Microwave drawers have become popular, but does that mean you should buy one?
In this article, you will learn all about the the pros and cons of a microwave drawer and other microwave alternatives.
At the end of this article, I will share how to buy a microwave drawer at a reduced price of about $500.
Let's get started.
Should You Buy a Microwave Drawer? (Pros and Cons)
Pros of Buying a Microwave Drawer
Paired with a Range Hood, a Microwave Drawer Is More Efficient and Safer Than an Over-the-Range Microwave
The microwave drawer has become popular because many homeowners and designers are moving away from over-the-range microwaves.
Most people now use range hoods because an over-the-range microwave does not effectively vent a kitchen range.
An over-the-range microwave does not have enough exhaust power at 350 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) and cannot adequately vent high output front burners.
Over-the-Range Microwave and Freestanding Range
The depth of an over-the-range microwave is only 16 inches, while the front burners you most likely use the most are roughly 22 inches deep on the stove.
I should know. I have one in my rented apartment.
You Can Place a Microwave Drawer Anywhere
You can place it under the counter or even under your wall oven. It's easy to access
for your kids, and you don't have to bend down because the drawer pops out.
They also look good with a flush installation next to your cabinets.
A Microwave Drawer Saves You Counter Space
Bosch Kitchen at Yale Appliance in Hanover
A microwave drawer also removes the need for microwave on the counter saving you counter space.
Over the last few years, your countertop has become crowded with blenders, air fryers, toaster ovens, and slow cookers.
Cons of Buying a Microwave Drawer
Price
First, the price is roughly $1,400-$2,000 for a drawer versus $300-$400 for an over-the-range microwave or $200-$300 for a decent countertop microwave.
Reliability
There have been some reports and comments on the blog of drawers breaking and sparking, but we haven't seen it.
I also installed one in my last house and had a then two-year-old, so I certainly would not have done that.
They require more installation work than any other type of microwave, which is probably the source of the bad reviews.
But microwaves have been around since the 1970s. You don't see problems with their mechanics or touchpads.
Choosing a Microwave Drawer
Microwave Drawer Brands
Microwave Drawers at Yale Appliance in Hanover
Almost every brand sells a microwave drawer, but Sharp is the only manufacturer.
In case you are surprised, many companies are marketing other products and appliances.
This arrangement will last in the future because Sharp owns 11 different patents on the drawer's design.
You will learn how to use this to your advantage later in the video.
Size and Capacity
You can buy a microwave drawer in two sizes, 24 or 30 inches, so they fit in a 24 or 30-inch cabinet.
The capacity doesn't change between the two. Both can fit a 4-inch casserole dish or 20 OZ bowl.
Types of Microwave Drawers
There are four different types of drawers.
Sharp manufactures their wave touch microwave drawer with or without a convection model. Just wave your hand in front of the microwave, and the door opens itself.
Convection microwave drawers allow you to cook in a regular oven, microwave, or combination to save time without the rubbery texture of a microwave.
A smart or Wi-Fi-enabled microwave drawer allows you to control the drawer through an app.
The fourth type is just a regular microwave drawer available in every major brand like Wolf, Thermador, KitchenAid, JennAir, and GE, among others.
Which Microwave Drawer Should You Buy?
Sharp Microwave Drawer
Buy the Sharp microwave drawer if you want the convection feature, or buy the least expensive one. Most microwave drawers are similar and all made by Sharp.
Right now, the least expensive microwave drawer is the Beko MWDR24100SS at $1,549 with a five-year warranty.
They were also smart enough not to include any branding so that it would match your other appliances.
It also can be installed built-in so it seamlessly sits with your cabinets.
However, if you are planning a kitchen with a premium brand like Thermador or JennAir, you can use their $1,399 rebate towards their microwave drawer and pay around $500.
Read More: Best Microwave Drawers
Other Microwave Options
Let's say you don't want a microwave drawer. You have three options that are not an over-the-range microwave or countertop microwave:
1. Microwave Under Cabinet
GE is still the only microwave you can place under a cabinet with a hanging kit at 12.88 inches deep.
With a hanging kit, the cost will be less than $500.
However, the microwave is small and underpowered. This solution has been around for a while and may look dated.
2. Microwaves with Trim Kits
I remember specifying microwaves with trim kits in the 1980s. You can place almost any microwave through a cabinet using a "trim kit."
The kit will allow air on the top and bottom so the heat from the back of the microwave can safely escape.
The trim kit is inexpensive and, with a decent microwave, is $550-$700, far below the cost of the drawer.
It doesn't look as good as the more modern solutions.
3. Fold-Down Microwaves
You still see some of these installations, especially over-wall ovens. You match the brands, and it looks good.
The downside is that a fold-down microwave is about the same price as a microwave drawer. You also have to reach into the fold down microwave, so they are best over a wall oven.
Key Takeaways
It depends. Microwave drawers are on the pricey side and will cost you $2,000 when you add in the cost of the hood versus a simple over-the-range microwave.
Your other choice is to place a less expensive microwave on the counter or in the pantry.
You can even hang a small one from the cabinet or build a less expensive one with a trim kit.
However, the microwave drawer will look better, making it easier to access your food.
You also should not buy an over-the-range microwave. With a microwave drawer and a decent range hood, your air inside your home will be much cleaner.
Additional Resources
Get the Yale Speed and Steam Oven Buying Guide with features, product comparisons and inside tips to all the brands. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
Related Articles:
Why Should You Trust Us?
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
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.
Please consider subscribing or adding to the conversation in the comments below. We appreciate you stopping by.
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.
Topics:
