7 Microwave Drawers That Free Up Space and Amp Up Accessibility

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Microwaves are central to modern life in the kitchen — but who wants to look at them? This design conundrum, friends, is where microwave drawers come in. A freestanding microwave can take up 4 or more square feet of counter space, but these babies blend right in. They can be installed flush with your existing cabinetry, under your counter, or set into an island. You can also stack one with a single oven or warming drawer.

This style of microwave is also much more accessible and easier to use for folks in wheelchairs, as well as for younger and older members of your family who may not have the muscle strength to take hot and heavy items out of a microwave set higher up. Plus, it’s easier to childproof in-drawer microwaves because they feature a child lock, unlike traditional stand-alone options.

The Best Microwave Drawers

• Easiest to Use: Bosch 800 Series Drawer Microwave

• Best High-Powered Microwave: ZLINE Stainless Steel Microwave Drawer

• Best Value: Cosmo Built-In 24-inch Microwave Drawer

• Best With Concealed Control Panel: Sharp Microwave Drawer Oven

• Best Black Microwave: ZLINE Built-In Black Microwave Drawer

What to Consider

The purchase of any major kitchen appliance requires serious consideration. Keep the following in mind, and we think you’ll be satisfied with your purchase for years to come:

Dimensions

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of a drawer microwave is how flush it integrates into your fixtures. If you have to fit the microwave into a prescribed space, pay close attention to the machine’s exact measurements.

Functionality

Do you use your microwave for minor tasks like heating water, or do you use your microwave to actually cook? Several of our final picks include microwaves with advanced cooking, reheating, and warming options.

Design

Chances are, if you are willing to spend a bit more on a drawer microwave, you’re going to want it to work well and look good. Keep your eyes peeled for color options, hands-free open-and-close options, and advanced sensors.

If all of these amenities whet your appetite, read on for the most stylish, efficient, and easy-to-use drawer microwaves on the market and get ready to upgrade your kitchen style.

800 Series Drawer Microwave

This drawer microwave is a great option for the tech-averse. The microwave is easy to install and fits items up to 7.5 inches tall inside.

The roomy 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and 11 power levels also make it easy to cook, reheat, and defrost anything. The stainless steel microwave drawer features sleek lines and will be a great fit in any modern kitchen.

Unlike many other modern microwaves, programming and using it is intuitive. Reviewers love that it “cooks evenly” and is convenient to “open, shut, load,” although many with it did offer an “auto-rotation capability.”

More: The Best Mug Warmers That Ensure You’ll Never Have to Microwave Your Coffee

Built-In 24-Inch Microwave Drawer

This top-loading microwave drawer will seamlessly integrate into your cabinetry and help you achieve an utterly clutter-free countertop.

The microwave offers 11 power levels and 1,000 watts of cooking power, allowing you to easily cook, defrost, melt, and soften food and drinks as needed.

The option to thaw food by weight and time is a bonus, as is the defrosting rack. You'll appreciate the child-lock function for those with young children at home. Design mavens will love the stainless steel design.

Reviewers love this “amazing microwave,” especially for “short” people who find microwaves inset above stove tops inconvenient.

Stainless Steel Microwave Drawer

This high-powered 1,000-watt microwave offers top-notch performance with 10 different power levels. This in-drawer option will free up your counter space, and the top-access design makes it easy to use. The sensor design will efficiently heat, defrost, and cook a range of foods.

The brushed 430-grade stainless steel exterior offers a contemporary aesthetic and is easy to clean. The 1.2-cubic-foot space will fit coffee mugs up to 7 inches tall and dishes up to 16x16 inches. Reviewers love the “beautiful” design, and say it “works great.” The ZLINE offers a 2-year warranty.

Microwave Drawer Oven

This 1.2-cubic-foot, 950-watt stainless steel microwave opens and closes smoothly with a hands-free closure option. Minimalists will appreciate the concealed control panel. The cooking space is large enough to fit a 4-quart casserole dish and is tall enough for a large 20-ounce cup.

This microwave’s operation is intuitive and easy enough for the tech-averse to master. The Sharp microwave cooks, defrosts, heats, and softens food and beverages efficiently and evenly.

Reviewers say they love how “easy to use” it is and how the design is “sleek and attractive,” especially without the “protruding handle” that many drawer microwaves have.

Built-In Black Microwave Drawer

If you like how stainless steel functions but prefer the matte black look, this ZLINE microwave is worth considering. The space-saving undercounter design gives you maximum flexibility, and the top-access setup makes it easy to get dishes in and out without spills.

The convenient microwave modes allow you to cook, defrost, or reheat most anything. The auto-touch open and close makes cooking effortless, and the microwave’s easy-to-use control panel and 45-degree angled design are also a bonus.

The 1.2 cubic feet of cooking space allows you to put coffee mugs up to 7 inches tall and dishes up to 16x16 inches. Reviewers love the “handsome” design, appreciate the “easy installation” process, and say it “heats up food and beverages well.”

1.2-Cubic-Foot Microwave Drawer

This KitchenAid microwave is great if you do a lot of cooking in the microwave. It has space-saving undercounter and in-wall installation options, as well as sensor functions that even detect a food’s humidity to optimize cooking time. The auto-touch, open-and-close push-button control makes everything effortless, even if your hands are full.

The 950 watts and 11 power levels allow you to do just about anything, from making popcorn to thawing a side of beef. The timed defrost allows you to instantly choose from a menu of options, and the keep warm function delivers 50% microwave power to keep food warm, but prevent overcooking.

Reviewers love this KitchenAid’s functionality, saying it’s “convenient” and “easy” to use.

Stainless Steel Microwave Drawer

If you want a sleek, contemporary-looking microwave that cooks and reheats well, this Bosch belongs in your cart. The 950-watt power and 10 power levels give you the flexibility to cook and defrost everything, from potatoes to pasta casseroles.

The touch open-and-close option is great if you’re juggling multiple items, and the easy-to-read LCD display enables you to check on the cooking progress from across the room. This microwave comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Reviewers “love the look,” and say “even elderly parents” find it easy to use.

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