Best built-in microwaves: expert advice on integrated microwaves

Built-in microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry, giving you all the cooking capabilities of a freestanding microwave while freeing up valuable worktop space. 

The simplest way to add an integrated microwave to your kitchen is when you're renovating. Although it's possible to add one to an existing kitchen, it's a lot more difficult. The reasons for this include cupboards not being the correct size and spec to safely house your new appliance, and factoring in sufficient ventilation. 

Read on for our Best Buy recommendations and expert buying advice.

Go to our microwave reviews to see our top picks of solo, combination and grill models – plus their pros and cons.

Best built-in microwaves

We've tested all types of integrated microwaves, including solo, combination and grill models from Beko, Bosch, Hisense, Hotpoint, Samsung and more. These are some of the best.

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Built-in microwave reviews by type

• Built-in combi microwaves
• Built-in solo microwaves
• Built-in microwaves with a grill

Built-in microwaves by price

• Built-in microwaves under £200
• Built-in microwaves under £400
• Built-in microwaves under £600

Why you can trust our built-in microwave reviews

We've tested hundreds of built-in microwaves over the years, so we know how to sort the best from the rest. 

Which? is an independent, not-for-profit consumer organisation – we work for our members, not brands or advertisers. 

We buy all the products we test ourselves. Third parties don't influence us and we don't accept freebies from product manufacturers or retailers. 

Our overall test scores are based solely on lab measurements and ratings. We do not factor price into the total test score or in the assignment of our Best Buys. 

*701 of 997 respondents, survey conducted in June 2019.

You can read more about how we test microwaves. 

Where to buy a built-in microwave

While built-in models not as popular as their freestanding siblings, there are plenty of retailers that stock them. Here are a few to get you started.

• Amazon offers built-in microwaves AEG, Cookology, Russell Hobbs and other less-well-known brands: check our reviews before you buy. Orders of £35 or more of eligible items qualify for free standard delivery in the UK. Amazon Prime members in eligible postcodes can get free same-day and overnight delivery on eligible orders over £20.
• AO stocks built-in microwaves from brands including Bosch, Neff and Smeg. Prices range from under £200 to over £2,000. For a fee, it will unpack and connect your new appliance and remove and recycle your old one on delivery. Prices vary depending on whether you're an AO Five Star member or not.
• Currys mostly stocks built-in microwaves under £500, but there are some pricier options from Neff, Samsung and Smeg if you want to splash out. Currys will recycle an old appliance for an extra £25 and installs new for an additional £115. Standard delivery is free on orders over £40.
• Hughes has stores, mostly in the east of England, if you'd prefer to look at microwaves in person before buying. Its online shop also stocks brands including Bosch, Hisense and Neff. Prices start from under £200 and go up to just under £2,000. Delivery is free on items over £400 or £19.99 for cheaper items.
• Ikea only stocks its own-brand models of built-in microwaves, but there are some decent models to choose from. Parcel delivery is free (or from £5 for larger orders) or truck delivery starts at £25. Ikea will tell you which kind fits your order. Click and collect from Ikea stores is free or £2 from a local pick-up point.

To see which retailers are rated highly by Which? members, check in with our expert guide on the best and worst shops.

Best cheap built-in microwaves

Want something more affordable? Consider a Great Value model. These are at least 20% cheaper than the average price of the microwaves we've tested and score 65% or more. So you get a decent product at a decent price. 

Built-in microwave pros and cons

Whether this is your first time buying an integrated microwave or you're replacing an old one, you'll need to weigh up the pros and cons.

Pros

• Free up valuable counter space for other appliances or kitchen prep.
• Can be installed at a height and location that suits your specific needs.
• Give your kitchen a sleek, modern look, especially when paired with other integrated appliances such as a built-in oven or fridge freezer.
• Often come with more advanced features than freestanding models, such as grill and convection functions.

Cons

• More expensive than freestanding models.
• Many need hardwiring into a fixed connection by a qualified electrician, rather than being connected with a cord and plug like a freestanding microwave.
• Once installed, your appliance's position is fixed and you won't be able to relocate it easily.
• They can be more fiddly to keep clean because they're set higher up. Countertop freestanding models are easier to get into.

For more advice on the pros and cons of different microwave types, see our best microwaves page.

Are built-in microwaves a standard size?

Built-in microwaves come in two sizes: standard and compact.

• Standard built-in microwaves are designed to fit seamlessly into standard 60cm-wide kitchen cabinets. They're usually around 45cm high but widths vary from 55-60cm, and depths from 45-60cm. Most combination microwaves fall into this category, as they tend to be larger and have space for multiple dishes.
• Compact built-in microwaves take up less space than standard microwaves, making them ideal if your kitchen has fewer eye-level cabinets or if you only microwave occasionally. Like standard microwaves, they are usually 60cm wide, but aren't as tall. They tend to measure from 30-45cm high and 30-40cm deep. Compact microwaves are usually solo or grill-type models.

Carefully check the measurements of any potential purchase, as built-in microwave measurements vary. Ideally, the width and height of the microwave should be a maximum of 1cm less than the cavity measurements. Many retailer websites now carry recommended cavity measurements, which can be helpful.

When measuring depth, take into account any obstacles at the back of the cavity, such as plugs or pipes, that may prevent the microwave from sitting flush when installed.

How to install an integrated microwave

We recommend housing your built-in microwave in an upper cabinet to make it easier to get dishes in and out, and for a better view inside while cooking or cleaning.

For both safety and ease of use, the appliance shouldn't be installed any higher than about the shoulder height of the person who uses it the most.

Some manufacturers specify that their appliances cannot be installed beneath a hob.

A professional kitchen installer should be able to advise you on the best position for an integrated microwave in your specific kitchen – and any cabinet modifications you need. Plus, they'll know how to navigate any tricky installation issues that may crop up. 

They'll also work with qualified electricians to make sure required safety standards are met. An incorrectly connected appliance can be a safety issue, and may also mean it's not covered under the warranty.

Do built-in microwaves need ventilation?

Yes, they do. Built-in microwaves need proper ventilation to dissipate heat generated while cooking. 

If there isn't enough space for air to flow around your microwave, heat can build up. This can lead to poor performance, a reduced appliance lifespan and can even pose a safety hazard.

Heat can also affect nearby cabinets and surfaces, potentially causing damage or warping of wood. 

To keep your appliance working at its best and to prevent overheating, ensure you follow the manufacturer's advice on clearance requirements for ventilation.

Built-in combination microwaves tend to need more ventilation space than solo and grill microwaves because the convection oven function generates more heat.

Do built-in microwaves need to be hardwired?

Unlike freestanding microwaves, most built-in microwaves do not come with plugs and can't simply be plugged into a standard wall socket.

They need to be hardwired into their own dedicated electrical circuit, like standard built-in ovens.

If your model needs hardwiring, a qualified electrician should handle the installation for you to ensure any electrical works meet the required safety standards. 

Choose a Which? Trusted Trader to find a qualified installer you can trust.

Why are built-in microwaves so expensive?

Built-in microwaves tend to be more pricey than freestanding models, with the cheapest we’ve tested costing about £180. So why do they cost so much?

• It might be because they’re still a fairly niche product. Much like a boiling water tap or integrated wine cooler, they’ve become symbolic of a luxury kitchen equipped with the latest tech.
• They're more likely to be combination models, which tend to include more advanced and more expensive features and functions.
• If you choose a model that needs to be hardwired, this can increase the total cost significantly.

As more brands bring out built-in models, we might start to see the price come down slightly, much like with induction hobs, which were pricier when they first became popular.

Read our guide to reliable microwave brands to find out which brands are worth the money.

Can I save money by building in a freestanding microwave?

If you don't have much cash to splash but want a built-in look, you could position your freestanding microwave on a shelf or brackets above your kitchen surfaces or position it in a custom cabinet.

Some manufacturers, such as Panasonic, make trim kits for freestanding models. These kits give a freestanding microwave the appearance of a built-in one by integrating it seamlessly into a kitchen cabinet.

If you're keen on trying out a trim kit, here's what you should bear in mind:

• Check the manufacturer's specifications for your microwave to see if there's a corresponding trim kit available. As well as giving you the perfect fit, it will be tailored to specific features of your model, such as its dimensions, where its air vents are and how big a cabinet it needs. If a kit is available, you might be able to buy it from the manufacturer's online shop (in the accessories section).
• If you can't find a dedicated trim kit, it probably means your microwave isn't meant to be integrated. While it's possible to buy generic microwave trim kits – for example, from online marketplaces – we would advise against them as they might not work as expected for your microwave model. Issues range from the trim kit not being the dimensions you expect, to it not having the required vents for safe integration of your freestanding model.
• If in doubt, speak to a Which? Trusted Trader for their advice. They will be able to advise on whether you can safely integrate a countertop microwave into your kitchen so that it has plenty of ventilation space and clearance.

To see all our well-priced recommendations, head to our microwave reviews and filter by ‘Great Value’.

Can a built-in microwave be repaired?

Built-in microwaves are expensive, so we recommend attempting a repair if possible, rather than forking out for a new one.

If your built-in microwave throws up issues such as malfunctioning control panel, faulty door latch, or problems with heating or turntable functionality, these are often repairable.

Repairing a built-in microwave typically involves diagnosing the problem, sourcing the necessary replacement parts, and doing the repair work. But any repairs that require dismantling your microwave or fiddling with wiring should be carried out by a professional.

To find a local repairperson, head to Which? Trusted Traders, where we’ve compiled a list of companies we've endorsed.

However, it's important to consider the age and overall condition of the microwave, as sometimes the cost of repair may be higher than the value of the appliance, making replacement a more practical option. 

If you've bought a faulty product, read our guide on how to get a refund, repair or replacement.