The Bosch 800 Series Microwave Drawer is the best microwave drawer for most kitchens because it pairs the proven drawer mechanism with the cleanest control panel and the most reliable sensor programs in the category. Microwave drawers free up counter space and sit at a height that is easier on your back, but they are a permanent install, so the wrong choice is expensive to undo. We compared the major drawer models on capacity, cutout dimensions, controls, and long-term owner feedback to narrow the field to four.
The Bosch 800 Series Microwave Drawer is the best overall pick thanks to its responsive touch controls, sensor reheat programs, and quiet drawer glide. If you want the same core performance for less, the Sharp SMD2470AS is the value and budget leader since Sharp builds the drawer hardware most brands rely on.
- Best overall: Bosch 800 Series Microwave Drawer, refined controls on proven hardware
- Best value: Sharp SMD3070AS, a 30 inch face for wide cabinet runs without a luxury markup
- Best budget: Sharp SMD2470AS, the same core drawer mechanism with simpler trim
- Avoid: Unbranded built-in drawer units with no UL listing or local parts support
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Quick Picks
- Best overall: Bosch 800 Series Microwave Drawer, The smoothest controls and most consistent sensor cooking in the category, built on drawer hardware with a long track record.. Check price on Amazon
- Best value: Sharp SMD3070AS, A 30 inch trim version that fills wider cabinet openings cleanly, so you skip a filler kit and get a flush designer look..
- Best budget: Sharp SMD2470AS, Sharp invented the microwave drawer, and this 24 inch model is the most affordable way to get the proven mechanism..
Comparison Table
| Microwave drawer | Capacity | Best for | Standout feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 800 Series | 1.2 cu ft | Most remodels | Touch controls with sensor programs | Check Price |
| Sharp SMD3070AS | 1.2 cu ft | 30 inch cabinet openings | Wide face installs flush without fillers | Check Price |
| Sharp SMD2470AS | 1.2 cu ft | Standard 24 inch cutouts | Proven Sharp drawer mechanism | Check Price |
| KitchenAid 24-Inch Microwave Oven Drawer | 1.2 cu ft | Matching KitchenAid suites | Handle and finish match other KitchenAid appliances | Check Price |
How We Chose These Microwaves Picks
We researched the microwave drawer category across appliance retailers and long-term owner reviews, comparing capacity, cutout dimensions, wattage, control layouts, and reported failure points like drawer rollers and touchpads. Because most drawers share similar internals, we weighted controls, service network, and installation flexibility heavily.
Key Takeaway: Almost every microwave drawer uses similar core hardware, so you are really choosing between control panels, trim widths, and brand service networks rather than raw cooking performance.
Best Overall: Bosch 800 Series Microwave Drawer
Best for: Kitchen remodels where you want counter space back, a clean built-in look, and controls that do not fight you every time you reheat leftovers. Why it made the list: It combines the drawer format’s ergonomic advantages with the most polished control experience in the category, and Bosch’s sensor reheat programs are noticeably more consistent than the timed presets on cheaper drawers.
- Key specs: 1.2 cubic foot interior, 950 watts of cooking power, sensor cook and reheat programs, designed for standard 24 inch base cabinet cutouts with a top-mounted control panel.
- What we like: The drawer glides quietly and closes with a soft push, the angled control panel is readable without crouching, and sensor reheat handles plates of leftovers without the usual cold-center problem.
- What we do not like: It is one of the most expensive ways to buy 950 watts of microwave power, and the top-mounted touchpad can collect crumbs in the gap if you are careless loading tall bowls.
- Who should buy it: Anyone doing a remodel who wants the microwave out of sight and below the counter, especially households with kids who can reach a drawer more safely than an over-the-range unit.
- Who should avoid it: Renters and anyone on a tight budget. This is a permanent built-in that needs a cabinet cutout and an electrician if there is no outlet in the cabinet bay.
- Common complaints: Owners occasionally report touchpad sensitivity issues after several years, and service calls are pricier than simply replacing a countertop unit.
- Size note: Confirm your cabinet cutout height and depth against the install sheet before ordering, because drawer models need more depth clearance than their face dimensions suggest.
- Cleaning note: The flat interior floor wipes out easily, but crumbs fall into the drawer track over time, so vacuum the rails every few months to keep the glide smooth.
- Alternative: If your cabinet run is wider, the Sharp SMD3070AS gives you a flush 30 inch face with the same interior capacity.
Microwave Drawer Buying Guide
Capacity and interior shape
Nearly all microwave drawers offer around 1.2 cubic feet, but the interior is wide and shallow rather than tall. That suits plates, casserole dishes, and mugs, but tall items like large popcorn bags standing upright will not fit. Measure your most-used dishes against the interior height before committing.
Cutout size and installation
Drawers come in 24 inch and 30 inch trim widths, and both need a matching cabinet cutout, proper ventilation clearance, and an outlet inside the cabinet bay. Factor installation into your budget, because retrofitting an outlet is a common hidden cost.
Controls and sensor programs
Since the core hardware is similar across brands, the control panel is where models genuinely differ. Look for sensor reheat rather than timed presets, a readable angled display, and a control lock if you have young kids at drawer height.
Safety Notes
- Have the outlet and circuit checked by an electrician, because drawers should run on a dedicated circuit per most install manuals.
- Use the control lock feature if you have small children, since drawer units sit at kid height.
- Never bypass the door interlock or run the unit with a damaged drawer seal.
- Allow the ventilation clearances in the install sheet, because trapped heat shortens electronics life.
What to Avoid
- Unbranded imported drawer units with no UL or ETL listing.
- Buying before measuring your cabinet cutout depth, not just width.
- Assuming a drawer fits tall items, since the interior is wide but shallow.
- Skipping the install manual’s ventilation gaps to get a tighter flush look.
FAQ
Are microwave drawers worth the extra cost?
They are worth it if counter space and a built-in look matter to you, since the cooking performance itself is similar to a good countertop unit. You are paying for ergonomics, aesthetics, and cabinet integration rather than power.
Who actually makes microwave drawers?
Sharp pioneered the format and manufactures the drawer mechanism used by many other brands. That is why capacity and wattage look nearly identical across the category, and why Sharp models tend to be the value picks.
Can I install a microwave drawer myself?
If a properly rated outlet already exists in the cabinet bay and the cutout matches the spec sheet, a confident DIYer can slide one in. If you need wiring or cabinet modification, hire a pro, because mistakes here are costly.
Final Verdict
The Bosch 800 Series Microwave Drawer is the best microwave drawer for most remodels thanks to its sensor programs and polished controls, with the Sharp SMD3070AS as the smart value pick for 30 inch openings and the Sharp SMD2470AS as the most affordable way to get the proven drawer mechanism.
