Buying Guide for the Best Rated Microwave Drawer
Choosing the right microwave drawer can really bring both convenience and a premium look to your kitchen. Unlike traditional microwaves, these are installed at counter or drawer height, making them easy to access and perfect for streamlined kitchen designs. When picking a microwave drawer, it's important to think first about how you'll use it: reheating, cooking, melting, or defrosting foods; how many people are in your household; and what fits well with your cabinetry and cooking habits. Paying attention to a few key specifications will help you select the perfect fit for your needs.CapacityCapacity refers to how much food the microwave drawer can hold at once, usually measured in cubic feet. This is important because it determines what size dishes you can fit inside, especially if you plan to use large casserole dishes or cook for several people. Small capacities (around 1 cubic foot) are fine for singles or couples mostly reheating or making snacks. Medium (1.1–1.4 cubic feet) suit most average households for daily cooking and reheating. Large capacities (1.5 cubic feet or more) are best for bigger families or frequent entertainers. Think about your typical meal size and the cookware you want to use, and match the capacity accordingly.
Power (Wattage)Microwave power is measured in watts and this directly affects how quickly and evenly your food is cooked or reheated. Higher wattage (usually between 900 and 1200 watts) means faster and more consistent results, perfect for those who cook more than just popcorn or leftovers. Lower wattage (below 900 watts) may be energy saving but will take longer and might not heat food as evenly. For most households, a microwave power between 950–1200 watts strikes a great balance for all types of cooking, but if you mainly just reheat small items, slightly less power may suffice.
Drawer Size and Installation RequirementsThe physical dimensions of the drawer are crucial because these units need to fit into your existing cabinetry. Measure the width, height, and depth of your intended installation space carefully, and also check the required clearance and electrical needs in the product's installation guide. There are standard sizes (often 24-inch or 30-inch widths), so consider what matches your kitchen layout and makes for easy access. Choose a size that allows enough space for both the drawer and its surrounding area, making sure the door can open fully without obstruction.
Controls and FeaturesMicrowave drawers may come with basic one-touch cooking or more advanced controls like sensor-cooking, defrosting, softening, and popcorn settings. Some have touch panels, others use digital buttons, and some offer child locks for safety. Think about how simple or advanced you want your daily operation to be: basic controls can be easier for kids or guests, while advanced features are helpful for more adventurous cooking. If convenience is a top priority, look for intuitive controls, sensor cooking, or preset menus tailored to your routine.
Ease of CleaningSince microwave drawers are built-in, keeping them clean is especially important to prevent odors and stains. Look for features like smooth, easy-to-wipe interiors, removable trays or racks, and minimal seams where food can get trapped. Some units have anti-smudge finishes or even steam-cleaning options. If you anticipate regular messes, a model with a wipe-clean interior and fewer crevices will save you time and frustration, making maintenance part of your everyday habit.