THE 10 BEST KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES FOR YOU IN 2024
Whether melting chocolate for ganache or air frying crisp, juicy chicken, a KitchenAid® microwave can serve as a stepping stone for baking sweet treats or assist in making mealtime favorites. The best microwaves for your kitchen have ventured into a realm of new possibilities designed to perform multiple functions. Read on to learn about the different types of microwaves and how to choose the right one for your cooking needs.
TYPES OF MICROWAVES
In general, the three types of microwaves are built-in, over-the-range or hood combinations and countertop microwaves. KitchenAid brand also offers another type called an under-counter microwave—an ingenious top-loading drawer microwave installed in your lower cabinets or island that’s easy to reach into.
A convection microwave combines standard features with a convection heating element and can be found on select models. Discover more about the types of microwaves and their individual benefits.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A MICROWAVE?
When choosing a microwave, it helps to be selective with details like the size, wattage, features and functionality, along with the design and style perfect for your kitchen. Keeping these in mind when choosing the best microwave for your cooking habits can enhance the foods you make the most.
1. DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITY
Microwaves come in different sizes designed to fit your kitchen. They are measured by exterior width, height, depth and interior capacity. While the interior capacity is sometimes listed in the product name, the exterior size varies by microwave type but is relatively standard from model to model. Countertop microwaves typically offer the largest range in sizes with very compact models available while built-in microwaves can offer larger capacities that can function like a second oven.
KitchenAid® microwaves have a capacity that range from 1.1 to 2.2 cubic feet. It’s important to consider how much space you have available so you can get the right fit.
2. WATTAGE
Microwave wattage generally ranges from 900–1,200 watt cooking power. The more wattage, the quicker your food may cook. Most microwave recipes require 1,000 watts for the best results when doing more than heating, so a model with high wattage may be the way to go when choosing a microwave.
3. FEATURES
Match your making by choosing a microwave with features and functionality that can complement your culinary endeavors. Here are some microwave features available on select KitchenAid® models:
Timed Defrost: Defrosting frozen foods with this feature automatically lowers the setting to 30-50% power and intuitively adjusts the time for the weight of the item being defrosted. Learn how to defrost chicken in the microwave for optimal results.
Quick-Touch Cycles and Sensor Cooking: Using temperature and humidity sensors, select microwaves can automatically regulate the time based on preprogrammed, menu-driven cycles.
Convection Cooking: Convection microwaves have an additional heating element and fan to circulate heat throughout the cavity. This allows you to bake, broil or roast smaller portions of your favorite recipes.
Broil element: Add the finishing touches to a meal by melting cheese or browning food in a microwave with a quick broil setting.
Crispwave™ Technology: The crisper pan and Crispwave™ technology allows you to use your microwave to grill, fry or crisp foods.
Sensor steam cycle: Steam fish or veggies perfectly with a microwave steam cycle that monitors the moisture level inside the cooking cavity.
Keep warm function: Keep your cooked foods warm without overcooking them until it’s time to serve.
Steam cleaning function: Steam the inside of your microwave to loosen cooked-on food without the need for harsh chemical cleaners.
- PrintShield™ Finish: This specialized coating on stainless steel microwaves allows for easy cleanup of fingerprints or smudge marks.
Learn more on how to choose a microwave oven in this microwave buying guide, or read on to discover the fascinating history of how these features came to be throughout the history of the microwave.
4. DESIGN AESTHETIC
Consider the design aesthetic when choosing a microwave to create a consistent style in your kitchen. Whether your home has a contemporary or eclectic motif, you can find a model with the right color, finish and other refined details to fit seamlessly with your style.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MICROWAVES?
The best microwave for you depends on the size, layout and design of your kitchen, as well as the size of your household and the type of cooking you do most. Ideally, it’s the one that seamlessly fits into your lifestyle. Here are some options to help determine the best KitchenAid® microwave for you:
1. BEST KITCHENAID® BUILT-IN MICROWAVE OVENS FOR YOU
Built-in microwave ovens are installed into pre-existing cabinetry and work well in kitchens with limited countertop space. They can be installed in a variety of locations and provide a streamlined, integrated look with some flush installations available. Built-in microwaves from KitchenAid brand provide a versatile, supplementary cooking space with select models featuring convection cooking, a broil element and Crispwave™ Microwave Technology.
24" BUILT-IN MICROWAVE OVEN WITH 1000 WATT COOKING
This high-powered microwave provides a full family-sized cooking capacity that can quickly and thoroughly cook all your favorite foods.
1.4 cu. ft. capacity
1000-watt cooking power
Precision touch controls
Satin textured handles
Chrome inlaid frame
1000 WATT BUILT-IN LOW PROFILE MICROWAVE
There are two KitchenAid® microwaves with these features, the only difference is in the type of trim kit. The space-saving design of these built-in low-profile microwaves fits mixing bowls, casserole dishes and more while freeing up more room in the kitchen.
1.1 cu. ft. capacity
1000-watt cooking power
Exterior quick access buttons
Hidden microwave controls
Sensor cooking functions
CookShield finish
2. BEST KITCHENAID® OVER-THE-RANGE OR MICROWAVE-HOOD COMBINATIONS FOR YOU
You can install your microwave above a cooktop or range to centralize cooking tasks, as well as use it as a vent hood to help clear smoke and odor from the air. Over-the-range microwaves, also called microwave-hood combinations, can free up your countertops for more making.
Over-The-Range Microwave with Flush Built-In Design
This over-the-range microwave fits evenly with cabinets to give your kitchen a seamless look and feel, and features sensor functions that automatically adjust cook time along with a turntable-free interior that can heat multiple items at a time.
1.1 cu. ft. capacity
1000-watt cooking power
Turntable-Free Design
Built-in Design1
3-Speed 400 CFM Motor Class Ventilation System2
Steam Clean
1. Fits evenly with your cabinets to give your kitchen a seamless look when installed in standard cabinet depth of 12 ¾”.
2. Performance varies based on installation. Resources available at AHAM.org
30" 1000-WATT MICROWAVE HOOD COMBINATION
This high-power over-the-range microwave features sensor functions to assist you in the kitchen by automatically adjusting the time needed to cook, reheat or defrost without guesswork about power levels or cooking times.
1.5 cu. ft. capacity
1000-watt cooking power
Sensor functions
Cookshield finish
3-Speed 400 CFM Motor Class Ventilation System2
Sensor Steam/Simmer Cook Cycle
2. Performance varies based on installation. Resources available at AHAM.org
1000 WATT LOW PROFILE MICROWAVE HOOD COMBINATION WITH PRINTSHIELD™ FINISH
This over-the-range microwave hood combination with innovative features offers more room to create beneath its sleek, low-profile cabinet.
1.1 cu. ft. capacity
1000-watt cooking power
4-speed fan control
PrintShield™ Finish
500 CFM Motor Class Dual Fan Ventilation System2
Two LED task lights with night light setting
Exterior quick access buttons
2. Performance varies based on installation. Resources available at AHAM.org
3. BEST KITCHENAID® COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES FOR YOU
Countertop microwaves can easily be placed in the most convenient spot in your kitchen to provide quick access where your making happens. Installation is simple as all you need is an outlet and a stable, flat surface. If you move homes, it can move with you.
24" COUNTERTOP MICROWAVE OVEN - 1200 WATT
This spacious countertop microwave has nine sensor-driven and pre-programmed cooking cycles to eliminate guesswork, plus convenient electronic controls.
2.2 cu. ft. capacity
1200-watt cooking power
Electronic controls with LED display
Timed defrost
1200-watt cooking power
9 Quick-touch cycles including six sensor cycles
21 3/4" COUNTERTOP MICROWAVE OVEN WITH PRINTSHIELD™ FINISH - 1200 WATT
This versatile countertop microwave delivers the beauty of an easy-cleaning, the speed and accuracy of nine sensor-driven and pre-programmed cooking cycles, plus convenient electronic controls.
1.6 cu. ft. capacity
1200-watt cooking power
PrintShield™ Finish
9 Quick-touch cycles including six sensor cycles
Timed defrost
Electronic controls with LED display
4. BEST KITCHENAID® DRAWER OR UNDER-COUNTER MICROWAVES FOR YOU
Drawer or under-counter microwaves free up counter space and are ideal for open kitchen designs and islands. The drawer is usually installed at waist height and opens up for top access to check or stir foods without removing the dish from the microwave.
24" UNDER-COUNTER MICROWAVE OVEN DRAWER
Give your kitchen more room for creativity with an ingenious top-loading microwave oven drawer that can save you valuable countertop space and handle a variety of cooking cycles with ease.
1.2 cu. ft. capacity
950-watt cooking power
Drawer design
Sensor functions
Auto Touch Open/Close
5. BEST KITCHENAID® CONVECTION MICROWAVES FOR YOU
A convection microwave can unlock new culinary possibilities and expand your menu. With features like roast, broil, bake and crisp, you can use your microwave as a second oven. Models with convection cooking can be found in any microwave type: built-in, over-the-range, countertop and under-counter.
OVER-THE-RANGE CONVECTION MICROWAVE WITH AIR FRY MODE
With oven-like heating elements and a fan to circulate heat around the microwave cavity, you can go beyond reheating and defrosting to roasting, baking and crisping your favorite foods with this microwave.
1.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity
1200-watt cooking power
Air Fry and Grill functions
Sensor Steam/Simmer Cook Cycle
Steam Cleaning function
21 3/4" COUNTERTOP CONVECTION MICROWAVE OVEN WITH PRINTSHIELD™ FINISH - 1000 WATT
Beneath its stain-resistant finish, this convection countertop microwave combines the microwave power and watt convection elements to cook microwave-fast, roast evenly and sear like conventional ovens.
1.5 cu. ft. capacity
1000-watt cooking power
1400-watt convection element
Roast and Grill functions
6 Quick-touch cycles including five sensor cycles
PrintShield™ Finish
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO BUY A MICROWAVE?
The best time of year to buy a microwave is when you’re looking to upgrade your appliance. Perhaps you want additional features or you’re remodeling your kitchen. KitchenAid brand has special offers on microwaves throughout the year. You can receive exclusive offers, product news and even price matching3 by signing up here.
3. Price matching is limited to identical products that are in stock at the retailer whose price is being matched at the time the price match is requested. We will price match pre-tax price including installation and parts. Only new products. Excludes bakeware, cookware, garage flooring, extended service plans, refurbished or open box, bundle offers, financing offers, clearance products, and advertised pricing based on misprint or error.
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SHOP KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES
With a wide selection of styles, finishes, sizes and colors, KitchenAid® microwaves offer versatility combined with innovations to match your culinary needs. Whether you’re looking to free up counter space with a built-in or over-the-range model or need simple installation with a countertop microwave, explore KitchenAid brand microwaves to find the best fit for your style and favorite recipes.
