For a great number of people, the microwave is the most used appliance in the kitchen. We all pretend that we don’t use it as much as we do. It is extremely convenient when you just need to take the chill off of something or if you want to boil water. Cooking something easy for the kids is amazingly quick. So rarely will you see a kitchen without a microwave.
Now that we know we cannot live without a microwave, where do we put it? There are plenty of options available. For most of microwave’s existence, it would sit on the counter, be built into a wall, or mounted over the cooking surface doing double duty as a vent. All of these microwaves are still very much available, but the microwave has advanced into a convenient, drawer model. Now the microwave can be installed under counter in an island or in another section of the kitchen, keeping it hidden out of site, but much easier to get stuff in and out of. And as if that wasn’t enough, they have made the microwave drawer even easier to get into with Sharp’s new WAVE technology.
Let’s start with the traditional microwave first. Having the microwave over the cooking surface works well with a lot of people. It keeps the microwave off the counter and because it is your vent hood as well, you are basically getting two appliances in one. This will always be a popular install because some kitchens do not have the cabinet space for one built into the wall or under counter.
The over the range version has a nice, large interior and they also make them with convection capabilities so it can serve as a secondary oven. The Over the range, traditional microwave is going to be used most in remodels where there is really no change to the kitchen layout or when someone is just updating their appliances.
For new homes or complete Kitchen renovations, the drawer microwave is becoming the most popular microwave. Another traditional microwave is the countertop, which also can be built into the cabinetry. Usually with this type of application, there is a trim kit purchased to clean up the opening around the microwave. When you do this under counter, this can make the microwave lower than what you would consider to be convenient.
This is a great height for the kids, but it may be uncomfortable for some to bend down to open the door or even program a setting. This is where the drawer microwave become great solutions to under counter installation.
The drawer microwave takes what the consumer looks for in the microwave, it has a large interior and easy to clean. The microwave drawer is installed under counter and allows for easy loading and unloading. You can either have one with the handle, KB6524PSY or one with open and close button controls like the SMD2470ASY. $799.71 to 1199.71 respectively. The latest and greatest now is the Sharp microwave drawer with the WAVE technology. All the controls are hidden on the inside of the unit. No bending down to see the controls or bumping into handles, you simply wave your hand twice on the left side of the microwave and the door will open up. Either touch the close button or simply give the door a slight push to close. Not only does this give the microwave a seamless look, it is also helpful if you are carrying something over to the microwave you do not have to set anything down, you just simply wave twice and the door will open. The sensor is in a secure spot and it is a specific motion in order to open. They make it very specific so that the microwave will not open simply because someone walked by the unit or a dog passed by wagging its tail.
The Sharp Microwave drawer, model SMD2480CS retails for $1399.99 for a 1.2 cu ft stainless steel unit. The microwave drawer has become most popular because of the kitchen design community. It allows them to find a place for the microwave but does not stick out like a sore thumb. Every kitchen needs a microwave , but the Drawer microwave opens up the plans and still allow for a seamless look.
