TOP 5 Shallow Microwave for Upper Cabinet (Buying Guide)

shallow microwave for upper cabinet

Microwaves give you fast, on-demand cooking for all sorts of foods. But space restrictions in the kitchen can make it tough to find a microwave that fits. A microwave that mounts in a cabinet can be the perfect space-saving solution. In our tests, we’ve found that small microwaves with 0.8 cubic feet or less of capacity mounted in a cabinet are good options for small kitchens. But larger microwaves, especially models with 1.6 cubic feet or more of capacity, can take up a lot more space than they’re worth, and that defeats the purpose of having a microwave in a cabinet in the first place.

In our tests, we measure the capacity and power of these microwaves, and we also evaluate how much space each microwave takes up in a cabinet. We also research the microwave’s features and read reviews to find the best microwave for the upper cabinet. Check out our top picks, along with our buying guide, below.

How We Pick And Test:

 Ease of use:  We wanted a microwave that could be set to defrost, cook, and reheat food with minimal adjustments.

Ease of cleanup: We considered microwaves with easy-to-clean interiors and exteriors, and we looked for models with dishwasher-safe turntables.

Cooking versatility:  We wanted to be able to cook a wide range of dishes, including reheating leftovers, defrosting food, and cooking frozen dinners.

Noise level:  We ran a microwave check, which is a series of chef-level tasks using the microwave—defrosting a frozen turkey, steaming broccoli, and reheating leftovers.

Things To Consider Before Buying:

Versatility:  A microwave should be versatile enough to use with everything from frozen pizza to chicken.

Cooking power:  A microwave should easily reheat and rewarm foods, as well as cook frozen meals and steamed vegetables.

Ease of use:  A good microwave should make cooking meals as easy as popping them in and hitting the start button.

Speed:  The microwave should be speedy, heating up food significantly longer than it would take using a stove.

Design:  Choose a microwave with easy-to-use controls, a limited number of buttons, and easy to clean.

Warranty:  A one-year warranty is the bare minimum to expect a manufacturer to provide.

GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave

The GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave is a powerful and stylish kitchen appliance that is perfect for anyone who wants quick and easy cooking. It is manufactured by General Electric (GE) and comes with a compact and sleek design that easily fits on your countertop.

GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave

  • GE 1. 1 cuft 800W Turntable MWO SS
  • This countertop microwave oven is built-in capable with a sleek matching trim kit
  • Cavity (W x H x D)- 17-3/8 x 9 x 12-1/4 inches

Here are some of the key features of the GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave:

  • 1.1 cubic feet capacity
  • 800 watts of cooking power
  • Sensor cooking controls
  • Built-in turntable
  • Stainless steel finish
  • 10 power levels
  • Child lockout feature

Pros

  • The compact size makes it easy to fit in small kitchens
  • Sensor cooking controls ensure that even cooking
  • The built-in turntable helps to cook food evenly
  • The stainless steel finish is durable and easy to clean
  • 10 power levels provide versatility for various types of cooking

Cons

  • Some customers have reported issues with the microwave’s reliability
  • The control panel may be difficult to use for some users

Overall, the GE Profile PEM31SFSS Countertop Microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. Its compact size, powerful cooking performance, and sensor cooking controls make it a great choice for those who want to cook quickly and easily. While some customers have reported issues with reliability, the majority of reviews are positive. If you are in the market for a countertop microwave, the GE Profile PEM31SFSS is definitely worth considering.

Sharp SMD2470AH 24″ Microwave Drawer with 1.2 cu. ft. Capacity in Black Stainless Steel

The Sharp SMD2470AH 24″ Microwave Drawer is a sleek and stylish kitchen appliance that offers convenience and versatility in your cooking space. This model comes in a beautiful black stainless steel finish that will complement any modern kitchen design.

Sharp Microwave Drawer with Capacity in Black Stainless Steel

  • Sharp Microwave Drawer: An appliance that has helped revolutionize kitchen design and microwave oven placement. Sharp introduces the next generation of this successful appliance; there are two convenient ways to open or close the drawer; either pull or push the Easy Open handle or simply touch the Auto Touch control panel.
  • Cooking is Easier and Faster: Cooking is easier and faster when the Sharp Microwave Drawer Oven is installed adjacent to your food preparation area, in islands, peninsulas or under the counter.

With a 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, this microwave drawer provides plenty of space to cook or reheat your favorite dishes. It also features a unique drawer design that allows you to easily access your food from a comfortable and ergonomic position.

Here are some of the key features of the Sharp SMD2470AH 24″ Microwave Drawer:

  • 1.2 cu. ft. capacity
  • 950 watts of power
  • Hidden control panel
  • Easy Touch automatic drawer system
  • Sensor cook technology
  • Defrost function
  • Keep warm function

Pros

  • The drawer design makes it easy to access your food without reaching up or bending down
  • The hidden control panel provides a sleek and modern look
  • Sensor cook technology ensures your food is cooked to perfection
  • The defrost function allows for quick and easy thawing of frozen foods
  • The keep-warm function is great for keeping your food at the perfect temperature until you are ready to serve

Cons

  • Some customers have reported issues with the automatic drawer system
  • The price point is higher than some other microwave models

Overall, the Sharp SMD2470AH 24″ Microwave Drawer is a high-quality and convenient kitchen appliance that will elevate your cooking experience. With its powerful performance, advanced features, and sleek design, it is worth considering if you are looking for a new microwave. However, the higher price point may be a drawback for some buyers.

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a versatile and powerful kitchen appliance that offers advanced features to make cooking more convenient and efficient. This model comes in a stylish stainless steel finish that will complement any modern kitchen.

Panasonic Microwave with Inverter Technology and Sensor

  • Panasonic Microwave: This 1200 Watt high power, 1.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor
  • Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost: Patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time

With a 1.2 cubic foot capacity and 1200 watts of power, this microwave oven provides plenty of space and power to cook or reheat your favorite dishes. It also features inverter technology and genius sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power level to ensure your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

Here are some of the key features of the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S:

  • 1.2 cubic foot capacity
  • 1200 watts of power
  • Inverter technology
  • Genius sensor cooking
  • Turbo defrost
  • Keep warm feature
  • Popcorn button

Pros

  • Inverter technology ensures even and consistent cooking results
  • Genius sensor cooking automatically adjusts cooking time and power level for optimal results
  • Turbo defrost function quickly defrosts frozen foods
  • The keep warm feature keeps your food at the perfect temperature until you are ready to serve
  • The popcorn button provides quick and easy popping of popcorn

Cons

  • The control panel may be difficult to use for some users
  • Some customers have reported issues with the durability of the microwave

Overall, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a high-quality and advanced kitchen appliance that will make cooking more convenient and efficient. With its inverter technology, genius sensor cooking, and other advanced features, it is worth considering if you are in the market for a new microwave. However, the control panel may take some getting used to for some users, and there have been some reports of durability issues.

Sharp R-1214 1-1/2-Cubic Feet 1100-Watt Over-the-Counter Microwave, Stainless

The Sharp R-1214 Over-the-Counter Microwave is a spacious and powerful kitchen appliance that is designed to fit seamlessly above your countertop. This model comes in a sleek stainless steel finish that will complement any modern kitchen design.

Sharp R-1214, Over-the-Counter Microwave, Stainless

  • Product Dimensions (w x h x d): 15.5″ x 14.1″ x 23.9″ | Cavity Dimensions (w x h x d): 14.9″ x 9.9″ x 17.5″ | Product Weight: 55 lbs
  • 7-digit, 2 color, lighted LCD display
  • Keep Warm Plus lets you keep hot foods hot up to 30 minutes after cooking is finished
  • Defrost Center sets times and power levels for meats and poultry by weight

With a 1-1/2 cubic foot capacity and 1100 watts of power, this microwave provides ample space and power to cook or reheat your favorite dishes. It also features a range of convenient and user-friendly functions, such as sensor cooking and automatic defrosting, to make your cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Here are some of the key features of the Sharp R-1214 Over-the-Counter Microwave:

  • 1-1/2 cubic foot capacity
  • 1100 watts of power
  • Sensor cook technology
  • Automatic defrost function
  • An interactive cooking system with custom help key
  • Auto-touch control panel
  • 7-digit, 2-color, lighted LCD display

Pros

  • Over-the-counter design frees up valuable countertop space
  • Sensor cook technology ensures your food is cooked to perfection
  • Automatic defrost function quickly and easily thaws frozen foods
  • An interactive cooking system with a custom help key makes cooking easy and enjoyable
  • Auto-touch control panel and 7-digit LCD display provide user-friendly operation

Cons

  • Some customers have reported issues with the durability of the microwave
  • The price point is higher than some other microwave models

Overall, the Sharp R-1214 Over-the-Counter Microwave is a high-quality and convenient kitchen appliance that will elevate your cooking experience. With its powerful performance, advanced features, and sleek design, it is worth considering if you are looking for a new microwave. However, the higher price point may be a drawback for some buyers, and there have been some reports of durability issues.

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology

The Panasonic NN-SN966S Microwave Oven is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance that is designed to provide quick and efficient cooking or reheating. This model comes in a sleek stainless steel finish and has a large 2.2 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for larger families or those who entertain frequently.

Panasonic Microwave Oven, with Inverter Technology

  • Panasonic Microwave: This 1250 Watt high power, 2.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor
  • Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost: Patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time

Equipped with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, this microwave oven ensures that your food is cooked evenly and accurately. The Inverter Technology allows for variable power settings that can be adjusted based on the specific food being cooked, while the Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels for optimal results.

Here are some of the key features of the Panasonic NN-SN966S Microwave Oven:

  • 2.2 cubic foot capacity
  • 1250 watts of power
  • Inverter Technology for precise cooking
  • Genius Sensor for automatic cooking adjustments
  • 14 preset menu items for easy cooking
  • Turbo defrost function for quick thawing
  • Keep warm function to keep food at the perfect temperature
  • Popcorn button for perfectly popped popcorn every time

Pros

  • The large 2.2 cubic foot capacity is perfect for families or entertaining
  • Inverter Technology ensures precise and even cooking
  • Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels
  • 14 preset menu items make cooking easy and efficient
  • Turbo defrost function and keep warm function add to the microwave’s convenience
  • The popcorn button makes it easy to get perfectly popped popcorn

Cons

  • Some customers have reported issues with the durability of the microwave
  • The large size of the microwave may not be suitable for smaller kitchens

Overall, the Panasonic NN-SN966S Microwave Oven is a high-quality and convenient kitchen appliance that is ideal for families or those who entertain frequently. Its advanced features and powerful performance make it a great choice for those who want a microwave that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. However, the larger size of the microwave may not be suitable for all kitchens, and there have been some reports of durability issues.

FAQ’s

What is a shallow microwave for an upper cabinet?

A shallow microwave for the upper cabinet is a microwave oven that is designed to be installed in the upper cabinets of a kitchen. It is usually a compact microwave with a depth of fewer than 16 inches, making it ideal for kitchens with limited space.

What are the benefits of a shallow microwave for the upper cabinet?

A shallow microwave for the upper cabinet can help save valuable space in your kitchen. It is also more convenient to use as it is installed at eye level, making it easier to monitor your food as it cooks. Additionally, a shallow microwave can provide a sleek and streamlined look to your kitchen design.

How do I install a shallow microwave for the upper cabinet?

Installing a shallow microwave for an upper cabinet typically involves mounting it on a shelf or a bracket inside the upper cabinet. It is important to carefully measure the space where you plan to install the microwave and make sure it will fit properly. You may also need to hire a professional to install the microwave if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

What should I consider when buying a shallow microwave for the upper cabinet?

When buying a shallow microwave for an upper cabinet, you should consider the size of the microwave and make sure it will fit in your cabinet. You should also consider the wattage of the microwave and its cooking features, such as the number of power levels and cooking presets. Additionally, you may want to consider the brand, design, and price of the microwave.

Can a shallow microwave for an upper cabinet be used for all types of cooking?

While a shallow microwave for an upper cabinet can be used for most types of cooking, it may not be suitable for larger dishes or items that require a lot of space. Additionally, the wattage of a shallow microwave may be lower than that of a full-size microwave, which may affect the cooking time and results. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and use the microwave according to its intended purposes.

Conclusion:

 It should come as no surprise that shallow microwaves in upper cabinets deliver a host of benefits. For starters, these appliances are easy to install and adhere to the requirements necessary for maximum kitchen space utilization. Furthermore, shallow microwaves facilitate unparalleled convenience and user-friendliness. So if you’re in the market for a shallow microwave, then consider following these tips for optimizing your shallow microwave installation. Thanks for reading, and feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

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