Built-in or drawer under counter microwave.

last month

Our Sharp 24" built in drawer microwave, which I insisted on for anesthetic reasons during our kitchen reno 3 years ago, has bit the dust. Thee are several parts blown (touch panel and magnetron). The technician we had come look at it said it is not worth it to repair, due to parts and labour expense. We now have an old apartment microwave parked in "the hole," but want to fill the gap with another that is the right size (24") and will look good in our space. Our appliances are all stainless, but not all matching. The range has round handles, fridge flat, so that doesnt matter too much to us. I did like the flat, handle-free front of the Sharp, but now want to be a little more practical and get one that will look good here *and* work for more than a few years. Thanks for any suggestions or recommendations you might have!

Featured Answer

chicagoans

last month

I know they're more expensive than basic models, but for anything below the counter I prefer a drawer microwave. I like being able to see, stir, and lift out the contents from above, rather than bending down and peering in. That's just my personal preference, especially since you already have the cabinet space fitted for that use.

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Comments (11)

Janet
last month
last modified: last month
I love your cabinets! What wood are they? Thanks.
Marya A
Original Author
last month
Janet, thank you. The cabinets are walnut, and I love them. For me, the variation and movement in the grain is delightful. The wood is a little soft, compared with maple or oak cabinetry, for example, but in 4 years, so far, we only have a few small dings from hitting the bottom edge of the face of a middle drawer with a pot from the drawer below when removing it.
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Fran Gil
last month
https://expertofhome.com/best-24-inch-built-in-microwave/
Buehl
last month
I agree with Chicagoans - if it's below the counter, a drawer is the best option both ergonomically and aesthetically.

Every appliance and manufacturer has lemons. Sometimes, it's not just the manufacturer, though, it can be user error that can cause some of the issues. (I'm a poster child for that - I ruined my first MW drawer by heating water & vinegar for too long when I was trying to get rid of burned popcorn smell!)

I had my first for many years (11+years) and the second (6+ years) was still going strong when we sold the house last year. When we partially remodeled the Kitchen in our current home, we put another one in (and got rid of the built-in one above a single wall oven - I really disliked it and not just for it's lack of features - my 91-year old mom was worried about using it b/c of its height).

Note that Sharp makes most, if not all, drawer microwaves. They rebrand their drawer MWs for others by making some cosmetic changes and maybe adding/subtracting a minor option here & there.
Buehl
last month
Oh, and installing a drawer MW is pretty easy if you have the setup already (which you do), so shop around for your best deal - both online and at brick & mortar stores.
Karen Westerkamp
last month
Your kitchen is so pretty ! We just got a drawer mw in the middle of a Reno so haven't used it yet. Hope it lasts longer than 3 yrs tho!
chicagoans
last month
last modified: last month
@Buehl: "my 91-year old mom was worried about using it b/c of its height" I so agree with this!

When my parents moved into their retirement / assisted living condo, they were able to have the kitchen remodeled and I insisted on a MW that my mom could reach easily. (She's now 92, has arthritis in her hands, and likes her tea and soup piping hot.) The original design from the living space "designers" had the MW over the range, and she would have been pulling things out at face level. Kind of falls into the "what were they thinking" category IMO.
eam44
last month
In case you need it

https://microtrim.com/microwave-trim-kits/
la_la Girl
last month
Agree there are sometimes just lemons - we’re had our Sharp drawer for 15+ years - no issues
Marya A
Original Author
last month
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts, knowledge, and experiences. I am going to push to replace the drawer microwave, or get a second opinion on repairing it. My husband is offended by the price, though, for reheating coffee and plates of Chinese takeout, so... we'll see how I do. :)