Imagine this: you’re whipping up a quick meal, and instead of a bulky appliance taking up precious counter space, your microwave is seamlessly tucked away, looking as sleek as a designer cabinet. Sound like a dream? For many homeowners, it’s the perfect solution for a clutter-free kitchen. But when it comes to choosing a built-in microwave oven, the options can feel overwhelming. Do you go for a microwave-only model, or one that also bakes and broils? What size do you need? And how do you make sure it fits perfectly with your existing kitchen style?
Navigating the world of built-in microwaves can be a bit tricky. You want something that’s not only functional and powerful but also blends beautifully with your kitchen’s design. The wrong choice can lead to a disappointing appliance that doesn’t fit your needs or your space. That’s where we come in. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for, the different types available, and how to pick the built-in microwave oven that’s just right for your home and your cooking adventures.
Our Top 5 Built In Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Built In Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven. This sleek appliance offers a spacious interior, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. Its smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring delicious results every time. Plus, with its built-in design, it adds a modern touch to your kitchen’s look.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity fits large dishes and multiple items.
- Smart sensor cooking adjusts power and time automatically for perfect results.
- Built-in design offers a clean, integrated look for your kitchen.
- Accommodates various kitchen sizes with available 27″ and 30″ trim kits (sold separately).
- Simple to operate for everyday cooking needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- Trim kit is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Requires a specific cutout size for installation.
This Frigidaire microwave is a fantastic addition to any modern kitchen, offering both style and smart functionality. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.
2. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven is a versatile countertop appliance that brings a lot of cooking power to a small package. Its stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, dorm room, or office. This microwave doesn’t just reheat food; it can also air fry, convection bake, and broil, making it a true multi-tasker.
What We Like:
- It’s compact, so it fits almost anywhere.
- The 1050-watt power cooks food fast.
- The air fry mode makes snacks crispy and healthier.
- Convection cooking ensures food is evenly browned.
- The broiler gets food nicely seared and caramelized.
- Preset buttons make cooking simple.
- It has a child lock for safety.
- The glass turntable cooks food evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be more detailed for advanced features.
- Some users might want a larger capacity for family meals.
This GE convection microwave oven offers a fantastic blend of features for its size. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their countertop cooking capabilities.
3. GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven. This compact microwave is designed especially for life on the road, giving you the convenience of quick meals without taking up too much space. It fits neatly into your RV’s cabinetry, offering a sleek and integrated look.
What We Like:
- Built-in Design: It looks like it came with your RV, making your kitchen feel more complete.
- RV Engineered: Built tough for travel, it can handle the bumps and shakes of the road.
- Convenience Cooking Controls: Simple buttons make it easy to heat up snacks or cook meals.
- Compact Size: At 0.9 cubic feet, it’s just right for heating up most dishes without being too big.
- Easy Installation: It’s designed to fit well into standard RV spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Capacity: While great for smaller RVs, it might be a bit small for cooking large meals for a family.
- Basic Features: It has the essentials, but lacks some of the fancier cooking modes found in larger home microwaves.
This GE microwave is an excellent addition for any RVer who wants a reliable and space-saving way to prepare food. It offers a practical solution for cooking on the go.
4. GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop. This microwave packs a punch with 1200 watts of power, making it a real workhorse for all your cooking needs. It’s also spacious inside, with 2.0 cubic feet of room, so you can fit plenty of food. Plus, it’s packed with smart features to make cooking easy and safe.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: 1200 watts heats food quickly and evenly.
- Generous Capacity: 2.0 cubic feet holds larger dishes and multiple servings.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: It automatically figures out the best time and power for delicious results.
- Easy Defrosting: Just tell it the weight, and it handles the rest, or set your own time.
- Convenient Controls: Quick “Instant On” buttons and helpful cooking alarms make life easier.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents accidental starts, giving you peace of mind.
- Space-Saving Design: It’s compact enough for any counter without sacrificing cooking space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto settings are great, some users might prefer more manual control over every single cooking step for very specific recipes.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, user-friendly, and powerful appliance. It balances convenience and safety perfectly for busy households.
5. Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 9.0/10
The Frigidaire PMBS3080BF is a spacious 2.2 cubic foot built-in microwave. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinets, offering a sleek, modern look. This microwave comes with helpful Sensor Cook technology, which takes the guesswork out of reheating and cooking. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels for perfect results every time. Remember, you’ll need to purchase the 30-inch built-in trim kit (model PMTK3080AF) separately to complete the installation.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity handles large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Sensor Cook technology simplifies cooking by automatically setting time and power.
- Built-in design creates a clean, integrated look in your kitchen.
- The 24 3/8 inch width fits well into standard cabinet openings.
- Its 19 5/8 inch depth is practical for most kitchen spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- The trim kit is sold separately, adding an extra purchase and cost.
- Cutout dimensions (24 3/4″ W x 20″ D x 16 3/4″ H) require careful measurement for proper fit.
- The 13 5/8 inch height might be a bit tall for some lower cabinet installations.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a great combination of size and smart features for your kitchen. With the right trim kit, it will be a stylish and functional addition to your home.
Built-In Microwave Ovens: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Built-in microwave ovens blend seamlessly into your kitchen. They offer a sleek look and save counter space. This guide will help you choose the best one for your home.
1. Key Features to Look For
A. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space where you want to put it. The capacity, measured in cubic feet, tells you how much food it can hold. A family of four might need a larger one, around 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet. Smaller households can get by with 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet.
B. Wattage
Wattage determines how fast your food cooks. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most built-in microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For quick reheating and basic cooking, 900 watts is usually enough. If you plan to cook more complex meals, aim for 1000 watts or higher.
C. Cooking Modes and Presets
Many microwaves offer special cooking modes. These include defrost, popcorn, and sensor cooking. Sensor cooking adjusts cooking time automatically based on the food’s steam. Preset buttons make cooking common items super easy. Look for modes that match how you like to cook.
D. Turntable or Sensor Cooking
A turntable helps food cook evenly by rotating it. Some newer models use sensor cooking and don’t need a turntable. They use sensors to detect food and adjust power. Both methods work well. A turntable is a common and reliable feature.
E. Control Panel and Display
Control panels can be digital or dial-based. Digital panels often have more features and presets. A clear display makes it easy to see cooking times and settings. Some advanced models have touch controls for a modern look.
2. Important Materials
Built-in microwaves are usually made with quality materials. The interior is often stainless steel or a non-stick coating. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Non-stick coatings make wiping away spills simple. The exterior can be stainless steel, black, or white to match your kitchen appliances.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A. Brand Reputation
Well-known brands often use better parts. They also tend to offer better warranties. Research brands and read reviews from other customers. A good brand means a more reliable microwave.
B. Build Quality
Check how sturdy the door feels. The hinges should be strong. The overall construction should feel solid. A well-built microwave will last longer and work better.
C. Ease of Cleaning
A microwave that is easy to clean saves you time and effort. Look for smooth interior surfaces. Removable turntables are also a plus. Some models have self-cleaning functions, which can be very helpful.
D. Noise Level
Some microwaves can be quite noisy. If you prefer a quiet kitchen, look for models that are known to be quieter. Reviews often mention the noise level of a microwave.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A. Everyday Reheating
For busy mornings, a built-in microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers or warming up coffee. Simple controls and quick cooking times make it a daily essential.
B. Quick Meal Preparation
Need a fast lunch? Use your microwave to cook frozen meals or steam vegetables. Preset buttons can make these tasks even simpler.
C. Defrosting and Cooking Tasks
Many built-in microwaves excel at defrosting frozen meats. They also handle simple cooking tasks like baking potatoes or making oatmeal. It’s a versatile appliance for many kitchen needs.
D. Space Saving Solution
The biggest win is the space it saves. By being built into your cabinetry, your countertops remain clear. This gives your kitchen a cleaner, more organized look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average size of a built-in microwave?
A: Built-in microwaves often have standard widths, typically around 24 inches, to fit common cabinet openings. Their height and depth can vary.
Q: How much wattage do I need?
A: For most homes, 900 to 1000 watts is sufficient for fast and effective cooking. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better?
A: Yes, stainless steel interiors are durable and easier to clean than some other materials. They also look very sleek.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to detect how much moisture is coming from your food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for perfect results.
Q: How important is the turntable?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly by rotating it. While not all models have them, they are a good feature for consistent heating.
Q: Can I replace my old microwave with a built-in model?
A: Often, yes! Many built-in microwaves are designed to fit standard cabinet cutouts. Always measure your existing space and the new microwave dimensions before buying.
Q: How do I clean a built-in microwave?
A: Most can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water can work. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning.
Q: Do built-in microwaves come with frames?
A: Many built-in microwaves come with a trim kit or frame that helps them fit flush with your cabinetry. This creates a seamless look.
Q: What is the warranty typically like?
A: Warranties can vary by brand and model. Most offer at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Some may offer longer warranties on specific components.
Q: Are built-in microwaves more expensive than countertop models?
A: Generally, yes. The built-in design and often higher-end features can make them more expensive than basic countertop microwaves.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!