KitchenAid Review

Friday, August 12th

2022 Microwave Oven Reviews

KitchenAid

• About 15 microwave models to choose from (over-the-range, built-in, countertop, drawer)
• Prices range from $709 to $2,649
• 1-year warranty on parts and labor, 10-year warranty on inner cavity/door on some models

KitchenAid may be best known for its ubiquitous stand mixers, complete with attachments that can grind meat, whip cream, or make pasta. The company is one of several owned by Whirlpool, so no matter how you look at it, the KitchenAid name is easily associated with cooking.

Can you find them in stock?

KitchenAid has a little over a dozen microwave ovens in their current offerings. Depending on where you shop, though, you may have a challenge finding them in stock. For example, on the KitchenAid site itself, our most recent visit showed only nine available, and even two of those were marked as "low inventory" - and most of the products shown were microwave parts and accessories, not microwave ovens themselves.

All 4 styles of microwave ovens available

One plus for KitchenAid is that they have all four styles of microwave: countertop, over-the-range, built-in and drawer (again, when they're available). Their highest-end model is the 27" built-in with convection cooking. What will you get for their MSRP of $2,649? It's got a 900 watt microwave combined with a 1200 watt convection element for faster cooking, a stainless steel interior, a somewhat smaller-than-average 1.4 cu.ft. capacity, broil element, crisper pan for grilling and frying, and tons of little features like settings for softening/melting butter and even baking a pizza. Keep in mind that, according to our research, that price point is about $400-$600 higher than other brands' microwave ovens with similar features.

Several options around $1,000 or less

But, if you're not planning on spending over $2,500 on a microwave, there are options around $1,000 or less. KitchenAid's 30" Microwave Hood Combination with Convection Cooking was priced at $1,049 recently. It offers 1000 watts of cooking power, efficient ventilation to capture smoke/grease and odors, and an interior/exterior in stainless steel. It's also larger than most microwaves at 1.9 cu.ft. of capacity. Over nearly 2500 buyer ratings, this microwave scored an impressive average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Mixed feedback depending on the model

Not all KitchenAid microwave ovens have that level of customer satisfaction, though. Their lowest-priced model, the 21 ¾" Countertop with PrintShield Finish (MSRP $709) only came in at 2.8 stars out of 5: owners said that the keypad stopped working between the 1- and 2-year mark, and apparently the company doesn't make replacement parts for countertop models. We found similar complaints with a few other KitchenAid microwaves as well.

Good company, not always good microwave ovens

That means that KitchenAid is something of a mixed bag when determining their reputation for microwave ovens. Overall, the company shares Whirlpool's "A+" rating, but KitchenAid appliances themselves may or may not perform at that level. We were happy to see suitable responses from KitchenAid's support team when complaints were left on their products, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a satisfactory repair or replacement was offered either.

You may get more from a different brand

At the end of the day, KitchenAid microwaves are "just okay" . Some models have a fantastic track record with customers while others are decidedly lackluster - and there just aren't a ton of them to choose from, especially with so many listed as out of stock. Be sure to read the reviews on any KitchenAid microwave you're considering, but also look at other brands that may give you more to choose from.