Wave 600 Inox Framed
WMN464BX
MO20IXM
GrandHeat 2090 Built-In Steel
The best built-in microwave
Heating a coffee in seconds, defrosting last-minute food, or resorting to a ready meal after a long day: the microwave has established itself as one of the essential appliances in the modern kitchen. Its daily use is such that, according to data from the Consumers and Users Organization (OCU), nearly 90% of those who have one use it daily, making it one of the most used appliances at home.
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Besides compact microwaves or with grill, built-in microwaves —also known as integrated— have gained prominence, models designed to be installed inside furniture rather than on the countertop. Beyond aesthetics, this integration requires careful planning of installation: either choosing a device that fits an existing space or adapting the furniture to the appliance’s dimensions during kitchen design.
How we chose and tested the products
For this comparison, I selected four models: I asked various manufacturers for their reference with an approximate size of 20 liters; in my kitchen cabinet, due to its depth, a larger one does not fit. Even so, some models protruded a bit and I couldn’t install them, having to test them at my parents’ house or, if they didn’t fit there either, directly on the countertop. I used them exactly like my usual microwave (a compact one to which I added a frame): to heat milk in the mornings, reheat food, steam vegetables…
I considered various aspects:
- Design: its aesthetics, the quality of materials used, the finish… and special emphasis was also placed on its dimensions, thinking about how they fit different types of furniture.
- Microwave function: the options they offer to heat food, if they have technologies supporting this function, how the handling is, and if they heat evenly.
- Grill function: its performance with finishes more typical of an oven and the results when preparing recipes from scratch.
- Cleaning: the materials used in construction and design are directly related to the ease of cleaning each of these built-in microwaves.
- Others: additional functions, type of controls…
Why can you trust me?
I am a journalist with almost 20 years of experience in the technology sector and, during this time, I have produced reports, articles, and all kinds of content related to various aspects of technology. Additionally, in recent years I have specialized in product analysis and have had the opportunity to review hundreds for different media, including El País: from the most affordable smartphones to the most advanced models on the market, computers, sound systems, televisions… Also devices related to personal care or home. My commitment to the reader is simple: independence, rigor, and usefulness. Independence, because my opinions are not influenced by brands or commercial interests. Rigor, because each product is tested under real conditions, for the necessary time to detect both its strengths and limitations. And usefulness, because the ultimate goal is not to impress with specifications but to help make informed decisions.
1- Automatic programs: Candy Wave 600 Inox Framed
Who it is for: someone who wants to go a step beyond basic use, but without too much complication.
Why we recommend it: this is precisely one of the models that didn’t fit in my cabinet. The jump compared to simpler models is noticeable in terms of control. It includes several automatic programs that make a difference, especially because of how easy they make it. For example, I have tried the vegetable program several times, and the result has been quite consistent: I don’t have to calculate power or time, I simply select the type of food and weight, and the microwave adjusts the rest. It took me a few days to get used to using it this way – I had always used manual modes – but then it becomes quite natural. I even gained the confidence to make certain adjustments based on experience: when cooking pasta or reheating certain prepared dishes, the result can vary slightly and requires manual time adjustments in subsequent uses.
Another useful feature has been the weight defrost function. I have used it several times with meat and fish, and the result is much more uniform than in basic models, where you often end up with cooked parts and others frozen. The grill also adds value. Its 1000 W allow gratinating dishes reasonably effectively on pizzas and cheese dishes, and although it doesn’t replace an oven, it achieves that golden finish that greatly improves the final result.
Its weak points: although the controls are theoretically intuitive, in practice you need a few days to get used to the automatic programs and understand how they really work. More than once, at first, I ended up going back to manual mode because it was faster for me.
2- With grill: Whirlpool WMN464BX
Who it is for: people looking for a simple, reliable, and hassle-free microwave, but with that extra versatility thanks to the grill.
Why we recommend it: the first thing that caught my attention when I started using it was how intuitive it is: I didn’t have to consult the manual beyond the first day to get an idea of its operation and functions. You choose power – which I always leave at maximum by default – time, and that’s it. I was convinced by the uniformity of heating. I have tried other microwaves where the plate comes out with cold and hot spots. Here, without being perfect, the result is quite homogeneous. I noticed it especially when reheating dishes with sauces or creams. Something similar happens when defrosting, which it does faster than others: I press the function button, choose the weight, and it starts. At some point, it tells you to turn it over (not always halfway through), you do it, and that’s it. It comes out perfect very quickly. For example, with a frozen sauce in a container weighing about 200 grams, it took 3 minutes to come out defrosted and hot.
The grill has been one of the features I have used the most. I have used it to gratinate lasagnas, pizzas, or even to give a final touch to some prepared dishes. It doesn’t replace an oven, but it performs surprisingly well. And when you leave the food inside, it doesn’t absorb odors nor does condensation form, because the fan keeps running until you turn it off.
I would also highlight its size. In my kitchen, which is not especially large, it fits well without being bulky. The capacity is sufficient for standard dishes, something I have verified using containers of different sizes without problem.
Its weak points: I have noticed that cleaning requires a bit more effort than in other models, especially if splashes occur.
3- Ease of use: Taurus MO20IXM
Who it is for: those looking for a simple built-in microwave, easy to use and without complications.
Why we recommend it: while many microwaves include a multitude of options that end up being used very little, Taurus has opted for a much more straightforward proposal, with the basic and essential functions — which are actually the ones I usually use —. It has 800 W of power and a 1,000 W grill with which I have been able to gratinate pasta until it was very crispy.
It has five power levels managed from a control knob (it has nothing digital) and, by default, I usually leave it at the highest. On this knob, you can also select the defrost function, which I use a lot daily. It has another knob to select the time. In general, it heats food quite evenly and I rarely have to stir the contents because it wouldn’t have heated properly. Once heating a vertical glass with half a liter of broth and another a container full of puree.
Design-wise, its interior stands out, made of stainless steel like the exterior. It is nice but, above all, it cleans very well. On one occasion when I heated a boiled egg and it exploded, I just had to wipe it with a damp cloth and it was perfect.
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Its weak points: the absence of advanced features limits its possibilities compared to models that include more elaborate automatic programs, cooking sensors, or convection functions.
4- Easy cleaning: Cecotec GrandHeat 2090 Built-In Steel
Who it is for: those looking for a simple built-in microwave, with enough functions for everyday use and a more affordable price than many traditional brands.
Why we recommend it: its 800 W have allowed me to do all the usual tasks I perform with the microwave at home. Additionally, it has five power levels to adapt operation to different types of food; by default, I always leave it at the highest. It has 8 automatic programs for different types of food such as pizza, meat, vegetables, pasta, potatoes, fish, drinks, or popcorn. The ones I have used the most are vegetables and fish (when I steamed them) and popcorn, with pre-packaged bags. In other cases, I used it without selecting any. What I have used the most is the defrost function — more than once I forget to take out what I’m going to prepare with some margin — and it is one of the most reliable I have tried, as it allows choosing by weight and the result is more uniform: I usually put it on one side for half the recommended time and then turn it over and the rest of the time on the other side. After using it, just wipe with a damp cloth to leave it spotless.
Its design is one of its strong points, although it has a bit more depth than other models and, in my case, it was impossible to install it in the cabinet.
Its weak points: it takes a little longer than other models to heat food or milk, and the result is not completely uniform: it is usually much hotter on the edges than in the center. For example, after heating a container of chickpeas for three minutes, I had to put it back in after stirring well because the entire interior had remained cold.
Other interesting built-in microwave models
If you are looking for an economical model
The Orbegozo MIG 2033 stands out for offering up to 9 power levels, allowing quite precise adjustment of heating or cooking depending on the type of food. It includes a 1000 W grill function and its operation is completely mechanical, via rotary knobs.
If you are looking for a microwave with a cleaning function
Bosch BEL623MS3 is a mid-range built-in microwave that combines design and automatic functions for more complete use. With power up to 800 W, it includes electronic control with LED display and 8 automatic programs, which adjust time and power according to the type of food. It also includes preconfigured recipes and automatic defrost function.
Frequently asked questions about built-in microwaves
What are the advantages of a built-in microwave compared to a conventional one?
The main difference is integration. In my experience, this type of model allows for a much tidier kitchen visually, without appliances on the countertop. Additionally, it frees up useful space, which is key in small kitchens. In return, it requires more planned installation and is less flexible if you want to change models in the future.
Are they more expensive than freestanding microwaves?
Generally, yes. Not only because of the device itself, but because in many cases they require specific furniture or an integration kit. Still, the price difference has decreased in recent years and there are quite affordable options within the mid-range.
What capacity is recommended?
It depends on use, but in practice, the most common is between 20 and 25 liters. In my case, with daily use for reheating dishes and defrosting, that range is more than enough. If you want to cook with large containers or use additional functions like grill, it might be interesting to go a bit higher.
Is power important?
Yes, especially if it will be used daily. Most models range between 700 and 1000 W. In real use, it shows: a more powerful microwave heats faster and more evenly. If used for more than reheating — for example, cooking — it’s advisable not to skimp on this aspect.
Is it worth having a grill?
It depends on the type of use. The grill is useful for gratinating dishes or giving a crispier finish to certain foods, something a basic microwave cannot achieve. If it will only be used for heating or defrosting, it’s not essential, but it adds versatility.
What should be considered before installing it?
The key point is space. Unlike a conventional microwave, here it’s not enough to just place it: you must ensure it fits in the available space, both in width, height, and depth. Ventilation and proximity to an electrical outlet are also important.
Are they difficult to install?
Not especially, but more so than a countertop model. In many cases, it’s enough to fit it into the space and fix it, although depending on kitchen design it may require some adjustment. If you have no experience, professional installation is common.
*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of August 20, 2026.
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