Oven with built in microwave: Best Microwave Combination Ovens | Airport Home Appliance

Best Built-In Microwaves (2023 Guide)

Built-in microwaves are a practical alternative to freestanding microwaves, offering increased counter space and eye-level cooking. These efficient kitchen gadgets come in various styles, colors, and sizes to best match your preferences and the dimensions of your space. Each model has a range of unique features that make it easy to thoroughly cook and reheat your food.

To help narrow down your choices, we examined the top built-in microwave models on the market. Check out our top picks below.

Top 5 Built-In Microwaves

• Best Built-In Microwave Oven: KitchenAid KMBS104ESS Built-In Microwave
• Best Large Microwave: Frigidaire Gallery GMBS3068AF Built-In Microwave
• Best Countertop-Convertible Microwave: Panasonic NN-SN766S Microwave Oven
• Best Microwave Drawer: Sharp KB-6524PS Microwave Drawer Oven
• Best Built-In Convection Microwave: KitchenAid KMBP100EBS Built-In Microwave

Best Built-In Microwave Oven

Fast Facts

• Wattage: 1,000 watts
• Capacity: 1. 4 cubic feet
• Dimensions: 17.9 x 23.8 x 21.3 inches

What we like: For this microwave, we were impressed with its plethora of unique features, including seven one-touch cooking options, a sensor cooking function, and a child safety lock. It has a sleek, stainless-steel finish and a drop-down door that gives it the appearance of a traditional oven.

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers like this product’s pull-down door design, quiet operation, and variety of cook settings. On the other hand, a handful of critical buyers feel that the microwave takes longer than expected to heat most dishes satisfactorily. 

“I installed it in less than 10 minutes; it was so easy. Product works great and matches our other appliances. Highly recommended and easy to use.” —StrikeFour via Best Buy

“I decided to purchase this microwave to match our other KitchenAid appliances and because buttons are near the top. If buttons were near the bottom of the microwave, it would be too low to the ground. This has worked out perfectly.” —Charlie via Best Buy

“It’s slower to heat up than our previous oven, which was still working great after 16 years. I feel like it takes longer to cook the food to the same point as well.” —Justaregularguy via Best Buy

Best Large Microwave

Fast Facts

• Wattage: 1,100 watts
• Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet
• Dimensions: 13.6 x 24.4 x 19.6 inches

What we like: This microwave features a wide variety of preprogrammed settings as well as sensor-cook technology, automatically adjusting cooking time for optimal food temperature. We also love its sleek black and stainless steel finish, which should fit in nicely with most modern kitchens.

What Customers Are Saying

During our research into verified buyer reviews of this unit, we found numerous positive remarks on its large capacity of and fast-heating capability. However, we also learned that a few customers are disappointed that the model does not come with a trim kit.

“This microwave it deceiving, it looks little but it’s actually very spacey inside which was perfect for under the he island. I like the minimalistic design, Heats up great! Unfortunately the shipping on the trim kit I ordered for it also on Best Buy website is delayed in shipping, so the picture is before installing trim kit.” — Abundance via Best Buy

“Love it! Spacious and easy to use. I do wish the clock numbers were further apart, but I know I will get used to the pattern. It’s lovely having a roomy microwave–just in time for the holidays. — LadyB via Best Buy

“This microwave does not come with the trim kit! I’m writing this review in case that’s not clear to anyone else. I realize now that at the bottom of the features list it says the trim kit is sold separately, but there’s not one photo of what the microwave looks like out of the box. I find this very misleading. The entire outer steel border is sold separately. I’m only deducting 1 star though, because so far the microwave itself is great. It heats well, has a ton of room, and is very quiet. I also love the controls – they are super easy to use, with both quick start and +10/+30 options. It has only been 1 week, so just hoping this microwave lasts many years!” — Jill via Best Buy

Best Countertop-Convertible Microwave

Fast Facts

• Wattage: 1,250 watts
• Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet
• Dimensions: 9 x 18.5 x 16.4 inches

What we like: This microwave uses inverter technology to heat food evenly without overcooking it. We are also impressed with its several unique functions, including a keep-warm setting that maintains microwaved dishes’ hot temperature while you finish prepping other food for a meal.

What Customers Are Saying

Overall, we’ve noticed that customers like this microwave for its low noise level, variety of cook settings, and convenient features, which include a child safety lock and Genius sensor that automatically adjusts cook time and temperature. However, our research also showed that at least two customers have claimed that the appliance failed to work after minimal usage.

“There’s really nothing negative to say. What’s important to me is how easy it is to use—no more tutorials on how to use this microwave, especially when you have guests. Adjust the power level, choose the correct amount of time and press start that’s all there is to it. There are preprogrammed functions that are useful as well. This microwave is pretty straightforward, no unnecessary functions you’ll never use.” —Lewis Leary via Amazon

“Good features, easy to open and close door, good power level. Great size—15-inch glass rotating platform is large and can accommodate most items. Replaced previous Panasonic, which lasted many years! This was on my porch the next day.”  —R Whit via Amazon

“So disappointed. Panasonic was my go-to brand, since my previous Panasonic microwave lasted 17 years. This one: After less than 4 years, the keypad malfunctioned. A complete power down, wait, and re-power brought it back to normal for about an hour. Then, kaput. Now for me, brand doesn’t matter, but the inverter technology is key. This microwave was great—while it lasted.” —cdf via Amazon

Best Rated Drawer Microwave

Fast Facts

• Wattage: 950 watts
• Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
• Dimensions: 15.9 x 23.9 x 26.2 inches; 15.4 x 30 x 26.2 inches

What we like: We like that this microwave is easy-to-install and features an auto-touch key that opens and closes the door automatically when your hands are full. It comes in multiple finishes, so you can choose which one best fits your kitchen’s aesthetic. It’s available in both 24- and 30-inch widths.

What Customers Are Saying

We found that reviewers are particularly impressed with this microwave’s sleek and stylish design that helps them save space in their kitchens. Several others also note how quietly it operates. However, we noticed some customers feel the interface could be more user-friendly. 

“I saw this microwave at our friends’ new house. I was so impressed with how it was an under-the-counter drawer microwave that you don’t have to bend down to see the area where you put your time in. We are thrilled with it.” —Dennis Burke via Amazon

“I was skeptical because many reviewers weren’t happy with transitioning to the drawer feature. We couldn’t be happier. I was SO happy to get our microwave off the counter, and due to space constraints, this was our only option. Zero regrets. It arrived in a timely fashion, packaged very well.” —Barbie via Amazon

“I like the design, and the drawer fits well into the design of our kitchen. However, I’m torn on this microwave right now. I wish you could lock the microwave from opening somehow so kids could not pull it open. Also, I wish it had a spinning table for the food. I think it would be tough to get something very big in it as well.” —John P. via Amazon

Best Over-the-Range Convection Microwave

Fast Facts

• Wattage: 900 watts
• Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 29.8 x 25.1 inches

What we like: This microwave has a variety of preset cook functions to take the guesswork out of reheating food—and we noticed that it was displayed on large, easy-to-read buttons. It also includes a crisper pan for crisping and frying food in the microwave.

What Customers Are Saying

Throughout the course of our product research, we have found that customers are impressed with this model’s “excellent” heating power and various preset cook functions. However, our digging also revealed that a minority of buyers feel the instructions are difficult to understand. 

“Is it a microwave? Is it a convection oven? Is it the right size? Is it good looking? Yes to all.   We’ve only had it for a few months but so far so good. Dedicated 20 amp circuit, plenty of power.” —Johann via Best Buy

“Incredible. We made pizza and bacon (crispy!). It’s convection as well as an air fryer. We have not played with all the settings, but so far we are very impressed!” —Sboo via Best Buy

“I begrudgingly bought this to match our other KitchenAid units. It works fine, but I wish it had more flexible and individual buttons than just waiting for the display to scroll through options. It heats well though.” —marc via Best Buy

What to Look For in a Built-In Microwave

When shopping for a built-in microwave oven, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you purchase the best product for your needs. We recommend you take particular note of features such as power level, capacity, design, extra features, and control options. We elaborate on key specs below.

• Power level: A microwave’s power is measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the quicker it will cook your food, and the more evenly it will distribute heat. Most built-in microwaves have between 800 and 1,200 watts. Any microwave with less than 800 watts of power will take longer to cook food and may not heat it evenly, while microwaves with more than 1,000 watts will heat food faster without leaving cold spots.
• Size: Our research indicates built-in microwaves are typically 24-, 27-, or 30-inches long to adhere to standard cabinet sizes. Microwaves can be as wide as 25 inches or as shallow as 18, depending on the brand and model. Before buying a microwave, measure the distance between your cabinets—length, width, and height—to ensure you’re not buying one that’s too big or too small.
• Capacity: A built-in microwave’s capacity determines how much food can fit in it at one time. Typically, we see that microwaves usually have capacities between 0.5 and 2 cubic feet, though larger and smaller models are also available. For standard cooking needs, a microwave with a small or average capacity of 1 to 1.5 cubic feet is usually plenty, but a large-capacity model is more effective if you plan to heat large dishes, such as casseroles.
• Design: Built-in microwaves come in various styles and finish options. Most built-in microwaves have neutral colors, such as silver, black, or stainless-steel gray. When deciding on a finish, try matching it with your other kitchen appliances, such as your electric stove (also called a range), refrigerator, and dishwasher. 
• Control options: The more cooking control options your built-in microwave includes, the more convenient it will be to set the right timer for your food. Many modern microwaves include cooking options for foods such as pizza, popcorn, vegetables, chicken, and beverages. Some microwaves also have cook settings for defrosting, steaming, or boiling.
• Racks/turntables: Some built-in microwaves include removable racks that allow you to stack plates on top of each other to cook dishes simultaneously. Further, although most microwaves feature a circular turntable that rotates as the food cooks, some models have a square table, which is better for fitting large food items.

If we talk about the cons of combined electric oven, then first of all we should mention:

• Separate power cable and ground required. This kind of technique will put the electrical grid to the test, despite the fact that all Asko ovens are energy rated A and A+. However, we note that a stand-alone electric oven and microwave consume about the same amount, and Asko ovens, according to the reviews of many cooking enthusiasts, consume really little electricity;
• high price, scaring off many buyers at first. However, buying an electric oven and a microwave separately will cost you about the same price, and given the quality of the electrical appliances and the ability to save space, such a price seems quite reasonable.

Some users also point out as a disadvantage the need to purchase special dishes that are not destroyed by microwaves and at the same time are suitable for baking food in the oven. But in this case it is difficult to consider it a disadvantage for two reasons:

1. if you were going to buy an oven and a microwave separately, you have already stocked up on the appropriate utensils;
2. Asko completes each model of its ovens with the corresponding trays and racks. This is convenient and immediately solves at least part of the problem.

How to choose the correct model?

Modern manufacturers offer many models of electric ovens, and sometimes it is difficult to understand the countless propositions. Focus on your personality and your needs.

For how many people and how many dishes do you intend to cook?

Depending on this, the size of the oven and the number of levels in it are selected.

For example, the Asko Oven OT8664A has dimensions (height/width/depth in cm) of 59.7/59.7/56.8. The volume of its niche is 59/56-56.8/55. It has 5 cooking levels, and in total it fits 73 liters – this is much more than the volume of an average oven (50-60 liters). Obviously, such an oven is needed for a large family or for those who from time to time like to gather a large company.

In comparison, the ASKO OCM8487S Compact Oven measures 45.5/59.5/54.6 cm; the volume of its niche is 45/56-56.8/55 cm; its volume is 50 liters.

There are ovens with much more modest dimensions. But on average in height, you should focus on the numbers 45 cm – this is a compact oven and 60 cm is a full-fledged oven in which you can bake a whole big goose or turkey. You choose which size you prefer.

Energy level.

Depending on this criterion, all models are divided into different classes. The most energy-consuming is class C (now they are almost never produced), the least energy-consuming is class A ++. Asko models come close to the best with A and A+ energy ratings.

The number of automatic programs and options you need.

Do not buy the most expensive model if you plan to use the oven only to fry potatoes and the microwave to reheat yesterday’s dishes. But it is quite possible that you will appreciate the options that Asko offers you in its ovens, or maybe you decide to cook a new dish that you have long dreamed of.

Grill mode, for example, can serve as such possibilities for cooks. Grilling in an oven is a specific way of heating food. Products are cooked by heating with infrared radiation (turbogrill) and using microwaves (aerogrill). In both cases, convection is also used – a fan that evenly distributes heat throughout the oven. Due to the use of these technologies, food is heated evenly, which is important when cooking large pieces of meat or whole poultry.

Note that Asko manufactures ovens with customers in mind, and therefore you can buy, for example, the Asko Oven OP8676S, which has the option “large area grill with fan” .

In addition, you can purchase models of fairly inexpensive ovens with defrost functions – for example, the Asko OT8636 Oven. The grill is there, by the way, too. If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, check out the Asko OCS8683S Oven, which features a grill, defrost, quick heat, auto bake, and even water hardness control with a descaling program! This is not to mention other programs that allow you to go about your business while a smart appliance cooks food. .

Oven safety.

It depends on several factors that directly affect how calmly you can cook. When choosing an oven, we advise you to pay attention to the following points:

• child safety. Almost all Asko ovens have a “child lock” function. It consists of the following: – locking the oven door during cooking. A curious baby will not be able to open the door and, accordingly, will not get burned; – control panel protection: the child will not be able to reprogram the cooking parameters you set.
• protection against burns of the hostess herself. In standard electric ovens, especially older models, it happens that the oven gets very hot, and accidentally touching it leads to discomfort and even burns. To prevent this from happening, you should carefully approach the choice of an oven, especially a built-in one. Modern models – such as those sold by Asko – have three or even four glasses in the doors, creating the UltraCoolDoor security system – “Ultracold Door”. You can safely touch such a door while cooking;
• Presence/absence of telescopic rails. Telescopic guides are wide runners that extend beyond the oven along with the baking sheet. In the event that you have an oven equipped with telescopic guides, you do not have to worry about burns by climbing deep into the oven with an oven mitt at the ready – the baking sheet will slide out by itself. Telescopic guides are present in all Asko models. At the same time, in some models they are available at several levels. An example is the Asko OP8687S Oven, where there are telescopic rails on three levels at once. This greatly simplifies the life of the hostess, since the risk of getting burned is minimal.

Ease of use.

Each user has his own way of controlling kitchen appliances. Asko takes this into account by offering models for every taste. Ovens can be controlled:

• with a fully responsive touch panel like the Asko OCS8678G oven;
• combined, as in the Asko OCS8687A model, when control is carried out simultaneously using the touch panel and jog dial rotary switches;
• fully mechanical. The latter is unpopular in modern conditions, but such models also exist.

Easy to clean.

In this case, you should also be guided by your own ideas about high-quality cleaning. Current manufacturers offer the following methods for cleaning ovens:

• special easy-to-clean enamel, which does not stick to grease and carbon deposits – Aqua Clean system. It is enough just to wipe it when the oven is still warm. You can use ordinary detergents for this. Such a system is installed in Asko OT8664A, Asko OCS8687S, Asko OCS8678G and other ovens;
• pyrolytic: the oven heats up to 500 degrees Celsius and all fat is burned off. Ashes can be subsequently removed from the surface with any cleaning agent. Such a system is provided in the ovens Asko OP8687A, Asko OP8678G, Asko OP8676S and others. Some users consider the high cost of electricity and the strong heating of the oven to be a disadvantage of this method, but the technologies used by Asko allow the cabinet walls not to heat up and also save energy;
• hydrolysis: water is poured into a special container. Evaporating, it softens the fat, and it is very easy to remove it later with your hands;
• catalytic: either the inner surface of the cabinet is coated with a special substance that breaks down fat, or special plates are installed in the oven chamber to trap this fat. In the first case, it will be enough to wipe off the remnants of fat with an ordinary napkin, in the second case, it will be necessary to change the plates in time.

Grill power.

The power must not be lower than 1050 W, otherwise the food will not warm up well. In Asko ovens, even inexpensive ones like the Asko OT8636S model, the grill power is 2700 watts.

Pleasant little things provided by the manufacturer and sometimes extremely important.

In particular, each Asko oven comes with a set of appropriate trays and a temperature probe, a device that allows you to determine the readiness of a large piece of meat. For example, the Asko OP8676S oven package includes a temperature probe, 1 shallow baking sheet, 1 deep baking sheet, 1 grid; Asko OT8664A oven package includes temperature probe, 2 shallow trays, 1 deep tray, 1 grid. Thus, if you purchase an Asko oven, then you will not need to spend extra money on trifles, sometimes absolutely necessary when cooking.

Comfortable and ergonomic design for successful cooking

The modern buyer usually wants to get not only a high-quality, but also an elegant oven that fits perfectly into the design of his kitchen. In this case, Asko will come to the rescue by providing ovens in various colors: anthracite black, like the Asko Oven OT8664A or Asko OCS8687B, stainless steel, like the Asko OP8664S or Asko OP8687S models. Anyone can find an oven to their taste!

Asko designers are also guided by the experience of their ancestors. The inner chamber of the ovens is not rectangular, but vaulted, like in wood-burning stoves. Thanks to this, the heat is distributed much more evenly, warming up the entire surface of the dish. As a result, fans run less, and therefore less electricity is consumed.

How to buy an oven in an online store and not regret it?

It is better to give the advantage to the official distributor of a particular company – such stores, as a rule, provide a guarantee from the manufacturer.