Microwave Drawer Buying Guide

There are few kitchen additions as convenient as a microwave, but what happens when you’re short on counter space or don’t have room for a built-in microwave? Microwave drawers are one of those kitchen appliances you may not know you need until you experience them for yourself. They provide all the functionality you’d expect in a traditional microwave but feature a unique drawer design that you can incorporate into your lower built-in cabinetry. Discover all the microwave drawer pros and cons to determine whether this appliance will become a favorite addition to your space.

4 Types of Microwaves to Choose From 

Once you know you want to feature a microwave in your space, you have four basic designs to choose from, including:

Countertop Microwave

Countertop microwaves are self-contained units that come ready to plug in and use. They are designed to sit right on your countertop or storage cart, and they can range from extremely compact to large and multi-functional in design. They are often the most affordable of all microwaves and are easy to move from one location to another when necessary. You can use them anywhere you have a standard outlet at your disposal.

Built-In Microwave

Built-in microwaves offer a traditional design with a door that swings open but are intended to fit into your upper cabinetry for a seamless look. They are often installed below an upper cabinet, above a wall oven, or even as part of the lower cabinetry in a kitchen island. Because they need to be placed along with a power source, professional installation is often required when adding a built-in microwave to your kitchen design.

Over-the-Range Microwave

Over-the-range microwaves are specifically designed to mount in the space above a traditional stove and below any upper cabinetry. They feature a traditional swing-out door and often incorporate a vent into the bottom of the design to double as your range exhaust. Because they take up a space typically occupied by an exhaust, and not by cabinetry, they can be a great way to free up valuable counter space without taking the place of precious existing cabinetry.

Drawer Microwave Oven

Drawer microwaves feature a special design that pulls out as a drawer instead of having a drawer that swings open. Because you need to reach into the drawer, they are intended to be built-in to your lower cabinetry or above a built-in wall oven. Best of all, a drawer style microwave oven doesn’t feature a turntable, freeing up valuable extra space for those large rectangular casserole dishes and oddly shaped containers. Because the items stay stationary, you’re able to use oblong containers that wouldn’t otherwise fit.

Drawer Microwave Vs. Warming Drawer

You may have heard both the terms drawer microwave and warming drawer, and although they may sound extremely similar, these are two very different kitchen appliances.  

Warming drawers have become a popular addition to kitchen designs because of their conveniences. They are much smaller than an oven, making them an energy-efficient way to keep hot dishes at the proper temperature until they’re ready to serve. This can be especially helpful when you’re making larger meals, such as Thanksgiving dinner. Many warming drawers offer additional features, as well. Some can slow-roast items much like your slow cooker would, and many have a special proofing function for baking breads and pastries.  

Unlike warming drawers, drawer style microwave ovens are designed for speed. Use them to quickly warm up leftovers, pop a bowl of popcorn, or warm up a favorite dish in just a matter of minutes. Pull out microwave drawers do resemble the look of warming drawers, and you can always feature both in your kitchen design.

Microwave Drawer Pros and Cons

When you’re trying to determine whether to feature this pull-out wonder in your home, consider the pros and cons of microwave drawers. 

Pros 

• Provides a high-end and custom look to your kitchen 
• Ideal for both right-handed and left-handed people 
• Easy-clean designs 
• Incredibly smooth drawer mechanics ensure liquids don’t spill 
• Large-capacity designs accommodate large casserole dishes and more 
• No turntable to fuss with, resulting in extra room and a streamlined design 
• Access from above to stir dishes, add ingredients, and make adjustments without removing the dish from the microwave 
• Free up countertops and space in your upper cabinetry design 
• Easy to incorporate into a kitchen island 
• ADA solution because they are lower and easier to reach into, especially with heavy dishes 

Cons 

• More expensive than most other microwaves 
• Can require a professional electrician to add proper wiring 
• Can sometimes require professional installation unless you are particularly handy

Choosing Your Drawer Microwave Oven 

Now that you’ve weighed all the microwave drawer pros and cons and determined that it may just be the perfect appliance for your kitchen, it’s time to pick out the best one to suit your space. With so many different options, choosing the best drawer microwave oven is all about the features of each one, such as:

Size

Space planning is key when it comes to any kitchen installation, so take the time to choose the right size drawer style microwave for your configuration. As you shop, take note of the height, width, and depth of the drawer microwave oven, as well as of the interior capacity inside the appliance.

Power Levels

Drawer microwave ovens range in wattages starting around 900 and extending up to 1750 or more. Generally, higher watt microwaves cook meals faster. Higher-watt microwaves help to provide better quality results, especially with convection cooking.

Special Features

As with any kitchen appliance, different makes and models of drawer microwaves can offer different features. Once you’ve determined which size best suits your space, check out all the designs, looking for technologies that are most appreciated in your daily routine. Just a few features you’ll discover as you shop for the best drawer microwaves to add to your routine are: 

• Auto defrost 
• Push-button opening 
• Sensor cooking technology 
• WiFi connectivity 
• Convection oven cooking 
• Kid-proof safety settings 
• Shortcut keys for favorite dishes

Finish

Whether you’re adding a drawer microwave oven to an existing kitchen or designing a new kitchen for your home, choosing all your appliances in the same finish is key for creating a cohesive look. These drawer microwaves come in the same common finishes you’ll find for your refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, and other kitchen appliances. These handy appliances come from all the top appliance manufacturers, making it easy to keep your entire kitchen suite cohesive within one brand.

Installing Your Drawer Style Microwave

The best way to ensure a seamless integration of your drawer style microwave with the rest of your kitchen design is to choose it during the planning process and have it installed by professionals as your cabinetry, and other appliances are being added. As with any built-in appliance, the installation is more complicated than choosing a countertop microwave and plugging it in.  

If you are retrofitting an existing lower cabinet system, a little light woodworking may be required to remove an existing cabinet and replace it with a drawer microwave oven and another storage solution, such as a smaller cabinet or pull-out drawer. You may also require an electrician to add the proper power source for the drawer microwave. 

Microwave drawers aren’t just a great addition to a kitchen design; they’re also an incredibly convenient choice for use in an in-law suite, rec room, or home theater. Whether you’re an avid home cook or a frozen dinner warrior, the drawer microwave oven might just be the answer to your daily cooking challenges.