Is The KitchenAid Drawer Microwave Worth Its Hefty Price Tag? Here's What Reviews Say

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When it comes to designing your kitchen, the decision of how to build in a microwave can be a tough one, especially if you want to avoid the on-the-counter microwave that can make your kitchen look like a dorm room. There are plenty of microwave and oven combos that can be great sets to bring into your space, and you can always match your microwave to other appliances like your refrigerator. But the KitchenAid drawer microwave offers an entirely different way to incorporate your microwave into the rest of your decor: it functions as a pull-out drawer that sits under a counter, perfect for homeowners who don't want that stainless steel look at eye level. Importantly, reviewers believe that its quality and convenience make the microwave's price worthwhile. 

The KitchenAid Built-In Microwave Drawer at BestBuy retails at $1,799. The average cost of a built-in microwave typically ranges from $400 to $2,000, depending on the quality of the appliance and the difficulty of installation. That's a significant price hike compared to an on-the-counter microwave, which can cost as low as $50, and the over-the-range models are a middle ground, ranging from $150 to $600. So, although the KitchenAid drawer model is on the high end of the range for a microwave, it's not outside of the typical window. And, with the positive reviews and the reliable brand name, this pick seems to be worth its cost.

Of course, consumer feedback is one of the most important things to know before buying a microwave. Reviews on the BestBuy site are largely positive: the model has 92 five-star reviews, which far outnumber the 17 one-star reviews. Over 79% of reviewers said they would recommend this product, and the biggest positives they noted are the sleek look, ease of use, and how much counter space it saves. One customer commented, "Loving this under-the-counter microwave. Saves so much counter space and looks very sleek."  Others loved how the door can be closed manually or with a simple push of a button. 

The few qualms users had are mostly things that can be easily fixed. It can be difficult to install a drawer microwave into an existing cabinet; however, customers got around this with simple solutions. "I did the install after my handyman quoted me $180 to open up a new microwave cabinet a half inch on both sides to accommodate this appliance," one reviewer wrote. Another shopper said that it was difficult to get their appliance repaired when parts broke, claiming that "We had to wait a month for the part." Finally, a few different reviewers noted that they wished the buttons lit up. "Since the buttons are not backlit and the printing is not very stark, it's hard to see the buttons to know what you're pressing," one buyer said.