When choosing the right microwave for your kitchen, placement is an important factor. Sometimes, there isn’t room for a microwave on the counter. Maybe you don’t want to sacrifice cabinet space at shoulder-height or crowd your range by placing a microwave over the stove.

That’s where an under-counter microwave drawer comes in handy. Unlike countertop microwaves or over-the-range microwaves, microwave drawers can go beneath the counter, making use of space that isn’t convenient to be used for storage. They pull out just like ordinary drawers, with buttons that are usually oriented upwards so that you can input time and power settings from above with ease. So, if you have difficulty reaching overhead to use other built-in microwave styles that sit at shoulder height but you also want to keep your counters free, a pull-out microwave drawer is an ideal option.

Measuring the width, height and depth available for your new built-in microwave drawer is an important first step in choosing a drawer-style microwave. Width-wise, a 24-inch microwave drawer is a popular size given the dimensions of most kitchens.

Once you’ve identified the size you need, you can start to consider features that will narrow down the best microwave drawers for you. For example, some popular options include convection cooking abilities, sensor cooking and defrost-specific settings.

Keep in mind that a microwave drawer cabinet requires a bit of skill to install. If you’re up to the DIY challenge, remember to read all the instructions. Alternatively, you can rely on Best Buy for professional microwave drawer installation. This service will ensure that everything goes smoothly and the drawer is flush with the rest of your cabinets.