What size microwave will fit in a 24-inch cabinet? Built-in microwaves help free up space in your kitchen.
In the last couple of weeks, I tested and reviewed different units in search of the best built-in microwave for a 24-inch cabinet.
The microwaves in the list below have a lot of basic and advanced features you’ll love.
Things to consider when choosing the best Microwave built-in 24-inch cabinet
When it comes to built-in microwaves, you need to choose something that gives a perfect fit for your kitchen. Here are the features to look for:
Size and Capacity
The ideal size for your built-in microwave depends on the cabinet you’re planning to fit it in. It should also leave space for ventilation for safer operation.
The depth and height vary, ranging from 20-25-inch depth and 17-22 inches in height.
If you don’t know which one fits best, measure your cabinet’s inside width (left to right) and get its exact length (top to bottom).
Power Matters (1000 watts or more)
A microwave with higher wattage has a higher cooking power. It will also cook food faster and evenly.
Microwaves with over 800 watts are often suitable for most cooking needs.
Those with lower wattage are slower and can’t heat food evenly. One with over 1000 watts is very powerful and has faster cooking speeds.
And microwaves with about 1200 watts are great for consistent and uniform cooking.
However, microwaves with higher wattage power are expensive.
Choose a unit that will meet your cooking needs without compromising your budget.
Functions
Built-in microwaves have similar functions as countertop microwaves.
These include cooking, baking, reheating, roasting, broiling, thawing, or crisping food.
They may offer various settings for easy usage.
You should consider a microwave with convenient shortcut control buttons for easier operation.
Those with smart functions will allow you to control those remotely using apps and smart home voice devices like Alexa.
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS starts as the best built-in microwave for a 24-inch cabinet.
With a depth of 17.1 inches, this unit will perfectly fit 24-inch deep cabinets and still provide some free space to breathe.
Its capacity of 1.2 cubic feet makes it an ideal option for most homes.
This microwave features 1100 watts of cooking power and 10 different power levels.
So it’ll handle all types of cooking tasks you throw at it and still get remarkable results.
Smart sensor technology allows for an effortless cooking process.
You’ll also find this built-in microwave with 6 auto-cook menus. This means it will adjust the cooking settings automatically for excellent results.
Its black stainless steel casing is elegant and easy to maintain. The comfortable door handle is also easy to grip for all users.
The large LED display and big control buttons allow for effortless use.
This microwave boasts an ECO mode which helps reduce standby power by 50%, saving your money on electric bills.
Pros
- Sleek and elegant design to blend with your kitchen decor
- 17.5-inch depth makes it perfectly fit most 24-inch cabinets
- Large LED display for easy reading of cooking settings.
- Multiple auto-cook menus and smart sensor technology for easy operation
- ECO mode to reduce energy costs by up to 50%
Cons
- Some users claim that the popcorn setting didn’t pop popcorn well
Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven
With a 16-inch depth, the Panasonic NN-SN686S fits perfectly in any 24-inch cabinet.
It provides a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet, and the 1200 watts of cooking power makes it handle all types of cooking tasks.
It features 10 power levels, 6 auto-cook menus, sensor cook technology and an Asta vent system that provides smooth ventilation.
The design of this microwave is elegant and modern, with a Soft Blue LED display for easy reading at any time.
Thanks to its quick 6-second reheat function, this microwave is perfect for busy lives.
The Panasonic NN-SN686S features an ECO mode which reduces energy consumption by 60% in standby mode.
Pros
- Compact design to fit in a 24-inch cabinet and saves space
- ECO mode reduces power consumption in standby mode by 60%
- A quick 6-second reheat function allows for faster and more efficient operation
- 6 auto-cook menus and sensor technology for easy operation
Cons
- The press-release door button is hard to press
BLACK + DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a compact microwave oven with a shallow depth of 15.6”.
So it will fit 24-inch cabinets perfectly and still provide some room for ventilation.
This unit features a large digital display for better visibility.
It comes with a defrost mode which provides quick and even defrosting of frozen food.
The best features of this microwave are the pre-programmed settings, so you can select one and cook your food accordingly.
This unit also includes 10 power levels for cooking different types of food at various heating temperatures.
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is easy to use, and you can program it to handle up to 6 cooking tasks.
With its Sensor technology, you can easily select the food type and start cooking.
It also features a 5-minute timer with a turn-off function.
Some of its smart features include an interior light, child lock, end-of-cooking alert, and more.
Pros
- Compact design to fit in a 24-inch cabinet and saves space
- Large digital display for better visibility
- Sensor technology for smarter operation under selectable cooking types
- It consists of 6 pre-programmed settings to cook your food automatically at the touch of a button
Cons
- It isn’t quiet while cooking
Emerson 1.2 Cu-ft. Griller Microwave Oven with Touch Control
The Emerson 1.2 Cu-ft. Griller Microwave Oven features a sleek and elegant design that will complement any kitchen decor.
Its size will perfectly fit in 24-inch cabinets. The smooth touch control panel offers easy operation, while the large window provides better visibility.
The six power levels and 6 auto-cook menus make it easier to operate.
It also has multiple pre-programmed settings, so you can select one of them and start cooking at the touch of a button.
This model comes with 10 user-defined cooking options and one key reheat, which allows you to reheat your food quickly with just the touch of a button.
The Emerson 1.2 Cu-ft. The Griller Microwave Oven comes with a child lock safety function that prevents children or unauthorized users from accidental operation.
With its stylish design, this microwave will fit in perfectly with any modern kitchen decor.
Pros
- Compact design to fit in a 24-inch cabinet and saves space
- Large digital display for better visibility
- The touch control panel allows for easy operation
- Nine auto-cook menus and 11 power levels provide quick cooking options.
Cons
- Its exterior surface may overheat while cooking
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
The Panasonic HomeChef Microwave Oven features a compact design and saves space. But this doesn’t make it difficult to install or operate at all.
This unit has four micro-computerized cooking functions, including microwave, grill, air fryer, and conventional oven for versatile cooking.
So you can now cook a wide range of food from eggs to baked cookies.
The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer has a 10 power level which allows for better cooking control.
So you can choose the most suitable heat level depending on the type of food you are cooking.
It also comes with a multi-stage cooking process that allows you to set the timer and auto-cook your food accordingly.
There’s also a child lock safety function that prevents accidental operation by children or any unauthorized users.
The microwave is easy to use, so you can easily operate this for cooking.
It has a programmable memory function that can be programmed to handle up to 5 cooking tasks.
Pros
- Compact design saves space and is easy to install or operate
- The multi-stage cooking process with automatic shut-off function.
- 10 power levels for quick changes in heat level while cooking food.
- The child lock safety function prevents accidental operation by children or any unauthorized users.
Cons
- Some users claim that it takes about 15 minutes to heat up
FAQs
Can You Install A Built-In Microwave By Yourself?
Yes, but you may damage your kitchen if you are not careful. Just ensure you follow the right installation procedure to install your microwave properly.
Can Counter top Microwave Fit In A 24-inch Cabinet?
Only a few models can fit in a 24-inch cabinet. These include models with trim kits that are 24, 27, or 30 inches wide.
Such microwaves have their designs made to fit perfectly into their space. The add-on feature can come with your microwave, or you may need to buy it as an optional accessory.
How Do You Know If A Built-In Microwave Can Fit In Your 24-Inch Cabinet?
The best way is to accurately measure your cabinet’s length, depth, and height. Then check the dimensions or measure the length, width, and depth of your microwave.
It should be between 15 and 19 inches deep to fit your 24-inch microwave.
How Much Money Do You Need To Install A Built-In Microwave?
Installing a built-in microwave costs from $50 to $100 per hour. It takes about 1 to 3 hours to install the microwave.
You may incur additional fees to cater to new electrical outlets or cabinet modifications. This may give a total of about $400 or more.