer. The first was put into the condo i had for 6 years and sold and that drawer is still going strong. How do i know? We wound up becoming friends with the woman we sold our condo to.

I put the newer model Sharp in my new build and have been using it for a year now with no problems.

I have a Sharp microwave drawer and have experienced none of the issues you mentioned. If you want a built in microwave in an island but don't want a drawer, your only option is a regular cabinet built in unit or a regular one that comes with a trim kit. Those would look and function just fine, but you'd have to manage the 'stooping/bending' problem when getting things in and out and with programming it. I'm extremely tall, so that would be a deal breaker for me but for some, it's not that big of a deal.

No issues with my Wolf MW drawer that was installed last year.

I've had my Sharp MW drawer for 9 years and have had no problems. I much prefer it to having one on the counter or over the range.

ETA: I understand how frustrating it can be to read reviews. It seems for every product there are raves and rants.

Per my original post, I really discount anecdotal reviews regarding the quality of appliances (or anything) because it just isn't a statistically accurate sampling. I know people rag on Consumers Report but their testing replicates actual use - and their surveys of readers on specific stuff probably is large enough so that it gives some idea of repair records.

I do find individual posts very helpful in terms of functionality or specific aspects of an appliance - or anything. Obviously that's also individual but one can extrapolate the functionality to one's own situation/likes/dislikes etc. For example, when I was researching induction cooktops, I realized that I would go crazy if I had to cycle through power levels instead of being able to hit the power I wanted directly. On the other hand, I realized I didn't need 35 different power levels.

I know many ppl with a microwave drawer that are all very happy with it. I'm actually surprised to hear these complaints.

As far as repairs, or people qualified to do repairs, that can be very dependent on your geographic location. I live in LA and there are several very good appliance repair companies. You might not be happy at the high cost of the repair, but most appliances can be fixed.

"Any suggestions on what else is out there that would work built in an island?"

There isn't anything. All the microwave drawers are made by Sharp and other manufacturers just change the appearance a bit and jack up the price. Home Depot and Best Buy do offer a 5-year "protection plans" for $160 (be sure to read the fine print).

How about a microwave installed in an upper cabinet with a trim kit to give it a built-in appearance: Frigidaire FGMO226NU?

Thanks, Lawrence. Unfortunately this isn't an entire kitchen rehab so I have no upper cabinet space available. The Island is where it will go--I just have to decide if I'm comfortable with a drawer or not. Everyone has been very helpful.

I have also had nothing but positive experiences with my Sharp microwave drawer going on two years now. It is one of my favorite parts of my new kitchen!

This is my client’s 3rd MW drawer. She put it in her last home, and her beach house. Never an issue.

Thats more the rule than the exception. In my circle, and that includes the local NKBA chapter, I haven’t heard a single problem with them. People that just don’t like the idea of a MW below the counter, yeah. There’s a few of those.

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