Best Microwaves Under $1700 in 2026: 5 Picks Compared on Specs
The ZLINE Autograph Edition 24-inch convection microwave is our top pick for the under $1700 range. Its stated 1.6 cu ft interior is the largest in this pool, and it is the only pick with convection, so it can bake and brown in addition to reheating. The Sharp SMD2479JS is the alternative if you want a smart drawer. We selected these from the stated specifications in the current catalogue; no unit was tested.
5 picks from 4 microwaves that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Live prices throughout, each with the moment it was read.
The list in brief
| # | Pick | Microwave | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | ZLINE Autograph Edition 24 in. 1.6 cu ft. Built-in Convection Microwave | $1,519.99 (as of 11/05/2026 02:06 PST - Details) |
| 2 | Best smart drawer | Sharp SMD2479JS 24 in. 1.2 cu. ft. Built-In Smart Microwave Drawer Oven | $1,699.00 (as of 11/05/2026 01:10 PST - Details) |
| 3 | Best 30-inch drawer | ZLINE Autograph Edition 30 in. 1.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Drawer | |
| 4 | Best programmable memory | Waring Microwave Oven | |
| 5 | Also considered | Microondas EDESA EMW2320IGX 929270347 | $1,618.52 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details) |
Which pick fits you?
- For a convection built-in: Choose the 24-inch ZLINE convection model if you want the largest stated capacity in this pool and convection cooking in a built-in format. See pick 1
- For a smart drawer: Pick the Sharp SMD2479JS when you want a 24-inch drawer that is listed as smart, and you can work with a 1.2 cu ft interior. See pick 2
- For a wide drawer opening: Select the 30-inch ZLINE drawer if your cabinet cutout fits a wider drawer and you prefer the satin stainless and champagne bronze finish. See pick 3
- For programmable memory: Choose the Waring if 10 programmable memory settings matter more to you than a built-in or drawer form. See pick 4
The full list of 5
1 Best overall
ZLINE Autograph Edition 24 in. 1.6 cu ft. Built-in Convection Microwave
- Type
- Built-in
- Capacity
- 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft
- Width
- 24 inch
- Convection
- Yes
$1,519.99 (as of 11/05/2026 02:06 PST - Details)
Outside this guide's budget at today's price.
The ZLINE Autograph Edition 24-inch built-in has the only convection function in this pool and the largest stated capacity at 1.6 cu ft. That combination gives it more cooking flexibility than the 1.2 cu ft drawer models. It also brings a built-in form and a 24-inch width, which suits a standard cutout.
Pros
- 1.6 cu ft capacity, the largest in this pool
- Convection cooking, the only pick here with it
- Built-in 24-inch design
- Black stainless steel with polished gold trim
Cons
- No smart feature stated by the seller
- No drawer form; needs a built-in cutout
- Finish is limited to the black stainless and polished gold combination
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a built-in that can bake and brown, not just reheat
- Buyers with a 24-inch cutout and a need for the largest oven in this guide
Skip if
- Buyers who want a pull-out drawer instead of a door
- Buyers who need smart controls or connected operation
Verdict: The ZLINE 24-inch convection microwave is the most capable all-round pick in this under $1700 pool on stated specs.
2 Best smart drawer
Sharp SMD2479JS 24 in. 1.2 cu. ft. Built-In Smart Microwave Drawer Oven
- Type
- Drawer
- Capacity
- 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft
- Width
- 24 inch
- Smart or Wi-Fi
- Yes
$1,699.00 (as of 11/05/2026 01:10 PST - Details)
The Sharp SMD2479JS is the only pick in this pool that is listed as both a drawer microwave and a smart microwave. Its 24-inch width and 1.2 cu ft capacity are in line with the ZLINE 30-inch drawer's capacity, but in a more compact width. If you want drawer convenience plus smart operation, this is the one to compare first.
Pros
- Only pick listed as smart
- Drawer form with a 24-inch width
- 1.2 cu ft capacity, tied with two other picks in this pool
Cons
- No convection function listed
- 1.2 cu ft capacity is smaller than the 1.6 cu ft ZLINE built-in
- Smart feature details are not stated beyond the listing's smart label
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a drawer that pulls out rather than a swing-open door
- Buyers who want smart functionality in a 24-inch drawer
Skip if
- Buyers who need the larger capacity and convection of the 1.6 cu ft model
- Buyers who do not want smart or connected features
Verdict: The Sharp SMD2479JS is the smart 24-inch drawer to choose if you do not need convection cooking.
3 Best 30-inch drawer
ZLINE Autograph Edition 30 in. 1.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Drawer
- Type
- Drawer
- Capacity
- 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft
- Width
- 30 inch
This ZLINE Autograph Edition drawer is the only 30-inch model in the pool. It keeps the 1.2 cu ft capacity of the smaller drawer entries but spans a wider cutout and adds the satin stainless with champagne bronze finish. If your opening is built for 30 inches, this is the drawer to compare against the 24-inch Sharp.
Pros
- 30-inch width, the widest in this pool
- Drawer form
- Satin stainless steel with champagne bronze finish
- 1.2 cu ft capacity, matching the Sharp drawer and the Waring
Cons
- No convection function listed
- No smart feature stated
- Same 1.2 cu ft interior as the narrower 24-inch Sharp drawer
Good fit if
- Buyers with a 30-inch drawer opening
- Buyers who want the wide built-in drawer look with a satin and bronze finish
Skip if
- Buyers with a 24-inch opening
- Buyers who need convection cooking in this price range
Verdict: For a 30-inch drawer microwave, this ZLINE Autograph Edition is the pick from the current pool.
4 Best programmable memory
Waring Microwave Oven
- Capacity
- 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft
- Wattage
- 1200 W or more
The Waring is the only pick here that lists 10 programmable memory settings. Its 1.2 cu ft capacity matches the two drawer models, and no type is stated, so it is not tied to a 24-inch or 30-inch built-in cutout in the listing. If memory presets are the priority, this is the entry to compare.
Pros
- 10 programmable memory settings, the only pick with this feature
- 1.2 cu ft capacity, matching the two drawer picks
- Type is not stated by the seller, so it is not tied to a built-in or drawer cutout
Cons
- No type, width, or smart feature stated by the seller
- No convection function listed
- 1.2 cu ft capacity is smaller than the ZLINE 24-inch convection model
Good fit if
- Buyers who frequently cook the same items and want one-touch memory programs
- Buyers who do not need a drawer or built-in form
Skip if
- Buyers who require a built-in or drawer installation format
- Buyers who need detailed dimensions before purchase
Verdict: The Waring is the only choice here built around programmable memory, but confirm its installation format before buying.
5 Also considered
The EDESA EMW2320IGX is in the pool under this price threshold, but its listing carries no stated capacity, type, width, or feature specifications. We include it so the guide covers every entry in the current pool, but it cannot be compared with the other four on the same facts.
Pros
- Present in the current pool for this price range
- Model number is included in the listing
- Listing describes it as a microwave oven
Cons
- No capacity stated by the seller
- No type or width stated by the seller
- No smart, drawer, or convection features stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who already know this exact model number and simply need a listing
- Buyers willing to verify specifications with the seller before purchase
Skip if
- Buyers comparing microwaves by capacity, width, or features
- Buyers who need a recommendation based on stated specs
Verdict: Without stated specifications from the seller, the EDESA is a model number to verify rather than a spec-based pick.
The specs, compared
| # | Microwave | Type | Capacity | Wattage | Width | Convection | Air fry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZLINE Autograph Edition 24 in. 1.6 cu ft. Built-in Convection Microwave | Built-in | 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft | not stated | 24 inch | Yes | not stated |
| 2 | Sharp SMD2479JS 24 in. 1.2 cu. ft. Built-In Smart Microwave Drawer Oven | Drawer | 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft | not stated | 24 inch | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | ZLINE Autograph Edition 30 in. 1.2 cu. ft. Built-In Microwave Drawer | Drawer | 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft | not stated | 30 inch | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | Waring Microwave Oven | not stated | 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft | 1200 W or more | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 5 | Microondas EDESA EMW2320IGX 929270347 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
Why these made the list
How we picked: The pool for this guide contains 5 microwaves, all within the under $1700 budget threshold at the time the data was read. Because the pool is small, we included every entry rather than dropping candidates. We shortlisted only models that appear in the catalogue with live prices; the page displays the current price and the time it was read. We compared capacity, form factor, drawer versus built-in style, smart listings, and extra functions such as convection and programmable memory. We did not test or operate any of the units, and we did not rely on customer reviews. Where a specification is missing from the listing, we say it is not stated by the seller.
Things to weigh before buying
Decide between drawer, built-in, and countertop style
Drawer microwaves pull forward instead of swinging open, which can be convenient in low or under-counter installations. In this pool, the Sharp SMD2479JS and the 30-inch ZLINE are drawer models, while the 24-inch ZLINE is a built-in convection model. The Waring and EDESA listings do not state a type or width. Measure the intended opening before choosing: the Sharp is a 24-inch drawer, the ZLINE drawer is a 30-inch drawer, and the ZLINE convection is a 24-inch built-in.
Convection: when you want browning and baking
A standard microwave heats food by dielectric heating, which excites water molecules. That is fast for reheating, but it usually stays near the boiling point of water and does not brown or caramelize. A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element to circulate hot air, so it can bake and brown in ways a standard microwave cannot. In this pool, the ZLINE 24-inch built-in is the only convection pick.
Capacity: what the cubic footage means
Three picks in this pool state 1.2 cu ft: the Sharp drawer, the ZLINE 30-inch drawer, and the Waring. The ZLINE 24-inch convection model states 1.6 cu ft. The larger oven is the better fit for casseroles, platters, and convection baking. The EDESA listing does not state capacity.
Smart features: what the label tells you
Only the Sharp SMD2479JS is listed as smart in this pool. The pool data does not say which app or automation system it supports, so verify the maker's connected-app details before relying on a specific integration. Smart operation changes how you control the oven, not how microwave heating works.
Food safety steps for microwave cooking
Microwave ovens are among the radiation-emitting electronic products the FDA covers, and the agency's safe-handling guidance addresses even cooking and standing time. Cover food, stir and rotate for even cooking, and if there is no turntable, rotate the dish by hand once or twice during cooking. Allow standing time, then check the internal temperature with a food thermometer before serving.
Recycling the microwave you replace
When you upgrade, look for a donation or recycling option for the old unit. Recycling electronics conserves metals, plastics, and glass and avoids pollution, according to the EPA. If the old microwave has any connected features, clear personal data, and remove any batteries if the unit has them. Your local waste authority or the manufacturer can help you find an accepted drop-off point.
Questions
What does a convection microwave add over a standard microwave?
A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element to circulate hot air, so it can brown and bake in addition to microwave heating. In this pool, the ZLINE 24-inch built-in is the only convection model. It also has the largest stated capacity, 1.6 cu ft. Standard microwave heating alone generally does not produce browning because the temperature stays near the boiling point of water.
Are drawer microwaves better than built-in microwaves?
Drawer microwaves pull forward instead of swinging open, which can be convenient in low or under-counter installations. In this pool, the Sharp and the 30-inch ZLINE are drawer models, while the 24-inch ZLINE is a built-in convection model. Choose by cutout width and preferred opening style: 24 inches for the Sharp, 30 inches for the ZLINE drawer. Neither form is inherently faster at heating food.
How do I know if a microwave will fit my cabinet?
Check the stated width and type first. The Sharp SMD2479JS is a 24-inch drawer, the ZLINE 30-inch is a 30-inch drawer, and the ZLINE 24-inch convection is a 24-inch built-in. The Waring and EDESA listings do not state a type or width. For drawer and built-in models, confirm the cutout dimensions, clearance, and ventilation in the maker's installation instructions before ordering.
What can I cook safely in a microwave?
Use microwave cooking for reheating, defrosting, and cooking many foods, but follow food-safety steps: cover food, stir and rotate for even cooking, allow standing time, and check internal temperature with a thermometer. According to the FDA, cook poultry and leftovers to 165 F, ground meat to 160 F, and whole cuts of beef, pork, veal, and lamb to 145 F with a three-minute rest.
Should I recycle my old microwave when I upgrade?
Yes, if your community accepts it. Recycling electronics conserves valuable materials and avoids pollution, according to the EPA. Before recycling, wipe or remove personal data if the appliance has any connected features, and check whether the unit has batteries that must be removed. Your local waste authority or the manufacturer can tell you where to take it.
Latest changes
- : First published.