Sharp Microwave Drawer SMD2470ASY Review Built-In 24 Inch Stainless Steel Innovation

Description

Strengths of the Sharp Microwave Drawer

The Sharp SMD2470ASY 24-Inch Microwave Drawer impressed me with a handful of standout qualities that make it a unique kitchen appliance. One of the first things I noticed was how the built-in design saves countertop space, giving my kitchen a sleek and modern look. The 1.2 cubic feet capacity is surprisingly generous, easily accommodating a 9″ x 13″ dish, which is perfect for family meals or reheating leftovers without hassle. The 950-watt power output provides efficient cooking with enough heat to reheat or cook most dishes quickly, without the usual uneven heating problems typical of some microwaves.

The automatic drawer system is a genuine convenience. With a simple touch, the drawer smoothly opens, and closing it is just as effortless — sometimes I even found myself opening it hands-free. This feature adds a futuristic vibe and really speeds up the cooking process, especially when juggling multiple kitchen tasks. The control panel is cleverly concealed, popping out at a 45-degree angle when needed; it’s intuitive and easy to operate without cluttering the appliance’s clean lines.

• Spacious 1.2 cubic feet capacity fits common dishes easily
• 950 watts of power ensures quick and even cooking
• Automatic drawer system for easy access and modern usability

Areas for Improvement

Despite the many positives, this microwave drawer isn’t without its quirks. The weight of the unit at 74 pounds makes installation a bit of a challenge — definitely not a one-person job. I had to call in a friend to help secure it into the cabinetry, and the flush mount kit required for a perfect fit isn’t included, which adds to the overall cost and effort. The stainless steel finish, while elegant and durable, shows fingerprints and smudges easily, so it demands regular cleaning to keep its shine.

The power level options feel somewhat limited; although it has automatic defrost and sensor cook features, the settings don’t allow for as much manual control or customization as some other microwaves I’ve used. Also, the interior lighting could be brighter, which made it a bit tricky to check the cooking progress at a glance. The noise level during operation is moderate but noticeable, which might be distracting in a quiet household.

• Heavy and challenging installation process
• Fingerprint-prone stainless steel surface
• Limited manual control on power settings

User Experience and Daily Use

My family quickly warmed up to using this microwave drawer. The kids enjoyed the novelty of the drawer opening up like a secret compartment, making snack time a bit more fun. It’s safer for little hands compared to a swinging door microwave, reducing the risk of accidental burns. I found the sensor cook feature pretty reliable, as it adjusts cooking time automatically based on the food’s moisture — this came in handy when reheating leftovers without overcooking.

The defrost function works well for a variety of frozen items, from chicken breasts to frozen veggies, cutting down prep time nicely. Cleaning the stainless steel interior was straightforward, but I had to be careful to avoid streaks. The compact footprint and built-in design allowed me to reclaim valuable counter space, which I then used for meal prep—a major plus in my modest-sized kitchen.

Product Comparisons

Compared to other appliances in the built-in microwave drawer category, this model holds its own quite well. Its 950W power output is fairly standard but slightly less than some competitors offering 1000W or more, which can influence cooking speed. For instance, the Bosch 800 Series microwave drawer offers a similar design but tends to be pricier and offers more advanced features like customizable power levels and a brighter interior light.

On the other hand, the Sharp model excels in terms of ease of use with its automatic drawer and concealed controls, which some rival brands lack. While brands like KitchenAid and Fisher & Paykel provide similar drawer microwaves, they often come with higher price tags and more complicated interfaces. The Sharp balances modern convenience with simplicity, making it a solid choice for those who want a sleek, functional microwave without unnecessary bells and whistles.

Value Proposition

Assessing the price to quality ratio, this microwave drawer is a smart investment for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a built-in appliance. Although the initial cost might be higher than a traditional countertop microwave, the space-saving design and modern features justify the premium. For households that value aesthetics and functionality, it’s worth every penny spent on this model.

The energy use of 950 watts is fairly efficient, contributing to lower electricity consumption compared to older or less efficient microwaves. The added convenience of the automatic drawer and sensor cooking means less time monitoring food, which translates to less wasted energy overall. The necessity to purchase a flush mount kit separately and the installation effort might deter some buyers, but these are standard considerations for built-in appliances.

Design and Build Quality

This microwave drawer is a sturdy and well-built appliance. The stainless steel exterior and interior give it a premium feel, and the smooth drawer mechanism feels durable rather than flimsy. I appreciated the subtle yet effective interior lighting that switches on when the drawer opens, though I wish it was a bit brighter for checking food more easily.

The dimensions of 9″ deep, 15″ wide, and 8″ high allow it to fit into most cabinetry cutouts without much hassle. The flush mount option, though sold separately, offers a seamless look that integrates beautifully into modern kitchens. The hidden control panel adds a minimalist touch, preventing the microwave from looking bulky or out of place.

Functionality and Features Explored

Exploring the features, the sensor cook function stands out as a helpful tool for avoiding overcooked or undercooked meals. It senses steam and adjusts cooking time accordingly, which worked well for various foods like reheating pasta or steaming vegetables. The auto defrost feature is smart and accurate, making thawing frozen foods effortless.

The automatic drawer system is more than a gimmick — it genuinely enhances usability. I’ve found myself using it multiple times a day, especially when my hands are full or messy. The easy touch controls are responsive and straightforward, offering preset options for popcorn, beverages, and reheat, though a few more customizable settings would be appreciated by power users.

Limitations to Consider

Some drawbacks became apparent after regular use. The lack of a turntable inside the drawer means food has to be manually rotated for even heating sometimes, which is less convenient than traditional microwaves. Also, the drawer size limits very large dishes, so for oversized or bulky items, this might not be the best fit.

The noise level during operation is noticeable; it’s louder than some countertop microwaves I’ve had, which can be a bit distracting during quiet moments. Additionally, the microwave doesn’t come with batteries or require any, which is typical but worth mentioning for those expecting smart features that might. Lastly, the price point feels a bit steep when factoring in the need to buy an additional flush mount kit and professional installation.

This review reflects my honest experience with the Sharp SMD2470ASY Microwave Drawer. It offers a blend of modern convenience, efficient cooking, and a sleek design, but also comes with a few considerations like installation effort and some feature limitations. It’s definitely a conversation starter in the kitchen and adds a futuristic flair to meal prep.

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