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At a Glance
In this article, you will learn all about the best microwave drawers, including their reliability.
You've probably read online reviews about Sharp, Dacor, Viking, Bosch, Thermador, and Wolf and analyzed all their features.
It's hard to find the differences behind those flowery descriptions, isn’t it?
However, you will be surprised at how simple buying a microwave drawer is.
You will finish this article with four definite choices, including a few you can buy for under $500.
People have reported all sorts of problems with drawers in the comments below.
I wanted to address that with real numbers based on our internal service rates.
Let's do that first. The rest will be straightforward, even superficial.
Seriously, when have I ever said that on this blog?
First, let's start with safety.
Are Microwave Drawers Safe?
Some are serious, including fires and other major service problems if you read the comments below.
First, let me put your mind at ease.
We don't see the issues, and we service what we sell.
We do our best to avoid heavily serviced items because we cannot afford the service expense.
You should also know I have a microwave drawer and have a small child at home.
If I weren't confident of the reliability of a drawer or any other product, we wouldn't sell it, and I certainly wouldn't put it in my home.
A microwave is one of the most reliable appliances in your home, if you install it correctly.
Below you will find our service statistics for microwave drawers.
Sharp microwave drawers are safe with a 6.5% service rate in the first year based on our internal service stats, easily one of the lowest for appliances.
Based on over 40,000 service calls logged last year, the average appliance service rate was 9.5%.
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Why Buy a Microwave Drawer
Microwave drawers are somewhat new. As people have placed the point of use appliances in larger kitchens, drawers have become popular options. You hit a button, and the drawer pops out at you.
Microwave drawers also look much better than a microwave and built-in trim kit.
This looks better:
Than this:
Typically, a microwave uses a valuable countertop workspace or higher cabi
net space (especially built-ins).
Over-the-Range Microwaves
As stoves become more powerful, over-the-range microwave vents are not strong or deep enough to exhaust.
If you cook at high outputs or fry, wok, or use a griddle, an over-the-range microwave will not be able to vent that kind of volume.
Where You Can Place a Microwave Drawer
Sharp 24-Inch Built-In Microwave Installed
When not having a microwave is out of the question, many clients turn to microwave drawers. With a drawer, you can place a microwave anywhere.
Well, almost anywhere, you can't mount it in a top cabinet or under a cabinet, but anywhere else.
They work especially well in lower spaces and islands.
How to Buy a Microwave Drawer
First, microwave drawers are available in two sizes, 30 inches and the more common 24 inches. The interior capacity is similar.
Sharp 24-Inch and 30-Inch Microwave Interiors
Second, Sharp produces every microwave drawer, whether Wolf, KitchenAid, Bosch, Beko, Thermador, Monogram or any other name.
Thus, there is no single best microwave drawer. How could there be? They are all manufactured by the same company.
That said, you should try to buy a microwave drawer at a reduced price by taking advantage of manufacturer rebates and offers.
Now, let's take a look at the best microwave drawers.
Best Microwave Drawers for 2022
Sharp SMD2499FS - $1,999
Sharp does have a few interesting models.
Then again, Sharp is the only manufacturer of the drawer.
The SMD2499FS is microwave convection, meaning you can use this as a microwave and a convection oven.
You can use their combination setting for baking and roasting, saving half the time without the microwave texture.
It even has an air fry setting which might work because of its small size.
Author's Note: We still haven't been able to successfully air fry in a larger oven.
This unit has all the cool features, Wi-Fi, and app functionality, so you can ask it to cook with Alexa. You can even set it remotely from your office.
You can wave at it to open automatically. Not sure why that's important, maybe if you have your hands full.
Then again, you can always put it on the counter and press the button.
However, what's baffling about Sharp is their availability. These units are unavailable and have longer lead times than other brands.
Sharp SMD2489ES - $1,499
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The SMD2489ES has all the functionality of the SMD2489ES, just without the convection feature.
Having your microwave respond to Alexa is interesting. You also have that wave function described above. Maybe it will impress your friends.
Now, this is where buying a drawer becomes interesting.
The majority of drawers we've sold perform like a regular microwave.
Mounting the microwave flush to your cabinet is the most popular feature.
That said, you should look into installing your appliances seamlessly with your cabinets, like your wall oven and dishwasher.
It looks much better than seeing an appliance protrude into your kitchen.
Beko MWDR24100SS - $1,499
Beko can be flush mounted, and it’s relatively inexpensive at $1,499. KitchenAid has an almost identical unit for over $1,700.
Beko also has a five-year warranty, exclusive to Yale.
They were smart enough to design it without logos or trim that might clash with a dishwasher or other under-counter appliance.
You may not have heard of Beko as a brand.
They are a Turkish-based company and extremely popular in Europe and 140 companies worldwide.
In this case, it's the same as the others - a Sharp microwave with another name.
JennAir, Thermador, and Monogram Microwave Drawers
Many other brands have rebates, usually around $1,399, like JennAir, Monogram, and Thermador.
We don't carry several popular brands such as Viking or Dacor, which may have similar deals.
Thermador, for example, sells their MD30WS microwave for $1,899. You can apply for a rebate of $500.
A monogram may be better. You buy a pro range or qualifying cooktop and wall oven for a $1,500 rebate.
Their Sharp built-in microwave is $1,800 but after the rebate is only $300.
All the higher-priced premium brands become less expensive than Beko or, ironically, even Sharp.
Key Takeaways
First, microwave drawers are safe and reliable. They also look good in your kitchen.
Installing a microwave drawer may be the toughest part of the purchase. Buying one is not.
You will be buying the same product with different names.
The Sharp convection microwave drawer has the best features allowing you to cook and microwave in the same unit.
Look at combining rebates from some of the premium manufacturers to buy a drawer at a much lower price.
After that, look at the lowest price because you will be buying the same product just with a different label.
Right now, Beko is the least expensive and has the best warranty.
If that changes with another brand, then so will our recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do microwave drawers cost?
Microwave drawers are typically more expensive than other types of microwaves. They usually range from around $1000 - $2000.
2. Can you install a microwave in the cabinet?
Yes, you can install a microwave in a cabinet. You can install countertop microwaves (with or without a trim kit), microwave drawers, and drop-down microwave ovens.
3. What sizes are available for microwave drawers?
The sizes available for microwave drawers are 24" and 30". However, the interior dimensions for cooking remain the same at 1.2 cubic feet.
Additional Resources:
Have questions on appliances? Read the Yale Appliance Buying Guide with the 10 most frequently asked questions, the best time to buy appliances as well as detailed profiles of all the brands. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.