I have had 2 micro's under counter built into cab. One stained to match, this one painted to match, both had the edges finished off with a bead.

Doe your KD think you need the trim kit because it is being placed in a microwave cabinet?

If the interior of your cabinets is typical, it will be birch or birch look vinyl, and paying for the cabinet to have a matching interior will cost more than the trim kit.
Around here, the labor to cut trim and install it or paint it or stain to match would also cost more than the trim kit.

The other thing it does is keep crumbs from getting under the microwave.

I am not sure about the built in vs. countertop with trim kit difference. Essentially they are the same microwave, with the the "built in" ones generally having a deeper cavity.

I actually tend to specify a countertop microwave and figure out a place for it that is not a focal point. I think they need to be replaced often enough that I cont want people to be limited to replacing with exactly the same thing.

The other thing a trim kit does is allow the MW to vent out the front. The trim kit is actually a box that the MW sits in. MWs typically vent out the bottom or the side - the trim kit enables it to vent out the front. It also gives it a more finished look. You can see pictures of mine on my home page.

i agree with weissman that this is not just an aesthetic issue. Read the specs of whatever microwave you choose. Venting is important and trim kit or no trim kit you need to make sure you have enough air space for your microwave to function properly.

Thank you all for your replies. the MW will be in a microwave cabinet above the wall oven. If I don't put a trim kit, there will just be space around the microwave. I know it gives it a more finished look but what happens when the microwave breaks down? Since Kenmore doesn't have trim kits, the next affordable one appears to be Panasonic but they have terrible reviews on CR and breakdown within a couple of years. What happens in a case like that - do you have to buy a new trim kit each time? I only use a MW to reheat so want to keep the cost low. Thanks

Did you check out Sharp? Sharp makes the majority of microwaves, followed by GE and Panasonic. Kenmore doesn't manufacture anything - they're made by other manufacturers and rebadged. When a MW needs replacing, you don't need a new trim kit if you get a MW that's the same size.

Also, definitely check out GE - they make trim kits for their MWs. In fact, my MW is a GE with a trim kit.

Thanks, Weissman. I did try to find Sharp today as I read about it on this forum but was told that Sharp is no longer making MWs. I'm in Canada so not sure if that makes a difference. I checked every Canadian retailer I could think of and Panasonic is everywhere. I have to go with a small one (max 13 inches high and 22 inches wide). I don't want to spend $500 on a MW for a brand other than Panasonic so I'm trying to find a reasonable alternative. The GE ones are either too expensive or too large.

Check out a company called Microtrim (microtrim.com). They make custom trimkits very inexpensively (well... let's say very reasonably!) and they are very good to work with. BTW, we are really happy with our Panasonic micro!!

Don't discount panasonic just yet... check out abt.com (appliance website). People post user reviews and lots of the panasonics get good ones.

We had the same problem as you, so I decided to move the microwave to a different location. I didn't want to get saddled with the cost of a new trim kit for a replacement microwave. Sizes seem to vary a lot.

I went through the same dilemna. I just couldn't see spending the money for a higher end micro with a trim kit. I had my contractor modify my oven cabinet. We lowered the oven and built an open cabinet above the oven for my microwave. My cabinets are painted so I just painted the interior of the cabinet the same as the front. I am perfectly happy with how it turned out. And when planned obsolescence rears it's ugly head, I can just slide the microwave out and replace it.

We bought the GE Spacesaver microwave and the trim kit was going to cost as much as the microwave. Given the unpredictable lifespan of microwaves, I couldn't justify spending the $$. We put the microwave in an open cabinet, built to ensure that there was enough venting around the MW and it looks fine.

I bought the smallest, cheapest microwave I could find and had my GC build an open shelf under the counter to put it on. The electrician put a plug inside and it looks just fine. I slide my cutting boards in next to the microwave because there are a few extra inches. The inside of the cabinet is painted to match the rest of the kitchen.

I used to be one of those people who HAD to have a MW built-in. I mean, wouldn't it look unfinished on an open shelf? That's what I thought. In that kitchen that I had the built-in MW, it broke after about 3 years. From what I understand from this forum and reviews on Amazon, epinions, Best Buy, and etc. etc., they ALL break in 3-5 years. The older MWs lasted forever, but if you are buying a MW in the 21st century, it will not last. So, when my built-in MW broke, I had to replace it. Well, 3 years after buying that one, nothing on the market was the same dimensions. It was so frustrating. Oh, and don't get me started on the price for a "built-in MW" over a countertop model, and the cost of the trimkit, which is just a few pieces of metal and cost as much as the machine itself. Eventually my DH jerry-rigged a MW in that built-in space, with a lot of fiddling, and it never looked right. Now, in my current kitchen, I just have a MW on an open shelf. It's an inexpensive countertop MW, yet has all kinds of functions and timers and sensors and whatnot. If it breaks, I just unplug it, and plug in a new one. Or if newer models come on the market with more advanced features I want, it's not a big deal to replace mine.

Built-in MWs look very neat and finished--absolutely. Go for it if that's what you want. But just be aware of future aggravation.

As to brands, Panasonic MW's are very good. I have a Sharp which I like, especially its $130 price tag, but I think the Panasonic's are a tad better, and look more modern too.

I am astounded at the OP's statement, "was told that Sharp is no longer making MWs". Wow. That would be a big deal if that were true. Not only is Sharp a huge seller of MW's (maybe the largest), but they also manufacture MW's for so many other companies like Dacor and Wolf (who rebadge them). Where did you hear that? I just did a google search, and didn't see anything about Sharp discontinuing its MW manufacture.

>>they ALL break in 3-5 years

Not quite true - my GE Spacemaker II is nearly 7 years old and going strong - I shouldn't jinx it :-). Also, the current model is still the same size so if it goes I can just replace it in the existing trim kit. I nearly bought a second one at the time for a backup - but was advised that it could age even without use - so I periodically check to make sure that GE continues to make a compatible model.

I find it hard to believe Sharp isn't making MWs anymore...they just came out w/a new & improved MW drawer...

My Sharp microwave is over 7years old without a problem. I find it very hard to believe Sharp is no longer making microwaves also.

Good luck!

You could do what we did - put your microwave behind cupboard doors and not worry about trim kits or the whims of changing MW sizes. Heck, you could even keep your old black MW if you put it behind doors. Ours is black (and almost 20 years old!) and all our other appliances are white. IME, it's not a big deal to open cupboard doors to use the MW. Even though we're remodeling, we're going to do this again. At least that's the current plan. We'll have to see whether it's still feasible since we're planning to go with a convection MW.

I'm very tempted to hang onto that old MW. 3-5 year life spans?! That's inexcusable! It's not just the money wasted that ticks me off, it's the waste of resources and the energy required to replace short-lived appliances.

My parents have the microwave they bought in 1977. It finally needs replaced. (of course it might be the reason my parents both hardly have any hair, but it still heated well til just recently)

I really appreciate all your replies. Honestly, a major retailer told me that Sharp wasn't making them anymore. I have looked at all the retailers' websites I could think of in Quebec and they don't show Sharp. I went onto Sharp Canada's website and they show only 1 stainless steel whereas the US site shows many more. It must be that they don't sell them in Canada.

Lisa, I like the idea of a closed door. I'll ask my KD about that. Thank you for that.

On another note, I'm so upset as we have come across a problem in the layout which will probably mean changing 2/3 of the layout. has to do with placement of steps and a key beam leading to the basement. Will know after the demo tomorrow. I could just cry. Oh well, I guess this is just the beginning.

we decided not to go with built in MWO (even though all other appliances are). We just put it on a base cabinet shelf.

After it breaks (and they do break often) we will simply get another one and use the same shelf.

Newer ones are cheaper, more powerful than our 20 year old monstrosity with the fake wood finish :)

lilyfreak, be sure to check clearances. I just looked at the Panasonic convection microwave installation specs and it specified 6" clearance at the top and 3" on either side. That's ridiculous! If it requires that much clearance, I probably shouldn't put it behind doors because I know someone (we won't mention names) in my house will close the doors while using it and who knows what will happen then. I need to investigate this more. I really wanted to leave the MW behind doors.

Lilyfreak - I am linking to a thread which has several pics and ideas about microwave placement, including some that are behind cabinet doors. That's too bad about you maybe needing to re-do your layout--but perhaps look at it as an opportunity to re-think some things. Most people on this forum go through many iterations of layouts before the final one!

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about Microwave Location

I just wanted to give you all an update. Thanks to your suggestions I looked into putting the MW behind a cabinet door. I'll be using a retractable door! This way, I can keep my good old black microwave and don't have to get a new stainless one and a trim kit and have to deal with a breakdown in a few years. Also, my GC demo'd the entire kitchen today and he found a solution to the step placement so the layout remains the same! I'm so relieved! This forum has really helped me so much and I thank you. Btw, the Sharp MW issue is really a Canadian thing. They have 1 SS model in Canada and I haven't been able to locate it but now I don't need it!

Here is a link that might be useful: retractable door

If you haven't seen the microwave cabinet in ALku05's kitchen, find it. It's a nice one.

Ooooh, that retractable door is slick, lilyfreak! Thanks for posting that. I'm going to bring this up to our cabinet maker!

Great news on not having to redo your layout.