Drawer Microwave Ovens

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Why Drawer Microwave Ovens?

Let’s consider why you would want a drawer microwave in the first place. After all, a regular microwave is much less expensive. And, when you think about how you would want to use a microwave, there are other options available. 

• Related post: Microwave Ovens
• Related post: Kitchen Layout

That related post compares the available microwave types and you might find a better option for your purposes. For example, if you must have a convection feature with your microwave, a drawer microwave is not for you. As of this writing, we are not aware that any such exists yet.

Are Microwave Drawers a Good Idea?

The answer is: Yes, microwave drawers are terrific but at a price. So let’s talk about the main reasons for choosing a drawer microwave.

There are compelling reasons and five supporting reasons to make the additional expense of a drawer microwave worthwhile.

Compelling Reasons for Choosing a Microwave Drawer

The compelling reasons for choosing a microwave drawer are that it provides ease of use, accessibility, and safety benefits over a conventional microwave. This is especially important, for example, in an aging-in-place scenario. Or for someone in a wheelchair.

You use the drawer microwave from the top and lift food in and out from the counter immediately above. This is an easier and safer proposition than pulling hot food or liquid out of the front of a microwave oven installed, say, over the range. Nor do you have to deal with a swinging door.

Also, since the drawer microwave is usually located immediately below the kitchen counter, it is much easier to reach, especially from a wheelchair.

That said, the ease of use of the drawer microwave actually makes sense for everyone, not just the elderly. In short, they improve kitchen safety. They are a great application of Universal Design principles.

• Related post:  Kitchens for the Elderly

Supporting Reasons for Choosing a Microwave Drawer

1: They are terrific countertop space-savers.

2: They are more cook-friendly than a microwave with a door.

3: Because the magnetron is in the roof of the unit, the interior is not cluttered by a turntable. This makes its 1.2 cu ft size equivalent to the volume in a larger conventional microwave unit.

4: Because there is no turntable, the unit is easy to clean.

5: You can mount the drawer microwave below a standard wall oven if you want.

6: They look great.

Microwave Drawer Manufacturers 

It is useful to know that Sharp invented the drawer microwave. According to their website, they hold 11 individual patents associated with the drawer microwave. They produced their first model in 2009. This was the Sharp KB-6524PS and is still a big seller.

So all the other brands are built on the Sharp platform. They all have the same 1.2 cubic foot capacity with the same sensor cooking features. And they mostly all come in 24” and 30” widths to fit all standard cabinetry.

Below we have included examples of what is available on Amazon. And, when looking to buy, pay attention to the reviews and look for these features: 

Connectivity

WIFI connectivity for full integration with your smart home’s capability. To get going with this, you just download the app to your smartphone.

Easy Wave Open

You don’t even have to touch the microwave to open it. The unit simply opens with a wave of your hand. You do need to do this deliberately with an up-and-down wave in front of the sensor. You can’t open it accidentally just by walking by. This makes it safe around kids and pets. 

You can close the drawer with a button or just a gentle nudge.

The drawer opens and closes smoothly, so as not to spill anything. And it does it quietly. No more of that loud click when you shut a regular microwave oven door.

Other Great Features

The touch control opens to a 45-degree angle. This makes it easy to read. You don’t have to stoop to see it. So the controls are there when you need them and hidden when you do not. 

Bright LED lighting illuminates the interior of the unit, so you can easily see what is going on with your cooking.

The built-in air-flow venting allows you to install it flush or proud of its surrounding cabinetry. This gives you design flexibility. And, because it is built into the cabinetry on all sides except the front, it deadens that well-known noise of a microwave oven operating.

Downsides

• At  950 watts these units are a bit underpowered.
• Expensive for a microwave oven

But, concerning the issue of price, remember how long you will be living with your choice. No doubt, price is a thing. But value is more important. Many of the features of this unit provide great long-term value, especially in space saving and ease of use.

And, in the context of a kitchen remodel, it is the overall value that is paramount. Plus, when you consider all the money you are spending on your project in any case, it would be worth taking other items out of the budget to include this one.

Drawer Microwave Ovens on Amazon

• Related post: Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens
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• Related post: Built-In Microwave Ovens