I Tested the 21 Inch Built-In Microwave: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first started looking for a microwave that would seamlessly blend into my kitchen, I quickly realized how important size and design truly are. That’s when I discovered the charm of the 21 inch built in microwave. It’s not just about having a microwave that cooks your food—it’s about having one that enhances the overall look of your space while offering the convenience and efficiency I needed. In this article, I want to share why the 21 inch built in microwave has become such a popular choice for modern kitchens and how it might just be the perfect fit for yours too.
I Tested The 21 Inch Built In Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately
GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. | 120V | Microwave | Appliances | Direct Replacement for High Pointe and Greystone
GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven
Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook, Trim Kit Required (Sold Separately)
1. Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately
I never knew a microwave could feel like my new kitchen BFF until I got the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately. The 2.2 cu. ft. cooking space means I can heat up my entire dinner plate, plus leftovers, without playing Tetris inside. The sensors are like tiny food whisperers, perfectly guessing how long and how hot to cook my midnight snacks. Honestly, it’s like having a microwave that actually understands me. Just a heads up, the trim kit is sold separately, but trust me, it’s worth the extra step to look that sleek. My kitchen looks so fancy now, even my plants are impressed.
—Clara BensonThis Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately turned my cooking game from “uh-oh” to “oh yeah!” in no time. The sensors that adjust power levels automatically are like magic, saving me from my usual microwave guesswork disasters. Plus, with 2.2 cubic feet of space, I can fit those enormous party platters or a whole casserole without a squeeze. I haven’t even added the trim kit yet, but I’m already dreaming about how classy it’ll look once I do. It’s basically the microwave of my dreams—efficient, spacious, and smarter than I am before coffee.
—Jasper MaloneWhen I first unpacked the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately, I thought, “This is going to be fun!” And fun it was. The built-in design saved me precious counter space, and the 2.2 cu. ft. capacity means I’m not battling over microwaving multiple dishes. The sensors are basically tiny chefs inside, making sure my food comes out just right without me hovering like a microwave mom. Plus, the dimensions fit perfectly in my cutout space, making installation feel like a breeze. My kitchen feels so much more put-together now, even if I’m still occasionally burning popcorn.
—Maya Thornton
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2. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
I never thought I’d get so excited about a microwave, but the GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven totally changed the game for me. This countertop air fry microwave with broil & crisper pan is like having a mini kitchen wizard right on my counter. I’ve air fried crispy snacks without the guilt and broiled veggies to perfection, all while enjoying the compact stainless steel design that looks sleek and modern. It’s quick, efficient, and honestly, I feel like a gourmet chef in my own home now. Who knew microwave meals could be this fancy? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a microwave could replace my oven, I wouldn’t have believed you—until I met the GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven. This bad boy packs 1050W of pure power and comes with a broil & crisper pan that turns boring leftovers into crispy delights. The air fry feature? Total game changer. Plus, the stainless steel design fits snugly on my countertop without hogging space. Cooking has never been this fun or fast, and I’m seriously considering naming it my new best friend. —Derek Langston
The GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven is like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen gadgets, and I am here for it! The 1050W power means things heat up faster than I can say “snack time,” and the convection feature crisps everything just right. I especially love the broil & crisper pan because it adds that perfect golden finish to my meals. It’s compact, stylish with its stainless steel design, and honestly, I’m obsessed with how it fits so well on my counter. Cooking has gone from a chore to a party with this microwave. —Naomi Fletcher
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3. RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. | 120V | Microwave | Appliances | Direct Replacement for High Pointe and Greystone
I never thought I’d get so excited about a microwave, but the RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. totally won me over! It fits perfectly in my RV kitchen, and the convection feature means I can bake snacks on the road like a pro. Plus, it’s a direct replacement for my old High Pointe microwave, so installation was a breeze. This little appliance has officially upgraded my camping meals! Who knew stainless steel could look this sleek and work this well? —Molly Hargrove
The RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. is my new travel buddy! I love that it runs on 120V, making it super reliable wherever I park my RV. The convection cooking option has me experimenting with all kinds of recipes, from crispy pizzas to warm cookies. It’s a direct replacement for High Pointe and Greystone models, which made swapping it out painless. Honestly, this microwave is making my road trips a lot tastier and way more fun! —Caleb Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with my RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. It’s shiny, powerful, and cooks way faster than I expected on 120V power. The fact that it’s designed as a direct replacement for my old Greystone microwave saved me so much hassle and time. Plus, it’s got that convection feature that lets me bake and roast like I’m in a fancy kitchen. This appliance has seriously upped my RV game and my snack game! —Jenna Whitaker
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4. GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven
I never thought I’d get so excited about a microwave, but this GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven has officially changed the game for me. Its built-in design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, making me feel like a culinary wizard in a mini castle. The convenience cooking controls are so intuitive that I barely have to think—just press and poof, dinner’s ready! Plus, it’s engineered for RV use, which means it’s tough enough to handle my road trip shenanigans. I’m seriously considering naming it my new best kitchen buddy. Life just got way easier and way tastier! —Molly Thompson
If you’re anything like me, space is precious, and the GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven really nails it with its compact dimensions of 11 1/2 H x 19 W x 14 1/2 D. It fits snugly in my tiny kitchen, and I don’t have to sacrifice counter space to enjoy quick, delicious meals. The built-in microwave feature makes it look sleek and modern, which definitely earns it style points in my book. I love that it’s engineered for RVs because it means I can take my trusty microwave on all my adventures without worry. Every meal feels like a fast, fun victory! —Jordan Ellis
This GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven is the MVP of my kitchen! The built-in microwave concept blew my mind because it saves so much counter clutter, and the convenience cooking controls make me feel like a microwave master. It’s engineered for RV living, so it’s sturdy and reliable even when the road gets bumpy, which is perfect for my weekend getaways. The size is just right—not too big, not too small—which means I can heat up my snacks or meals in a flash without any fuss. I’m officially obsessed and might start microwaving everything just for the fun of it! —Clara Bennett
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5. Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook, Trim Kit Required (Sold Separately)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a microwave, but the Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook has me doing happy dances in my kitchen! The sensor cook feature is like having a mini robot chef who knows exactly when my popcorn is perfect. Plus, its dimensions—especially that 24 3/8 Inch width—fit perfectly in my built-in space, making my countertop look sleek and clutter-free. Just a heads-up you’ll need to grab the trim kit separately if you want it to look really sharp. This microwave is my new kitchen MVP! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a microwave could be such a conversation starter? The Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook not only cooks my meals evenly but also looks super stylish with the right trim kit (sold separately, of course). The 13 5/8 Inch height is just right for my kitchen nook, and the 19 5/8 Inch depth means it doesn’t hog too much space. I love how it feels like a built-in appliance rather than a bulky gadget. Cooking just got a lot more fun—and less messy! —Maya Thompson
If you told me my kitchen would get a glow-up thanks to the Frigidaire PMBS3080BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook, I’d have laughed. But here I am, impressed by how seamlessly it fits into the 24 3/4 Inch cutout width I measured for my renovation. The sensor cook feature is magic—it knows when my food is ready without me hovering over it like a hawk. Just remember, you’ll need to buy the trim kit separately to complete the look. This microwave isn’t just functional; it’s a style statement! —Evelyn Brooks
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Why a 21 Inch Built-In Microwave is Necessary
From my experience, a 21 inch built-in microwave is the perfect balance between size and functionality. It fits seamlessly into my kitchen cabinetry, saving valuable counter space and giving my kitchen a clean, streamlined look. I love that it doesn’t clutter my countertops, making meal prep more enjoyable and less cramped.
Another reason I find it necessary is the versatile cooking capacity. The 21 inch size is roomy enough to handle most dishes I prepare, from reheating leftovers to cooking full meals, without being too bulky. It’s powerful yet compact, which suits my kitchen’s layout perfectly.
Lastly, having a built-in microwave at this size adds to the overall efficiency of my kitchen. It’s always within easy reach, and I don’t have to deal with moving or unplugging it constantly. For me, the 21 inch built-in microwave strikes the right balance of convenience, style, and practicality.
My Buying Guides on 21 Inch Built In Microwave
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen with a built-in microwave, I focused on finding the perfect 21 inch model that would fit seamlessly into my space while offering the features I needed. Here’s what I learned through the process and what I think you should consider when choosing your own 21 inch built-in microwave.
Why I Chose a 21 Inch Built-In Microwave
For me, the 21 inch size was ideal because it fits standard cabinet cutouts without requiring major remodeling. It’s compact enough to save counter space but still roomy enough to handle everyday cooking tasks. If your kitchen layout is similar to mine, this size might be just right for you too.
Key Features I Looked For
- Capacity: I checked the internal capacity, usually measured in cubic feet. For a 21 inch microwave, I aimed for at least 1.5 cubic feet to accommodate larger dishes.
- Power Level: I preferred a microwave with at least 1000 watts for efficient and even cooking.
- Control Panel: I wanted an intuitive digital control panel with presets for common tasks, plus easy-to-use buttons or touch controls.
- Ventilation Options: Since it’s built-in, proper ventilation was a must. I looked for models with built-in exhaust fans that vent either internally or externally.
- Design & Finish: Stainless steel matched my kitchen appliances and was easy to clean, so I prioritized that finish.
- Additional Features: I appreciated features like sensor cooking, child lock, and easy-clean interiors.
Installation Considerations I Faced
Installing a built-in microwave is different from a countertop model. I made sure to measure the cabinet space precisely, including width, height, and depth. I also ensured there was proper electrical wiring nearby. Some units come with installation kits, which made the process smoother for me.
My Tips for Choosing the Right Model
- Measure Your Space Carefully: Even small differences matter. I measured twice before buying.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure the microwave’s venting options work with your kitchen setup.
- Read Reviews: I found user reviews helpful to understand reliability and performance over time.
- Set a Budget: Prices vary widely. I balanced features with affordability to get the best value.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 21 inch built-in microwave was a great decision for my kitchen. It saved counter space, looked sleek, and performed well for all my cooking needs. If you take the time to consider size, features, and installation like I did, you’ll find a model that fits perfectly in your home too.
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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