There’s no wrong answer! I’ve designed both ways for my clients. The nice thing about having them a little higher is that it’s more ergonomic.

"With a drop down door above a wall oven, I've also read it's annoying to clean, because of the door swung open toward your body"

The Whirlpool WMT50011KS 30 Inch Built-In Microwave Oven has a swing door like most microwave ovens, is slim (14" high with trim kit), and is very reasonably priced ($629).

Note that the cavities of both 30" and 24" Sharp drawer, tilt-control microwave ovens are the same size.

I own a drop down door microwave and it is a pain to clean. (I am fairly tall with long arms too too). I would avoid this style .

This is something only you can decide. Every variety is just perfectly fine. Virtually all recent kitchens I've done have the drawer, nobody doesn't like it. Nobody complains about a slow open, either.

I think it depends how much you use a microwave and what you use it for. Some only have it to zap their morning brew, and for others , it's a routine part of meal making. Some have kids and would die without it quickly heating snack food, and others ? As above. Crowd sourcing an opinion will get you what you're getting. It depends: )

What's wrong with having it on the counter in the kitchen were it's more accessible?

It is "accessible" with any location near food prep. Most folks in recent build or remodel, DON'T want it on the counter hogging space when a wall or an island will accommodate the appliance just as conveniently.......keeping the counter free for cooking prep, or for other small appliances.

The counter is the destination of last resort for nearly all.

JAN MOYER If you say so ..at least you won't tip hot stuff on you on the counter top as you would with a wall mounted one .. I speak from experience !

we’ve had a drawer microwave for 10+ years and really like it - I’m shorter and find it easy to use and clean — I especially like that i can open it and easily stir items since I am standing over it more like the stove -

but I would’t mind one on a pantry shelf either (like Jan I def didn’t want it on my counter)

JAN MOYERWhich location do you find to make the most sense for your clients? Any feedback? Drawer or wall? Do they have a preference?

Sally You can get a wall microwave that swings open as opposed to drop down door. Not sure if that's better or worse than a drawer under the counter. I will let others speak on experience as I have none!

Something I noted about some drawer models: Not all of them have a panel of buttons that light up. The display lights up when the buttons are pushed but the buttons, themselves, do not light up. This requires me to have to kneel down to see what I am doing, given the overhang of the counter top and where I have placed it in my kitchen. I also have had a microwave with the drop down drawer mounted above a wall oven. I am short. (How tall are you?). I needed a step stool to clean the interior AND sometimes needed help to remove items that were very hot. The door got in the way. What are YOUR needs????

@ Mark Peterson

NO client has a microwave over a range. No client has a microwave on a counter top.

Every client has one built in/ installed on a wall over a second oven, OR as a drawer in an island or beneath a counter on a perimeter wall.

Nobody whines about either location.

Both options are far MORE accessible than an out of date over the range scenario from older kitchens or where space is greatly limited. In the first scenario? We find a WAY to avoid over the range.....and in the second scenario it is simply more attractive and easily accessible.

I've had them on the counter--never again, takes up too much work space.

I've had over the range-terrible idea unless you are extremely limited for space.

Best location for me is built into a cabinet or on a shelf at eye level, hinged on the side to open like a refrigerator. The drop down doors are indeed difficult to clean and to remove food items from.

For many years, this has been our preferred solution. MW is in a cabinet with a pull-down "garage door" hinge. When closed for company, it blends into the bank of cabs--much less visually obtrusive than any built-in MW. When open, it allows easy access. And most importantly, you can replace it when (not if) it dies for $200.

Just stayed at a friend's beautiful new house. But I was amused to see they had installed a built-in GE MW which was identical to the cheap $200 MW I have in the basement, but it cost them $600 for a couple pieces of trim.

I always think MWs area thing you either use a lot or for heating coffee . I also think built in ones are not a good idea. MWS do not last forever and usually just about the time yours dies the size changed. I always think hiding appliances in a kitchen makes no sense it is IMO first a functional space and that includes appliances and nice to know where they are. So do you use it daily then put it on the counter where it makes sense I sometimes do a wall of fridge panty and acounter for the MW in that run . Post the floor plan and your use of the MW.

Patricia Colwell Consulting Couldn't the same be said about wall ovens? Sites say MW last 10 years and ovens last 10-15 years. I've had wall ovens 2 completely die on me in the span of 9 years so I was horribly unlucky. With that said I still wouldn't want a MW hogging up counter space for 9+ years. Just replace it when it dies. You only live so long.

Sally, Patricia makes a good point though. How often do you use it? If it's rarely used then clinresga suggestion with the "garage door" cabinet could be a practical solution while still looking attractive. If you're going for a beautiful traditional or transitional style like the above pic, then keeping it open works fine. But if you have a big family using it 10x a day, then that's a lot of open close, open close, open close, which means the garage door would likely stay open 24/7. In that case if you're going for a super minimal or contemporary style, a builtin MW will be much more attractive.

I have no experience with the MW drawers so I'll see what others will have to say

Just get the standard Sharp MW drawer with the tilting control panel. Most here have been happy with that model.

Do not get the Sharp combo MW/oven drawer, as the oven function is under powered and not worth the cost.

Our microwave gets used multiple times a day, mostly by my kids. The drawer one is easy to reach, safe to lift food out of...and out of sight in my layout.

First analyze how you use yours and any height or reach issues.

I mostly heat tea, heat water for bouillon for cooking, reheat leftovers, nuke a few veggies, a frozen entree. Not regular cooking. Hence don’t need to reach in to stir.

I’ve had one on a simple shelf and next to frig and above the counter worked great. In 20 years there, had to replace a couple of times & so easy. Landing zone to counter.

More recently moved to OTR microwave but with counter space both sides, so micro use is easy but has all the drawbacks of using when all the burners going, and No outside venting. So on the remodel list is to remove & do range hood, and replace an adjacent cabinet with upper smaller cabinet + shelf for regular microwave. Possibly a streamlined one since I never need full “ height” but do like to be able to fit shallow casserole dishes. Or maybe just sized for standard which are cheaper.

We have had our Sharp 30" drawer MW since the kitchen remodel in 2009...so 14 years. So far, it has never been serviced, repaired or replaced, and we use it multiple times a day. I love it. I know that it may need to be replaced at some point, but I see no difference in how it operates now from when it was brand new. Hopefully, when it does need replacing, the sizes haven't changed!

@ptreckel "Something I noted about some drawer models: Not all of them have a panel of buttons that light up."

Sharp manufactures all drawer microwaves and is the OEM for other brands. It retains the tilt-down control panel exclusively for ovens it sells under the Sharp brand. If you buy other than the SHARP SMD2470ASY or SHARP SMD3070ASY the control panel (lit or not) will not tilt down to be easily visible from above.

However, some 24" models have a control panel which is angled slightly upward to make it easier to read:

• Summit MDR245SS (bargain at $868)
• Forte F2412MVD650SS
• Forte F2412MVD650SS
• Cosmo COS12MWDSSNH (control panel lettering appears to be bright white)

I use my Air Fryer 10x more than the microwave. I'd look for an appliance that combines features so there are fewer appliances to install or store.

I had a built in swing door MW for the last 28 years but in recent renovation put in a drop door, built in microwave/ convection oven over my dual conventional/convection wall oven. I am 5-7” and open microwave door bottom is 45” from the floor and I have no problem using it or cleaning it. I much prefer it over the drawer style because a.) I don’t want little children operating it, b. I like to view the item through the glass and not need to open the drawer to see if it is boiling or whatever, c. The microwave/convection is just more functional than a microwave drawer…. This is of course all my personal opinion as to what works for me.

@ Patricia Colwell Consulting : I get your belief about hiding appliances, but the huge number of kitchens using custom panels over appliances argues otherwise. It's very dependent on the style you choose. If the look is "commercial kitchen," then tons of visible appliances, both built-in and on counters can work fine.

But kitchens are much more than just cooking spaces these days--that's why you see dramatic waterfall islands, fancy pendant lighting, and expensive leather bar stools. In a kitchen that is also a primary entertainment space, leaving microwaves, mixers, toaster ovens, air fryers, food processors, etc etc out on the counter looks cluttered and detracts greatly from the appearance.

I'd argue that if you are using custom panels over fridge and DWs, then built-in MW are preferable to countertop location, and I'd argue that my approach of using a garage door cabinet that can be left open day to day, but closed when guests arrive is an even better solution.

I'm on my second drawer microwave (Sharp). The first one was in the condo I sold in 2016. When we built our house, I made sure a drawer microwave was in the plans. I love mine for the ease of putting things in/out, etc. As for cleaning, I don't find it difficult at all.

There’s no wrong answer! I’ve designed both ways for my clients. The nice thing about having them a little higher is that it’s more ergonomic.

Actually having them in a drawer is more ergonomic because you reach in and pull it up. Having to reach above your head is absolutely not ergonomic.

What's wrong with having it on the counter in the kitchen were it's more accessible?

It takes up valuable counter space.

JAN MOYER If you say so ..at least you won't tip hot stuff on you on the counter top as you would with a wall mounted one .. I speak from experience !

Which is why a drawer microwave works so well. No tipping. Just reach in and lift.

Just get the standard Sharp MW drawer with the tilting control panel. Most here have been happy with that model.

Exactly! Very, very easy to read the controls.

I'd argue that if you are using custom panels over fridge and DWs, then built-in MW are preferable to countertop location, and I'd argue that my approach of using a garage door cabinet that can be left open day to day, but closed when guests arrive is an even better solution.

Or for kitchens that are open to living rooms, etc. I paneled my fridge and DW for that reason. I didn't want my fridge to be the first thing you see when you enter the kitchen from the living room. Or doing a MW drawer that isn't visible immediatey.

And yes, your solution is excellent too.

Why not a built-in speed oven that is both microwave and convection oven? Seems like the best use of space.

I like it completely hidden behind a cabinet door. Have electrician add an outlet 5' off the ground in back of the cabinet. Switch for another $80 micro when it breaks!

Cpartist…really? You reach over your head to reach inside a built-in microwave? Mine is about elbow high…perfect for reaching in.

Beth Allen, I could live with that setup, but my DH would complain constantly about having to open 2 doors to use the MW!

Are they worth the price? A $79 microwave versus several thousand for a built-in microwave. No. This is all about how something looks.

At least with a $5,000 oven versus a $100 toaster oven, you can compare cooking quality. A microwave is going to microwave the same.

HU-227031627: "A $79 microwave versus several thousand for a built-in microwave."

The Whirlpool WMT50011KSBuilt-In Microwave Oven is $629.

"A microwave is going to microwave the same."

CR's tests revealed substantial performance differences in speed and evenness of heating among other characteristics.

I'd suggest more research.

cpartist Take a look at this thread. It seems the consensus for many folks is that microwave drawers are inferior and a PAIN IN THE A** . https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2863295/pros-and-cons-of-microwave-drawer-please

Cpartist…really? You reach over your head to reach inside a built-in microwave? Mine is about elbow high…perfect for reaching in.

No I reach down into my drawer microwave.

cpartist Take a look at this thread. It seems the consensus for many folks is that microwave drawers are inferior and a PAIN IN THE A** .

I'm reading the comments and most who are complaining about the microwave drawers don't have one. So who to believe? Those who don't have one or those of us who do and love them?

LOL........ I assume you just asked that RHETORICALLY?

It's like saying......"gee, my phone was nicer when it was hard wired to my car!"

No......it really wasn't! I never look a tech gift horse in the mouth. The drawer is fantastic. For short people, for kids.....anyone in between. Hard to beat.

I clearly understand that some people might not like MW drawers, as Yolanda's citing of the discussion may show. But, as I mentioned above, mine is already 14 years old, and still functions perfectly. My husband uses the "Open/Close" buttons, but I pull it open by hand (it was designed to work both ways), so it does not seem "slow" to me, a common complaint (not by him...he has never mentioned that as a problem, and he is its primary user). Cleaning? Not super-easy, a minor complaint. I would not say MW drawers are "inferior" in any way; all models have their drawbacks...just personal choice as to which you are willing to deal with to be able to quickly heat/defrost items in your kitchen.

There is no right or wrong here. For me I punch in the time I want something heated in my microwave and hit start. The only other button I use occasionally is the button where you can reduce the power. Other then that I do not use any other button on the microwave not even the popcorn button. I do not defrost anything in my microwave either. Why would I want to spend $1000 for a drawer microwave? When my cheap little microwave stops working I buy another cheap little microwave. My cheap little microwave is 14 years old and still going strong.

We remodeled our kitchen in 2012 with all new cabinets and appliances. Where the old ca. 1985 one-piece GE combo of microwave on top and wall oven below were located, we had a cubby built for the microwave over the wall oven with an electrical outlet on the cubby back wall. That move paid off when the microwave died ten years later. Remove the broken one and plug in the new one. Super easy.

I believe nobody has said there is a right /wrong.

Up above? I said.......

"This is something only you can decide. Every variety is just perfectly fine."

They all work every and any variety. It just depends where you prefer to LOCATE it in your own kitchen.

My own built in died during the shut down of Pandemic %$##

I borrowed a counter top model from a friends basement. Worked? Of course. Do I still have it? Nope......counter top hog.

I’m just surprised I hear so much about microwave failures. My GE built-in combination oven/microwave lasted from when we built our house until we renovated 28 years later and it was used daily. Who knows how much longer it would have lasted if we had not renovated, but 28 years is a good run. I’ll be dead before this next one needs to be replaced!

There's virtually nothing in appliances you will buy today, that will still be running 28 years from now. Your Sub Zero fridge...maybe, but even that? More likely not.

Missy Bee - our cooktop, and built-in GE oven&microwave were 26-27 years old when we remodeled in 2012 and still working, The DW had already been replaced somewhere along the way and was replaced again during the remodel.

All the new appliances we installed are still working, eleven years later --- much to my delight -- although the Thermador downdraft needed some lubrication this past year.

Very few appliances last 5-7 years without some sort of repair, in today's world. Our 4 y/o Whirlpool side by side refrigerator now has a leaky in-door water dispenser with a $600 quote for parts & labor to repair, before the trip charge. Our Bosch DW needed a rinse agent seal replacement at 10 years of age. Our Breville countertop toaster oven died this summer after almost 11 years of good service, when the thermostat ceased to function.(we wore it out - LOL)