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Microwave Drawer frees countertops of clutter
Our appreciation goes out to Apartment Therapy for directing us to this item:
Sharp has introduced a new Microwave Drawer, which sits below the countertop instead of above or on it.
The angled touch controls are convenient and easy to use. In addition, there is no need to remove the dish from the oven to check, stir, or turn the food. For even greater convenience, a gentle pull on the handle opens the Microwave Drawer Oven automatically. Just push it gently and it closes automatically, too.
It is 24″ wide and has space to hold a 9″ x 13″ dish. This below counter microwave would be perfect for installation in a bar or kitchen island. Apartment Therapy reports that units sell for around $800. The drawer concept is certain to be a new trend, especially in homes where keeping countertops clear is a priority.
28 comments posted
Posted by Andamom - 10/17/2007
I thought this was your Unitasker Wednesday product until I realized that you were actually pushing it… We don’t have a microwave — and don’t want one. My daughter had my mother send one to our apartment, but we sold it.
If people find that this is a must-have item — consider the $800 price tag… Do you really want to spend that much on a microwave?
Posted by Faculties - 10/17/2007
And when the thing breaks, and you have to have the whole counter remodelled because the next one is a slightly different size? Or what will really happen is that after several years, the thing will break and you’ll wisely give up on the idea of fitting a new one in the same space. And so you’ll have a broken one taking up space in the cabinetry, and a new $150 one sitting on the counter.
Posted by Jon - 10/17/2007
I like it! However, I agree with the concerns of the other commenters, and think a wall mounted unit, say, above your stove, would be a better choice considering cost and replaceability.
Posted by helix - 10/17/2007
Yes! there really is no reason to have a microwave in the kitchen. We banished ours to the basement and have been very happy with it there. After a while, I will petition the wife to get rid of it entirely because of non-use.
Ironically, I think that the “slow food” philosophy is a better fit for people interested in uncluttering. Get rid of the microwave and you have one less appliance to clean and worry about, you are less likely to purchase “tv-dinner” frozen foodstuff to clutter the freezer with, and you are more likely to be forced to cook up something fresh and healthy and you are forced to plan cook-time and meals rather than just nuking something and eating it.
Posted by Kris - 10/17/2007
With two little boys, the microwave is essential to our lives. While I wouldn’t purchase this particular model for the very reasons listed above, I do love my microwave and could not live without it.
Posted by C4 - 10/17/2007
Does anyone else worry that the device will be emitting microwaves at crotch-level?
Maybe its just me…
Posted by Sarah - 10/17/2007
My two cents on having a microwave: as with any appliance, whether or not you “should” have one varies from person to person. I have a microwave and use it to reheat leftovers from previous large meals. I feel this makes efficient use of my time and money while still allowing me to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Now for my comment on this article: This is a nice idea, but could be done for much less money. I keep my regular old microwave on a bookshelf that fits neatly below a counter in my kitchen. I love that it keeps my counters clear, but I do worry a bit about working at the counter while the microwave is running. (Potentially zapping my reproductive system…)
Posted by Debbie M - 10/17/2007
I agree, this is a unitasker that will go bad. And I love my microwave for heating up leftovers, especially in the summer when I don’t want to heat up my house.
But then I think it’s fine to have a few well-used items in easy reach on the counter. It is a kitchen, not an art museum or magazine showplace or whatever. I understand that empty spaces are soothing, but it’s even more soothing when I come home starving to have supper ready in 90 seconds.
Posted by skyler - 10/17/2007
“Does anyone else worry that the device will be emitting microwaves at crotch-level?”
. . . as opposedto the over the stove brain-level?
Posted by Barbara James - 10/17/2007
I can’t imagine a kitchen without a microwave oven. And, I guess I worry more about the cell phone heating up my ear than the nuker which has to hit a moving target – I move around alot in my kitchen. I think the biggest difference the microwave makes for this household is energy consumption. I have an all electric kitchen and the microwave has reduced our energy usaged considerably. We tend to use the stove top for most cooking, and the microwave for all reheating. Since I cook multiple meals at a time, reheating happens a lot in this house.
I am not so sure if I want to bend down to load stuff in and out of it, (would spills be a problem), but I do have a space to install my current unit under the counter and I like the idea of freeing up the counterspace. My kitchen is small and looks/feels/is a lot cleaner with open counterspace.
Posted by Michael - 10/17/2007
I’d prefer an over the stove microwave. I don’t have to bend over to use the microwave. It’s at the perfect level. Also, it doubles as a vent/filter for the stove.
My parents don’t like anything on the counters and instead of getting an over the range microwave, they had an empty shelf installed on a base cabinet. Much better solution in my opinion than the microwave drawer.
Posted by matt - 10/17/2007
Perfect height for your three-year-old to think it will be a nice new home for you cat.
Posted by DaveTheWave - 10/17/2007
Does anyone else worry that the device will be emitting microwaves at crotch-level?
I hardly get to use that stuff any way
I like this idea, buy two or three and then you do not need to worry about the chance of it being replaced with a different sized model
Posted by Jon King - 10/17/2007
I have this thought every time I see a Toyota truck with a American flag sticker on the window “what a great country we live in… there is room for sorts of perspectives”.
I suggest we look at the need. Research indicates that people are focusing more on quality over quantity in their homes. That translates in quality experiences, as in entertaining and including guest and other family members into the act (or art) of food preparation. The good news in this is there is another option, another way for you to address your personal style or process. There are “drawer” refrigerators and dishwasher too. And counter top dishwashers for the dorm life folks. Think about how you use this space in your home and then go find the tools that support it… now there’s another tool for you to consider!
Posted by spark - 10/17/2007
You know, I used to be in the group of people who say, “a microwave is a MUST HAVE.”
Until I didn’t have one for a few years (gave it away in a move and never replaced it). Then several months ago, my parents bought me a new one, and guess what…I forget the thing is there all the time!
I became so accustomed to not having a microwave that I don’t even think about using it now! Friends used to ask me how I made popcorn without a microwave, and I told them I use the stove and they thought I was insane!
(I still use the stove top to make popcorn.)
I don’t think I’d ever consider a microwave a unitasker, if you use it, but it’s definitely something you can live without if you have a stove/oven that works. Mine however is a unitasker that clutters up my entirely too small kitchen. It serves the purpose of a bread box, and that’s about it.
Posted by Tom K. - 10/17/2007
Ignoring the whole microwave/no microwave argument for a moment (almost like religious arguments), this is a good idea, but it is not necessary to use a special microwave.
An open shelf could be placed under the countertop, an outlet mounted at the back, and then almost any microwave could be used. I would probably pick a standard width so there is not so much empty space on the sides.
Posted by Baly - 10/17/2007
I think it’s a great OPTION. You don’t have to bend down to reach anything, because when you open the door, the drawer slides out, like in some toaster ovens. I have a Sharp microwave that is 6 years old and shows no sign of wear, let alone breakage, so I wouldn’t worry about that.
Posted by Ornery's Wife - 10/17/2007
Kind of a cool idea. I don’t use the nuker enough to warrant paying the big bucks for it, but hey, if it was already a feature in a new home I was buying I wouldn’t turn it down. I’d love to get my monstrosity off the counter, but Ornery objected vehemently to relegating it to the garage or another part of the kitchen.
TM
Posted by Twitchy - 10/17/2007
Nice – add an oven above it, and a Fisher & Paykel dishdrawer or two below it, and hide it all behind a nice facade. Now I’m getting ideas for the house I haven’t got (yet)!
Posted by Twitchy - 10/17/2007
Nice – add an oven above it, and a Fisher & Paykel dish drawer or two below it, hide it behind a nice facade, and voila, nice clean layout. Now I’m getting ideas for the house I haven’t got (yet).
Posted by Louise - 10/18/2007
What I like about this post is that it prompted several responses like Tom K’s: “An open shelf could be placed under the countertop, an outlet mounted at the back, and then almost any microwave could be used.”
Uncluttering ideas that spark a new way to think about a common object are great, and the reason I visit this site.
For the record, we have ONLY a microwave in our RV, and no conventional oven. We are grillers/reheaters, not bakers/roasters.
Posted by Laure - 10/26/2007
If you declutter your home of your microwave ovens NOW, you will probably not have the problem of lots of medical treatment clutter LATER, which is as hideously distracting as the health conditions that they treat. And of course, if you don’t ruin your health, you’ll have more energy and just plain enjoyment. Viva le slow cooker! Or better yet, make a smoothie with a banana, frozen berries and sneak in some salad greens or a bit of parsley. Now THAT is fast food that makes everybody feel better, and packs all the power of a “real” meal in terms of real nutrition, including bioavailable proteins. Microwaves even alter water in negative ways. One enterprising researcher examined the blood of people both before and after they consumed food cooked in a microwave, and found negative changes in the blood in the post-microwave-food consumption samples. It also decreases the vitamin/mineral content of foods.
Posted by Alice - 12/06/2007
I know, I know, you’re not really a real cook if you admit to using a micro. However, when one gets on in years-it is a safer and easier device for many applications, and the drawer is a good idea for such old folks as my husband who could easily load things from the top, but not easily bend over to see into the side of a reg. microwave. I have one heavily used one going on 23 yrs. Still working! Stop preaching to folks as to how they should live their lives. You can cook heathily too w/a microwave and the cleanup is easier.
Posted by Cookie Clutter - 01/01/2008
I’m getting one of these ASAP. I’ve put a kitchen addition with up-to-date appliances in it and custom-built a cabinet for the drawer/wave. It’s just a hole, guys. A swinging door wave fits in it. Go figure. Is it pricey. Yes, but $100 less than last year. And now Sharp isn’t the one and only. As with all electronics, others will figure out how to create them without patent infringement and there will be a competitive market. My reasons: I’m a clutz. I spill things. I don’t like lifting hot stuff from over my head, stirring once, and lifting it back into place. Furthermore, counterspace is sacred. My standing mixer takes up enough space. I love the microwave drawer solution. As for the health concerns – I don’t use it a lot. (Never to boil water!) Which may make you wonder why??? have one at all? Can anyone say “Resale value”? High end kitchens all have them. ‘Nuff from me.
Posted by Becky - 03/29/2009
I’m getting just this model based on excellent review and because of the functionality. My island is 10′ and this fits perfectly on the long run, undercounter. While we don’t use the microwave oven often, it is defintely the fastest and easiest way to heat food or a quick cup of tea.
Posted by WilliamB - 07/29/2009
It’s true that microwaves in the 1950s & 60s sometimes leaked radiation. They no longer do.
But don’t take my word for it. Buy a tester from any hardware store and find out for yourself.
Posted by Julie - 10/20/2009
This would be a great solution for someone who uses a wheelchair (like me). I’d love to not be pulling items out of an overhead microwave (as in my current apartment – dangerous!), or to have one taking up counter space.
It would be much easier to lift heavy items up than to pull them out, a balance issue most probably won’t understand.
Posted by Diane - 04/17/2010
I am short – just over 5 feet tall – and I cannot use an overhead microwave safely. I would love a drawer microwave if the price ever becomes reasonable. I wold love to free up the counter space and have a less-cluttered look.
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