Does your kitchen counter look cluttered with appliances? Many people want a sleek, modern kitchen. A built-in microwave can help you achieve that clean look. But choosing the right one feels overwhelming, right? You have so many sizes, features, and styles to think about. Where does it fit best? What features do you actually need? These questions can stop you from upgrading.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain what makes a built-in microwave special. You will learn about different installation types and the key features that matter most for your cooking style. By the end, you will feel confident picking the perfect model to blend seamlessly into your home.
Let’s dive into making your kitchen look amazing and work better for you.
Top Built In Microwave Recommendations
- built-in trim kit available in 27" (GMTK2768AF) and 30" (GMTK3068AF) Sold Seperatly
- Provides 2.2 cu. ft. of cooking space, accommodating large dishes and multiple items at once for convenient and efficient cooking
- Sensors in the microwave determine and set the appropriate power levels and cook time to ensure great tasting food
- Width: 24 7/16 Inch Depth: 19 5/8 Inch Height: 13 5/8 Inch Cutout Width: 24 3/4 Inch Cutout Depth: 20 Inch Cutout Height: 16 3/4 Inch
- Fits-More Microwave
- Take The Guesswork Out Of Cooking With Sensor Cook
- Convenient Quick Start Options
- Reheat Leftovers Easily With Sensor Reheat
- Width: 24 3/8 Inch Depth: 19 5/8 Inch Height: 13 5/8 Inch Cutout Width: 24 3/4 Inch Cutout Depth: 20 Inch Cutout Height: 16 3/4 Inch
- built-in trim kit 30" (PMTK3080AF) Sold Seperatly
- Pull-Out Microwave Drawer – A smart, stylish way to utilize a microwave oven in the kitchen without leaving it on the counter or hung over the stove this pull-out, low-profile microwave can be mounted right into the wall or your kitchen cabinetry.
- High-Power Cooking Efficiency – This 120V, 60Hz, 1000-watt drawer microwave provides plenty of power for cooking and defrosting food. And with 10 microwave power levels with time and memory control you’ll love using it for everything
- One-Touch Open with Slow Closing – The stylish design of our built-in microwave is further enhanced with a simple one-touch open door design and a slow-close door to make it easy to start heating or reheating food with amazing efficiency.
- Space-Saving Flat Bottom Design – Increasing kitchen space is especially important when the room is limited. This 1.2 cu ft microwave features a flat bottom to reduce the amount of space it uses without sacrificing power or effectiveness.
- Elegant Stainless-Steel Finish – A beautiful appliance that looks great in modern, or farmhouse-style kitchens our stainless-steel microwave easily matches appliances and creates a sophisticated look that sets itself apart from countertop units.
- POWER CONVECTION: Power Convection technology combines traditional convection cooking with powerful hot air, distributing the heat thoroughly and cooking up to 30% faster
- AIR FRY: Enjoy healthier fried food without relying on a deep fryer.
- POWERGRILL DUO: With a powerful and wide grill, you can brown and crisp your food on the outside without it drying inside.
- SMARTTHINGS FOOD: SmartThings Food provides recipe recommendations and a guided cooking experience to make meal time easy.
- WI-FI CONNECTED & VOICE CONTROL: Remotely monitor and control the microwave oven using the SmartThings App or just use your voice, using an assistant like Samsung Bixby, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to check it's status or control it.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- Convection and Microwave Modes: A dual microwave and convection oven, which includes convection, broil, sensor cooking, reheat, defrost, rapid pre-heat, and microwave cooking settings, expands your food prep options for optimal dish results.
- Convection Heating Element: The top and bottom heating elements of this built in microwave oven can provide you with better cooking results, which is equipped with a powerful convection system that circulates the heated air over, under and around, providing ideal temperature and airflow for rapid preheating, ensuring even cooking.
- Double Layered Glass Door: This stainless steel oven and microwave combo features double layered glass that effectively locks in the heat to ensure efficient cooking ans also isolate high-temperature steam to ensure safety. Besides,it offers a clear and bright interior, where you can easily view the status of your food.
- Reversible Turntable&Wire Rack： The microwave and oven combo comes with a reversible turntable and wire rack. The turntable can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise and is made of ceramic for durability. An included microwave rack offers maximum convection performance, for best results place face down for baking or roasting and face up for grilling.
- 24 Inch Stylish Design: Product size: 23.4" x 17.9" x 22.4"; Voltage: 120 VAC, 60 Hz; Built for speed and convenience with 1750 watts broil element, 1000 watts microwave power, 1700 watts convection element.
- 30-Sec. Instant Start and 8 Express Cook Options - Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Beverage, Soup, Dinner Plate, Fresh Vegetable, Frozen Vegetable.
- Picture Frame Kit - Trim kit is included with microwave and creates a polished final look. No need to purchase anything extra to help your new appliance blend in with your RV kitchen.
- 2 Stylish Color Options - Comes in Stainless Steel or Black, colors that blend well with most interior décor. Update your kitchen with timeless styles!
- Direct Replacement - Replace your Greystone or High Point microwaves without any issues. Our new Stainless Steel or Black microwave will fit perfectly where your old one was installed.
- UL Listed
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Built-In Microwave
Built-in microwaves offer a sleek, modern look for your kitchen. They fit right into your cabinets, saving counter space. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a built-in microwave, several features make a big difference.
- Size and Fit: Measure your cabinet opening carefully. Microwaves come in standard sizes, but double-check the width, height, and depth. A good fit means a professional look.
- Wattage (Power): Wattage tells you how fast the microwave cooks. Most built-in models range from 900 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food quicker.
- Control Panel: Look for easy-to-read displays and simple buttons. Some models offer touchscreens, which look fancy but should still be easy to use.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature uses sensors to detect steam. It automatically adjusts cooking time. This stops food from overcooking.
- Convection Cooking: Some high-end models include a convection feature. This lets the microwave act like a small oven, allowing you to bake and roast.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
The exterior is usually stainless steel. Stainless steel looks great and resists fingerprints on many models. Inside, look for an easy-to-clean material like ceramic enamel or painted metal. Smooth surfaces wipe down easily after spills.
The door glass should be durable. A sturdy handle or a smooth push-button opening mechanism is also important for daily use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is about performance and longevity.
What improves quality? Strong internal components mean longer life. Good insulation keeps the heat inside where it belongs. Quiet operation also adds to a better experience. Higher-end brands often use better motors and magnetrons (the part that makes the microwaves).
What reduces quality? Cheap plastic parts break easily. Weak door hinges can wear out quickly. If the heating is uneven, the quality is low, and you might find cold spots in your food.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your kitchen shapes your choice.
For busy families, fast heating and simple presets (like “Popcorn” or “Defrost”) are essential. If you often reheat leftovers, look for even heating zones.
If you love to bake but have limited oven space, a convection built-in microwave becomes a versatile tool. People who entertain often appreciate the seamless, integrated look that built-in units provide, making the kitchen look clean and custom.
Installation can be tricky. Some models require a specific trim kit to fit perfectly into the cabinet opening. Check if the trim kit is included or sold separately.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Built-In Microwaves
Q: What is the main difference between a built-in and an over-the-range microwave?
A: A built-in microwave installs directly into cabinetry or a wall cutout. An over-the-range (OTR) microwave hangs above your stove and usually includes a ventilation fan.
Q: Do I need special tools to install a built-in microwave?
A: Yes, installation often requires basic carpentry skills or the help of a professional. You must ensure the cabinet space is correctly sized for the unit.
Q: Are built-in microwaves smaller than countertop models?
A: Not necessarily. Built-in models offer various capacities, but they are designed to fit standard cabinet widths, which can sometimes limit the very largest sizes available in countertop versions.
Q: How do I know if my current cabinet space will fit a new microwave?
A: You must measure the height, width, and depth of the existing opening. Always check the specific manufacturer’s cutout dimensions for the model you plan to buy.
Q: Is stainless steel the only exterior option?
A: No. While stainless steel is popular, many manufacturers offer black, white, or panel-ready options that let you cover the microwave door with a custom cabinet panel.
Q: What does “trim kit” mean?
A: The trim kit is a frame that goes around the microwave when it is installed in a cabinet. It covers any gaps and gives the unit a finished, built-in look.
Q: How loud are built-in microwaves when running?
A: Quality varies. Higher-end models generally operate more quietly than budget models. Sensor cooking sometimes runs the fan longer, which can affect the noise level.
Q: Can I use a countertop microwave in a built-in space?
A: You can, but only if you buy the matching trim kit for that specific countertop model. Using a standard countertop microwave without a kit looks unfinished and might not vent properly.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a built-in microwave?
A: With regular use, a good quality built-in microwave usually lasts between 8 and 12 years. Good maintenance helps it last longer.
Q: Are built-in microwaves more expensive than countertop models?
A: Generally, yes. You pay extra for the design integration, the required hardware, and often higher wattage or extra features like convection cooking.