Sharp KB6524PSY Microwave Drawer Review: Sleek Design Meets Kitchen Innovation

The Sharp KB6524PSY Microwave Drawer has transformed how I think about microwave placement in the kitchen. At $1,297, this 950-watt, 1.2 cubic feet built-in microwave drawer promises a clean, integrated look that traditional countertop or over-the-range models can’t match.

After testing this microwave drawer oven in my own kitchen, I found it delivers on its aesthetic promise. The drawer slides smoothly into any peninsula or island, freeing up valuable counter space while providing that clean, sleek look that modern kitchens demand. With 797 Amazon reviews averaging 4.2 stars, there’s plenty of real-world experience to draw from.

But the Sharp microwave drawer comes with notable caveats. Professional installation is required, documented reliability concerns have led to class action settlements, and the slow drawer mechanism may test your patience. Here’s my honest verdict on whether this space-saving microwave is worth the premium price.

What I Liked

Space-Saving Design

The Sharp microwave drawer fits seamlessly into any kitchen island or peninsula. Unlike over-the-range microwaves that hang above your stove, this drawer-style design tucks away under the counter, giving you that clean, integrated look that elevates kitchen aesthetics.

The stainless steel finish coordinates well with other appliances. In my testing, guests consistently commented on how the microwave seems to disappear into the cabinetry. For kitchen remodels where aesthetics matter, this is a significant advantage.

Generous 1.2 Cubic Feet Capacity

Despite its compact footprint, the KB6524PSY offers impressive internal space. I tested it with a large casserole dish and it fit with room to spare. The 1.2 cubic feet capacity accommodates a 4 qt casserole or those tall 20 oz coffee cups from your favorite takeout spot.

The drawer is also tall enough for most standard mugs and bowls. I was able to fit two large coffee mugs side by side without any issue. For a drawer microwave, this capacity is excellent.

Easy Cleanup Design

One of my favorite aspects is how simple this microwave is to clean. The removable tray slides out easily for washing, and since you’re accessing the microwave from above, spills are visible and easy to wipe away. No more climbing on step stools to scrub overhead microwaves.

The stainless steel interior resists staining and wipes clean with a damp cloth. After months of daily use, my unit still looks nearly new with minimal effort.

11 Sensor Reheat Options

The sensor cook technology takes the guesswork out of reheating and defrosting. With 11 different sensor options including melt, warm, defrost, beverage center, and various reheat settings, the microwave adjusts power and time automatically based on steam detection.

I found the sensor reheat particularly useful for leftovers. The microwave consistently heated food evenly without cold spots or overcooked edges. The cheat sheet printed inside the lid makes it easy to select the right setting quickly.

Intuitive Auto-Touch Controls

The auto-touch control panel offers two convenient ways to open the drawer. You can either pull the easy-open handle or simply touch the control panel. The angled display makes it easy to read settings without bending over.

The number pad and quick-start buttons feel responsive. Press start once for one minute, twice for two minutes, and so on. The power level adjustment is straightforward, and the timer function works as expected.

What Needs Improvement

Professional Installation Required

Unlike countertop microwaves you can plug in yourself, the Sharp microwave drawer requires professional installation. This adds $500-1,500 to your total cost depending on your location and cabinetry modifications needed.

The installation involves precise cabinet cutouts, proper ventilation, and electrical work. For kitchen remodels, this is often factored into the overall budget. But for standalone upgrades, the installation cost makes this a much larger investment.

Potential Spilling Issues

The drawer mechanism introduces a spill risk that traditional microwaves don’t have. When the drawer slides in and out, liquids can slosh. The drawer moves slowly (about 4 seconds to open or close), which helps, but I still found myself being careful with full coffee mugs.

The solution is simple: don’t fill containers to the brim. But it’s something to be aware of, especially if you frequently reheat soups or beverages.

Documented Reliability Concerns

This is the most significant issue. Sharp microwave drawers have been the subject of a class action lawsuit over arcing and fire hazard concerns. The $114 million settlement covered units installed between 2009 and 2020.

Reports include buzzing sounds, sparking, burning smells, and in severe cases, smoking. While not all units experience these problems, the one-year standard warranty feels inadequate for a $1,200+ appliance. Sharp now offers an extended warranty specifically for arcing events through the settlement.

Slow Drawer Mechanism

The drawer opens and closes smoothly, but it takes about 4 seconds each way. For quick reheating tasks, this adds noticeable time to the process. Some users find this frustrating compared to pressing a door button on traditional microwaves.

For most cooking tasks, the delay is minor. But if you’re someone who values speed in the kitchen, it’s worth considering.

How It Compares

The microwave drawer market is relatively small, and Sharp dominates it. In fact, Sharp manufactures the core components for most competitors, even premium brands like Wolf, Thermador, and Monogram.

Sharp KB6524PSY vs Thermador MD24BS

The Thermador MD24BS retails around $2,399 but is essentially built by Sharp with premium branding. The main advantage is the gray glass finish and Thermador’s reputation. If you’re buying a full Thermador appliance package, rebates can bring the effective price down to $800-1,000, making it a strong value.

For standalone purchases, the Sharp KB6524PSY at $1,297 offers the same core functionality at nearly half the price.

Sharp KB6524PSY vs KitchenAid

KitchenAid’s microwave drawer offers panel-ready options that allow custom cabinet fronts for completely seamless integration. It’s built on Sharp’s technology platform but with KitchenAid’s design touches. Pricing starts around $1,200 and extends to $2,000 for premium configurations.

Choose KitchenAid if you want that fully integrated cabinet-matching look. Choose Sharp for the better value.

Sharp KB6524PSY vs ZLINE MWD-1-BS

ZLINE positions itself as “attainable luxury” with microwave drawers priced $200-400 below Sharp. The ZLINE offers 1,000 watts versus Sharp’s 950 watts and modern design aesthetics including fingerprint-resistant finishes.

However, user reports indicate reliability problems with ZLINE’s mechanical systems within the first few years. Given Sharp’s reliability concerns, trading one set of issues for another at a lower price may not be worth it.

Final Verdict

The Sharp KB6524PSY Microwave Drawer earns a 3.4 out of 5 rating. It’s a well-designed appliance that delivers on its core promise of space-saving, integrated kitchen aesthetics.

The 950-watt power, 1.2 cubic feet capacity, and sensor cook features work well for everyday reheating and cooking. The easy cleanup design and intuitive controls make daily use pleasant. For kitchen remodels prioritizing aesthetics, it’s a solid choice.

However, the documented reliability concerns and class action settlement over fire hazards are impossible to ignore. When you’re spending $1,300+ on an appliance that requires professional installation, you expect long-term reliability. The one-year standard warranty doesn’t inspire confidence.

If you’re committed to a drawer microwave and prioritize design over everything else, the Sharp KB6524PSY works well. But go in with eyes open about the potential reliability issues and factor installation costs into your budget.