Have you ever felt that kitchens are getting smaller?

Even though we are a country of food lovers, the average kitchen area is around 6 square meters. Coupled with the inevitable “the more you use it, the smaller it gets” law, expanding the kitchen space is urgent.

Many people choose multifunctional built-in kitchen appliances to “expand” their kitchen space, such as the currently popular microwave-steam-bake integrated machine. However, is a built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machine necessarily better than a countertop one?

@Designer Feng Qingwa

What do you think? Anyway, I don’t agree, whether to choose built-in or countertop depends on your actual situation and needs.

They each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing built-in or countertop still depends on whether it fits or not. I have summarized the following 8 points for your reference.

Budget

Generally speaking, built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machines are significantly more expensive than countertop ones. To buy a decent built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machine, you basically need a budget of four to five thousand, but if it’s a countertop one, two to three thousand is enough.

You can buy a countertop microwave-steam-bake integrated machine for under a thousand, but if it’s a built-in one, it will cost around two thousand at least.

Entry-level microwave-steam-bake integrated machine screenshot

Space Occupation

The conclusion is obvious: in terms of space utilization, built-in>countertop.

However, it is worth mentioning that built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machines do not create space out of thin air. To be precise, they do not occupy valuable countertop space and maximize the reasonable use of vertical space, but they still take up cabinet space.

🍠@看把钝刀烦的…（Built-in）

🍠@盐眠Yoga～（Countertop）

Number of Family Members

Built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machines generally have a capacity of 45-60L, while countertop ones usually have 20-30L, with the former being significantly larger. A larger capacity means you can cook more food at once, improving overall cooking efficiency.

So if you are single or a couple, a countertop one is sufficient, as it offers better overall value.

🍠 @kk分享家

If you particularly enjoy cooking, have a large family, or frequently host gatherings, it is advisable to choose a built-in model, as it can cook multiple dishes at once and serve food quickly.

🍠 @Fancy温温

Convenience of Installation

Countertop microwave-steam-bake integrated machines have no installation issues and can be used immediately after purchase, emphasizing convenience and flexibility. However, built-in models require careful planning of installation location and dimensions, cabinet material selection, and whether the plumbing and electrical positions are suitable. In short, it’s a matter of “one thing affects the whole”.

Although it sounds tedious, most reliable major brands now offer free installation and modification services (subject to actual conditions, special cases may incur a fee).

Cleaning

Anyone who has cooked knows that cleaning up afterward is the most annoying part. The built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machine has only one exposed side, so you only need to clean one side, making it particularly convenient. In contrast, the countertop model has at least three exposed sides, which may accumulate dust over time and require more effort to clean.

Additionally, the built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machine is integrated with the cabinet, so it is only used for cooking and won’t create additional cleaning needs due to other factors. However, the countertop model is more flexible in placement and movement, which means you might accidentally place something on it that could get dirty faster.

🍠@冠霖霖baby

🍠@望🐷石

Appearance

Built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machines often have a simple design, with black being the most common color, followed by white, and rarely other colors, making them blend seamlessly with various kitchen styles. Countertop models, on the other hand, have a richer variety of colors.

Compared to countertop models, built-in ones give a particularly clean and tidy impression once installed. If you pursue this “minimalist” countertop effect, choose built-in. If you prefer a more vibrant countertop space (some may find this more homely), then go for countertop.

🍠@冠霖霖baby

By the way, today at 4 PM in the home 🍠 live broadcast room, there will be many excellent home appliances, including various kitchen appliances. Interested friends can join the group to learn more~

Seeing this, some might say, I still think the built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machine is better and more suitable for me. But how exactly should I choose? I have organized a step-by-step guide for you.

Look at the Brand

When buying home appliances, I usually prioritize big brands and recommend everyone to do the same. Unlike other products, home appliances carry safety risks, and big brands offer more safety guarantees. After all, building a good reputation is not easy, and they generally won’t destroy their own brand.

Especially for built-in appliances, you should choose a big brand. Not to mention safety, the installation and after-sales service of built-in appliances are particularly important. Strong brands often have better supporting services, avoiding hidden charges for installation and after-sales service issues.

Big brand detail page screenshot

Look at the Capacity

I mentioned earlier that built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machines generally have larger capacities than countertop ones, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t smaller options. There are also small capacity products around 20-30L; and particularly large ones above 70L; the most common ones are 45L-60L.

Unless there are special circumstances, I recommend that ordinary households choose 50-60L as it can meet the cooking needs for larger ingredients, like whole fish or whole chicken, and allows cooking multiple dishes at once without causing serious capacity waste.

🍠@Cherry小圆圆呦

Look at the Inner Liner Material

While we talked about external cleaning earlier, internal cleaning is even more important for those who cook. When choosing a built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machine, the inner liner material should be easy to clean and not prone to hiding dirt. It is recommended to choose integrated enamel liners.

In addition to being easy to clean, enamel liners do not rust or yellow over time like stainless steel ones, and they can be cleaned with a scouring pad without fear of scratching.

Look at the Core Functions

What do you worry about the most when buying such multifunctional appliances? Personally, I worry that although the various functions sound appealing, they may not perform well in practice. Not to mention 1+1+1>3, even achieving 1+1+1=3 is a challenge. Therefore, when choosing a built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machine, you must check whether the core functions are professional.

First, for the microwave function, make sure to choose inverter microwaves. Compared to fixed-frequency microwaves, inverter microwaves can adjust power for different ingredients, providing more precise temperature control, even heating, and saving energy. For instance, when reheating leftovers, fixed-frequency microwaves may take a long time and still leave some parts cold, while inverter microwaves can heat them thoroughly in just a minute.

For steaming, choose double-hole direct injection models, as they are superior to single-hole direct injection and steaming types. They can generate steam quickly and produce a large volume of steam, providing higher heating efficiency, ensuring even heating of food without mixing flavors, and preventing excessive water accumulation, resulting in better texture and more nutrition retention.

For baking, focus on the heating tubes and fans. Choose models with top and bottom heating tubes + rear hot air. The so-called rear hot air refers to a combination of a rear heating tube and a fan, which is more effective than two small fans. A large fan configuration can provide sufficient heat and ensure that heat reaches every corner of the cavity evenly, allowing for quicker and more beautiful browning during baking, resulting in a crispier texture.

Look at Additional Functions

Generally, multifunctional integrated machines have many additional functions, such as microwave assistance, steam assistance, compound cooking, smart linkage, smart menus, long-lasting warmth, and sterilization. My advice is that less is more; useful features are better. Choose the ones you will actually use.

For example, if your parents cook often, choose a model with a large touch screen interface, as a big screen with rich visuals is more convenient for the elderly to operate.

🍠@张小豆

Look at the Water Tank

I recommend choosing an external water tank over an internal one. If you need to add water midway, an external tank allows you to do so without interrupting cooking, thus preserving cooking time and effectiveness. It’s also very easy to clean. The water tank capacity should be above 1L to avoid frequent refills.

🍠@看把钝刀烦的…

In SummaryChoose a built-in microwave-steam-bake integrated machine from a big brand; with a capacity of 50-60L; featuring an integrated enamel liner; with inverter microwave, double-hole direct injection steam, and top and bottom heating tubes + rear hot air; and additional functions that are useful; and an external water tank with a capacity of at least 1L.

@Designer Li Danong

By the way, I would like to know: Do you currently use a microwave-steam-bake integrated machine? Is it built-in or countertop? Do you recommend it or have complaints? Share with me in the comments!

Additionally, friends in need of home appliances and kitchen appliances should not miss the live broadcast at 4 PM today in the home 🍠 live broadcast room~ In addition to a wide variety of excellent home appliances (including kitchen appliances), there are also various home goods. Join the group to learn more about the live broadcast information~