Microwaves are staples in nearly every home these days, but there is no reason one has to take up valuable counter space. These built-in models offer more seamless integration into your kitchen while leaving your counters free for other appliances or preparing food.
If cost is no object, the KitchenAid KMBP100ESS 1.4 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave
The power of a microwave is determined by the wattage, and the more wattage it has, the quicker it can heat food. This means that a large microwave with low wattage would actually cook foods slower than a small microwave with high wattage. Most built-in microwaves have between 800 and 1,600 watts.
Not all built-in microwaves are the same size, so it is important to measure your space and read the specs of any model you are considering. They are generally designed to fit standard cabinet sizes, which usually have openings between 24-30 inches wide. On some models, the actual microwave itself may be smaller than that, but it will come with a trim kit to give it a seamless fit.
The capacity of the interior of a microwave is different from the overall size and will be denoted in cubic feet. You can have two microwaves that have the exact same overall dimensions but with notably different cooking capacities. The smallest built-in microwaves have capacities of just 0.9 cubic feet, while the largest are usually 2.2 cubic feet.
Built-in microwaves with variable power allow you to adjust the power based on your needs. This offers a more precise method of cooking your foods, just like when you adjust the temperature of your regular oven. It should be noted that most microwaves that boast variable power actually only stimulate this by alternating between full power and no power. While this works well enough, it isn’t the best method. If you want a built-in microwave that actually adjusts its cooking power, look for one with inverter technology.
Built-in microwaves with shortcut buttons will offer the most convenient operation. On the most basic models, this will simply be pre-set cooking times of 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, etc. These will also often have an “add 30 seconds” button. On more advanced models, these shortcuts are pre-programmed settings for popular foods, such as pizza, baked potatoes, popcorn, vegetables and more.
Built-in microwaves with convection cooking offer the quick-heating features of a microwave combined with the full cooking capabilities of a regular oven. They can do this because they emit radio waves just like a regular microwave but also contain a radiant heat source and fan to circulate the hot air. Though more expensive than standard microwaves, they are much more versatile.
Many built-in microwaves that offer convection cooking are also capable of grilling food. These will almost always come with a metal rack that is used to raise food up closer to the radiant heat source.
Just like other appliances and electronics in our homes are getting smarter, so are microwaves. The most notable way they are doing this is with the inclusion of sensors that monitor the heat and steam inside of the cooking cabinet. This allows the microwave to autonomously determine when the food is done and automatically adjust the time and power as needed throughout the cooking process.
If you have young children in the home, consider buying a built-in microwave with a child lock feature. This allows you to lock the control panel so that even if a youngster fiddles around with it, they cannot accidentally turn it on and start cooking something.
On the lower end of the price spectrum, you can find built-in microwaves for between $200-$500. More commonly though, you should expect to spend somewhere between $500-$1,500. Premium options with advanced functionality can cost upwards of $2,000.
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KitchenAid KMBP100ESS 1.4 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave
What you need to know:
What you’ll love:
What you should consider:
Where to buy: Home Depot
Frigidaire FGMO3067UD 30" Gallery Series
What you need to know:
What you’ll love:
What you should consider:
Where to buy: Amazonand Home Depot
Sharp SMD2470AS Microwave Drawer Oven
What you need to know:
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Where to buy: Amazon and Home Depot
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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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