A microwave drawer can give homeowners the ability to tuck this appliance under the counter in their kitchen design. If you’re considering a drawer microwave, keep reading to learn all about how they work, the pros and cons, and more.
It’s easy to see why microwave drawers are so popular! They are the ultimate in form and function, taking the kitchen design world by storm as soon as they hit the market.
When we were designing our new kitchen, I knew right away that I wanted an under counter microwave in our island. It was the most visually unobtrusive option, and you all know that I love a clean, minimalist kitchen.
A microwave drawer is the modern choice, bringing form and function to your kitchen. There are a variety of makes, models, styles, and finishes to choose from.
In addition to a modern under counter microwave, we updated our kitchen with panel ready appliances that blend seamlessly with our creamy inset cabinets. We also added a gorgeous French Lacanche Range that is a showstopper and panel ready appliances.
If you’re not quite ready for a big remodel, take a look at my Kitchen Remodel Ideas on a Budget and How to Update a Kitchen with Oak Cabinets (Without Painting Them). You’ll find a lot of great ideas!
Cons of Microwave Drawers
- No convection – Convection cooking occurs through circulating hot air throughout the appliance. Currently, this can’t be done in any microwave drawer due to lack of ventilation. This means no broiling or baking like you can in a regular oven.
- No turntable – Microwave drawers have newer technology that doesn’t use turntables to heat food. That’s only a con if you’re really set on the old way of doing things.
- Same heating capabilities as other microwaves – They do a good job, but they aren’t going to work miracles on frozen food.
- Limited sizes – Only 24″ and 30″ widths are currently available, and the interior sizes are all the same across brands.
- Installation – Installing a microwave in your island is a bit more complicated than plugging one into your wall. If you’re not really familiar with what you’re doing, I recommend hiring a professional electrician to do the job.
- Cost – Traditional microwaves cost between $100 – $500. You will pay more to get the premium design and features of a microwave drawer in your island. An under counter microwave drawer typically costs about $1,000 but can cost up to $1,800, not including installation.
Where to Install Under Counter Microwave
Microwave drawers are especially popular in kitchen islands, because it’s such a central, convenient location for use. However, they can be installed under any countertop or in any wall cabinet. They can go against a corner or next to a wall – basically anywhere a wall oven can be installed.
Some homeowners like to stack their microwave drawer just under a wall oven, so all of their cooking appliances are together in one place. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do it.
One other thing to consider is that microwave drawers can be installed flush with the cabinet face for a more seamless look or installed proud, which means protruding slightly in front of the cabinets. How you choose to do it depends on your personal preference.
Sharp Microwave Drawer Review for 2016 – Modern Kitchen Design
FAQ
Are all microwave drawers the same?
What is the sharp drawer microwave lawsuit?
Does Sharp make their own microwaves?
What are the disadvantages of microwave drawers?
What is a sharp microwave drawer?
Sharp’s Microwave Drawer™ Oven allows you to focus on your kitchen’s design and workflow by offering flexible installation options in an island or peninsula or below your wall oven. The Sharp Microwave Oven Drawer fits seamlessly into your kitchen’s design. Read more about the benefits of Sharp’s drawer-style, pull out microwave ovens.
Where can I buy a microwave drawer?
Get the Sharp microwave drawer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Buy. Standard microwave drawers are 24 inches, which is large enough to accommodate a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. However, this may not be large enough for a bigger household, in which case a 30-inch model would be a better fit.
Are sharp microwave drawers safe?
Sharp microwave drawers are safe with a 4.8% service rate in the first year based on our internal service stats, easily one of the lowest for appliances. Based on over 33,000 service calls logged last year, the average appliance service rate was 9.7%. We calculate appliance reliability by dividing the products we serviced by the products we sold.
What is a sharp carousel microwave drawer?
Ovens heat food slower and dry it out, but with a Sharp Carousel microwave drawer, you can quickly reheat soups while keeping casseroles piping hot. Unlike traditional microwaves, which have one door that opens to the side, a drawer microwave’s door opens downward.