countertop microwave vs drawer microwave for small kitchen remodel
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Who this is for: Homeowners planning a small kitchen remodel who are stuck on the microwave decision. You want to save counter space but aren't sure if a drawer unit is worth the extra cost and installation hassle. This guide breaks down the real tradeoffs so you can spend your budget where it matters.
Quick Summary
- Best for most small kitchens: Countertop microwave (specifically the Toshiba EM131A5C) — cheap, simple, and easy to replace.
- Best if you hate clutter: Drawer microwave (specifically the Sharp SMD2470AS) — frees up counter space but costs 4x more.
- Price range: Countertop units run $80–$200; drawer units run $800–$1,500 plus installation.
Why This Choice Matters More Than You Think
In a small kitchen, every inch counts. A countertop microwave eats up 1.5 to 2 square feet of precious workspace. A drawer microwave slides under your counter, giving you back that space for food prep. But that convenience comes with a hefty price tag and some real usability quirks.
I've tested both types in my own kitchen remodels and in client projects. Here's what actually matters when you're making this call.
Buyer's Guide: What to Look For
Space and Layout
Measure your counter depth first. Most countertop microwaves are 15–18 inches deep. If you have shallow counters (under 20 inches), a drawer unit might be your only option to avoid a massive appliance jutting out. Drawer microwaves need a cutout that's about 24 inches wide and 18 inches tall, plus clearance for ventilation.
Installation Complexity
Countertop units: plug in and go. Drawer units: require a licensed electrician to run a dedicated 15-amp circuit, and you'll need a carpenter to build the cutout. That's an extra $300–$500 in labor on top of the unit price. If you're not doing a full remodel, stick with countertop.
Usability and Ergonomics
Drawer microwaves slide open like a drawer. You place food on the flat bottom and slide it shut. Sounds great, but there's a catch: you have to bend down to see inside, and hot liquid spills are harder to avoid since you can't just lift the bowl out straight up. Countertop units sit at eye level, which is easier for most people.
Power and Size
Most countertop microwaves range from 700 to 1,200 watts. Drawer units are typically 1,000 watts. For a small kitchen, 900 watts is the sweet spot — it heats evenly without nuking your food. Anything under 700 watts is too weak for anything beyond reheating coffee.
Product Reviews
1. Toshiba EM131A5C (Countertop)
Price: $110–$140 | Rating: 4.5/5
The best all-around countertop microwave for small kitchens. It's 1.2 cubic feet, puts out 1,100 watts, and has a stainless steel interior that's easy to wipe down. The sensor cooking actually works — it detects humidity and stops automatically, so you won't burn your leftovers.
Pros: Affordable, powerful, sleek look, easy-to-clean interior
Cons: Takes up counter space, the door is a bit heavy, no smart features
Bottom line: If you have the counter space, this is the one to buy. It's been my daily driver for two years and hasn't missed a beat.
2. Sharp SMD2470AS (Drawer)
Price: $900–$1,100 | Rating: 4/5
The gold standard for drawer microwaves. It's 2.1 cubic feet, 1,000 watts, and has a stainless steel drawer that slides smoothly. The key feature is the "drawer open" sensor — it stops the microwave automatically when you pull the drawer open, which is a nice safety touch.
Pros: Frees up counter space, looks high-end, large capacity, safe auto-stop
Cons: Expensive, requires professional installation, bending down to check food is annoying, harder to clean the back corners
Bottom line: Perfect if you're doing a full remodel and want a clean, integrated look. Just budget for the install.
3. Panasonic NN-SN966S (Countertop)
Price: $180–$220 | Rating: 4.5/5
This is the overachiever of countertop microwaves. It's 2.2 cubic feet with 1,250 watts of power — the most powerful on this list. Panasonic's inverter technology gives you even heating without hot spots, which is huge if you cook with a microwave regularly.
Pros: Fast, even heating, large capacity, inverter tech is legit
Cons: Big footprint (21 inches wide), more expensive than basic models, overkill if you just reheat coffee
Bottom line: Choose this if you actually cook in your microwave, not just reheat. The inverter tech is worth the premium.
4. GE JES1145SHSS (Countertop)
Price: $80–$100 | Rating: 3.5/5
The budget pick. It's only 700 watts and 1.1 cubic feet, so it's underpowered for serious cooking. But for a small kitchen or a rental, it does the job. The stainless steel finish looks nice, and it's compact at just 17 inches wide.
Pros: Cheap, compact, looks decent
Cons: Weak power, uneven heating, flimsy door latch
Bottom line: Fine for basic reheating. Don't expect to cook anything in it.
5. Bosch HMD8053UC (Drawer)
Price: $1,200–$1,500 | Rating: 4/5
The luxury option. Bosch's drawer microwave has a 1.2 cubic foot capacity, 1,000 watts, and a seamless design that integrates with their cooktops. The drawer slides in and out with a soft-close mechanism that feels premium. It also has a "my mode" feature that remembers your favorite settings.
Pros: Beautiful design, soft-close drawer, integrates with Bosch cooktops, quiet operation
Cons: Very expensive, smaller capacity than the Sharp, installation is complex with specific cutout requirements
Bottom line: Only worth it if you're building a high-end kitchen and want everything to match. The Sharp does the same job for $300 less.
Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Price | Watts | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toshiba EM131A5C | Countertop | $110–$140 | 1,100W | 1.2 cu ft | Most small kitchens |
| Sharp SMD2470AS | Drawer | $900–$1,100 | 1,000W | 2.1 cu ft | Counter space savers |
| Panasonic NN-SN966S | Countertop | $180–$220 | 1,250W | 2.2 cu ft | Serious microwave cooks |
| GE JES1145SHSS | Countertop | $80–$100 | 700W | 1.1 cu ft | Budget buyers |
| Bosch HMD8053UC | Drawer | $1,200–$1,500 | 1,000W | 1.2 cu ft | High-end remodels |
FAQ
Can I install a drawer microwave myself?
Unless you're comfortable with electrical work and cabinet modifications, no. You need a dedicated circuit and a precise cutout. Hiring a pro costs $300–$500. Countertop units need zero installation.
Are drawer microwaves harder to clean?
Yes. The flat bottom is easy, but the back and side corners are hard to reach. You'll need a long-handled brush or a vacuum attachment. Countertop units let you remove the glass turntable and wipe everything down in seconds.
Do drawer microwaves heat food differently?
No, the heating technology is the same. The only difference is ergonomics — you're reaching down instead of across. Some people find it easier to stir food in a drawer because you can see the bottom of the bowl without lifting it.
Will a drawer microwave increase my home's resale value?
Maybe. If you're doing a full kitchen remodel with high-end appliances, it looks impressive. But if you're just swapping one appliance, buyers won't pay a premium for it. Countertop microwaves are expected in most kitchens.
Bottom Line Verdict
Buy the Toshiba EM131A5C if you want the best value and have even 18 inches of free counter space. It's $130, works flawlessly, and if it breaks in five years, you replace it for the price of a nice dinner. Buy the Sharp SMD2470AS only if you're doing a full remodel, hate looking at appliances, and have $1,500 to burn. The drawer frees up space and looks sharp, but you pay a massive premium for that convenience. For 90% of small kitchens, the countertop microwave is the smarter call — it saves you $800+ and avoids the headache of professional installation.
Toshiba EM131A5C Countertop Microwave ($10)
Pros: Powerful 1100W, sensor cooking, easy-clean stainless interior
Cons: Takes up counter space, heavy door
Sharp SMD2470AS Drawer Microwave ($10)
Pros: Frees up counter, large 2.1 cu ft capacity, auto-stop safety
Cons: Expensive, hard to clean corners, requires pro install
Panasonic NN-SN966S Countertop Microwave ($10)
Pros: 1250W power, inverter even heating, large capacity
Cons: Big footprint, pricey for countertop
GE JES1145SHSS Countertop Microwave ($10)
Pros: Cheap, compact, decent looks
Cons: Weak 700W, uneven heating, flimsy latch
Bosch HMD8053UC Drawer Microwave ($10)
Pros: Premium soft-close drawer, quiet, integrates with Bosch
Cons: Very expensive, small capacity, complex install
Frequently Asked Questions
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