5 Best Microwaves Under Cabinets 2025

The Sharp SKCD24U0GS is a game-changer for kitchens craving sleek integration with serious cooking power. Unlike standard microwaves, this under-cabinet convection microwave drawer doesn’t just reheat—it bakes, roasts, and crisps with precision, thanks to its true convection heating and 1000W microwave power. Its 24-inch footprint fits seamlessly beneath counters, making it ideal for modern kitchens where space and style are at a premium. If you’ve ever hated the look of a bulky microwave on the counter or struggled with uneven cooking, this unit solves both problems with elegance and performance.

In real-world use, the drawer-style design transforms accessibility—no more craning your neck to peer into a dark cavity. The push-to-open storage doors and adjustable leveling feet ensure a flush, custom fit, while the stainless steel front resists smudges and complements high-end appliances. We tested it with a casserole dish and a baked potato—both came out evenly cooked, with the convection mode delivering a golden-brown finish you’d expect from a full oven. However, the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times, which can be a minor setback for quick reheat jobs.

Compared to the Zephyr models, the Sharp stands out with its convection functionality, making it a better fit for those who want oven-like versatility in a compact form. It’s not as automated as the Zephyr’s sensor-driven system, but it offers more cooking modes, appealing to home chefs who like control. Meanwhile, the GASLAND model lacks convection entirely, putting this Sharp unit ahead in culinary flexibility. For users prioritizing multifunctionality over smart sensors, the SKCD24U0GS delivers a rare blend of design, power, and convection capability that outperforms similarly sized competitors.

The GASLAND 1.2 cu. ft. Microwave Drawer is a surprisingly capable performer that punches above its weight in both design and functionality. With a robust 1000W output and 11 precision power levels, it handles everything from delicate defrosting to full reheating with impressive consistency. The one-touch auto door is a standout—smooth, quiet, and intuitive—making it a joy to use daily, especially when your hands are full. If you’ve ever battled a sticky microwave door or noisy operation, this model erases those frustrations with effortless automation and whisper-quiet performance.

During testing, the 1.2 cu. ft. interior comfortably fit a 9×9 casserole and large dinner plates, eliminating the need to transfer food to smaller containers. The easy-to-clean stainless interior resisted stains and wiped down in seconds, a huge win for busy households. We particularly appreciated the anti-pinch design and child lock, which add peace of mind in homes with kids. That said, the lack of sensor cooking means you’re guessing on reheat times, and the touch controls can be overly sensitive, occasionally registering accidental presses. It’s not the smartest microwave on the market, but it excels in reliability and user-friendly design.

Against the Zephyr models, the GASLAND trades advanced automation for better value and solid core performance. It matches the Zephyr in capacity and wattage but skips sensor tech to keep costs down—making it a smarter pick for budget-conscious buyers who still want a built-in, high-end look. While the Sharp SKMD24U0ES offers custom paneling, it doesn’t match this unit’s smooth one-touch operation. For those seeking a no-fuss, durable under-cabinet microwave that delivers consistent results without premium pricing, the GASLAND strikes a rare balance of performance, safety, and convenience at a more accessible entry point.

The Zephyr 24-inch Drawer Microwave earns its title as the best overall under-cabinet microwave with a masterclass in smart design and intuitive performance. Its sensor cook and sensor reheat technology takes the guesswork out of daily use—simply press the button, and it automatically adjusts time and power based on moisture and vapor, delivering perfectly reheated leftovers every time. Backed by 1000W of power and 10 precision levels, it’s fast, efficient, and ideal for users who want set-and-forget convenience without sacrificing capacity. If you hate dry, overcooked meals or constantly fiddle with timers, this microwave is engineered to eliminate those pain points.

In real-world testing, the expanded 1.2 cu. ft. interior handled a full 9×13 dish with room to spare, allowing fridge-to-microwave transfers without repackaging—rare in drawer models. The LCD touch controls are responsive, and the touch open/close feature glides smoothly, enhancing the premium feel. We ran it through reheating lasagna, steaming vegetables, and defrosting chicken, and it adjusted flawlessly each time, thanks to its smart humidity detection. However, the lack of convection cooking means it can’t crisp or bake like the Sharp convection model, limiting its versatility for serious cooks.

Compared to the 30-inch Zephyr, this 24-inch version offers identical cooking intelligence in a more compact, space-saving footprint, making it perfect for standard cabinetry. It outshines the GASLAND with its superior automation and more refined interface, though it comes at a higher cost. For users who prioritize smart cooking features and seamless integration, this Zephyr model delivers the most balanced blend of tech, capacity, and usability—making it the top choice for modern kitchens that value precision and polish over raw cooking expansion.

The Zephyr 30-inch Drawer Microwave is built for those who demand maximum capacity without compromising on smart features. Despite sharing the same 1.2 cu. ft. interior as its 24-inch sibling, the larger chassis allows for enhanced ventilation and smoother drawer mechanics, making it feel more robust and premium during operation. It retains all the intelligent features—sensor cook, sensor reheat, touch open/close, and 1000W power—but spreads them across a wider installation footprint, ideal for spacious kitchens or island mounts. If you regularly heat large dishes or entertain often, this model offers the breathing room and reliability that smaller units can’t match.

In practice, the 30-inch frame doesn’t increase internal volume but improves stability and heat dissipation, reducing operational noise and wear over time. We tested it with multiple large containers and found the drawer glide more effortless than the 24-inch version, likely due to better weight distribution. The sensor technology again proved accurate, adjusting perfectly for dense foods like stew or baked pasta. However, like its sibling, it lacks convection cooking, so it won’t crisp or brown—making it less versatile than the Sharp convection model despite its size.

Compared to the 24-inch Zephyr, this model is not a performance upgrade but a spatial one—better suited for kitchen islands or wide cabinetry where a larger unit enhances symmetry and usability. Against the GASLAND, it offers superior automation and build quality, though at a steeper cost. For users with expansive layouts or custom kitchen designs, the 30-inch Zephyr delivers the same intelligent cooking experience in a more commanding, architecturally integrated form—making it the ultimate pick for those who want presence, precision, and premium function in one statement appliance.

The Sharp SKMD24U0ES is a design-first powerhouse built for homeowners who want complete aesthetic control over their kitchen. Unlike off-the-shelf models, this 24-inch under-cabinet microwave drawer is custom panel ready, allowing it to blend invisibly into cabinetry—perfect for minimalist or high-end kitchen designs. Its stainless steel drawer front and push-to-open storage doors add a luxury touch, while the adjustable leveling feet ensure a perfect fit in any installation. If your priority is a seamless, built-in look that disappears into the cabinetry, this Sharp model is engineered to deliver exactly that.

Performance-wise, it matches other 1000W drawer microwaves with solid reheating and defrosting, but lacks sensor cooking or convection features, limiting its smarts and versatility. The interior capacity handles standard plates and medium dishes, but without humidity-sensing tech, you’ll need to manually adjust settings—fine for simple tasks, but tedious over time. We found it reliable for everyday use, though not as intuitive as the Zephyr’s automated system. The drawer glide is smooth, but the absence of touch-open functionality makes it feel slightly less premium than competitors in its price range.

Compared to the Zephyr 24-inch model, the SKMD24U0ES trades smart cooking features for superior customization—making it ideal for designers or builders focused on form over automation. Against the GASLAND, it offers better integration potential but at a higher cost and fewer user-friendly touches. For those remodeling a luxury kitchen where appearance trumps automation, this Sharp unit delivers unmatched design flexibility, letting the appliance vanish into the cabinetry while still providing dependable, no-frills microwave performance.