5 Best Built

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The same great functionality as other microwaves, with a more sophisticated aesthetic.

No matter the size of your kitchen, one thing is constant: countertop space is precious. Whether you need that area for meal prep or you simply prefer a clutter-free aesthetic, getting those small appliances — blenders, toasters, air fryers, countertop microwaves and more — out of the way can help free up those counters.

When it comes to microwaves, consumers can choose between over-the-range microwaves and built-in microwaves to help free up space. Over the range microwaves are installed over your range, while built-ins can be installed into your cabinets or in a drawer. The only downside to this streamlined look? They tend to be more expensive and may require professional installation.

Though we haven't conducted formal side-by-side tests of built-in microwaves, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has researched and evaluated hundreds of small appliances over the last two decades, including over 30 top-rated microwave ovens. To evaluate built-ins, we leaned on our Lab experience analyzing everything from ease of use to popping popcorn and defrosting, as well as the functionality of any added features — like air fry, toast or convection settings.

After our top picks, learn what to look for when shopping for the best built-in microwave, whether they're worth it and answers to other common questions.

We haven't formally tested this exact model, but LG microwaves generally perform well in our side-by-side microwave tests, and this model has a lot of enviable features, including convection technology that allows you to do things like broil and even air fry. Essentially, it uses a combination of heating elements to skip preheating but still cook faster with oven-like results. LG also has a special ThinQ app that you can use to access more than 10,000 recipes, start the oven, set timers or check on dinner no matter where you are. You can even scan the barcode on a selection of ready-made meals to remotely set temperature and cooking time.

We love the overall look of this microwave oven, too. The SmoothTouch glass controls combined with the drawer-style oven below make the entire unit look more like a built-in appliance than your average microwave. But it's not all about creating a sleek aesthetic — the microwave's large oven-style handle makes it exceptionally easy to operate.

Though you'll pay the price for many built-in microwaves, Frigidaire makes a quality budget-friendly option, especially for those short on space. The unit has a smaller footprint than most built-ins — it fits in place of 24-inch cabinets — making it easier to find a home for it in your kitchen.

Despite the dimensions, the microwave oven doesn't lack much. It has a roomy 2.2 cubic feet of cooking space, which is plenty enough for a large dinner plate. It may not have convection power, but it is equipped with smart sensors to automatically adjust cooking time and temperature, too. Additional features include a melt function for baking ingredients like butter, quick defrost for weeknight dinners and a child safety lock. Although we haven't tested this model in side-by-side tests, the reviews are good, and in general, we stand behind Frigidaire products, specifically if you're looking for overall value.

GE microwaves have historically performed very well in our testing, and we love the convection setting on this unit. Although the microwave has a lower wattage than most others on our list, its convection setting yields crisp, golden brown food the way an toaster oven might, largely thanks to a special rack that allows the air to fully circulate around the food. It also has an impressive steam function, so you can more quickly prepare rice and fresh vegetables.

These features are all easy to access for the average home cook. The controls are intuitive, plus the microwave is equipped with one-touch cooking. Simply program your favorite foods using a setting called My Cycle and the appliance will remember both cook time and temperature for all of your go-tos.

Despite that it's much more reasonably-priced than our top overall pick, this over-the-range microwave has similar smart functionality. Use the compatible Whirlpool app on your phone or tablet to operate the microwave from afar — you can start it, monitor cooking and even adjust settings all over Wi-Fi. It's a feature that's especially helpful when using the appliance to prepare meals that take longer to cook, especially since you can even use voice commands via Google Assistant or an Alexa-enabled device when your hands are tied with other prep tasks.

That's not the only feature you'll love. The microwave has the same special scan-to-cook technology as LG's model, which allows you to scan the barcode of frozen items and send cooking instructions directly to the microwave. It also has a unique AccuPop Cycle that uses sound sensors to track the time between pops of popcorn to help prevent popcorn from burning — no hovering required. But perhaps one of our favorite attributes is just how quiet this microwave is. During testing, our testers didn't even realize it was on!

The HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is as versatile as they come — and not just because it can be installed as a built-in or set on a countertop. The Panasonic microwave is also a broiler, convection oven and air fryer, hence the four-in-one in its name. Sure, it can perform simple tasks like popping a bag of popcorn or reheating soup, but it can also take on more complicated cooking tasks with its convection abilities, like air frying chicken wings and even baking a cake. We tested both and were pleased with the results. The chicken wings were exceptionally crispy and we couldn't believe how evenly the convection oven baked a nine-inch yellow cake.

It's no surprise this model and its inverter technology — technology that continuously delivers power — won a Kitchen Gear Award. Just note: Since there are so many accessories and features, including 20 presets, there's a bit of a learning curve to really take advantage of all this microwave has to offer. We recommend reviewing the instruction manual before operating for best results.

Though we haven't conducted formal side-by-side tests of built-in microwaves, we have tested dozens of microwaves — including some built-ins. When we test microwaves, we analyze the functionality of each one by evaluating how evenly they melt cheese (pictured), "bake" four potatoes, reheat a large mac and cheese casserole and a dinner plate of meatloaf with sides. We use these results to inform our best built-in microwave picks.

We also test any available presets like the popcorn setting to see how well each microwave pops a bag of popcorn. We weigh any remaining unpopped kernels and assess any burning that occurred. We also test the defrost preset by defrosting a pound of frozen ground beef (in two different shapes). Throughout testing, we assess each model for ease of use specifically related to the control panel, positioning the turntable, opening and closing the door and cleaning the microwave.

If a microwave has added functionality as a toaster oven, convection oven or air fryer, we also put those features to the test by toasting bread, baking a cake or air frying chicken wings.

Once testing is complete, we tally all scores to see which microwaves performs the best. For any microwaves we haven't physically tested in our Labs — like many of the built-in models recommended on this list — our pros and expert editorial team lean on their collective decades of experience to assess available features, plus read hundreds of user reviews to see how the products perform according to those who use them on a daily basis.

Like any other kitchen appliance, there are lots of choices that may fit your space and style, but our pros recommend considering the following:

✔️ Type of built-in microwave: Built-in microwaves offer a streamlined and sophisticated look to your kitchen, because they're integrated — they're typically built into a cabinet or drawer or installed over the range. This not only frees up counter space, but also allows for further customization like installing the microwave at a comfortable height or near another appliance like a wall oven.

✔️ Type of microwave: There are two main types of microwaves, traditional and inverter. While traditional models tend to be more affordable, they can be less energy efficient because the microwave isn't kept at a constant power level while operating. Heating may also be spottier. Inverter microwaves can deliver more even heat, because they use a special technology to deliver power continuously rather than cycle power on and off they way traditional models do.

✔️ Size: The internal size of a microwave is measured in cubic feet and determines exactly how much can fit inside. Based on our research, microwaves are typically anywhere from 0.8 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet on average. Pick the size that best fits your space and needs.

✔️ Wattage: A very important spec, wattage indicates how powerful the microwave is. For most standard tasks — reheating individual portions of food, defrosting small quantities of vegetables or making popcorn — a 700- to 900-watt microwave will likely do the trick. For heavier use, look for a microwave with at least 1,000 watts of power. For reference, the heating instructions on most packaged frozen meals are based on a 1,100-watt microwave. Anything lower will eventually get the job done, but will take longer to heat through.

✔️ Features: Many of today's most popular microwaves — whether countertop or built-in — are packed with lots of great bells and whistles. These are some that stand out:

✔️ Installation: Countertop microwaves simply sit on your kitchen counters and are installed by plugging the unit into a nearby outlet. Built-in microwaves require more complex installation, since they're installed into a cabinet, drawer or wall. This requires adequate ventilation. You may also need to purchase a trim kit to insure a seamless built-in aesthetic. While you may be able to do all of this on your own, professional installation is often necessary.

Just like countertop microwaves, built-in microwaves vary in size — typically 24-inch, 27-inch and 30-inch widths. There are a variety of sizes represented in our picks, like the 24-inch best value pick or the 30-inch Whirlpool pick which aligns perfectly over a 30-inch range. Choose the size that best suits your space, and keep in mind that if you're not doing a full-scale renovation, you may need to choose a size that easily fits into an existing cabinet or drawer.

If countertop space is valuable to you, a built-in microwave affords you more space, since you won't have a large countertop microwave taking over. A built-in microwave is generally regarded as a sleeker, more sophisticated option, too. The downside: They're typically more expensive and installation tends to be more complicated.

“Built-in microwaves don't need to be vented (or exhausted) to the outdoors, as with a range hood," says Dan DiClerico, GH Home Improvement & Outdoor Director. "But they need adequate clearance on all sides to allow for proper circulation of air." The amount varies by make and model, but typical clearance requirements for a built-in microwave are between 1.5 and 3 inches.

Why not just stick a regular countertop model into an existing cabinet or drawer space? Sometimes this is possible; other times it's not advised. The answer depends on the specific model. Some countertop microwaves, like the Panasonic, can be, but it's important to consult the microwave’s user manual for specifics.

Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges to juicers to kitchen scales to blenders. Eva conducted the most recent side-by-side testing of 12 new microwave models in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab. While Eva doesn't cook in a microwave everyday she loves the convenience of being able to quickly melt butter or make a personal mug cake in a microwave.

Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer and editor with over 15 years of experience at lifestyle publications like Real Simple, Oprah Daily and Apartment Therapy. She specializes in writing product review content in a wide range of coverage areas, including home, health and food. She also holds a degree in Professional Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute (now Institute of Culinary Education) and uses her own microwave multiple times each day to heat meals and snacks for her four children.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.

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