Does Your Kitchen Need A Microwave Drawer?

What would modern kitchens be without a microwave? This compact appliance is responsible for some of the conveniences every homeowner enjoys, for instance, warming your favorite cup of coffee or making some tasty treats like mug cakes. They revolutionized cooking since the 20th century when they were first invented, making it possible to heat food faster than in a regular oven, via Spencer's TV & Appliance. While microwaves are necessary for every home, they come in different styles, sizes, and varieties, so it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for your cooking and heating needs. 

However, if you want to spruce up and increase the functionality of your kitchen space, the microwave drawer option is quite trendy. Although the regular countertop variety works fine, the specific design is quite popular because of its aesthetic appeal. So this begs the question: Does every kitchen require this new addition? Or should you stick with the regular over-the-countertop or range alternatives? To help you make the right choice, take a look at this detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of the drawer-style microwave.

As the name suggests, a microwave drawer opens and closes in the same fashion as a drawer. This style slides in and out, unlike their conventional over-the-counter microwaves that open using a hinged door. They are typically installed under the countertop or sometimes on the kitchen wall as part of the cabinetry, mentions Don's Appliance. 

Operation is straightforward: To warm your food, all you have to do is open the controller that is often located right at the top, press the open button, place your food container inside, set your heating time, and press a button to close the drawer. Because of the installation location, you might need to bend over to access the microwave's control panel. Although it serves the same functions as the other options, its flexibility and ergonomics set this appliance off the competition. They are low profile and will give your kitchen a touch of luxury.

Other than aesthetics, one of the major draws to this type of microwave is its space-saving capacity. The countertop space is one of those pieces of real estate in the kitchen that is never enough. So the microwave drawer will help you declutter your countertop, leaving you with enough space to do your slicing and dicing. Another noteworthy advantage of this type of microwave is accessibility. Since most are installed under the countertop, they are not only within reach but also quite easy to open and close for left and right-handed individuals, per Sharp Electronics Corporation.

Also, because of where they are typically installed, microwave drawers are easily accessible for both short and tall individuals. Although they are installed low enough, especially within reach of children, they come installed with safety child lock features that prevent children from playing around with the microwave. This feature helps protect your children from burns and keeps your appliance safe from unnecessary damage.

Although this modern upgrade to the traditional oven comes packed with many advantages, it also has its fair share of cons that you should know about. One of the biggest drawbacks of this particular appliance is the absence of convection cooking. Maytag mentions that convection microwaves give you the ability to warm food and serve as an oven for baking and roasting. Another disadvantage is that, unlike the conventional options, you will need to hire a licensed professional to install this appliance. 

This will, of course, come with additional installation costs that you have to pay aside from the cost of buying the appliance. When operating the device, you need to be extra careful and avoid forcing the drawers in or out lest you damage the opening and closing mechanism of the microwave. Finally, although this appliance saves on the countertop space that is often at a premium, it still takes away from the cabinet drawer storage that is equally useful.

While a microwave drawer comes with new functions and fancy bells and whistles, such conveniences often come at a price. The bottom line is that microwave drawers don't come cheap; they are considered a premium product. According to Julie Blanner, a microwave drawer costs between $1,000 to $1,800 without factoring in installation. However much you will pay depends on the brand, size, and other additional features you may need on your microwave. 

However, if the cost is a significant factor for you, other affordable options will give you the same function but not necessarily the conveniences. So does your kitchen need a microwave drawer? There is no right or wrong answer to this question; it all comes down to your preference. The drawer-style option is for you if you want some sophistication and a touch of luxury in your kitchen. Otherwise, any other alternative will work just fine.