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Welcome to Reviews Inside TV! Today, we’re diving into the Summit 24” Built-In Microwave, specifically the MDR245SS model. This is a microwave designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, particularly in wall or cabinet spaces. If you’re looking for something sleek and efficient with a design that blends into your kitchen, this might be worth considering. But does it hold up in the real world? Let’s break it down.
The Summit MDR245SS is a built-in microwave with a 1.2 cu.ft. interior, which gives you enough space to heat larger dishes or even multi-serving meals. It’s designed for wall, cabinet, or island installation, fitting comfortably into 24-inch openings. One of the standout features is that it’s ADA compliant, provided it’s installed according to the guidelines. With 11 heat levels, this microwave allows you to fine-tune your cooking for everything from reheating leftovers to defrosting frozen goods. A melt and soften option is available for more delicate tasks like butter or chocolate. And with a handy one-touch 30-second addition button, it makes it easy to adjust cooking times on the fly. The defrost function is customizable, allowing you to defrost either by weight or time, and a defrost tray is included for convenience.
Now, onto the real-world experience. Setting up the Summit microwave is straightforward, but you will need professional installation since it’s built-in. Once it’s up and running, using it is a breeze. The sliding drawer design is a game-changer, offering easy access to your food without the hassle of opening and closing a door, which can be particularly useful when dealing with spills or hot containers. The top-loading mechanism might seem a bit odd at first, but it quickly becomes second nature, and the “open” and “close” buttons are intuitive and don’t require a lot of effort. Overall, it makes your kitchen feel more high-tech and streamlined.
When it comes to performance, the microwave heats food evenly and efficiently. The 11 heat levels offer a lot of versatility, especially when cooking different types of dishes. It’s great for simple tasks like reheating or defrosting, but you can also use the specialized settings to melt or soften foods that require more delicate handling. However, the 1.2 cu.ft. interior may feel a bit restrictive if you regularly cook for large families or need to heat multiple dishes at once, as it doesn’t quite match the larger capacities of some countertop models.
Let’s get into the pros and cons. Starting with the pros: the design is sleek and modern, and the sliding drawer system offers convenient access to food. It’s ADA compliant, which is great for those with accessibility needs. The 11 heat levels give you excellent control, and the defrost functions are highly adaptable. Additionally, it comes with a full warranty—1 year on parts and labor. On the downside, while the 1.2 cu.ft. interior is sufficient for most tasks, larger families or those with big cooking needs may find it limiting. Installation might be an issue for people who aren’t familiar with built-in models, as it requires precise measurements and professional help. The top-loading design, while innovative, can also be a little unconventional compared to traditional door-opening microwaves.
As for value for money, this microwave is priced competitively for a built-in model. You’re paying for a sleek design, excellent cooking performance, and ADA compliance, but there are other built-in models with larger capacities at similar price points. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on your kitchen setup and your specific needs. If you’re looking for a built-in microwave that blends seamlessly into a modern, accessible kitchen, this could be a solid choice.
When comparing it to other similar built-in microwaves, the Summit MDR245SS holds its ground in terms of features. Some competitors offer larger capacities or more advanced technology, but not all have the smooth sliding drawer feature, which is a big plus. Its simplicity can also be an advantage for those who don’t need overly complex settings or extra functions that some pricier models offer.
Now, let’s talk about build quality. The Summit MDR245SS feels solid and well-made. The stainless steel finish is sleek and should fit into most modern kitchen designs. The sliding drawer mechanism operates smoothly, and the overall construction is sturdy. As far as longevity goes, while we don’t have long-term data, the brand has a reputation for producing reliable kitchen appliances, so you can likely expect this microwave to serve you well over time.
If you haven’t had to interact with customer support yet, the good news is Summit Appliances offers a full 1-year warranty on parts and labor. While I haven’t had to use their support for this model, Summit’s reputation suggests that if anything were to go wrong within that period, you’d likely get prompt assistance.
If you’re considering alternatives, there are definitely some options out there, especially from brands like Whirlpool, GE, and KitchenAid. Many of these offer larger capacities, but they may not have the same design features or ADA compliance. If you don’t necessarily need the built-in functionality, you can also find powerful countertop microwaves at a lower cost with similar performance, though they won’t have the same sleek, integrated feel.
So, what’s the final verdict? The Summit 24” Built-In Microwave is a solid choice for those looking for a sleek, space-saving microwave that delivers good performance and accessibility. Its build quality is impressive, and the sliding drawer is a feature that stands out in the market. While its capacity may not be ideal for larger families or those who need to heat large dishes regularly, it works well for most everyday tasks. If you value a built-in design and ADA compliance, it’s definitely worth considering. However, if you need something more spacious or packed with extra features, there are other models that might better suit your needs.
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