Imagine a kitchen where your appliances blend in perfectly, looking sleek and modern. That’s the dream for many home cooks, and a built-in microwave oven is a big part of making that dream come true. But stepping into the world of built-in microwaves can feel a little overwhelming. You’ve probably stood in front of a display, scratching your head, wondering about sizes, features, and how it will actually fit into your cabinets. It’s not as simple as just picking a color!
Choosing the right built-in microwave oven involves more than just looks. You need to think about how much cooking you do, the space you have, and what kind of help you want your microwave to offer. Will it be your go-to for quick snacks, or will it handle more complex reheating and cooking tasks? We know this can be a tricky decision, with so many models and technical terms to sort through.
That’s why we’re here! In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about built-in microwave ovens. We’ll help you understand the different types, what features really matter, and how to pick the one that will make your kitchen both beautiful and functional. Get ready to feel confident in your choice and find the perfect built-in microwave to elevate your cooking space.
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: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven. This spacious microwave offers ample room for all your cooking needs, from reheating leftovers to preparing full meals. Its sleek, built-in design blends seamlessly into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a modern, polished look. Plus, smart sensor cooking takes the guesswork out of meal prep, ensuring delicious results every time.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity handles large dishes and multiple items easily.
- Smart sensor cooking automatically adjusts power and time for perfect results.
- Built-in design creates a clean, integrated look in your kitchen.
- Accommodates various kitchen sizes with available 27″ and 30″ trim kits (sold separately).
What Could Be Improved:
- Trim kit is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Requires specific cutout dimensions for installation.
This Frigidaire microwave is a fantastic addition for those seeking both style and smart functionality in their kitchen. It makes cooking and reheating a breeze.
2. Hipicute 30’ Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Hipicute 30’ Microwave Oven, a powerhouse appliance designed to simplify your kitchen routine. This built-in oven combines a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer, offering a world of cooking possibilities in one sleek unit. Its spacious interior and advanced features make meal prep a breeze for families of all sizes.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.6 Cu.Ft interior easily fits large dishes, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Versatile Cooking: Enjoy various microwave modes like quick cook, defrost, sensor cook, and slow cook for perfectly cooked meals every time.
- Healthy Air Frying: Make your favorite fried foods healthier with the built-in air fryer, using less oil for delicious results.
- Family-Friendly Safety: A child safety lock and easy-to-use touch control panel ensure safe operation for everyone in the household.
- Powerful Performance: The 1700W power quickly and efficiently cooks your food, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
- Convenient Drop-Down Door: This design makes loading and unloading food simple and safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Requirements: As a built-in unit, it requires specific cabinet space and professional installation, which adds to the initial setup.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the touch controls are user-friendly, mastering all the convection and air fry settings might take a little practice.
This Hipicute oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution that brings convenience and versatility to your kitchen. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
3. Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 8.6/10
The Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven is a large and powerful appliance that can handle all your cooking and reheating needs. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop and it even has the option to be built-in. With a massive 2.2 cubic feet of space, you can easily fit big dishes and family-sized meals.
What We Like:
- The 1250-watt power cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- Inverter Technology ensures food is heated evenly, avoiding hot and cold spots.
- Turbo Defrost speeds up the thawing process for frozen foods.
- The large 16.5-inch turntable fits even large plates and bowls.
- Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for different foods.
- It has 20 preset menu options for common meals.
- The delay start feature lets you set it to cook later.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up a lot of counter space for some kitchens.
- While versatile, some users might find the sheer number of settings a bit overwhelming at first.
This Panasonic microwave is a fantastic option for busy families who need a reliable and spacious appliance. Its smart features make cooking easier and more convenient.
4. Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 9.4/10
The Frigidaire PMBS3080BF is a spacious 2.2 cu. ft. built-in microwave oven. It offers Sensor Cook technology, which helps you prepare food perfectly without guesswork. This microwave is designed to be built into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a sleek, integrated look. Remember, a trim kit is needed to complete the installation and is sold separately.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity fits larger dishes and meals.
- Sensor Cook automatically adjusts cooking time and power for optimal results.
- Built-in design creates a clean, modern aesthetic in your kitchen.
- The 24 3/8 inch width fits well into standard cabinet openings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The required trim kit (PMTK3080AF) is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Installation may require professional help due to its built-in nature.
- The depth of 19 5/8 inches might be a consideration for shallower cabinets.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a large capacity and smart cooking features. It’s a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their kitchen with a built-in appliance, just be sure to budget for the trim kit.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a spacious 1.9 cu.ft. capacity, making it ideal for families and busy households. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. Enjoy quick and easy meal preparation with its user-friendly features and efficient performance.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking: Heats food quickly and evenly.
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft. capacity: Fits large dishes and meals.
- Pre-programmed auto menus: Takes the guesswork out of cooking for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting: Illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
- Efficient 400-CFM venting fan: Removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Turntable On/Off function: Provides flexibility for cooking larger or oddly shaped items.
- Convenient 30-second express cooking: Get quick results with a single touch.
- Child lock feature: Ensures safety for households with young children.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation instructions: While available, some users might prefer a more detailed physical manual.
- Venting fan noise: Some users might find the fan to be a bit loud at higher settings.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich and powerful over-the-range microwave. It simplifies cooking and enhances kitchen functionality.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Built-In Microwave Oven
A built-in microwave oven blends seamlessly into your kitchen. It offers a clean look and saves counter space. This guide helps you find the right one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
- Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook.
- Smaller kitchens might need a compact model. Larger families might need a bigger one.
- Capacity is measured in cubic feet. A good size for most families is around 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet.
2. Wattage and Cooking Power
- Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most built-in microwaves have 900 to 1200 watts.
- More power is better for browning and crisping food.
3. Cooking Functions
- Basic microwaves just reheat and defrost.
- Many have special buttons for popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes.
- Some advanced models have convection cooking. This means they can bake and roast like a regular oven.
- Sensor cooking adjusts time and power automatically. This prevents overcooking.
4. Venting Options
- Many built-in microwaves have their own fans. They vent steam and smoke.
- Some vent upwards, others outwards. Choose based on your cabinet setup.
- Make sure the vent is strong enough for your cooking.
5. Controls and Interface
- Look for easy-to-use buttons and a clear display.
- Touch controls look sleek but can be harder to clean.
- Some models have intuitive knobs.
Important Materials
The inside of a microwave is usually stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Enamel is a good budget option. The exterior is often stainless steel too. This matches other kitchen appliances. Some have glass doors with a clear view of your food.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Enhancers:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and customer service.
- Build Quality: A sturdy door and smooth hinges suggest a well-made appliance.
- Even Heating: Microwaves that heat food evenly are better. Read reviews to check this.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. Quieter models improve your kitchen experience.
Quality Reducers:
- Cheap Materials: Thin plastic or flimsy metal can break easily.
- Poor Heating: If your food is cooked unevenly, the microwave is not good.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons make using the microwave frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
A built-in microwave is great for busy families. You can quickly reheat leftovers or cook frozen meals. Parents can use it to warm up baby bottles. It’s also handy for making popcorn for movie nights.
For those who love to cook, models with convection features are fantastic. You can bake cookies or roast vegetables right in your microwave. This saves energy compared to a large oven. The sleek design makes any kitchen look more modern and organized.
Cleaning is usually simple. Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth. The exterior can be cleaned with a glass cleaner or stainless steel polish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Built-In Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the best wattage for a built-in microwave?
A: Most built-in microwaves offer 900 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: Do I need to consider venting when buying a built-in microwave?
A: Yes. You need to know how the microwave will vent steam and smoke. Make sure it fits your cabinet space.
Q: What is convection cooking in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This allows the microwave to bake, roast, and brown food like a regular oven.
Q: How much space do I need for a built-in microwave?
A: Measure the opening in your cabinet carefully. Built-in microwaves have specific dimensions.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves easy to clean?
A: Yes, stainless steel is durable and wipes clean easily. You might need a special polish to keep it looking shiny.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
Q: Can I install a built-in microwave myself?
A: Installation can be complex. It’s often best to hire a professional to ensure it’s installed safely and correctly.
Q: How do I know if a microwave will heat food evenly?
A: Look for reviews from other users. Many reviews will mention if the microwave heats food consistently.
Q: What are some common use cases for a built-in microwave?
A: They are great for reheating meals, cooking frozen foods, making snacks like popcorn, and warming drinks.
Q: Are built-in microwaves more expensive than countertop models?
A: Generally, yes. The cost reflects the design, integration features, and often higher quality build.
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.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!