So, my wife and I remodeled our kitchen last year, and she really wanted an under-counter drawer microwave. Currently, we have a countertop microwave in that spot, but we both aren't thrilled with it. I'm curious, are drawer microwaves actually worth the investment? I notice that most reputable brands like GE and Frigidaire don't seem to offer these, and all I find are Sharp and lesser-known brands that seem significantly more expensive—like 5 to 10 times the price of a countertop model. Is there a strong advantage to them that justifies the cost?
3 Answers
From what I've heard, Sharp makes all the drawer microwaves. They look great, but the low keypad can be a hassle. If I had a do-over, I'd just put a microwave on a pantry shelf instead. The high price might be because of Sharp's patent, so even if you see other brands, they might still rely on Sharp's technology.
I found them a bit annoying to use. My in-laws have a Sharp one, and waiting for the motorized drawer to slowly open and close can be inconvenient. Plus, my family member accidentally broke theirs by pushing it in, which made me a bit wary.
Yeah, I can see how that could happen! It seems like if you're in a hurry, it's not the most convenient option.
Honestly, I've had a drawer microwave and it didn't heat food as evenly as I'd hoped, despite the high price tag. It’s true that most brands in this category are actually made by Sharp, and you’ll struggle to find much else. If you don’t use microwaves often, maybe consider just building an enclosure for a regular model instead. It’ll save you money and space.
That sounds like a pragmatic solution. Honestly, I use my microwave so rarely that I probably wouldn’t miss the drawer.
That definitely explains the limited options! It's strange that there's so little competition in the market.