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:

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.

@sochi, I feel a little bit like I'm helping create your reveal post one question at a time. LOL Hopefully these questions are quick and easy to answer. I definitely appreciate your time and help!! (again, I would have PM'd you but I can't figure out how to do that so I ramble on this thread since I'm referencing photos in this thread...I hope that's not against etiquette...) I just zoomed in and I think I have that same faucet spec'd (either Brizo Solna or Litze with the smart touch?)...do you like it? Does it have good reach for that HUGE sink? speaking of the sink, what sink did you choose? I have a 36" base in the design so I'm currently planning a Kraus 32" single bowl and want to make sure the faucet can wash it all out...I'm so DONE with my pullout

wdccruise: The OTC microwave I am referring to, Sharp R1214 series, is hung from the back, with the front pivoted upwards to the cabinet bottom above using relatively fine thread metric machine screws. [After hooking the back, push the unit front up or use a cabinet jack and tighten screws; do not try to use the screws to pull up the unit. In my view the thread is too fine for depending on them to lever the unit.] Although I have never tried measuring the position of the unit's front-back center of gravity, having had to put my OTC MW in place a few times I would argue for more of the weight being taken by the back mounting than by the cabinet screws. There is a big transformer at the back on the right. Back weight dominance would follow from the mounting scheme. If fine screws such as used to bring the front up to the cabinet could handle half the weight, then the unit could have been designed for a second pair of screws located near the cabinet back and several significant parts could have been eliminated.