The Cafe Appliance Microwave Drawer Is Trending, But Is It Worth The Hype?

Cafe's Drawer Microwave is all the hype right now as everyone's been posting about it. If you're in the midst of a kitchen renovation or you've been eyeing high-end upgrades for the heart of your home, chances are the sleek drawer microwave has popped up somewhere on your social media feed recently.

@franklyrobbie

Reviewing our @Cafe Appliances built in microwave drawer! Sleek, sexy and functional! #cafeappliances #productreview #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign

♬ Lavender Cappuccino – Muspace Lofi

TikTok influencer @franklyrobbie praised the sleek drawer microwave and said, "So far we are loving this. It's super easy to use and I just love the way it looks." This seemed to be a common sentiment as one TikTok user commented on the same post, "Love the microwave drawer, will never go back." There were many other users wanting to know more about the microwave. 

All in all, the buzz makes sense. The handle-free drawer microwave is sleek and modern, suitable for any style of kitchen. It comes in either a minimalist matte finish or sleek stainless steel design, opens with a touch of a button, and adjusts cooking time based on the food. It's the perfect blend of style and function, not to mention that you don't have to worry about where to put your microwave according to feng shui.

We were curious if the drawer microwave was popular based on appearance alone, so we did a little digging. We dove into its features, performance, design, and reviews to see if it lives up to the hype (just like we did with KitchenAid's drawer microwave). And honestly? This is one heck of a microwave.

Unlike traditional microwaves which take up prime counter space or bulky over-the-hood microwaves which can be an eyesore, the Cafe drawer microwave is designed to fit under the counter. Not only does this help create a clutter-free kitchen, its low placement makes it accessible for anyone (even children). It's also easier and safer to lift hot dishes out of the appliance. The glass touch controls allow for easy, streak-free cleaning and there are so many impressive features like a melt and soften option along with a separate beverage heating setting. It's an appliance that'll not only make your kitchen look sleeker and fancier, but also more functional.

Customer reviews suggest real people agree. On Home Depot's website, the drawer microwave has received more than 142 5-star reviews. One reviewer shared, "Our designer recommended a microwave drawer and after research we settled on the café model. We couldn't be happier with the quality and look of this microwave. We installed it under our coffee bar. I like that it doesn't take up counter space." Another 5-star reviewer said, "Centerpiece of new renovated kitchen. Super elegant and simple design."

As with any product, Cafe's drawer microwave does have its drawbacks. First and foremost, the price is steep for a microwave — especially when you consider that at $600 less, you can get a microwave from Cafe with air frying capabilities. At $1,619, consumers may expect a few more frills. Also, this drawer microwave is a built-in appliance, so you'll likely have to consult a professional about custom fittings and installation, which is an added cost.

Plus, drawer-style microwaves come with a bit of a learning curve as they aren't as intuitive as traditional models. Opening and closing the drawer with a touch of a button is very chic, but it takes time to get used to. Another major drawback of this microwave mentioned by reviewers is that the control panel doesn't have a backlight, making it difficult to navigate with no light.

One reviewer added that, "The keypad is very sensitive and without a handle, it's very easy for your body to brush against it while working in the kitchen. This can either open the door on accident, (which can create a traffic jam) start the microwave running (which could be a fire hazard)." This just might be one of the major downsides to drawer microwaves you never considered.