Built-In Microwave or Drawer Microwave: What Is the Difference?

A built-in microwave is designed to fit smoothly into your kitchen cabinetry, offering a sleek and modern look while saving valuable counter space. It’s an ideal choice if you want a functional appliance that also brings a little style to the kitchen. The main features of a built-in microwave include:

• Space-saving design. A built-in microwave oven is installed flush with your kitchen’s cabinets to eliminate the need for counter space, which is ideal for smaller kitchens or streamlined designs.
• Variety. From sleek stainless steel models to options with advanced settings like convection cooking, built-in microwaves come in a wide range of styles, sizes and features.
• Aesthetic integration. The best built-in microwave ovens are designed to blend seamlessly with your kitchen's cabinetry, creating a clean, cohesive look that enhances modern and minimalist designs.
• Convenient access. Often installed at eye or chest level, built-in wall microwaves reduce the need to bend down or reach up when cooking.

The best built-in microwaves combine functionality, durability and advanced features. Look for models with reliable performance, energy efficiency and smart technology options, such as sensor cooking or Wi-Fi connectivity, to make meal preparation more convenient and productive.

A drawer microwave, also known as a microwave drawer, is installed within lower cabinetry, pulling out like a drawer instead of having a traditional swing-out door. This innovative design provides easy access and a refined appearance. Drawer microwaves are particularly popular in modern kitchens where convenience and design are priorities. Key features of a drawer microwave include:

• Ergonomic access. Installed at waist level, the best drawer microwave ovens make it easy to add and remove food without the need to lift heavy dishes overhead.
• Space optimization. By being placed in lower cabinets, microwave drawers free up counter and upper wall space, allowing for more flexible kitchen arrangements with more space.
• Intuitive controls. Some of the best drawer microwaves feature touch controls located on the top or inside edge for an effortless appearance and natural operation.
• Child-friendly design. Drawer microwaves are less accessible to small children compared to countertop or lower-mounted built-in models, adding a layer of safety and peace of mind.

Similar to built-in, integrated microwaves, drawer microwave ovens bring a clean, sophisticated style to a modern kitchen’s design. And, the innovative functionality of a pullout microwave extends beyond aesthetics, offering more flexible installation options and the ability to blend perfectly into cabinetry, enhancing the overall flow of your kitchen space.

Choosing between a built-in microwave and a drawer microwave comes down to your kitchen layout, cooking habits and design preferences. To help you decide which type of microwave is the right fit for your kitchen setup, here are some considerations to help you decide:

• Space constraints. If you’re working with limited wall or counter space, a built-in microwave might be the better choice to get the most out of your kitchen’s design.
• Accessibility. If you prefer eye-level access, a built-in microwave is probably more preferable. Alternatively, if you often handle heavy or large dishes, the convenient positioning of a drawer microwave can be more convenient.
• Style preferences. Both microwave types offer sleek, modern designs, but a microwave drawer’s unique opening mechanism adds a touch of innovation to your kitchen.
• Budget. Drawer microwaves tend to be more expensive than built-in microwaves, so it is important to weigh the cost against the benefits each model provides.

Whichever microwave option you end up choosing, you can rest assured that both built-in and drawer microwaves will transform your kitchen into a more efficient and stylish space far beyond what a regular countertop microwave can offer. 

Hopefully now you have a better idea of how to choose the best microwave for your kitchen. Out of all the different types of microwaves, built-in microwave ovens and drawer models stand out as premium options that combine functionality and style.

Whether you value the polished look of a built-in microwave or the ergonomic convenience of a drawer microwave, both options easily integrate into your space, freeing up counters and providing advanced features that simplify meal prep. With the right choice, your new microwave will not only meet your practical needs but also add a touch of sophistication to your home.