Seeing a microwave drawer installed in your kitchen gives you a sense of satisfaction and class. It oftentimes comes in sleek designs which helps it blend in any type of kitchen. It provides beauty, convenience, great functionality, and futuristic features you would surely enjoy in every single moment. Nonetheless, a microwave drawer functions just the same as any other regular microwaves you know. So, what makes a microwave drawer special?
Best Microwave Drawers Comparison & Rating
The Basics: Microwave Drawers
The first design of a microwave drawer was created by Sharp in 2009. The patented design, though still not that impressive with its huge and bulky handles, made a huge mark in the eyes of the appliance industry.
The patented and original technology gives Sharp the authority and power over the control of the price of the appliance in the market. When you have the patent rights for the design, you can have your demands about the price. That’s the sweet part for Sharp.
Nowadays, there are other companies producing and redesigning their own version of microwave drawers. However, with the uniqueness and quality of the materials needed for the creation of this appliance, it is no wonder why microwave drawers are still one of the controversially expensive appliances.
Currently, Sharp has a total of 11 patented designs of microwave drawers with some of the old features removed and replaced with more top-notch details. From 2015 to 2018, Sharp pushed even more by revealing and introducing sleeker designs, hidden controls, and wave-to-open features to their products.
What Makes Microwave Drawers Special
If we are going to talk about aesthetic, space-saving capabilities, convenience, and capacity, a microwave drawer is most probably something to die for.
The design of the microwave drawer aims to boost the ability of the microwave in handling foods. This first manifests with their ability to handle at least the width of a 4-quart casserole with a height of 7 inches. This makes it spacious enough to process large containers of food in single heating. Hence, this is remarkably better compared with the designs of most microwave ovens that restrict the size of containers you can put inside them.
Microwave drawers also drop the turntable feature and replace it with rotating heating elements. This makes it unique as the only microwave design without this part we formerly believe as a very essential detail of the said appliance. Without a turntable, you can use any shapes of casseroles and containers you prefer without any problem.
The build and functionality of microwave drawers are also some of their appealing aspects. Due to their size, they are meant to be installed below the height of your waist. The point? It frees you from the hard work of lifting heavy food items and placing them inside a countertop microwave oven that is usually placed at the height of your chest.
Also, it can be installed on top of a built-in oven which means it can serve as a part of your counter. This translates to additional counter space with less clutter.
The fact that it also employs a sliding door makes things even easier for you. You just need to push a button, pull and slide the door and you can easily place anything inside it.
This prevents the risk of touching the internal walls of the microwave which is a common issue among countertop microwaves.
Due to the said features, you can even add seasonings to your dishes mid-process and stir them. Just pull the drawer that offers gentle control and close it. Ease as a picnic.
Is Microwave Drawer Worth it?
As said, the technology of microwave drawers is being monopolized by Sharp. This gives them the freedom to dictate the price of the appliance at any rate they want.
That being said, in a point black manner: microwave drawers are naturally expensive. No way to deny it. Regardless of various models now being redesigned by other companies, microwave drawers still come with expensive costs.
So, if you are on a tight budget and looking for a practical microwave that can give you just the basic functions you need, this one is not probably for you.
Microwave drawers often start with a thousand dollars and more. And if you don’t mind that, and you are looking to give your kitchen the best upgrade possible, you better have this.
Furthermore, due to its size and system, it is always suggested to hire professional individuals in the installation of this kind of microwave. Plus, it doesn’t come with a convection feature since it lacks ventilation.
Should You Get One?
Microwave drawers function the same way other typical microwave units do. The only differences present here are their additional and improved qualities and capabilities.
And while a $300 microwave can also do the same thing a $1000 microwave drawer is capable of, the latter promises a better kitchen experience with less risk to be encountered. They also come with more additional features such as wave/push-to-open, timers, and new options.
Moreover, if we are just talking about noteworthy and superior looks, this can certainly impress anyone who would have the chance to have a glimpse of it installed in your kitchen.
If you have the means and the enthusiasm to have one at home, then have a pick of these top microwave drawers we prepared for you. To get a better look at them after our comprehensive review, click on the buttons below that will help you secure their best deals on Amazon.
1. Sharp SMD2480CS 24" Microwave Drawer
Brand | Sharp |
Dimensions | 23.44 x 23.63 x 16 inches |
Color/Finish | Stainless Steel |
Hidden Panel | Yes |
This is one masterpiece from Sharp that you would certainly love. The oven has a motion sensor that lets you open it with a simple waving gesture. So, if you are in the middle of a cooking task with sticky fingers and hands, it is not a problem. The drawer will glide open with grace and smoothly closes with just a touch of a button or a gentle nudge. The sensor has the right amount of sensitivity and doesn’t open when you walk by. The control buttons of SMD2480CS are also kept hidden until you need them. Just a light push and all the functions you need will pop out of the panel. With this, you’ll have nothing but a sleek and utterly smooth drawer with a clutter-free look.
2. BOSCH HMD8053UC 30 800 Series Drawer Microwave
Brand | BOSCH |
Dimensions | 23.38 x 30 x 16.31 inches |
Color/Finish | Stainless Steel |
Hidden Panel | No |
Though HMD8053UC doesn’t come with a completely minimalistic style due to its exposed buttons, we still love how open and easy it is to access the controls. The sensing functions work pretty well and very helpful in your daily cooking needs. It also opens through Open and Close buttons making things more automatic for you. The door opens and closes at the right speed smoothly, so spilling soups and other liquids are not a problem. It even sports a Lock Mode which can prevent accidents among curious children. Also, very spacious. You can see all the corners of the microwave drawer from above. The bottom of the drawer is solid, flat, and wide. You can fill it with a number of plates and mugs all at once due to its considerable size which is the selling point of this product.
3. Sharp KB-6524PS 24” Microwave Drawer Oven
Brand | Sharp |
Dimensions | 26.19 x 23.88 x 15.88 inches |
Color/Finish | Stainless Steel |
Hidden Panel | No |
Just like any other 24” microwave drawers, Sharp KB-6524PS can handle a 4-quart casserole dish or 20-ounce beverages with no problem. And if you are looking for a unit that is pretty straightforward and practical, this one is a must-have. It has a wide panel for the control buttons which allow you to instantly operate the oven in a second. Also, a great thing that besides the durable handle, you have the option to open the door of the oven through a sensor. And although it is one of the old models of Sharp, it is proven reliable and still boasts of fundamental functions.
4. Sharp SMD3070ASY 30" Microwave Drawer
Brand | Sharp |
Dimensions | 23.06 x 30 x 15.88 inches |
Color/Finish | Stainless Steel |
Hidden Panel | Yes |
Sharp SMD3070ASY is a variation of its first 24-inch microwave modern model. Nonetheless, it retains all the essential features you need: clock, timer, food warming, digital displays, sensor cooking, safety lock feature, and more. It still has that smooth opening system you need and the reheat sensor button can get your dishes to the perfect temperature. It uses 1000 watts of power making it a reliable appliance for your day-to-day kitchen activities. As for its looks, it is one of the units we confidently suggest to you. The gleaming finish free from buttons lets you enjoy its minimalistic aspect. So, if you need a bigger microwave drawer with a pleasing contemporary design, give it a try.
5. ZLINE MWD-1 24" Microwave Drawer
Brand | ZLINE |
Dimensions | 24 x 25 x 14 inches |
Color/Finish | Available in Stainless Steel and Black Stainless Steel |
Hidden Panel | No |
ZLINE MWD-1 comes in two finishes: silver and black stainless steel. With this, you have the option to choose the design that will blend better with your kitchen. Besides its appearance, it can also catch up with other giant brands when it comes to its handy functions. This microwave drawer comes with an illuminated and audible LCD and a complete set of helpful buttons. Some of the functions it owns are the multiple defrosts settings, open and close buttons, control lock, and a variety of auto settings we really find magnificent. Whether you need it just for a fast-melting operation or for popcorn or a beverage, this is a dependable appliance. You can even directly add 30-more seconds to the heating process if you please with just a push of a button.
Best Microwave Drawers - Buyer's Guide
While most of the microwave drawers come in the same capacity at 1.2 cubic feet, their overall size and dimensions differ. Commonly they come at 24” and 30”. So, before buying one, make sure you have the right size of counter space for it.
This is one of the main reasons why most households are purchasing microwave drawers. They save space and prevent clutter on the counter. But if you are in search of one, make sure to find the one that will complement your theme at home: the color, the finish, and even the style.
Most microwave drawers are equipped with all the functions you need to heat and melt food. Yet, there are newer models that come with advantageous features that will make things more convenient for you. This includes the famous wave-to-open, child lock, and touchscreen functions. By having them, the operation of the appliance will be a breeze even if you are holding something.
It is a fact that microwave drawers come at high prices due to the patented technology it has owned by Sharp. However, there are other things that can affect its overall price: features. So, make sure just to get the model with just the right number of features you need. This will help you get the best value out of your purchase.
Best Microwave Drawers - FAQs
This is one of the unique characteristics of microwave drawers. Instead of a turntable doing the work of moving the casserole or other objects, the heating elements installed in the roof of the appliance are the ones moving. This also makes it possible for microwave drawers to handle multiple objects at the same time.
Since Sharp has the patent rights for the microwave drawers, it has the right to dictate its price in the market. And though other brands redesign new models of microwave drawers, the materials that are needed to create them cost a lot.
Microwave drawers usually cost between $1000 to $1600. Sharp owns most of the models that come at high prices due to their innovative and high-tech features such as wave control and retractable panels. Other cheap models created from other brands range from $1000 to $1300.
You can put your microwave drawers in the base cabinets below countertops. You can also install them in wall assemblies like wall ovens. However, it is better to ask the help of experts as it takes hours to install them.
