Most people think a microwave has to sit on a counter like an eyesore from the nineties. You can actually hide them inside your joinery to create a kitchen that looks like a high-end magazine shoot.
Building these machines into your woodwork changes the entire flow of your room. Here is a look at the best Microwaves for inside cabinet setups to help you regain your precious prep space.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your cabinet interior depth twice because these units often require more room than a standard countertop model.
- Prioritize a microwave drawer design if you want to avoid heavy lifting or reaching over a hot surface.
- Check the electrical requirements to ensure your cabinet has a dedicated outlet tucked away behind the frame.
- Choose a finish that matches your existing hardware to make the appliance feel like a permanent piece of your cabinetry.
- Verify the ventilation requirements for your specific unit to prevent moisture buildup inside your expensive wood boxes.
| Top Drawer Pick |  |
KoolMore 24 Inch Stainless Steel Drawer | Smooth sliding drawer | Consistent heating power | Easy access design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sensor Cooking Pro |  |
ThermoMate 24 Inch Built In Drawer | Smart sensor technology | Intuitive touch controls | Helpful defrosting rack | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Industry Standard |  |
Sharp 24 Inch Built In Drawer | Reliable build quality | Spacious interior capacity | Hidden control panel | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Combo Master |  |
AAOBOSI 30 Inch Microwave Air Fryer | Three functions in one | Efficient convection heating | Large 30 inch frame | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best Storage Solution |  |
Unikito 71 Inch Tall Pantry Cabinet | Adds significant storage | Sturdy vertical structure | Dedicated appliance shelf | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Friendly Organizer |  |
HORSTORS White Kitchen Storage Cabinet | Bright white finish | Compact footprint | Dedicated microwave stand | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Modern Design Choice |  |
Haven 24 Inch Matte Black Drawer | Fingerprint resistant finish | Unique matte appearance | Smooth drawer glide | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Wide Frame Solution |  |
Haven 30 Inch Stainless Drawer | Fits 30 inch openings | Professional appearance | Large cooking capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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KoolMore 24 Inch Stainless Steel Drawer
If you want to keep your countertops clear, this drawer-style microwave is a brilliant addition to any custom kitchen. It slides out like a standard kitchen drawer, which makes accessing your food much easier than reaching into a high-mounted unit or stooping down to a low one.
The 1000 watts of power handles everything from reheating coffee to defrosting frozen proteins with consistent results. Just keep in mind that since it is designed specifically for cabinetry, you will need a professional to handle the installation and electrical wiring to ensure it fits snugly.
- Brand Name:KoolMore
- Appliance Type:Microwave Drawer
- Capacity Size:1.2 cubic feet
- Housing Material:Stainless steel
- Power Output:1000 watts
- Included Features:Memory and timer functions
- Additional Feature:Flat bottom design
- Additional Feature:Ten cooking levels
- Additional Feature:Wall mountable configuration
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ThermoMate 24 Inch Built In Drawer
This unit excels because it does the thinking for you. The integrated sensor cooking technology detects the moisture levels in your food, which helps prevent those sad, rubbery textures that usually happen when you overcook leftovers.
It is a great choice for home cooks who rely on automatic presets to simplify their evening routines. While the touch controls are very intuitive, you should double check your cabinet dimensions before buying, as drawer microwaves require specific clearances to operate correctly.
- Brand Name:ThermoMate
- Appliance Type:Built in microwave drawer
- Capacity Size:1.2 cubic feet
- Housing Material:Stainless steel
- Power Output:1000 watts
- Included Features:Automatic presets and sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Eleven power levels
- Additional Feature:Easy glide drawer
- Additional Feature:Digital display panel
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Sharp 24 Inch Built In Drawer
Sharp basically wrote the book on the drawer microwave category, and this model remains a reliable workhorse for any kitchen remodel. Its hidden control panel stays out of sight until you need it, keeping your kitchen aesthetics clean and uncluttered.
The 1.2 cubic foot interior is spacious enough to hold a standard 9 by 13 inch casserole dish without any trouble. Just be aware that the drawer mechanism is quite sturdy, so it requires a bit of clearance space to fully extend.
- Brand Name:Sharp
- Appliance Type:Built in microwave drawer
- Capacity Size:1.2 cubic feet
- Housing Material:Stainless steel
- Power Output:1000 watts
- Additional Feature:Automatic drawer opening
- Additional Feature:Easy to clean interior
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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AAOBOSI 30 Inch Microwave Air Fryer
If your kitchen space is limited, this three-in-one appliance acts as a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer. It is a fantastic way to reclaim valuable real estate by combining multiple gadgets into one built-in cabinet unit.
You get the speed of a microwave paired with the crispy results of an air fryer, which is a nice perk for quick weeknight meals. Because it packs so much tech into one frame, ensure your cabinet ventilation is up to snuff to handle the heat from the convection and air frying modes.
- Brand Name:AAOBOSI
- Appliance Type:Microwave air fryer combo
- Housing Material:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Air fry mode
- Additional Feature:Convection cooking capabilities
- Additional Feature:Built in installation design
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Unikito 71 Inch Tall Pantry Cabinet
Sometimes you do not need a new microwave, but rather a better place to put the one you already own. This tall pantry cabinet provides a dedicated shelf for your microwave while adding a massive amount of vertical storage for dishes and dry goods.
It acts as a sturdy anchor for your kitchen, keeping your appliances at a comfortable height so you do not have to lean over. While it requires some assembly time, the finished piece creates a tidy look that mimics a custom built-in pantry.
- Brand Name:Unikito
- Appliance Type:Kitchen storage cabinet
- Housing Material:Engineered wood
- Additional Feature:Microwave countertop space
- Additional Feature:Multiple shelving tiers
- Additional Feature:Tall pantry design
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HORSTORS White Kitchen Storage Cabinet
If you want to brighten up a small kitchen, this white storage cabinet is a light and airy option. It includes a specific microwave compartment that keeps your counter clear and provides extra room for other small appliances like a toaster or blender.
The design is clean and simple, making it fit well into most modern or farmhouse kitchens without much fuss. Note that it is made of lighter materials, so you should avoid placing extremely heavy cast iron cookware on the top shelves.
- Brand Name:HORSTORS
- Appliance Type:Microwave storage cabinet
- Housing Material:Particle board
- Additional Feature:Open storage shelf
- Additional Feature:Enclosed cabinet doors
- Additional Feature:Modern aesthetic style
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Haven 24 Inch Matte Black Drawer
Matte black finishes are perfect for hiding fingerprints, and this drawer microwave brings a sleek, contemporary edge to your cabinetry. It performs just as well as the stainless steel models but offers a much more distinct visual style for a designer kitchen look.
The 1.2 cubic feet of space is perfectly adequate for most families, and the drawer operation is just as smooth as you would expect from a premium unit. Just make sure your cabinet color contrast works well with the bold black finish before you pull the trigger.
- Brand Name:Haven Collection
- Appliance Type:Built in microwave drawer
- Capacity Size:1.2 cubic feet
- Housing Material:Matte black steel
- Power Output:1000 watts
- Additional Feature:Low profile design
- Additional Feature:Large drawer handle
- Additional Feature:Digital control interface
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Haven 30 Inch Stainless Drawer
If you have a 30-inch opening in your cabinets, this wider drawer model is the perfect fit. It fills the space beautifully, creating a symmetrical look that is much more professional than using a trim kit to force a smaller microwave into a large hole.
It offers the same reliable power and capacity as the smaller versions but with the added convenience of matching the standard width of many kitchen ranges. It is an excellent choice for a seamless upgrade in a high-end kitchen remodel.
- Brand Name:Haven Collection
- Appliance Type:Built in microwave drawer
- Capacity Size:1.2 cubic feet
- Housing Material:Stainless steel
- Power Output:1000 watts
- Additional Feature:Wide trim frame
- Additional Feature:Easy touch buttons
- Additional Feature:Soft close drawer mechanism
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a regular countertop microwave inside a cabinet?
You can, but you must treat it like a built-in unit. You need to ensure there is adequate airflow around the sides and back, or the appliance will fail prematurely. Never seal the microwave inside a cabinet without a ventilation plan or a proper trim kit installed.
Do I really need a professional to install it?
If you are handy with a drill and a level, you can likely manage this yourself. However, installing a trim kit requires precision, and you should be comfortable working near electrical outlets. If you feel unsure about cutting your cabinets or wiring, call a professional to avoid a costly mistake.
Is it safe to have the microwave above my oven?
Yes, this is a common kitchen design, but you must use a heat shield or a sturdy shelf to separate the two units. The heat from your oven can damage the microwave electronics if they are not properly insulated. Always check your manufacturer manual for specific distance requirements between the two appliances.
What happens if I do not use a trim kit?
Without a trim kit, your microwave will look like an afterthought sitting on a shelf. The kit serves a functional purpose by covering the gaps where air flows, which keeps your kitchen looking clean. It also prevents small objects from falling into the ventilation spaces behind the unit.
How do I clean the vents inside the cabinet?
Dust and grease love to settle in those small gaps, so you should vacuum them once or twice a year. Use a soft brush attachment to reach behind the microwave without moving the unit. Keeping those air intake paths clear is the best way to extend the lifespan of your appliance.
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