We did the semi-built-in hybrid similar to what I think cathy725 is describing. We backed into that by accident. Were planning on a built-in and the cabinet is made to the specs for a panasonic built-in, but a month prior to our reno -- per Murphy's law -- our microwave broke. So we got a $99 kenmore to tide us over. Then when we realized this microwave would fit the space nicely and the cabinet has the required clearances for it (the microwave is smallish), we decided it would be better to do the semi built-in option. So we asked our cabinet maker to put a strip of molding at the top to give it the appearance of being more built in, but the interior dimensions are actually larger. We figure this gives us the best of both worlds. Lower up front cost by reusing our existing micro, ease of replacement if it breaks, and the cabinet is still sized for a built in if we ever decide to change our minds on that. But given our experience so far in the 14 months we've had this, I don't see ever switching back to a built in now. Here's what ours looks like. A bit hard to see the molding strip that makes it appear more fit-to-size, but the interior cavity goes up to the bottom of the frameless cabinet door above the cutout. Please forgive this grainy pic that makes the mw look horrible, it's not a high enough photo resolution to be blown up that big, but hopefully it gets the point across:

annkh - The fridge door does hit the wall on the right side. Our KD suggests that we move the fridge over to the left by a few inches to solve that problem. Right now, there is about 37"-38" between the fridge and the outer trim of the window, and the 30" sink is centered on the 60" window (including trim). If we steal 6" out of the 37"-38" for the fridge, we will still have enough wall space for a microwave shelf next to the fridge, and there will be about 15" (maybe 2"-3" more) of countertop between the sink and the microwave shelf. Since the sink is centered on the window, my nose is / will be staring at the center brace of the window. It doesn't bother me, but I wonder, what if we shift the sink to the left side by 15", towards the range wall, and center it on the left pane of the window? Then we could gain 15" on the right side of the sink. AJinNH - Yes, I totally get what you mean...I cannot believe a microwave could get so complicated! This post was edited by ILoveCookie on Thu, Apr 10, 14 at 15:18

I'll chime in here. I have had mine in use about 7 1/2 years. They were brand new when we started looking and planning and I had a hard time the the price tag. As it turned out, using the drawer solved a lot of layout issues so we paid the $6-700 it was then, realized it was our east expensive built-in appliance, Sharp makes the best microwave ovens, and we figured the cost should go down by the time we might have to replace it and worst case we could put a small shelf unit in the space. Well, the cost hasn't gone down, I'm sorry to say, but I am not looking to replace it either. When I do, it will be with another drawer. I was pleased with how well we liked using it, found it had settings I didn't know it had and they worked well for us, and the keep warm setting gives me a second warming drawer for the craziest of times (actually used both for Thanksgiving one year when one guest was over an hour late). The drawer opening is so much better than having to bend down to see the flat front of a shelf unit or to reach in under your counter. Not having to lift out a steaming dish, set it down, stir and lift it back is so much easier. I'm tall and have bad discs in my neck, so that matters to me more than our other family members, but I don't think they'd want to change either. I'm coming up on 8 years in and I'm not going back. Point well taken about the cost of a micro plus trim kit of a built-in version that may not need the trim kit. And the only appliance you might get for less is a DW if you go basic. For a better, quieter model, you'll be in the same price range.

Thanks! As to the idea to make the cabinets over the sink shorter than the rest, my designer was adamant about not doing that, said it's not a good idea and it's way cleaner to have a "full set" of cabinets both for storage and for the look of the place. We have so little storage that I agree with her and if we have to jettison the higher faucet this week and find something shorter so be it. My electrician thinks we'll be fine with the 16.5 faucet (which is so pretty goodness gracious - a Kraus 60/40 for the 30 cabinet with a faucet that looks like a piece of sculpture for what it's worth). And the appliance store and the designer said don't worry about the blue light on the microwave - I hate it personally but the appliance store ALSO said it won't take the microwave back anyway now that it's been installed, since it's officially "used" at that point so we're stuck with it or have to spend another $250-$350 for a 2nd one. Which is not my preference. (and we can do it later if need be anyway)