Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer: A Comprehensive Review

The modern kitchen has evolved into a central hub, blending functionality with sophisticated design. As homeowners seek to maximize space and enhance aesthetics, traditional countertop or over-the-range microwaves are often being replaced by sleek, integrated solutions. Among these, the built-in microwave drawer has emerged as a popular choice, and the Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer stands out as a premium contender. But does this stylish appliance truly deliver on its promise of convenience and elegance? Let’s delve into a detailed review to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your culinary space.

What is a Built-In Microwave Drawer?

A built-in microwave drawer represents a significant leap in kitchen appliance integration. Unlike conventional microwaves that sit on a countertop or above your range, these units are designed to be installed flush within your lower cabinetry or a kitchen island. They open and close like a drawer, typically with an electronic touch mechanism, providing a streamlined and uncluttered look. The Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer embodies this design philosophy, offering a seamless appearance that complements contemporary kitchen styles while providing essential microwave functionality at an accessible height.

Cafe built-in microwave drawer integrated into a sleek modern kitchen island.

Key Features of the Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer

The Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer (such as models in the CWL112P series) is crafted with a blend of aesthetic appeal and practical innovation. Its design focuses on integrating effortlessly into your kitchen, offering both visual harmony and user-friendly features.

• Capacity and Power: This microwave drawer typically offers a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, providing ample space for most dishes, from large dinner plates to casserole dishes. With 1000 watts of cooking power, it handles everyday tasks like reheating, defrosting, and cooking with efficiency.
• Sensor Cook & Reheat: One of its most convenient features is Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat technology. This intelligent system automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels based on the food’s moisture content, ensuring perfectly heated or cooked meals without guesswork.
• Glass Touch Controls & Electronic Open: The appliance boasts sleek glass touch controls that are easy to use and clean, contributing to its minimalist design. The electronic open and close mechanism allows the handleless drawer to glide open smoothly with a simple push of a button, enhancing both convenience and its high-end feel.
• Versatile Power Levels & Express Cook: With 10 power levels, the Cafe microwave drawer offers precise control for a wide range of cooking tasks, from gentle melting to rapid boiling. The Express Cook function provides one-touch convenience for 1 to 6 minutes of cooking, ideal for quick warm-ups.
• Aesthetic Options: True to the Cafe brand’s reputation for customizable design, this microwave drawer is available in several sophisticated finishes, including Stainless Steel, Matte Black, and Matte White, allowing it to blend seamlessly or stand out as a statement piece in your kitchen.
• Additional Control Features: Beyond the basics, it includes useful functions like Add 30 Seconds, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Popcorn, Timer, Weight & Time Defrost, and a Child Lock feature for added safety. An incandescent interior oven light helps you monitor your food as it cooks.

Pros and Cons: Is the Cafe Microwave Drawer Right for You?

Choosing a built-in microwave drawer like the Cafe model involves weighing its distinct advantages against potential drawbacks.

Advantages of the Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer

• Aesthetic Integration & Space Saving: The primary draw of a Cafe microwave drawer is its ability to free up valuable counter space and maintain a clean, uncluttered kitchen aesthetic. It integrates flush into cabinetry, providing a high-end, custom look that traditional microwaves simply cannot match. Homeowners who prioritize sleek design often find this feature particularly appealing.
• Ergonomics & Accessibility: Installed at waist or hip level, the drawer design offers superior ergonomics. It’s much easier to load and unload heavy or hot dishes from the top rather than lifting them from above or bending low into a conventional microwave. This accessibility is a significant benefit for individuals with mobility challenges and makes it safer for children to use (when the child lock is not engaged).
• Convenience Features: Sensor cooking and reheating take the guesswork out of meal preparation, ensuring consistent results. The electronic soft-open and close mechanism adds a touch of luxury and ease, preventing accidental slams.
• Build Quality: Cafe appliances are generally known for their quality materials and thoughtful design. The sturdy construction and smooth operation of the drawer reflect this commitment, promising a durable and reliable appliance for your kitchen.

Person easily loading a large dish into an open Cafe microwave drawer.

Disadvantages and Considerations

• Higher Cost: Microwave drawers, including the Cafe model, come with a significantly higher price tag than traditional countertop or over-the-range microwaves. While a standard microwave might cost a few hundred dollars, a built-in drawer can range from $1,000 to over $2,000, not including installation expenses. This represents a substantial investment.
• Complex Installation: Installation is more involved than simply plugging in a countertop unit. It requires a dedicated cabinet cutout of specific dimensions (typically 24 inches wide for the Cafe model) and often professional electrical work for a dedicated 120-volt outlet. Improper installation can lead to performance issues or safety hazards, including the critical need for an anti-tip block to prevent serious injury.
• No Turntable: A common characteristic of many microwave drawers, including the Cafe, is the absence of a rotating turntable. The magnetron is typically located at the top of the appliance. While sensor cooking helps, the lack of a turntable can sometimes lead to uneven heating, requiring users to manually stir or rotate food for optimal results.
• Control Visibility: The controls are located on the top edge of the drawer. While this placement maintains the sleek exterior, some users, especially taller individuals, might find themselves bending down to read and operate the controls, particularly if the lighting in the kitchen is dim. The controls are not typically backlit.
• Durability Concerns: While most user reviews are positive regarding functionality, isolated reports of issues such as units not heating up or minor operational glitches have been noted. However, Cafe offers a limited 1-year warranty on the entire appliance and a 5-year warranty on the magnetron tube, providing some peace of mind.
• Limited Options: Microwave drawers typically come in fixed sizes (24-inch or 30-inch widths) and often do not offer advanced cooking modes like convection baking, which some higher-end standard or over-the-range microwaves might include.

“Microwave drawers are a game-changer for kitchen aesthetics and accessibility, but it’s crucial to understand their installation complexities and higher price point before committing. For many, the design benefits outweigh the cost.” – Sarah Miller, Lead Kitchen Designer at Elite Home Solutions

Cafe vs. Competitors: Why Choose Cafe (or not)?

The built-in microwave drawer market features several key players, with Sharp often cited as the original patent holder and a major manufacturer for many brands.

• Sharp’s Influence: It’s a widely known fact that Sharp manufactures the core components for many microwave drawers on the market, including those sold under other premium brands. This means that many drawer microwaves share similar fundamental technology and performance.
• Design & Finish: Cafe distinguishes itself with its signature aesthetic. The availability of finishes like Matte Black and Matte White, alongside classic Stainless Steel, allows homeowners to truly customize their kitchen design and create a cohesive look across all their Cafe appliances. This design-forward approach is a significant differentiator from competitors who might offer more generic appearances.
• Feature Comparison: Cafe’s sensor cooking, electronic open, and intuitive glass touch controls are features commonly found across high-end microwave drawers. Some Sharp models might offer unique features like a fold-out control panel for better visibility or even convection capabilities, which are less common in Cafe’s drawer microwave lineup.
• Price Point: Cafe typically positions its appliances in the premium segment, and its microwave drawers reflect this. While offering competitive features, the brand emphasizes design and the overall Cafe suite experience.
• Warranty: Cafe’s standard warranty of 1 year for the full appliance and 5 years for the magnetron is competitive within the premium appliance market.

Ultimately, the choice between Cafe and other brands often comes down to matching your desired kitchen aesthetic, brand loyalty, and specific feature priorities. If a cohesive, designer-inspired look is paramount, Cafe holds a strong appeal.

How to Choose Your Built-In Microwave Drawer

Deciding on a built-in microwave drawer requires careful consideration to ensure it meets your needs and integrates seamlessly into your kitchen.

• Assess Your Kitchen Design: Determine if your kitchen layout can accommodate a built-in appliance. Consider under-counter, island, or wall cabinet installation. Ensure you have the necessary cabinet width (24 inches for Cafe models) and depth for a flush mount appearance.
• Budget Considerations: Be realistic about the cost, which includes not only the appliance itself but also potential installation expenses for cabinetry modifications and electrical work. Microwave drawers are a premium investment.
• Desired Features: Prioritize the features that matter most to you. Do you need sensor cooking, specific power levels, or a child lock? The Cafe model offers a robust set of convenient functions that cater to most household needs.
• Size & Capacity: The Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer offers 1.2 cubic feet of capacity, which is sufficient for most families. Ensure this capacity aligns with the typical dish sizes you plan to use.
• Installation Requirements: Review the manufacturer’s installation instructions thoroughly. Confirm you have access to a 120V electrical outlet and that the cabinet structure can support the microwave’s weight and an anti-tip block. If you’re undertaking a major remodel, coordinate with your cabinet maker and electrician early in the process.
• Read User Reviews: While specifications provide technical details, user reviews offer practical insights into daily performance, potential quirks, and customer service experiences. Balance the aesthetic appeal with real-world feedback.

Installation, Cleaning, and Maintenance

Proper installation, regular cleaning, and simple maintenance are key to maximizing the life and performance of your Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer.

• Professional Installation Recommended: Given the need for precise cabinet cutouts, electrical connections, and the critical installation of an anti-tip block, professional installation is highly recommended. This ensures safety and proper functionality, and often safeguards your warranty. The anti-tip block is essential to prevent the drawer from tipping over when fully extended, which could lead to spills of hot liquids and potential injury.
• Key Installation Steps: Installation involves preparing the cabinet opening to exact manufacturer specifications, ensuring adequate ventilation space, plugging into a dedicated 120V outlet, and carefully sliding the unit into place. A crucial step involves securing the anti-tip block to prevent tipping, and managing the power cord to avoid pinching it.
• Daily Cleaning: Keeping the interior and exterior clean is straightforward. For daily spills, simply wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The glass touch controls are also easy to clean with a soft cloth.
• Odor Removal: To eliminate lingering odors, a common tip is to microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices or white vinegar for a few minutes, then wipe down the interior once it cools.
• Longevity Tips: Always use microwave-safe dishes and avoid metal containers, which can cause arcing and damage the appliance. Ensure the drawer mechanism operates smoothly and avoid forcing it open or closed manually. Regular, gentle cleaning will help maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan.

Safety Considerations for Microwave Drawers

Safety is paramount with any kitchen appliance, and microwave drawers have specific considerations to keep in mind.

• No Metal: Never place metal objects, aluminum foil, or dishes with metallic trim inside the microwave drawer. This can cause arcing, damage the appliance, and pose a fire hazard.
• Child Lock Feature: Utilize the child lock feature to prevent accidental operation by young children, ensuring their safety around the appliance.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure the area around the microwave drawer adheres to the manufacturer’s ventilation requirements. Blocking vents can lead to overheating and potential damage.
• Anti-Tip Block: The installation of an anti-tip block is a critical safety measure. This bracket prevents the drawer from tipping forward when heavy items are placed inside or when the drawer is fully extended, safeguarding against injuries from spills or falling appliances. This component must be properly installed according to the manual.

Conclusion: Is the Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer the Right Fit for Your Home?

The Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer offers a compelling blend of high-end aesthetics, innovative features, and ergonomic convenience that can significantly elevate your kitchen’s design and functionality. It excels at decluttering countertops, providing easy access, and offering smart cooking capabilities like sensor cook and reheat. The customizable finishes allow for seamless integration into any sophisticated kitchen design, making it a favorite for those undertaking a kitchen remodel or building a new home.

However, this premium experience comes with a higher price tag and more involved installation requirements than traditional microwaves. The absence of a turntable and the control panel’s low placement are also factors to consider. If you prioritize a sleek, integrated look, appreciate the ergonomic benefits, and are prepared for the investment and professional installation, the Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer is an excellent choice. It’s more than just an appliance; it’s a statement piece that enhances your entire kitchen experience.

Are you ready to transform your kitchen with a seamless and stylish microwave solution?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cafe microwave drawers have a turntable?

No, most microwave drawers, including the Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer, do not feature a traditional rotating turntable. The magnetron is typically located at the top of the appliance, which allows for a flat cooking surface and generally wider interior space.

How much does a Cafe built-in microwave drawer cost?

Cafe built-in microwave drawers are premium appliances, typically ranging in price from approximately $1,000 to over $2,000. This cost can vary depending on the specific model, finish, retailer, and any ongoing promotions or rebates.

Is installation difficult for a Cafe microwave drawer?

Installation is more complex than a standard microwave. It requires a precise cabinet cutout, a dedicated 120-volt electrical outlet, and the mandatory installation of an anti-tip block for safety. Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure proper fit, functionality, and adherence to safety codes.

What are the dimensions of the Cafe built-in microwave drawer?

The Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer is typically designed for a standard 24-inch wide cabinet opening. Its exterior dimensions are approximately 15.94 inches (height) x 23.88 inches (width) x 23.31 inches (depth). The internal capacity is 1.2 cubic feet.

What colors do Cafe microwave drawers come in?

Cafe microwave drawers are available in several designer finishes to match other Cafe appliances and complement various kitchen styles. These typically include Stainless Steel, Matte Black, and Matte White.

Can I put metal in a microwave drawer?

No, as with any Microwave Oven, it is crucial never to place metal containers, aluminum foil, or dishes with metallic accents inside the Cafe Built-In Microwave Drawer. Metal can cause electrical arcing, which can damage the appliance and pose a fire hazard.