The Best Built-In Microwaves for Saving Kitchen Space

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A built-in microwave blends in seamlessly within the kitchen and frees up precious counter space, adding style and convenience to food prep.

Microwave ovens are indispensable for meal prep, but these kitchen appliances don’t need to take up precious real estate on the countertop. The best built-in microwaves are mounted onto a wall, where they blend seamlessly into their surroundings without taking up any counter space.

Built-in microwaves quickly and evenly reheat and cook food just like their countertop counterparts do. Read on to learn more about important features to consider when shopping for the best built-in microwave, and find out why these models are some of the best on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: KitchenAid KMBS104ESS 24-Inch Built-In Microwave Oven
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Microwave
3. UPGRADE PICK: Panasonic NN-CD87KS 4-in-1 Combination Oven
4. BEST SMALL: RecPro RV Stainless Steel Microwave
5. BEST LARGE: Frigidaire Gallery 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave
6. BEST CONVECTION: KitchenAid KMBP107EBS Built-In Microwave Oven
7. BEST UNDER-COUNTER: Sharp SMD2470AS Microwave Drawer Oven
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Panasonic NN-SD975S Cyclonic Wave Inverter Microwave

How We Chose the Best Built-In Microwaves

Years of experience covering home care and appliances as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 40 options for the best built-in microwaves on the market and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.

We also took expert advice from licensed general contractor Ross Kesterson, vice president of Restore Pros based in Athens, Georgia. He offered a word of caution to shoppers in our interview: “You cannot take a countertop microwave and stick it in a hole because it doesn’t have the appropriate design for proper ventilation. It could become very dangerous and possibly cause a fire.” With this in mind, we made sure that our list of recommendations are all suitable for built-in applications, providing shoppers with a range of safe options for their kitchen.

We included multiple sizes and installation configurations to provide options for a wide variety of shoppers. We focused on models with high power capacities in order to ensure fast cooking times. Finally, we prioritized microwaves with desirable added features like child locks, convection features, and cooking presets.

Our Top Picks

A built-in microwave brings all the convenience of a microwave into the kitchen without sacrificing valuable counter space. Beyond fitting into the designated space, the best built-in microwaves pack a lot of power and provide the functions needed for quick, even heating. The following models rank as some of the best models on the market.

Best Overall

KitchenAid KMBS104ESS 24-Inch Built-In Microwave Oven

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 1,000 watts
• Available finishes: Stainless steel, black

Pros

• Includes trim kits for proper installation in 27- or 30-inch cutouts
• Features sensor-cooking settings depending on the type of food placed inside
• Stylish finish; comes in both black and stainless steel

Cons

• High price point compared to other options on this list

KitchenAid’s high-powered 1,000-watt microwave quickly and thoroughly heats, cooks, and thaws. The midsize 1.4-cubic-foot interior includes a 15.75-inch turntable that’s large enough for most microwaveable dishes.

The stylish satin crosshatched handle and digital display with touch-screen controls add sleek style. The range of convenient sensor-cooking settings—including baked potato, popcorn, and meal-reheat shortcut buttons—make it easy to use. A keep-warm setting keeps heated food warm for up to an hour.

With a sleek stainless steel finish and a drop-down door, this microwave blends right in with modern kitchens. The included 27- and 30-inch trim kits help ensure seamless installation.

Get the KitchenAid KMBS104ESS built-in microwave at The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Appliances Connection.

Best Bang For The Buck

Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Microwave

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 1,200 watts
• Available finishes: Stainless steel

Pros

• Can be used as a built-in or countertop microwave for ample versatility
• Inverter technology delivers even heat distribution no matter which food is placed inside
• Comes with a variety of presets and features for excellent user-friendliness
• A thin turntable allows for more food to be placed inside than some comparable options

Cons

• Only comes in 1 finish option; may not match some shoppers’ current kitchen appliances and fixtures

Those looking to buy an effective built-in microwave without breaking the bank will want to consider this Panasonic inverter microwave. Delivering 1,200 watts of power, this 1.2-cubic-foot option works as either a built-in or countertop microwave and has inverter technology integrated for evenly distributed heat.

One unique feature of this stainless steel Panasonic microwave is its Genius Sensor, which automatically adjusts the power output and cooking time based on the food placed inside. Other useful features include a 12-hour clock, a child lock, 14 heating presets based on food type, a delayed start, a quick minute timer, and a turbo defrost. Finally, this model also has a 13.4-inch turntable that is thin and light, making room for more food than some comparable options.

Get the Panasonic NN-SN686S built-in microwave at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Upgrade Pick

Panasonic NN-CD87KS 4-in-1 Combination Oven

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 1,000 watts (inverter); 1,300 watts (convection)
• Available finishes: Stainless steel

Pros

• Works as a convection oven as well as a microwave; operates at 1,300 watts in convection mode
• Includes air-fryer basket and functionality for added versatility and user-friendliness
• Can be used as either a countertop or a built-in unit

Cons

• Trim kit not included with purchase; needs to be bought separately

Panasonic’s Home Chef 4-in-1 microwave offers more than just a microwave. This versatile appliance combines a microwave, broiler, air fryer, and convection oven in one compact unit. It can bake, roast, broil, reheat, air-fry, and more to create a variety of tasty recipes. Beyond reheating leftovers, this microwave can bake cookies, roast chicken, and air-fry crispy French fries. Its 1.2-cubic-foot capacity offers plenty of room to take advantage of all these features. A 14.2-inch turntable provides space for the included enamel tray and air-fryer basket.

When used as a microwave, Panasonic’s Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor automatically adjust settings to evenly reheat food. The 1,000-watt model works as a countertop microwave or built-in unit with an optional trim kit sold separately.

Get the Panasonic NN-CD87KS built-in microwave at Amazon.

Best Small

RecPro RV Stainless Steel Microwave

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 1 cubic foot
• Power capacity: 900 watts
• Available finishes: Stainless steel

Pros

• Compact size is ideal for RVs and small spaces
• A trim kit is included for convenience and ease of installation
• Features child-safety lock, 10 power levels, and 8 express-cook options
• Affordable price point compared to some other options on this list

Cons

• Not ideal for larger cooking spaces
• Only comes in a stainless steel finish

Small kitchens often have limited cabinet and counter space. Those who don’t want to sacrifice either may want to consider this compact built-in microwave from RecPro. Originally created for RVs, this 1-cubic-foot model offers a range of features, including eight express-cook options, 10 power levels, time and weight defrost settings, and a child-safety lock—all in a compact design.

Though small, its 900-watt power output offers quick cooking. The 10.5-inch- diameter turntable can hold most standard dinner plates. With a stainless steel build and included stainless steel trim, this small microwave fits seamlessly into many kitchens.

Get the RecPro built-in microwave at Amazon.

Best Large

Frigidaire Gallery 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 1,200 watts
• Available finishes: Stainless steel, black stainless steel

Pros

• Includes a wide variety of cooking options and presets for quick and easy use
• Features sensor cooking technology that automatically heats the food placed within
• Smudge-proof stainless steel finish provides a sleek and clean look
• Excellent value for the price

Cons

• Not ideal for small areas; the large footprint takes up a lot of space

With an extra-large 2.2-cubic-foot capacity, Frigidaire’s Gallery microwave provides ample space for cooking and reheating. The wide 16.5-inch-diameter turntable holds large plates or several bowls.

This 1,200-watt microwave has more than 30 setting options and a variety of one-touch shortcuts, including options to bake potatoes, pop popcorn, or steam vegetables. Its sensor-cooking options automatically adjust the power level and cooking times for a variety of items. A smudge-proof black stainless steel finish offers an elevated take on classic stainless steel for a practical and stylish extra-large microwave.

Get the Frigidaire Gallery built-in microwave at The Home Depot or Best Buy.

Best Convection

KitchenAid KMBP107EBS Built-In Microwave Oven

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 900 watts
• Available finishes: Black stainless steel

Pros

• Multifunctional performance; operates as both a microwave and oven
• Wide variety of presets for quick and easy use; includes popcorn, soften/melt, and crisp functions
• 1,600-watt convection oven and broil element provide excellent versatility

Cons

• High price point compared to similar options on the market
• Limited finish options; only comes in black

KitchenAid’s convection microwave combines the convenience of a microwave with the functionality of an oven. As a convection oven, it reaches baking temperatures of 450 degrees Fahrenheit to bake, grill, crisp, broil, and roast. Both the convection and grill features run on a 1,600-watt convection element. To help prepare a variety of recipes, this microwave comes with a convection rack, crisper pan, baking tray, and steamer vessel.

The microwave features a 1.4-cubic-foot capacity and 900 watts of microwaving power. A variety of shortcuts, including popcorn, soften/melt, and crisp features, make this microwave a versatile choice. The clean, stainless steel finish and drop-down door polish off its modern look.

Get the KitchenAid KMBP107EBS built-in microwave at Lowe’s.

Best Under-Counter

Sharp SMD2470AS Microwave Drawer Oven

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 950 watts
• Available finishes: Stainless steel

Pros

• Includes a wide variety of presets including popcorn, keep warm, melt/soften, and more
• Concealed control panel provides a unique, high-tech touch
• Features sensor reheat function for quick and easy use

Cons

• High price point compared to some of the other options on this list
• Flush mount kit sold separately

Under-counter models offer an increasingly popular unobtrusive option that keeps the microwave tucked out of sight. Sharp’s drawer-style microwave utilizes an easy-touch automatic drawer system that opens smoothly and allows for hands-free closure. Additional features—such as a sensor-reheat option and presets for popcorn, vegetables, potatoes, and beverages—make for easy use. A 1.2-cubic-foot interior offers plenty of room.

A concealed control panel operates at a 45-degree angle and pro