Best Built-In Microwave Ovens | Senior Life & Living

In selecting our best built-in microwave ovens, we have excluded microwave drawers and over-the-range microwaves. Both of these are considered built-in but are very different from the standard built-in microwave that we are discussing here. Please see these related posts:

But before we get further into the discussion, here are our top picks for built-in microwave ovens.

 4.5/5

Built-in capability with trim kit
Powerful and capacious family unit
Inverter technology for even cooking

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 4/5

Purpose designed built in microwave oven
Great value for money
Quiet operation

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 4/5

Easy-use under counter location
Tilted display for easy reading
Useful towel rail handle

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Since pictures speak louder than words. Let’s introduce the built-in microwave with this installation video, courtesy of Samsung.

Where to install a built-in microwave

I don’t want my microwave cluttering up the counter and looking ugly. I want my kitchen to look and function better. So where should I put it?

Before we get too creative about this, let’s start with the basics.

Kitchen work triangles and work zones

Don’t forget the time-tested kitchen work triangle. This places the kitchen sink, range, and refrigerator in an easy-to-use relationship. The theory was developed in the 1940s around a single cook. The principle still applies but has been expanded into work zones. This is because the modern kitchen has evolved into a bigger space with multiple people using it at the same time.

The lesson is that a frequently used appliance, such as the microwave should also be easy to access.

Ease of access doesn’t just apply to the placement of the microwave in the floor plan of the kitchen. You also have to consider its height above the floor.

Ergonomic and safety criteria for built-in microwaves

For ease of use, the height of the floor of the microwave should be between approximately 10 inches above and 2 inches below the elbow of the primary user.
For safety, the microwave should be no higher than the shoulder of the primary user

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has different requirements. These are that the bottom of the microwave cutout should be no less than 15 inches and no more than 37 inches above the floor. By the way, this is part of what makes the microwave drawer such a good option for a built-in microwave.

So it’s not smart to get too cute in thinking about places to put your microwave.

That said, there are a bunch of built-in microwave location options – some good, some not so good.

A not-so-good option is to hide it away in a pantry. But that totally goes against the kitchen work triangle or work zone principle.

So let’s take a look at locations where we can apply the principle.

Over-the-range microwave

The over-the-range microwave is a great space-saving option. However, you need a special type of microwave oven that incorporates a built-in range hood for venting the range itself.

The downside of this is that the venting capability of this type of microwave is very limited and you should not use it over a high BTU range.

A further downside is that this is not a great location for short people or people lacking upper body strength. From a Universal Design standpoint, nobody should be lifting anything hot and heavy above shoulder height.

Under-the-counter microwave

Placing a microwave under the counter, including island and peninsula counters, is a great location but not, in our opinion, for a standard front-opening microwave oven. This is because you have to stoop to read the display and see what is going on inside.

For this location, you are much better off with a purpose-made microwave drawer. We have covered this in detail. See our post on the best drawer microwave ovens. However, these are quite expensive.

Microwave in the upper kitchen cabinetry

The microwave can either be exposed by itself on a shelf, or behind a cabinet door, or associated with other kitchen appliances as part of an “appliance wall,” or just in combination with a wall oven. Here are a couple of things to bear in mind.

Think twice before putting it behind a cabinet door. It just makes it harder to access.

Besides, you should not put a regular countertop microwave in a cabinet. You may see this contradicted elsewhere by people recommending 3-inch clearances all around but it is a very bad idea. Here’s why:

A countertop microwave has vents that are built into its back. If you stick it in a cabinet without a trim kit, the vents can get obstructed and won’t be able to release heat and steam. This is a potential hazard.

Besides, even if you take into account all the air clearances other people may recommend, it will damage your cabinetry over time. This arrangement looks ugly and unfinished too..

So, if you do get a countertop microwave make sure it has a trim kit so that you know it is fit for the built-in purpose.

By the way, do not get a wall oven and microwave combination unit. The microwave component is guaranteed to “die” before the wall oven and this causes an expensive problem. If this location is your preference, get a separate but complementary wall oven and microwave.

Two types of built-in microwave oven

The two types of microwave that can be built in are:

The true built-in: these are purpose-made for a built-in application and are designed for standard cabinet widths of 24, 27, and 30 inches. They have unfinished sides, so they are not suited for your countertop.
The countertop microwave with a trim kit. This is usually the least expensive of the two. The trim kit frame provides a built-in look and it is paired with a duct to provide necessary airflow. You have to order the trim kit separately. Here is an explanation of the trim kit.

Now that we have the built-in microwave oven in context. let’s get into our top picks.

1

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD945S

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Built-in capability

You can build this unit into your new or existing wall cabinetry with an optional Panasonic stainless steel trim kit. This will greatly enhance the look of your kitchen and free up space on your countertop.

Panasonic advises that this unit is compatible with the 27-inch cabinet trim kit model NN-TK621SS.

Inverter technology

Inverter technology provides a steady stream of power at all temperature settings. This contrasts with the “full on / full off” technology of older microwaves that reduce full power simply by turning it on and off in sequence.

Inverter technology results in more even cooking.

Sensor cooking

The built-in sensor adjusts power and cooking times to suit different foods.

What We Like

Sensor cooking
Inverter technology for smooth power delivery
Built-in capability
Compact design for a relatively small footprint
Keep warm feature
Child safety lock

What We Don’t Like

Some reports of patchy customer service dealing with warranty issues

Key Specs

Power output: 1250W
Capacity: 2.2 cu ft
Dimensions: 23.88″ W x 14.0″ H x 19.94″ D
120 Volts, 15 Amps, 60 Hz
19 presets

Our Assessment

With all the quality of the great Panasonic brand, this is a powerful 1250W family-sized microwave with inverter technology for even cooking.

Versatile and accurate performance from 19 presets and food sensor control.

And it squeezes all this capability into a relatively small countertop footprint. No wonder it has such a high rating on Amazon.

How Much We Like It

 4.5/5

2

Summit OTR24 24 Inch Built-In Microwave Oven

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This microwave oven is purpose-made for a built-in application above or below the counter. It is front venting with easy-read touchpad controls. Multiple power settings include popcorn, pizza, beverage, baked potato, frozen dinner, reheat and defrost. It has a safety lock. And, with its mirror finish door, its look is cool modern industrial.

What We Like

Purpose-designed built-in microwave oven
Quiet operation
Great value for money
Easy grab stainless steel handle

What We Don’t Like

On the small side for a microwave
A little underpowered at 900W

Key Specs

Power output: 900W
Capacity: 0.9 cu ft
Dimensions:19″ W x 15.25″ H x 16″ D
115 Volts / 60 Hz
12 power settings

Our Assessment

Although on the small side, this unit is well-reviewed and rates highly.

Excellent value for money, since you don’t need to buy a separate trim kit.

How Much We Like It

 4/5

3

FRIGIDAIRE FPMO3077TF Built-in Convection Microwave Oven

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This is a full-featured built-in combined two-in-one microwave and convection oven.

It will bake, broil and grill in its convection function. And it will defrost and auto-sense cooking in its microwave function.

And then it will combine both functions for great-tasting ultra-fast cooking.

What We Like

Combination microwave and convection oven
Drop down door for easy access
Good capacity
“Combi cook” settings use both microwave and convection capabilities
Plenty of power
LED interior lighting
Detailed display control panel

What We Don’t Like

Reports of frustrating customer service experience

Key Specs

Power output: 1,750W
Capacity: 1.6 cu ft
Dimensions: 29-13/16.9″ W x 19-5/8″ H x 22-3/8″ D
120V, 60Hz / 1.67kW, 14.5 Amps
PowerSense™ Cooking Technology

Our Assessment

There is a great deal to like about this combined microwave and convection oven. And we really like the accessibility provided by the drop-down door.

Plus it has a solid brand name behind it.

How Much We Like It

 4/5

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