Choosing the best microwave can be tricky, but opting for a built-in or integrated microwave will free up worktop space and create a uniform look in your kitchen. If you're a fan of high-tech interiors that seamlessly integrate into the room, this type of microwave could be just your vibe. The shiny black rectangle creates a slick look in your modern kitchen... and it makes a satisfying ping, just like a droid.
Going integrated gives you the freedom to install a microwave at eye level so the controls are easier to see. It means goodbye to bending too. Plus, no more shrinking crisp packets in the microwave - it keeps the appliance safety out of reach of little fingers (although most microwaves do have child locks). It's worth noting that an integrated appliance is more expensive than a freestanding one, but if your worktops are jam-packed, it's a space-saving option. You can even find smaller microwave models, which are perfect for smaller kitchens - or if you're fighting for counter space.
Black Friday 2024: Best Microwave Deals
We interrupt your regularly scheduled content to let you know that Black Friday is in full swing, and with it, a whole host of Black Friday deals. Want to bag a bargain before the offers end? These are the retailers that have the best microwave deals right now, or keep scrolling to read our buyer's guide.
Shop Black Friday microwave deals on: Amazon | AO | Very | John Lewis | Appliances Direct
Save 38%: Hisense Integrated Microwave, was £299, NOW £185
Save £50: electriQ Built-in Digital Microwave, was £199.97, NOW £149.97
Save £31: Neff Built-In Microwave, was £429, NOW £398
Save £50: Neff N50 Built-In Combination Microwave Oven, was £799, NOW £749
Save £71: Zanussi Built-in CombiQuick Compact Microwave Oven, was £650, NOW £579
For an appliance that sneaks its way into your fitted kitchen... measure, measure and measure again. You may need to enlist the help of a kitchen fitter to incorporate your integrated microwave into a cupboard space. It's essential to factor in a cavity for ventilation at the back of the cupboard. Double-check the measurements of your unit before buying to be certain that the microwave will fit in terms of depth, width and height whilst allowing a 20mm gap for a vent. In addition, you need to factor in proximity to a plug socket and how long the power cable is.
Built-in microwaves tend to have a smaller capacity, so do take note of the product dimensions. Measure the diameter of the turntable and ensure your largest dinner plate will fit. This probably isn't going to be an option if you're renting or need a microwave on a budget. So, for more microwave options, scroll to the FAQs for advice about these clever kitchen bots whose cooking method is the stuff of science fiction.
Best Built-In Or Integrated Microwave At A Glance:
Best Built-In Or Integrated Microwave
Best for cooking programmes
With a 20L capacity, this Bosch Series 4 Built In Microwave will beautifully integrate into a modern kitchen. Equipped with the latest functions to make everyday cooking easy, its sleek, high-quality glass front is impact-resistant and easy to look after. Plus, you can get some grilling done with its 800W grill.
From almost 60 reviews on Amazon, this Bosch Series 4 pick has a respectable review average of 4.2/5 stars. But, what are the customers saying? Many customers like the quality, connectivity and appearance of this appliance - not to mention its easy use, which is important for a versatile microwave, with plenty of features to choose from. It works well, and looks great - any negatives?
Although there are much cheaper microwaves on the market, one customer said they chose Bosch for its quality, reliability, warranty and customer service. However, compared to previous microwave models, the inside is much smaller. The customer adds that the opening icon for the door is not easy to identify if it's dark - so, make sure you know you're pressing the right buttons.
We love how sleek it looks, with touch control and a simple LED display. Cook every meal perfectly with AutoPilot 7 - seven pre-set automatic programmes, simply select the weight of the dish, and away you go. It's a great pick if you're looking for a versatile set of cooking programmes.
Pros
- Great for integrated kitchens
- A large variety of cooking options
- Touch control with a simple display
Cons
- Opening button is hard to spot sometimes
Dimensions: | D31.7 x W59.4 x H38.2cm |
Capacity: | 20L |
Power: | 800W |
- Time-saving
- Defrost
- Grill
- Sleek design
Save 38% this Black Friday
Best integrated microwave and grill
Best for a powerful pick, this Hisense HB25MOBX7GUK Integrated Microwave has an integrated grill and eight automatic cooking programmes – ideal if you want pizza in a hurry. Also, we like the touch controls for easy selection, 900W power for cooking faster times and a decent-sized capacity.
From the almost 100 reviews from Amazon, this Hisense pick comes with a respectable 4.2/5 star rating, with customers praising the quality, appearance and ease of installation of the microwave oven. Not only that, but reviews agree that it functions well, looks good and is straightforward to use. Any negatives? Some complain about the size and internal capacity.
This is the one for you if you're looking for a microwave that's sleek, easy to use and has the bonus of a grill. Powerful, this integrated pick will serve your seamless kitchen well.
Pros
- Straightforward, easy to use
- Integrated grill function
- With timer and auto programes
Cons
- So customers are unhappy with the internal capacity
Dimensions: | D38.8 x W59.5 x H38.8cm |
Capacity: | 25L |
Power: | 900W |
- Touch and dial
- Quartz grill
- 8 autocook programmes
- Child lock
- Defrost
- LED display
£50 off for a limited time only
Best for a sleek look
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Also available in stainless steel, this electriQ Built-in Digital Microwave is an unbranded look, so it blends into any kitchen. The 25-litre capacity is great for medium-sized households, and the turntable accommodates a large 30cm dinner plate.
From over 200 reviews, this electriQ Microwave has garnered an impressive 4.6/5 star rating, with value for money, features, design, ease of use and capacity all being rated highly. One customer commented that it's great value for the money - working perfectly and is a fraction of the cost of other models which is ideal if you're on a budget. Plus, it looks great. Any negatives to this one?
One customer said they had to keep looking at the instructions booklet for timings, but soon got the hang of them. We'd recommend using the manual for perfect heating in the microwave. Another customer said the opening and closing of the door is hard and a little noisy.
The easy-to-use one-touch auto control lets you quickly reheat your meals at full power in 30-second blasts. Additionally, take the guesswork out of reheating meat, fish, potatoes and hot beverages with pre-set programmes. It's a reasonable price for an integrated appliance and has a generous capacity.
Pros
- Accommodates a large dinner plate
- Non-branded so stylishly blends in
- Easy-to-use buttons, dials and display
Cons
- Some found the door loud to open and close
Dimensions: | H38.8 x W59.5 x D40cm |
Capacity: | 25L |
Power: | 900W |
- Left hinged door
- Defrost setting
- 8 programmes
- Child lock
- One year warranty
Best built-in microwave with app
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Do it all with the Samsung Series 5 Built-In Combination Microwave Oven. It's a large 50-litre multifunctional appliance that works with SmartThings. The app guides you through cooking procedures, crafts weekly meal schedules and more. Plus, indulge in guilt-free, crispy fried dishes using Air Fry.
From a handful of reviews, this Samsung Combi Microwave has an average of 4.3/5 stars, with a five-star rating regarding its value for money. Customers love the compact nature, which heats up quickly and the light turns off when the door is open to save on the battery life. Even so, with the phone compatibility, your phone will let you know when food is done. How cool is that? It's great if you're off around the house and not babysitting your kitchen - and can't always hear the timer.
As for negatives, reviews give a few suggestions/pain points with this microwave, from the icons not being well-illuminated to the instructions not being detailed enough for set-up. Although there are plenty of options to cook your meal to perfection, many reviews have trouble with the buttons.
Steam cleaning effortlessly dislodges food residues for fast and detergent-free clean-ups. With five auto-defrost programmes and combined cooking functions, culinary convenience is at your fingertips. Experience swift cooking with dual fan functionality. All of the elements make this pick convenient.
Pros
- App compatible
- Air fry function
- Works as a second oven
- Steam cooking
Cons
- Buttons are not well-lit, difficult to see
Dimensions: | H46 x W60 x D57cm |
Capacity: | 50L |
Power: | 800W |
- Air Fry
- Dual fan cooking
- SmartThings compatible
- Steam cleaning
- Auto defrost
Save £31 right now for Black Friday
Best for ease of use
ao.com
The Neff HLAWD23N0B Built-In Microwave fits seamlessly into a 38cm wall cabinet. Featuring seven intuitive programmes and a generous 20L capacity, it simplifies everyday cooking tasks. With five power levels reaching up to 800W, alongside default programmes like auto-cook and a memory function, meal preparation is convenient. What are the customer reviews saying?
As for customer reviews, this microwave from NEFF averages around a 4.8/5 star rating, which is very impressive. Customers praise this model for its easy use and sleek look to their integrated kitchens. One customer commented that it looks great and has a good range of heating settings, from defrost to 800W - so, you can heat and re-heat any meal to perfection, with no issues. Though this newer model is a little smaller than the last, it still takes a full dinner plate and casserole dishes with ease.
Some customers, however, found issues with the fitting instructions. One customer commented that though they love their easy-to-use microwave, the only thing they would change is that the beeping goes off for ages when the appliance finishes heating something up. So, take note.
Enhanced by defrost functionality, electronic controls, retractable dials and a side-opening hinged door, this microwave exudes contemporary elegance. Moreover, its glass viewing window and bright internal LED light facilitate easy monitoring of food. It's so user-friendly, which is important to us.
Pros
- Easy-to-use controls
- Bright internal LED light
- Automatic programmes
Cons
- The beeping goes on a bit!
Dimensions: | H38.2 x W59.4 x D31.7cm |
Capacity: | 20L |
Power: | 800W |
- 25.5cm turntable
- Memory function
- 2-year guarantee
Best for evenly cooked food
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The Indesit Aria Built-in Microwave with Grill has a Double Power Wave system which results in evenly-cooked food and no burnt bits. By utilising the plate cover, you can stack dishes to reheat two meals at once and prevent messy meals from spattering. What about the reviews?
From Appliances Direct, the MWI3213IX comes with an impressive 4.7/5 star rating from over 60 reviews, scoring well for features, design, ease of use and capacity - with value for money as the highest-rated feature. One customer says it's excellent, easy to use and loves that it matches their oven from Neff. Another added that an easy installation and grill is a bonus. Plus, the price is reasonable. It's great value for the price, as many customers mention in their reviews. Any negatives?
One customer commented that they wish the instructions were more helpful. Another customer added that the stainless steel finish is prone to nasty finger marks and can be tricky to clean.
This microwave is more expensive, but it does have a quartz grill which gives you more cooking functionality. Also, the grill carbonises food residue to make for an effective self-cleaning feature. With a 22-litre capacity and 25cm turntable diameter, it's on the smaller side - which could be ideal for compact kitchens and a one-person household. It's a great pick, a contender for the top spot.
Pros
- Easy to use with lots of settings
- Includes a versatile plate cover
- Multifunctional grill and self-cleaning
Cons
- A customer said the stainless steel finish is tricky to clean
Dimensions: | H39 x W60 x D32cm |
Capacity: | 22L |
Power: | 750W |
- 60 Minute timer
- Digital clock
- Glass turntable
- 5 Power levels
Best built-in microwave for crisping function
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The Hotpoint Built-In Microwave with Grill has a 22-litre cooking capacity and is a sleek-looking appliance for a modern kitchen. Combining microwave and 800W grill functionalities, it allows for the creation of various dishes, from starters to desserts, all in one appliance. What about reviews?
From Hughes, the MN314IXH comes with a good 4.5/5 star rating from over 100 reviews, scoring well for capacity and value - with features, design and ease of use as the highest-rated features. One customer commented that they're super happy with their choice, saying it works well and looks great in a modern kitchen - simple to use and easy to install. Not to mention, it's good value.
One customer found that the build quality on the bottom was a little lacklustre. A few other customers have found a few issues with their model, one finding the glass rotary plate a little faulty.
With its user-friendly interface, this microwave is an appealing appliance. Its Quartz Grill reheats and cooks food fast while being energy-efficient. The Dynamic Crisp Technology facilitates cooking a range of foods like pizza, ensuring a golden and crispy finish, even underneath.
Pros
- Good range of features
- Stylish
- Crisping function
- Grill
Cons
- Some comments about the glass rotary plate being faulty
Dimensions: | H39cm x W60cm x D32cm |
Capacity: | 22L |
Power: | 750W |
- 5 power levels
- Rapid defrost
- Quartz grill
- Dynamic Crisp
- Warranty 1 year labour/10 years parts
£50 off for Black Friday
Best built-in microwave for power
ao.com
The Neff N50 Built-In Combination Microwave Oven is a sleek integrated microwave that's perfect for defrosting, reheating or even baking. Elevate your cooking experience with Hotair technology, ensuring even heat distribution for delectable dishes. What are the reviews saying?
From Appliances Direct, the C1AMG84N0B comes with a decent 4.3/5 star rating from over 850 reviews, scoring well for ease of use and value - with features, design and capacity as the highest-rated features. One customer called it an excellent tool for the kitchen and would recommend investing in a microwave for your integrated kitchen, to save space, but for cooking versatility. Another customer upgraded their previous model - and loves the new (but simple) modern features.
However, there are a few negatives/pain points we'd like to cover. Some customers claim it lacks variable height adjustment which is quite an issue when using the grill function.
With the LED/LCD Display, simplicity meets clarity, with clear characters for easy reading. Explore the ease of cooking with automatic programmes, providing precise cooking times for various dishes at the touch of a button. Bright LED lights illuminate your cooking space precisely where needed.
Pros
- Powerful
- 15 automatic programmes
- Baking functions
- Retractable dial controls for a sleek look
Cons
- Lacks variable height adjustment
Dimensions: | H46 x W60 x D57cm |
Capacity: | 44L |
Power: | 900W |
- Hotair for baking
- Full surface grill
- 5 power-level
- Defrost
- Drop down door
Get £71 off right now
Best for large capacity
ao.com
More than just a microwave, the Zanussi Built-in CombiQuick Compact Microwave Oven combines the power of fan cooking with the speed of a microwave. What about the reviews?
On AO.com, Zanussi's ZVENM6K3 rates very highly, from two reviews on-site. One customer commented that they love the functionality of this pick, praising the speedy cooking - thanks to the fan and fast heat-up - and large capacity - to suit most mealtimes, without squeezing plates in at a weird angle. We've all done it, right? Oven meets microwave - you've got a great combination.
As for negatives, reviews haven't given any pain points for us to discuss. But, we suppose, it's primarily an oven with a microwave function, which may not be what you are looking for. As such, you will have to spend time removing fiddly metal grills and grates before switching the mode to microwave.
With a 43-litre capacity and powerful cooking range, this could make a superb second oven for a large family or be your all-in-one solution in a smaller household. It features 40 per cent quicker warming with fast heat-up, so you get delicious results in up to half the time. It's large and in charge.
Pros
- Complete cooking in one appliance
- Large capacity for all mealtimes
- Fan cooking spreads heat for speedy results
Cons
- Have to remove oven shelves to use it as a microwave
Dimensions: | H45.5 x W59.5 x D56.7cm |
Capacity: | 43L |
Power: | 3kW |
- Convection oven and microwave combo
- Built-in grill
- LED display
- One year warranty
Best high-end integrated microwave
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It's a beast, with a 44-litre capacity. The Siemens CM585AGS0B Built-In Combination Microwave Oven with Grill does it all. This microwave features a full-width grill, hot air grilling and 15 automatic programmes to choose from. The lit control knob illuminates the heating setting you've selected, making it easier to see. Also, TouchControl allows you to set the temperature directly or use the slider.
Thanks to Appliances Direct, the CM585AGS0B comes with an impressive 4.6/5 star rating from over 30 reviews, scoring well for design and value - with features, ease of use and capacity as the highest-rated features. One customer commented that it has easy-to-clean surfaces. The flatbed design cooks evenly without a turntable, making it a simple, straightforward use and clean. Customers love how simple it is to use - with intuitive controls and power that'll heat or re-heat your food well.
However, one customer says it is smaller internally than previous models and, apparently, does not come with a tray for grilling (which may not be ideal if you love cheese on toast under the grill). Another customer says that the dials could be a little more robust - so, be gentle.
More like an oven than a microwave, this integrated appliance doesn't have a turntable and features a drop-down oven door - great for larger and heavier dishes. Additionally, this appliance has a 180cm cable, making it convenient to extend it to the nearest plug socket. It is expensive, but this multifunctional microwave oven can literally replace all the other cooking appliances in your kitchen.
Pros
- Multifunctional and high-quality
- Easy to operate and clean
- Long power cable for installation ease
Cons
- The grill tray is not included
Dimensions: | H45.4 x W59.4 x D57cm |
Power: | 900W |
Capacity: | 44L |
- CookControl15: automatic programmes
- HumidClean
- Hot Air
- Two-year guarantee
Our Verdict: Best Built-In Or Integrated Microwave
For a high-end integrated microwave that does it all (and then some), we recommend Siemens CM585AGS0B Built-In Combination Microwave Oven with Grill. This is a next-level microwave that combines the functionality of a grill, air fryer and oven. It's a large appliance, so you need the cupboard space to accommodate it. It's ideal if you have a large family-sized kitchen. Additionally, this model will be covered by the John Lewis guarantee and customer care, so you're in good hands.
Alternatively, if you are on a budget and short of space, opt for Bosch Series 4 BFL523MS0B Built In Microwave. This compact 20-litre appliance is packed with next-gen cooking features, as you would expect from Bosch. It means you don't need to compromise on space in order to get the benefit of an energy-efficient microwave that's packed with automatic cooking programs.
FAQs
What features should I consider when buying a microwave?
Think about your lifestyle and how often you use this appliance. If you're reheating a variety of foods for multiple people, we recommend something sturdy with a range of programs to heat up meat, vegetables, fish and baked goods. So, we've put a small guide together for choosing an integrated or built-in microwave for your kitchen.
Features to consider
If you have a small kitchen, consider a compact microwave to sit on your countertop or an integrated appliance. Alternatively, if you have the space, a larger capacity microwave will provide you with more room for bigger plates. Check if the height will provide adequate room around it for ventilation.
The internal space in a microwave is measured in litres. Naturally, you can't expect a microwave to be small and compact on the outside and super spacious inside, so be ready to compromise on how much food you can heat up at once. Small compact microwaves can be between 15L to 20L, which is big enough for a standard-size dinner plate.
A compact microwave can fit dinner plates up to 10 inches in diameter. Medium-sized microwaves, 14-inch plates and large microwaves can sometimes fit multiple dishes at once. A small microwave will not reheat large quantities of food very fast, so it is best to heat smaller portions. Have you heard of a flatbed microwave?
Microwave power levels are measured in watts, and inevitably, the higher the wattage, the quicker your food will heat up. Most compact microwaves have around 700 – 800W.
The type of controls comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for the most straightforward option, opt for dials. Microwaves with one dial for time and another to select the power level are the easiest to use. If you want functions that offer more accurate heating times and have auto-cook programmes, you'll need a microwave with digital controls and a display screen, though these can be more complicated to use.
Keep your eye out for essential features like a child lock, timers and cooking modes. The more modes and functions, the higher the price tag. You can find out more about this and other features in our microwave buyer's guide.
What are the benefits of a combination microwave?
Combination microwaves use microwave energy but literally 'combine' it with fanned hot air so you can achieve multiple cooking techniques. It can vary with different models, but you could bag a combination microwave that can do all of the following:
Grill
Roast
Bake
Steam
Low-fat or air fry
Defrost and reheat
As a result, it's great for saving space in your kitchen; instead of having to accommodate multiple cooking appliances, a combi has it all covered.
Another benefit is that a combination microwave oven is an economical choice. It uses significantly less energy compared to an oven whilst still boasting many of the same capabilities. Instead of using energy and waiting hours for the perfect bake, you can achieve the same results much quicker.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in kitchen appliances. When she's not testing coffee machines, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.