Free-standing or built in microwave

Annie1960

I've always had free-standing microwaves, but am thinking about a built-in one for my new kitchen as they look much better.

What are the pros and cons of a built-in microwave? Any good brands for this? My favourite have been free-standing Panasonic, but not sure about built-in ones.

Doozergirl

The con is that they seem to cost a million pounds compared to freestanding ones. I have been known to install plug points inside larder units to accommodate the use of a hidden, freestanding one.

DaftyDuck

Also, when the built-in does conk out, you struggle to find one of the same height or depth or colour scheme or depth or door opening or...

Built-in do also suffer from the air extractor vents being tucked away in the kitchen structure and, over time, the cooking smells can impregnate the wood/veneer.

Hedgehog99

Don't have an eye-level built-in microwave - they're very dangerous if liquid boils over while removing a container from the oven (which can happen when an apparently off-the-boil still liquid is moved and suddenly bubbles up).

Free-standing is so much more versatile - replace as needed, even lend to a friend if their oven's broken!

Ben84

I think it's better to just put one on the counter. You can take items out and have somewhere to place them immediately, so it's easier and safer. And it's easy to replace if you ever need to.

WaywardDriver

Our built-in Bosch microwave is 8 years old and in daily use with absolutely no problems. It's mounted at eye-level above a double oven. Hadn't thought about potential risk from boiling liquid but hasn't been an issue. Yes it's much more expensive, assume something to do with ventilation, but IMO worth it both aesthetically and for freeing up workspace.

Annie1960

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/5544705

I've decided to gat a free-standing one but put it on a bracket above the worktop.

getmore4less

Annie1960 wrote: »

I've always had free-standing microwaves, but am thinking about a built-in one for my new kitchen as they look much better.

What are the pros and cons of a built-in microwave? Any good brands for this? My favourite have been free-standing Panasonic, but not sure about built-in ones.

Annie1960 wrote: »

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/5544705

I've decided to gat a free-standing one but put it on a bracket above the worktop.

one extreme to the other

microwaves on brackets look naff

Get one with no turntable and a fold down door.