There is a large contingent on GW, myself included, that believe that MW's are in general, disposable. Unlike some of the old ones from years ago, they seem now to die with disconcerting frequency. For example, see this thread: Do all Microwaves Die? As a result, I could not imagine paying close to a thousand dollars for a "built-in" MW. That's particularly true as I believe it's true that all MW's use components built by only two companies (Sharp and Panasonic?) so no matter how much you pay, you're getting similar "guts." If your $1000 built in MW dies, then you're pretty much stuck with repairing it at exorbitant cost, or replacing it with the same or similar model. In contrast, putting a countertop MW in a cabinet can be at least as attractive in appearance, while allowing you to use any inexpensive MW you want. It dies, you throw it away and get another $150 unit. Here is a thread with pix including some of our Pana MW in a "garage door" cabinet. We love this solution. Hiding Microwave in base cabinet? HTH

We had a new SubZero undercounter beverage fridge (also glass front like yours) installed last week and that thing is driving me INSANE with the racket. Ugh! Not under 1K but a little over 2K. Just mentioning in case you get info that leads you to believe paying more might make a difference. Nope! In our case it did not. We have a newer SubZero regular fridge too and that isn't noisy at all...having their regular sized refrigerator/freezer, which is so nice, quiet, just overall awesome, is why we thought getting their undercounter beverage center would be a good idea. Figuring it would be less noisy was the #1, top reason too. I will say it again: wow, were we wrong on that account! So disappointing as unless I turn on the TV and blast it, the noise of the new SZ beverage center is just so irritating. And loud. Real loud. Not the atmosphere I was hoping for in my kitchen and common area...The only good news is that the unit didn't go into a bedroom. Thank goodness for small favors I guess!! *acorcoran* the Electrolux sounds great! So envious!! I will note that brand and model in case the SZ gets "injured" some evening - lol. I don't know how you would be able to tell about noise otherwise without personal recommendations of actual owners. I looked at all varieties in the showrooms and didn't notice excessive noise from the SZ then. Thanks for mentioning the name of a brand that does do well with the noise control. To the OP: best wishes and do I ever understand exactly what you are describing!!! I hope you find a good alternative!! Good luck and I mean that sincerely.

Rosie...what you say may be true for exercise bending, but we are talking about lifting hot, heavy items from an oven, not doing sit ups or other exercises. We need to keep this in context. Additionally, there are some people who will develop rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases/issues, despite exercising religiously all their lives, eating well, etc. Contrary to many people's beliefs (especially the exercise fanatics...and I mean "fanatics," not proponents), some of these things are diseases that, while they may be helped w/exercise and/or medicines, cannot be totally eliminated. And yes, many are age related--whether we like it or not. Some, BTW, can also strike when someone is still young. And, what about people who have strokes or other injuries, etc. that also have an impact and, unfortunately, are also age related? Please do not make broad statements like you did or imply that if you plan for aging in place that it means you must not be exercising enough. Perhaps this is one of the reasons you have to constantly bring it up...b/c it's simply not an all-encompassing (or even general) truth. Sorry, but it really bothers me when people think the solution to everything that ails you is more exercise when that is simply not true. I totally agree that it helps you to stay in the best shape you can be in, but it does not guarantee perfect/25-year old health & fitness all your life! OK, I'm stepping off my soap box now and will not respond again to this...I don't want to hijack this thread or have it become an exercise debate. But, I felt I had to respond to present the opposing view since decisions are being made by posters as to whether to install under counter ovens. The bottom line is that if you know your options and their pros & cons, you can make an informed decision and accept the disadvantages as well as advantages of any decision.

Most built-ins can be fit in 25" deep exclusive of handles. I think all free-standing counter depth fridges are in the range you specified, but I think the larger number includes the handles and possibly the inevitable amount of space between the unit and the wall. I don't know about freestanding SubZero. It might be as shallow as their built-ins, or Sammy might have been referring to built-ins. Liebherr is a little less expensive than SubZero (not all that much) and there's a free standing version that might be shallower than the standard counter depth.