6 Best Built-In Microwaves (2023 Guide)

Countertop microwaves take up a lot of space, so if you’re tight on room for a microwave in your kitchen, you may want to consider a built-in model. Most built-in microwaves come in various styles and finishes so that you can match them to the rest of your appliances.

Our team researched the latest and best built-in microwaves on the market to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect new microwave for your kitchen.

Below you’ll find our top picks, a tailored buying guide, tips on what to look for when shopping for a new built-in unit, and answers to some common consumer questions. 

Top 6 Built-In Microwaves 

After examining the top models available, here are our picks for the best built-in microwaves:

• Best Built-In Microwave Overall: Frigidaire Gallery GMBS3068AF Built-In Microwave
• Best Value Microwave: Panasonic NN-SN766S Microwave Oven
• Best Convection Microwave: Café CWB713P2NS1 Built-In Microwave
• Best High-End Microwave: KitchenAid KMBS104ESS Built-In Microwave 
• Best Microwave for RVs: RecPro RV Stainless-Steel Microwave
• Best Small Built-In Microwave: Whirlpool MT50011KS Built-In Microwave

Best Built-In Microwave: Frigidaire Gallery GMBS3068AF

Pros and Cons

✔ Features a wide variety of cook settings
✔ Stainless-steel finish and touch controls blend with most kitchen designs
✔ Is affordable for its size

✘ May be too large for small spaces
✘ Is not as durable as some other built-in microwaves

Good for: Customers seeking a large-capacity microwave at a reasonable price.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who like this microwave are impressed with its stylish design, vast interior capacity, and strong heating power. Those who are less satisfied claim this microwave breaks easily, and others feel the beeping sound it makes when it finishes cooking is excessive. 

Best Value Microwave: Panasonic NN-SN766S

Pros and Cons

✔ Can operate as both a built-in and freestanding microwave
✔ Has an automatic Genius sensor that can adjust cooking temperature and time
✔ Features a keep-warm setting

✘ Control panel buttons may feel stiff to some users
✘ Does not include a trim kit

Good for: Customers looking to save money on a high-performing basic microwave that can operate as a countertop or built-in unit.

What Customers Are Saying

Several reviewers are impressed with this microwave’s versatility and variety of cooking functions. Several also commented that it has a quiet operation. However, others say this product is less durable than expected, and others claim it lacks heating ability overall.

Best Built-In Convection Microwave: Café CWB713P2NS1

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a spacious 1.7 cubic feet of capacity
✔ Comes with a wire rack for elevating food such as pizza and casseroles
✔ Has an easy-to-control digital touchscreen display

✘ Has lower cooking wattage than some other models
✘ Lacks several standard preset cooking functions

Good for: Customers who want an elegant built-in microwave with convection cooking capability.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who are happy with this product like its pull-down door, stylish design, and intuitive cooking functions, such as sensor technology and convection cooking. However, some customers say it takes an overly long time to cook food, and others have issues with parts not working correctly and needing replacement.

Best High-End Microwave: KitchenAid KMBS104ESS 

Pros and Cons

✔ Features sensor-cook technology that adjusts cook time automatically
✔ Comes with two extension plates and two side brackets
✔ Includes a child lock and cooking light

✘ Has a tall design that may not fit in every kitchen
✘ Has a higher price point than many other built-in microwaves

Good for: Those who want a stylish, well-designed microwave with medium capacity and slightly above-average cooking power.

What Customers Are Saying

Best Buy customers who like this microwave praise its unique handle design, quiet operation, and variety of cooking settings. On the other hand, some customers feel that cleaning the interior is difficult, while others say heating food takes too long. 

Best Microwave for RVs: RecPro RV RPM-1-SS

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes a push-release door
✔ Has 10 power-level settings
✔ Features weight and time defrost options

✘ Has a small capacity
✘ Is not designed for at-home use

Good for: Campervan and RV owners that need a high-performing RV microwave.

What Customers Are Saying

We found hundreds of reviews for this model. Customers who are happy with this microwave like that it’s quiet, has several cooking functions, and has more cooking power than other RV microwaves they used. On the other hand, some customers feel this microwave is difficult to install in their RVs, and others say the trim is too short.

Best Small Built-In Microwave: Whirlpool MT50011KS

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes a slim trim kit for installation
✔ Has a stainless-steel design with a slick, white LED display
✔ Has hidden controls for a more streamlined look

✘ Is not a great option for cooking large dishes
✘ Does not include a sensor cooking function

Good for: Customers who don’t cook large dishes in the microwave but still want a sleek design and high-end features.

What Customers Are Saying

According to our verified-buyer research, many customers like this product’s elegant finish and ease of use. Several others are pleased with the included trim kit and how it helps with the installation. However, our team also learned that some customers feel this product is difficult to program, and others say it has durability issues.

Buying Guide for Built-In Microwaves

Built-in microwaves offer ample capacity and a streamlined design to match the other appliances in your kitchen. Below, we offer a microwave buying guide outlining the most important factors to consider when shopping for a built-in microwave. When shopping, look for the following specifications:

• Brand reputation
• Capacity
• Convection cooking
• Dimensions
• Design
• Extra features
• Power level
• Preset cooking settings

Best Microwave Brands

When shopping for a built-in microwave, purchasing from a trusted brand is important. Some of the top brands on the market include the following:

• Bosch
• Breville
• Café
• Electrolux
• Farberware
• Frigidaire
• GE and GE Profile
• Haier
• Hamilton Beach
• Hotpoint
• Kenmore
• KitchenAid
• LG
• Magic Chef
• Maytag
• Panasonic
• Samsung
• Sharp
• Whirlpool

Microwave Capacity

A microwave’s capacity determines how much food can fit at one time. Built-in microwaves typically have capacities between 0.5 and 2 cubic feet. Therefore, if you only plan to use your microwave to reheat food (rather than cook it from raw or frozen), you can save money by buying a smaller-capacity appliance. However, if you often cook sizable dishes or defrost large quantities of meat or poultry in the microwave, you should opt for one with at least 1.5 cubic feet of cooking space.

Convection Cooking

Some microwaves have convection cooking, which uses a heating element to roast and bake food. A microwave with convection cooking operates as a second oven, which is convenient when hosting gatherings or cooking a meal with multiple components that must be prepared simultaneously.

Dimensions

Measure the space between your cabinets before buying a built-in microwave. To ensure the microwave will fit, note the height and width of the product you’re interested in. Midsize microwaves are usually around 20 inches wide and will fit in most kitchens, but compact models are also available if you have limited space.

Design

Built-in microwaves typically come in neutral finishes—including stainless steel, black stainless steel, and white—to match your existing kitchen appliances. Other design elements include door positioning (drop-down versus pull-out), button size, and digital display type.

Extra Features

Many built-in microwaves come with extra features that help them stand out. Some common features include:

• Adjustable turntables
• Child safety lock
• Extra racks
• Quick keys/timing shortcuts
• Sensor cooking
• Sound control

Power Level

A microwave’s power level is measured in wattage. Most built-in microwaves range from 800 to 1,400 watts. Higher-wattage microwaves cook food faster and more efficiently but also cost more.

Preset Cook Functions

Microwaves typically come with several preset cooking options, so you can quickly choose a setting to heat your specific food item. Standard preset cooking options include the following:

• Beverages
• Boil
• Chicken
• Defrost
• Pizza
• Popcorn 
• Steam
• Vegetables

How Built-In Microwaves Differ from Other Types

Built-in microwave ovens are installed in a recessed wall cavity, in a cabinet, or underneath a counter and inside a drawer. While built-in microwaves provide a seamless look in your kitchen, they can also be costly and challenging to install. Here are the two other main types of microwaves and how they compare.

Countertop

While built-in microwaves install in a wall cavity, countertop microwave ovens (also referred to as freestanding microwaves) sit on counters or similarly suitable surfaces. Countertop models are less expensive, and you can install them by simply plugging the unit into an outlet. However, they take up valuable counter space and can create clutter in your kitchen. Countertop models also don’t typically have a large capacity or high wattage of built-in models.

Over-the-Range

Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves are designed to be mounted over your stove, creating a stylish design that integrates with your other appliances. However, range microwaves typically require professional installation, and the location can present logistical challenges for shorter people or people with disabilities. Furthermore, if the microwave sits too low and close to the stove, it can make stovetop cooking inconvenient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Built-In Microwaves

How much do built-in microwaves cost?

You can expect to spend around $300 to $1,000 on a built-in microwave. The cost will vary depending on the microwave’s brand and extra features, such as convection cooking, sensor technology, or large capacity.

Do built-in microwaves need professional installation?

DIYers may be able to install a built-in microwave if they have a trim kit, proper wiring in their kitchen, and the necessary tools, including a drill, screwdriver set, and level.

However, most people choose to have their built-in microwave installed by a professional to ensure it is set up correctly. If you need the microwave professionally installed, factor that into your final cost. Built-in microwave installation usually costs between $100 and $500, depending on installation difficulty.

Do built-in microwaves need ventilation?

Built-in microwaves should always have ventilation to help ensure the exhaust doesn’t build up over time and create a fire hazard. Other materials should never obstruct built-in microwaves in your kitchen. Be sure to leave at least three inches of space on top and on each side and one inch in the back when installing your microwave.

How do you clean a built-in microwave?

For standard microwave cleaning, we recommend using dish soap and warm water. However, if you have a significant buildup of grime or food particles, you can also use baking soda or apple cider vinegar to help make your microwave sparkle.

Who This Built-In Microwave Guide Is For

A built-in microwave is a great option for anyone, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a veteran renovator, or somewhere in between. During our research, we considered various built-in microwaves, including a high-capacity model, a budget model, an RV model, and more.

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about our review process and the factors we consider.

We rated the microwaves we reviewed on a 100-point system across seven key factors:

• Features (up to 20 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after built-in microwave features, such as sensor cooking technology, adjustable turntables, convection cooking, smart features, and extra cooking racks. 
• Preset cooking functions (10 points): If a microwave model gave eight or more preset cooking functions, it received full points, while models with at least one received partial points.
• Wattage (15 points): Built-in microwaves with 1,200 watts or more received more points than microwaves with less cooking power.
• Finishes (up to 1 point): We rated built-in microwaves with more than one finish higher than products with only one option.
• Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each product received a score from zero to 10, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
• Capacity (up to 15 points): Built-in microwaves with a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet or more were scored higher than their smaller counterparts.
• Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 10 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded 10 points if it came with a warranty or guarantee.
• Customer service (up to 14 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their items. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat or text, or access to replacement parts.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our small team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

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