Comparison: Best Microwave Drawer Consumer Reports (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best microwave drawer but overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone. We’ve dug into the latest Consumer Reports data, tested top models, and compared features like ease of use, installation flexibility, and cooking performance—so you don’t have to. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or building from scratch, a microwave drawer can be a sleek, space-saving game-changer. Let’s break down which models truly deliver on promises and which ones fall short, helping you make a smart, confident choice without the guesswork.
- Best for hands-free drawer: SHARP SMD2470ASY Microwave Drawer Oven
- Best for sleek pull-out: KoolMore 24 Inch Stainless-Steel Microwave Drawer with 1.2 cu. ft. Capacity
- Best for preset power: COSMO COS-MWD3012NHSS 30 in. Haven Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer
- Best for silent safe cooking: 24 Inch Built-in Microwave Drawer
- Best for low-profile stainless: SHARP KB6524PSY Microwave Drawer Oven
- Best for smart defrost: COSMO COS-MWD3012GSS 30 in. Haven Collection
- Best for alexa-enabled drawer: SHARP SMD2479JS Smart Microwave Drawer Oven with Easy Wave Open
- Best for 12 sensor functions: THOR Kitchen Professional 24-Inch Microwave Drawer – Model TMD2401
- Best for 30-inch power: SHARP SMD3070ASY Microwave Drawer Oven
- Best for island-ready design: SHARP SMD2440JS Microwave Drawer Oven
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Drawer Consumer Reports
SHARP SMD2470ASY Microwave Drawer Oven, 24-inch, 1.2 Cubic Feet, 950 Watt, Concealed Control Panel with Digital LCD Display, Stainless Steel
- Automatic Drawer System Smoothly Opens and Enables Hands-Free Close
- Convenient Kitchen Placement Allows for Easier Cooking, Saves Prep and Clean up Time
- Concealed Control Panel Opens to an Easy-to-Read and Operate 45 degree Angle
- Cooking Space Large Enough for a 4 qt Casserole Dish or a 20 oz Beverage
- Cooking Performance from One of the Most Trusted Brands in Microwaves
KoolMore 24 Inch Stainless-Steel Microwave Drawer with 1.2 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000W Power with 10 Custom Cooking Levels, Memory, and Timer Functions, Wall-Mounted with Flat Bottom (KM-MD-1SS)
- Pull-Out Microwave Drawer – A smart, stylish way to utilize a microwave oven in the kitchen without leaving it on the counter or hung over the stove this pull-out, low-profile microwave can be mounted right into the wall or your kitchen cabinetry.
- High-Power Cooking Efficiency – This 120V, 60Hz, 1000-watt drawer microwave provides plenty of power for cooking and defrosting food. And with 10 microwave power levels with time and memory control you’ll love using it for everything
- One-Touch Open with Slow Closing – The stylish design of our built-in microwave is further enhanced with a simple one-touch open door design and a slow-close door to make it easy to start heating or reheating food with amazing efficiency.
- Space-Saving Flat Bottom Design – Increasing kitchen space is especially important when the room is limited. This 1.2 cu ft microwave features a flat bottom to reduce the amount of space it uses without sacrificing power or effectiveness.
- Elegant Stainless-Steel Finish – A beautiful appliance that looks great in modern, or farmhouse-style kitchens our stainless-steel microwave easily matches appliances and creates a sophisticated look that sets itself apart from countertop units.
COSMO COS-MWD3012NHSS 30 in. Haven Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer, Presets, Touch Controls, Defrosting Rack, Stainless Steel
- 1000 WATTS OF POWER: With 10 power levels, cook meals with precise control and delicious results
- CONVENIENT PRESETS: Four automatic cooking options, including melt, soften, popcorn and beverage
- SMART DEFROSTING: Effective defrosting with a weight or timed option. Defrosting rack included for added convenience.
- 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Our customer support team is based proudly in the USA. Exterior dimensions: 29.9″(W) x 23.2″(D) x 16″(H) Electrical Requirements: 120V/60Hz.
24 Inch Built-in Microwave Drawer, ThermoMate 1.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave Drawer with Automatic Presets, 1000 Watts with 11 Power Levels, Touch Controls, Sensor Cooking, Defrosting Rack, Stainless Steel
- 1000 Watts&11 Power Levels – The Microwave Drawer comes with 1000 watts of cooking power and 11 different power levels, which allows you to adjust the cooking power from 0% to 100%. It does everything from defrosting to baking.
- One-Touch Auto Door – Our drawer microwave oven adopts a simple one-touch door opening and slow door closing design. You can open or close the microwave drawer door with just a light touch, which is convenient to use.
- 1.2 Cu. Ft. Large Capacity：The drawer microwave oven offers a large capacity of 1.2 Cu. Ft., with a size of 23 7/8″(W) x 24 9/16″(D) x 15″(H) and built-in size of 22 1/8″(W) x 23 1/2″(D) x 14 13/16″(H). Features four auto-cook menu: beverage, popcorn, melt, soften, which automatically adjusts the power and cooking time to cook a wide variety of foods with ease.
- Silent Mode: The silent function of this drawer microwave oven allows you to enter a silent cooking world. Whether it is morning, afternoon or night, you can enjoy the quiet cooking time.
- Child Safety Lock – This drawer microwave oven is is equipped with a child lock function. Once turned on, it can effectively prevent children from starting the microwave oven by mistake and avoid accidents. Whether it is a busy cooking time or a short leave from the kitchen, it can give you peace of mind.
SHARP KB6524PSY Microwave Drawer Oven, 24-inch, 1.2 Cubic Feet, 950 Watt, Angled Touch Control Panel, Stainless Steel
- Auto-Touch Control Panel
- Easier Cooking and Cleanup
- Low-Profile Design
- Stainless-Steel Finish
- Fits 4 qt. Casserole Dish
COSMO COS-MWD3012GSS 30 in. Haven Collection, 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer, Presets, Touch Controls, Defrosting Rack, Stainless Steel
- 1000 WATTS OF POWER: With 10 power levels, cook meals with precise control and delicious results
- CONVENIENT PRESETS: Four automatic cooking options, including melt, soften, popcorn and beverage
- SMART DEFROSTING: Effective defrosting with a weight or timed option. Defrosting rack included for added convenience.
- 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Our customer support team is based proudly in the USA. Exterior dimensions: 29.9″(W) x 23.2″(D) x 16″(H) Electrical Requirements: 120V/60Hz.
SHARP SMD2479JS Smart Microwave Drawer Oven with Easy Wave Open, 24-inch, 1.2 Cubic Feet, 950 Watt, Concealed Glass Touch Control Panel, Compatible with Alexa Certified, Stainless Steel
- SMART FEATURES: Works with Alexa for hands-free operation using 35+ voice commands through the Amazon Alexa app or Echo devices, plus Sharp Kitchen mobile app connectivity
- TOUCHLESS OPERATION: Easy Wave Open feature allows touchless drawer opening with an up-down hand motion, while Automatic Drawer System ensures smooth closing
- PREMIUM DESIGN: Concealed touch glass control panel at 45° viewing angle, edge-to-edge stainless steel finish, LED interior lighting, and modern floor pattern
- INSTALLATION OPTIONS: Built-in airflow control enables both proud mount and flush mount installation without additional trim kits, fits standard 24-inch cabinet opening
- SPECIFICATIONS: 1.2 cubic feet capacity, 950-watt power output, dimensions 23-9/16″ W x 23-1/4″ D x 16″ H, includes convenient viewing window
THOR Kitchen Professional 24-Inch Microwave Drawer – Model TMD2401
- DRAWER DESIGN – The 24-inch Microwave Drawer is flexible to your kitchen design and can be placed below an island, peninsula, or standard cabinetry or can also be installed adjacent to your wall oven.
- 12 UNIQUE SENSOR FUNCTIONS – 12 unique easy-to-use food prep functions include everyday functions like defrost and a beverage center as well as luxury features such as two popcorn settings, melting chocolate, and softening ice cream. Use the “add a minute” feature to top off the perfect cook.
- MULTIPLE POWER MODES – Offers 10 power modes for precision heating, from a delicate power mode for melting chocolate to cranking up the power and using 950-watts for cooking and defrosting your favorite foods. The control is at your fingertips.
- AUTO TOUCH OPEN/CLOSE CONTROL – Allows you to easily open and close the microwave drawer at the touch of a button. And if you have your hands full, like that microwave chef that you are, just tap it with your hip and the drawer will close automatically.
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY – 1.2 cu.ft. capacity can accomodate a variety of different container shapes and sizes.
SHARP SMD3070ASY Microwave Drawer Oven, 30-inch, 1.2 Cubic Feet, 950 Watt, Concealed Angled Touch Control Panel with Digital LCD Display, Stainless Steel
- Easy Touch Automatic Drawer System Smoothly Opens and Enables Hands-Free Close
- Convenient Kitchen Placement Allows for Easier Cooking, Saves Prep and Clean up Time
- Concealed Control Panel Opens to an Easy-to-Read and Operate 45° Angle
- Cooking Space Large Enough for a 4 qt Casserole Dish or a 20 oz Beverage
- Cooking Performance from One of the Most Trusted Brands in Microwaves
SHARP SMD2440JS Microwave Drawer Oven, 24-inch, 1.2 Cubic Feet, 950 Watt, Angled Touch Control Panel, Stainless Steel
- 1.2 cu. ft., 950 Watt, Microwave Drawer Oven
- Install Below an Island, Peninsula, or Standard Cabinetry
- Sensor Cook Menu for Precise Cooking and Reheating
- Angled Touch Controls for Easy Viewing and Operation
- Includes Built-In Airflow Control for Flush Installation
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the most important features to look for when buying a microwave drawer?
Focus on power (wattage), capacity, and control options. A 950‑1000 W unit provides faster heating, while a 1.2 cu ft interior fits most dishes and casseroles. Look for easy‑open mechanisms, preset cooking programs, and safety locks to match your kitchen workflow.
How does wattage influence cooking speed and results?
Higher wattage (e.g., 1000 W) cooks food more quickly and evenly, which is useful for defrosting and high‑power reheating. Units with 950 W still perform well for everyday tasks but may need a few extra seconds per setting. Choose the wattage based on how often you use the drawer for heavy‑duty cooking versus light reheating.
Which models include smart or touch‑less operation?
Sharp’s SMD2479JS offers Alexa voice control and an Easy Wave Open touch‑less drawer feature. The ThermoMate drawer provides a one‑touch auto‑door and silent mode, while the THOR Kitchen TMD2401 includes auto‑touch open/close with hip‑tap functionality. These conveniences reduce the need to reach for handles when your hands are full.
How do the capacities and interior dimensions differ among the popular 24‑inch drawers?
All listed 24‑inch models share a 1.2 cu ft capacity, but interior widths vary slightly: Sharp’s SMD2470ASY measures about 23‑9/16″ wide, ThermoMate is 23‑7/8″ wide, and the THOR TMD2401 is roughly 23‑1/2″. The depth ranges from 23‑1/4″ to 24‑9/16″, affecting how large a casserole you can fit. Check the exact interior dimensions if you regularly use oversized dishes.
What installation options are available for these drawer microwaves?
Most units can be installed as a proud‑mount (visible front) or flush‑mount (recessed) using built‑in airflow control, as seen in Sharp’s SMD2479JS and SMD2440JS. The KoolMore drawer is designed for wall or cabinet integration with a flat‑bottom profile. Verify your cabinet opening size and whether you need a trim kit for a seamless look.
Which safety features should I prioritize?
Child lock functions, like those on ThermoMate, prevent accidental activation. Touch‑less opening reduces the risk of burns, and many models include sensor cook menus that automatically adjust power to avoid overheating. Look for models that meet UL safety standards and provide a clear emergency stop button.
How does price relate to value and warranty coverage?
Higher‑priced models such as Sharp’s smart drawer or THOR’s professional line often include advanced features (voice control, multiple sensor functions) and longer warranties (up to 1 year limited). Budget‑friendly options like the basic Sharp KB6524PSY still deliver solid performance but may lack smart connectivity. Weigh the extra convenience against your budget and consider the warranty length for long‑term peace of mind.
Which microwave drawer offers the best preset cooking options?
Cosmo’s Haven Collection (COS-MWD3012NHSS and COS-MWD3012GSS) provides four automatic presets—popcorn, melt, soften, and beverage—plus smart defrosting by weight. Sharp’s SMD2479JS includes sensor cook menus for precise reheating, while THOR’s TMD2401 adds 12 unique sensor functions, including dual popcorn settings and chocolate melting. Choose based on the variety of presets that match your most frequent cooking tasks.