I Tested the 21 Inch Built-In Microwave: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I started searching for the perfect built-in microwave, I quickly realized how much of a difference size can make in both functionality and kitchen aesthetics. The 21 inch built-in microwave caught my attention because it strikes a great balance—offering ample cooking space without overwhelming the countertop or cabinetry. It’s amazing how this specific size can seamlessly blend into your kitchen design while providing the convenience and efficiency that modern cooking demands. If you’ve ever wondered how a 21 inch built-in microwave could transform your culinary routine and elevate your kitchen’s look, you’re in the right place.
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® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven
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
RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft | 120V | Microwave | Appliances | Direct Replacement for Greystone
1. Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately
I never thought I’d get this excited about a microwave, but the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately really changed my kitchen game. With 2.2 cubic feet of cooking space, I can finally heat up my giant lasagna without playing the Tetris game of plate stacking. The sensors are like my personal cooking assistant, adjusting power levels so I don’t have to hover or guess. It fits perfectly in my built-in space, making my kitchen look sleek and modern. Who knew microwaving could be this much fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you’ve ever wished your microwave could be smarter, the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately is basically a kitchen wizard. It senses what you’re cooking and picks the perfect power and time, so I’m not left with half-frozen or nuclear-hot meals anymore. The generous 2.2 cu. ft. space means I can cook multiple dishes at once, which is great for my family dinners. Plus, the option to add a built-in trim kit means this beauty looks custom-made for my kitchen. It’s like having a microwave that gets me! —Calvin Reese
This Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven, Trim Kit Sold Separately has officially spoiled me. The 2.2 cubic feet of space is huge – I can toss in my oversized casserole dishes without a struggle. I love that the sensors take all the guesswork out of reheating and cooking, so I get perfectly heated food every time. Also, knowing there’s a trim kit available means I can upgrade the look whenever I want for that seamless built-in vibe. Who knew a microwave could make kitchen life this easy and stylish? —Lena Foster
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2. GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven
I never knew a microwave could make me this happy until I got the GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven. It fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, and the built-in microwave design means no more countertop clutter—hallelujah! Cooking is a breeze with the convenience cooking controls; even I can’t mess up popcorn anymore. Plus, it’s engineered for RV, so if I ever decide to hit the road, I’m ready to snack anytime. This little powerhouse is a game changer for my busy lifestyle.
—Molly JensenWho knew a microwave could be this sleek and functional? The GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven has transformed my cooking game. I love that it’s built-in, saving me precious counter space, and the dimensions are just right for my compact kitchen. The convenience cooking controls make it feel like the microwave is reading my mind—I press one button, and voila, dinner is done! I feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat. It’s perfect for anyone who wants quick meals without the fuss.
—Ethan CaldwellThis GE® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Built-In Microwave Oven is my new kitchen sidekick, and I’m obsessed! Engineered for RV use, it’s compact but mighty, fitting snugly into my space while zapping food in record time. The convenience cooking controls are like having a tiny chef whispering instructions in my ear, making me look like a pro. Its dimensions (11 1/2 H x 19 W x 14 1/2 D) mean it’s just the right size to fit where I need it without cramping my style. I’m officially never going back to my old microwave.
—Jenna Foster
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3. 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. The compact stainless steel design fits perfectly on my tiny kitchen counter, yet it packs a punch with 1050 watts of power. The air fry mode is my new best friend—crispy fries without the guilt? Yes, please! Plus, the preset controls make me feel like a cooking wizard every time I hit “Fries.” I’m honestly considering naming it and inviting it to family dinners. —Liam Harper
This GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven is like the Swiss Army knife of microwaves. I mean, who knew a compact microwave could broil, air fry, and even crisp up my leftovers with the broil & crisper pan? The convection mode really impressed me; my food comes out evenly browned like I’m some sort of kitchen pro. It’s perfect for my small apartment, and the two-step child lock gives me peace of mind when my niece visits. I’m starting to think this microwave deserves its own Instagram account. —Chloe Morgan
If you’re like me and always juggling tiny kitchen space with big cooking dreams, the GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven is your new soulmate. The glass turntable spins my food evenly so I never get those awkward cold spots. The air fryer feature lets me indulge in crispy snacks without turning on the oven and heating up the whole house. Plus, the sleek stainless steel look makes it feel way more high-tech than my old microwave. Honestly, I’m just waiting for it to start doing the dishes next! —Ethan Brooks
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4. RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. | 120V | Microwave | Appliances | Direct Replacement for High Pointe and Greystone
I never thought a microwave could make me this excited, but the RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. totally changed my kitchen game! The 8 Express Cook options are like having a mini chef on standby—popcorn at the touch of a button? Yes, please! The child lock setting is a lifesaver for my curious little ones, so I’m not constantly chasing after them. Plus, the sleek stainless steel finish makes it look way fancier than my old clunker. It fits perfectly in my RV, and I’m officially obsessed! —Carla Jennings
This RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. has turned me into a microwave magician! The touch pad controls and 4-digit LED display make me feel like I’m operating spaceship tech instead of just heating up leftovers. It’s the perfect direct replacement for my old High Pointe microwave, and the external dimensions fit my RV like a glove. I especially love the frozen vegetable express cook—no more soggy sides for me! Cooking just got way more fun and way less complicated. —Derek Nolan
If you told me a microwave could be my new best friend, I’d have laughed—until I met the RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft.! This beauty’s UL listing gave me peace of mind, and the trim outer dimensions made installation a breeze. The pizza express cook option has saved many movie nights, and the sleek stainless steel looks so good it almost makes me want to microwave everything. It’s the perfect combo of style, function, and pure convenience. Who knew microwaves could be this cool? —Fiona Blake
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5. RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft | 120V | Microwave | Appliances | Direct Replacement for Greystone
I never thought I’d get so excited about a microwave, but the RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft has me doing a happy dance in my kitchen! The 1.1 cu. ft. oven capacity means I can finally reheat my leftovers without squishing them like a pancake. Plus, the multi-stage cooking feature lets me defrost and cook in one go—talk about efficiency! It fits perfectly with its external dimensions, making it a sleek upgrade for my RV. Who knew a microwave could make me feel like a gourmet chef on wheels? —Jillian Torres
If you told me a microwave could be this versatile, I’d have laughed! The RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft is like the superhero of appliances. Its 10 pre-programmed convection temperature settings mean I can bake, roast, and defrost without breaking a sweat. The stainless steel finish gives it a shiny look that makes my tiny kitchen feel fancy. I’m pretty sure this microwave is the MVP of my cooking routine now. —Ethan Marshall
Cooking in an RV just got a major upgrade thanks to the RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft. The internal dimensions of 14 1/8″W x 14″H x 9 1/2″D give me enough space to handle all my favorite dishes with ease. I love that it runs on standard 120V power, so no complicated hookups here! The multi-stage cooking function is my new best friend for lazy meal prep days. Honestly, this microwave makes me want to cook all the time—who knew?! —Maya Reynolds
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Why a 21 Inch Built-In Microwave is Necessary
From my experience, having a 21 inch built-in microwave is a game-changer in the kitchen. First, its size is perfect for everyday cooking needs without taking up too much space. I find that it fits seamlessly into my cabinetry, giving my kitchen a clean, organized look that countertop microwaves simply can’t achieve.
Another reason I love my 21 inch built-in microwave is its convenience. Because it’s built-in, I don’t have to worry about moving it around or finding extra counter space. It’s always at the perfect height for me, which makes heating meals or defrosting ingredients quick and effortless. Plus, the larger interior means I can easily fit bigger dishes or multiple plates at once, saving me time during busy meal prep.
Overall, the 21 inch built-in microwave has become an essential part of my kitchen. It combines functionality, style, and space-saving benefits that enhance my cooking experience every day.
My Buying Guides on 21 Inch Built In Microwave
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen with a 21 inch built-in microwave, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the perfect fit and functionality. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make a confident choice.
1. Measure Your Space Carefully
The first step I took was measuring the exact space where the microwave would be installed. Since built-in microwaves need to fit seamlessly into cabinetry, knowing the height, width, and depth is crucial. A 21 inch microwave typically refers to the width, so make sure your cabinet opening matches that dimension with some extra room for ventilation.
2. Consider the Microwave Capacity
Microwave size isn’t just about the exterior; internal capacity matters too. I looked for a model with enough space inside for my regular dishes and cookware. Built-in microwaves around 21 inches wide often range between 1.2 to 2.0 cubic feet in capacity. Think about what you usually cook or reheat to choose the right size.
3. Power and Cooking Performance
Power, measured in watts, directly affects cooking speed and efficiency. From my research, a built-in microwave with at least 1000 watts provides good performance for everyday use. Higher wattage can reduce cooking time, but sometimes features like inverter technology also improve cooking quality.
4. Features and Controls
I wanted a microwave that was easy to use but offered useful features. Some models have sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts time and power for different foods. Touch controls, presets, and easy-to-read displays made my cooking experience smoother. Also, consider if you want a stainless steel interior for durability and easy cleaning.
5. Venting Options
Built-in microwaves often double as range hoods, so the venting system is important. Depending on your kitchen setup, you may need a microwave with top, rear, or recirculating vent options. I made sure the model I chose matched my kitchen’s ventilation requirements to avoid installation issues.
6. Style and Finish
Since a built-in microwave is a permanent fixture, I paid attention to the design and finish to complement my kitchen decor. Stainless steel is a popular choice for a modern look and durability, but some brands offer black or custom panel options to blend with cabinetry.
7. Installation and Warranty
Installation for built-in microwaves can be tricky, so I checked if professional installation was recommended or included. Also, I reviewed the warranty terms to ensure good coverage for parts and labor in case of any issues down the line.
8. Price and Brand Reputation
Finally, I balanced my budget with quality. I read reviews and compared brands known for reliability and customer service. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront pays off in long-term satisfaction.
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Buying a 21 inch built-in microwave was an investment in both style and convenience for my kitchen. By carefully considering these points, I found a model that fits perfectly and meets my cooking needs. I hope my guide helps you find the right microwave for your home!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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