Microwave Oven with HA integration options - US market

Hardware
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As I need to replace my appliances, I’d prefer to buy ones that integrate with Home Assistant, whether they offer full control or just expose useful sensors. Controlling a microwave via voice with “100 Alexa commands” (see model linked below) is probably more of a marketing gimmick than a real benefit, since you still have to interact with the food anyway. But I’d still rather have the option than not, and I’m sure I’ll find some interesting ways to use the smart features.

1.4 cu.ft. Alexa-Enabled Inverter Microwave, 1200W

Smart options have recently improved, but are still quite limited. Most are for “over-the-range” models or built-ins that open like regular ovens. I am replacing a countertop model that is built-in via a 30 inch (76cm) trim kit. While it appears the model above has no compatible trim kit, Panasonic is insane if they think I would by a ~$300-500 trim kit “frame” for a ~$330 microwave.

A nice built-in one I found is:

KitchenAid KMBT730SPS - Built-In More-in-One Convection Microwave Oven

However this one would likely require some modification to the kitchen cabinet, and the internal cavity of the microwave is more or less half of my current one making it significantly less versatile.

Whirlpool has a seemingly identical model for a lower price… but obviously has same issues:

Whirlpool WMBT7030SZ - 30-inch Built-In Smart Multifunctional Microwave Oven with Air Fry - 1,000 watts

Surprisingly Samsung only has a single smart countertop microwave… and it is a 100% no go for me.

Samsung Countertop Microwave MC12DB8700CKAA

LG has nothing as well… or maybe this model that only has “Smart Diagnosis” features - whatever that means (but probably quite useless):

LG MSER2090D - 2.0 cu. ft. NeoChef™ Countertop Microwave with Smart Inverter and Sensor Cooking

To complicate matters, I also need to replace the conventional oven, which sits right below the microwave. Aesthetically, it would be best if the two matched, so it may make more sense to focus on finding a suitable smart oven (the more useful upgrade) and then choose whatever “smart-ish” microwave the same vendor offers. Also, if both are smart, it’s best for them to be from the same vendor so they can be managed through the same app (local here is probably just a dream).

Since I’m looking for products available in the US market, I’m hoping others in the US can share their research and recommendations. I’d especially appreciate feedback on microwaves, but ovens are also relevant since many of the “nice-to-have” features (e.g., air fry) overlap. That way, I can choose a better oven and go more basic on the microwave.

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Have you bought any smart microwave?

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I ended up buying a GE Profile PCWK22U1 microwave that has GE SmartHQ app support.

As a microwave it works well, but the “smart” features are limited by risk adverse lawyers. In other words, remote control is only possible if the door was opened/closed within a short period of time. While I understand the reasoning, it bothers me that this limitation is being imposed without opt out. Anyway, between what GE gives you access to (see below), and the smart outlet I am using for power usage, I at least have the basics in HA.

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What annoys me the most is that my late 2014 model had a hidden key combination to disable the annoying beeping… while this 202X model does not. Also, my old Whirlpool could be set to 24h, and this one can’t. If I turn off the time display, it randomly turns it back on. This product is half baked… hmmm… half microwaved.

For roughly $800 (microwave plus frame to make it look “built-in”), I was hoping for a more polished product. How can you mess up a microwave !!! Other example? It has a button dedicated to WIFI which you only need the first time you set it up… WHY??? Why not have a button with a custom pre-programmed time instead? (ie: my coffee mug warms up just right at 1m 15s)

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Welcome to the world of GE appliances. I recently closed on a new house and the builder’s appliance packages are all GE. Even after we paid for a premium for the upgraded GE models, I’m still not thrilled with them. They all have limitations and quirks. In the past I’m used to buying “best of breed” for every appliance (mix and match brands). I sure do miss my Bosch dishwasher…

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@JohnBeMe - After many years repairing a premium KitchenAid dishwasher (last fix was to replace connectors on the main board as they were beyond roasted causing random errors), I settled on a Bosch 800 series. As soon as my KitchenAid gives me one more reason to kick it to the curb, I am getting a Bosch.

Good to know on GE… I was tempted by the GE oven with the large LCD display (7000 series? can’t recall). I’ll do more in depth research.

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I had a Bosch 800 series. Quiet, efficient, great interior layout.

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