We’ve reviewed dozens of built-in microwaves and listed our 10 best options
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Built-in microwave ovens can help you to save valuable counter space, while often bringing a lot more advantages than freestanding microwaves. The best-integrated microwave ovens are packed with features similar to regular ovens.
One key benefit that built-in microwaves offer is the locality in your kitchen. Many are fitted microwaves are done so at your eye-level, making it much easier to put food in and take it out. They can look really stylish and integrate well above your regular oven.
In this review, we have researched what we think are the best built-in microwaves and included the pros and cons. We have chosen a variety of built-in microwaves to suit the different needs and budgets of our readers.
Take a look at the best built-in microwaves review below. You may also like to read our buying guide below the reviews. If you are unsure where to start we have a few pointers to help.
If you’re in the market for something that uses up-to-date smart technology and has an overall innovative design then you may want to consider the Whirlpool W11IMS180.
The ability to control it via your smart device will really appeal to anyone who has fully immersed themselves into the smart control world. From your lights to your heating, your home is probably already packed with gadgets. This microwave will help you out with dinner, too.
One feature we love about this smart ability even more than the easy control is that it enables you to download recipes directly to your microwave from the 6th Sense Live app on your phone. You can then follow them from the SmartDisplay, or just press a start button if it involves the microwave – all of the settings will be there automatically.
A powerful output and steam, boil and crisp functions round it off. The price may be on the high side, but when you take into account everything it does and the fact that you get a huge capacity and it is built in, it is actually great value for money.
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Hotpoint continuously improve upon their models and this built-in microwave is another with lots of space, functions and power. It is part of the brand’s partnership with Jamie Oliver, so is definitely suitable for those high-demand kitchens.
It displays a 40-litre capacity more than capable enough to host all of your delicious recipes to feed your family. It has a powerful output of 900-watts and has numerous settings sure to help you prepare some tasty recipes, and it will be done in no time too.
Our favourite setting was the Dynamic Crisp Setting, which evenly browns the top and bottom of the dish for oven-like results. Pizzas can have crispy bases and pastries will be flaky on top.
There are plenty of automatic settings which can help you out and take away from some of the guesswork, and even an automatic option which can sense the weight and density of your food and set the time/power for you.
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This affordable Smeg built-in microwave can offer almost everything that you need for your kitchen. It is a brand which usually comes in at the higher end of the price scale, but this model is a steal.
It comes with a range of settings including a grill and a number of power levels. This enables you to enjoy all your favourite foods and can also add that extra crispy touch to your lasagne or other dishes when the oven is otherwise engaged with pudding.
Smeg are a big player in this field and that is because of their due diligence. They constantly improve and in this case provide us with all of the features and specialities that we could wish for.
Get automatic cooking programmes, a jazzy pizza function and even enjoy the cooling system that ensures that heat does not escape and the appliance stays cool to touch. Great if there are kids running about and you want to prevent danger.
It also makes cleaning effortless thanks to the easy clean enamel interior, and sleek outer which can just be wiped and polished up.
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This pick is ideal for a small household with 20-litres of capacity and plenty of power. This microwave has been included due to its value; it is available for under £150 and offers you everything that you need.
Although it is a lesser-known brand, we can vouch for this appliance and its reliability. To find a built-in microwave at this price is a steal, and it is nice and simple without being too basic. Great if you want something easy to use.
A specialist setting enables you to thaw food quickly and safely, and the quick start function can heat up the cavity to the full temperature in 15 seconds. Loads of pre-set options will allow you to cook certain foods at the press of a button, and you can choose from five heat levels in case you want to cook fish or veg a bit gentler.
It has a lot of functions and it comes for a low price, if you have a restricted budget and a small household, then this is your choice.
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A nice little addition to any medium-sized home, this is a 17 litre unit with a 27cm turntable which is suitable for standard dinner plates.
An 800W output means it can work fast, and you will be able to use standard heating time instructions when making your ready meals. If you need a bit of help, there are automatic programme settings which can set the time and heat level without you having to think too much about it.
You also get a grill function, so if your oven is otherwise occupied or if you just want to make a quick lunch, it makes this much easier. An interior light lets you keep an eye on the progress.
It is all touch controlled, so simple to breeze through the settings. If things start looking a bit dirty, the level surface means there’s no dials to clean around or grooves to struggle with.
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This Neff microwave is the real deal. The only reason for it being this far down the list is simply due to its price. It isn’t as accessible as some of the microwaves ranked towards the top end of this list but it is certainly worth its value.
Neff continuously roll out some of the most innovative ovens and they are now providing built-in microwaves with plenty of oven functions – perfect if you need something which does both roles for ease.
This N50 model exhibits a beautiful style, a number of automatic programmes and up to 36-litres of capacity. Features 1000-watt power, unique fan system and offers a burst of steam and roasting, all of which contribute to reliable and evenly spread heat and perfect food.
Designed to fit in an eye-level cabinet, you can effortlessly keep an eye on your food and enjoy the many features that make it simple to use. You will be able to heat up your entire meal and create a distinct juicy flavour that isn’t achievable from some of the cheaper microwave options.
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We won’t beat around the bush – this is a standout microwave for countless reasons. From loads of helpful features to a huge 50 litre capacity, it is the best choice for larger households.
900W of power means everything is done in great time, whether it be defrosting chicken breasts for dinner that night or heating up a lunchtime bowl of soup.
The choice of automatic settings is broad, with everything from veg to fish and meats covered. A soft close door is a nice touch, so it won’t be loud when the door is shut and it won’t move or jolt your food.
We particularly love the steam clean function which uses the steam to remove any burnt on residue in the microwave. Gone are the days of filling up a jug with water and lemon/vinegar and doing the steaming manually.
There is a defrost option, and there is no rotating plate which makes the unit easier to use and allows you to cook larger items. It also makes the most of the 50L room and ensures cooking is consistent.
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This model in the Bosch Serie 4 range is a reliable model, with a number of settings.
It has a unique fan system that makes this cavity a little more powerful than a simple microwave, as it distributes a more even heat when cooking your favourite meals. Every corner and depth will be covered, which is ideal if you’re placing something larger in the unit.
Available in a stainless steel design, the two dials make it easy to use, along with a nice clear display which will tell you all of the information you need.
As it is built in with a host of settings to choose from, it can be doubled up as an oven for anyone short on space. It has 900-watt power and also brandishes 15-automatic programmes to be precise, making it simple to prepare your favourite meals.
As it has a 44-litre capacity, it is perfect for a large household and is able to cater for your family’s meal and snacks. It is one of the largest capacity built-in models on the market, so perfect if you need the balance. It is designed to fit into an eye-level cabinet so bear this in mind.
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If you are working with a strict budget yet want a top quality built-in microwave, check out this Bosch Serie 4. This series provides a number of models and this one in particular is available for under £300, making it a real contender.
It has 800-watt power and a number of automatic programmes to make cooking up recipes and heating up your foods easy at the touch of a button. If you have no idea about the timings and heat levels when making a jacket potato, there is no need to stress.
It has a stylish design and comes with touch sensitive buttons and an eye-level display. This will help you stay in control and monitor everything without constantly opening the door or relying on watching the clock.
There is even AutoPilot 7, so you do not need to set the temperature and time manually, as it will do it based on the food and weight of the item automatically. You can sit back and let the Bosch BFL523MBOB do the work as it has a powerful output, seven programmes and a timer that alerts you when your dinner is ready to serve.
It is perfect for a small household and provides a quick solution to cook up your meals.
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Bosch have provided us with another invention, this time a built-in microwave that will be sure to make your life easier and increase space in your kitchen.
It can microwave, cook and grill, which is ideal if you either often struggle with lack of cooking space or simply don’t want to turn the large oven on all the time.
Able to provide a burst of steam to your roasting and baking, it can keep food moist and succulent while reducing the likelikood it will burn. It also has a unique Hot Air fan cooling system, which essentially has a couple of jobs. The unit will be cool to touch on the outside when it is in use, and heat will also be spread across your meals evenly for reliable results.
With the influx of steam that it adds, it makes for the perfect oven to use for sponge cakes, meat and other sides. If you’re a baker, or your current oven is letting you down when it comes to the Sunday roast, then this Bosch is what you need.
It is designed to fit in at an eye-level cabinet if this is your setup, and the 1000W power will get the job done quicker when you’re in a rush.
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All of the above microwaves are built-in and usually also double up as a grill or oven. They are combi-microwaves with a number of versatile settings making them convenient and useful for all kitchens, especially those which are smaller or lack bench space.
Having a smaller grill or oven to hand is also helpful as it saves having to heat up a larger appliance, and will also get the job done faster.
If you merely wish to add a convenient microwave to your kitchen, have plenty of space and already have an oven up to the job then you may want to check out countertop microwaves instead, as they are generally cheaper. But they are unable to compete with the built-in microwaves that we have included here in terms of functionality and if you are wondering about the best way to maintain your new microwave oven you might like to read our Top Tips For Cleaning your Microwave Oven and find out how best to keep your microwave oven smelling fresh!
As you can see above, the prices range quite drastically. You can pick up a stylish integrated microwave for as little as £150 but also spend up to £2000. If you would like something that is likely to last and also offer lots of quality and additional features, then search for something around the £500 mark.
The biggest capacity you can generally find when it comes to microwave ovens is around 50 litres, and the lowest about 20 litres.
The larger end of the spectrum is more than enough to cook a meal for your entire family when used as an oven, and is a gigantic amount of space for a microwave. If it is between one or two people that you wish to cater for regularly then you will probably need no more than 25 litres capacity.
The forever-evolving built-in microwaves now emerging come full with some very useful features. We list some of those that you may want to check out.
I had the idea for Which Kitchen Appliance? In 2016 when a friend was planning a new kitchen and asked me to help her choose her new kitchen appliances. She knew that I had trained as a chef, had a passion for cooking and an interest in interior design.
After hours and hours of trawling websites looking for a double oven, built-in microwave, hob & extractor fan the excitement that was soon waned…we were bored and frazzled. But finally, we succeeded and she got her new kitchen.
This led me to think that there must be a better way of researching kitchen appliances, if only there were somewhere that you could go and find kitchen appliance reviews and helpful hints and tips on getting the best from and look after your appliance under one roof with information that was comprehensive, easy to understand and that you could trust…and so WhichKitchenAppliance? was born. I now work full-time on WhichKitchenAppliance?