If you like the looks of a streamlined kitchen and countertop appliances that aren’t your style, a built-in microwave with a trim kit could be just right.
From all brands out there, Panasonic sets itself apart thanks to its product quality and affordable price tags. Panasonic microwave trim kits are also available in a variety of styles and finishes.
So, what is the best Panasonic microwave with a trim kit? I spent hours on end testing and installing built-in microwaves and trim kits from the brand so that you don’t have to. Read on to find the best Panasonic microwave with a trim kit for you.
What is a Microwave With a Trim Kit?
A microwave with a trim kit is a built-in-compatible microwave that comes with a frame and pedestal combo (trim kit) designed to give the built-in appliance a streamlined appearance. In fact, the trim kit adds the final touch when designing your kitchen.
Trim kits are generally used with countertop microwaves with built-in capability. In other words, the microwave is designed for countertop use, but you can integrate it into your kitchen cabinets or a wall with a trim kit.
Is a Microwave Trim kit Necessary?
A trim kit is only necessary if you want to convert a countertop microwave into a built-in appliance. In this case, the trim kit is necessary for airflow and design purposes.
However, when choosing your microwave and trim kit combo, you should pay attention to the type of microwave that you want to buy – not all countertop microwaves suit a built-in installation.
A trim kit is generally not necessary if your microwave is specifically manufactured for a built-in installation. These appliances have the standard width of a built-in oven (27 or 30 inches) and incorporate vents and fans that ensure airflow.
How do I Choose a Microwave Trim Kit?
Choosing a microwave trim kit seems challenging, but the process is easier than you think. There are a few essential things to take into account, though:
Trim kit size
The trim kit size refers to its width. Standard trim kits come in two sizes: 27 and 30 inches. However, you can find trim kits designed to fit smaller microwaves.
When choosing the right size, consider the size of the microwave opening of your cabinet or the width of your wall oven if you want to install the appliances one on top of the other inside a tall cabinet.
Microwave compatibility
One thing to keep in mind is that each built-in countertop microwave is compatible with a specific trim kit model.
Trim kits designed for different microwaves may not match your specific model due to differences in the oven’s face and frame size and design. For this reason, you should make sure the microwave and trim kit match before investing your hard-earned money.
Material
Trim kits can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, wood, or acrylic. Stainless steel and aluminum generally match the oven’s frame.
Wood or acrylic are excellent choices if you want the trim kit to match the design of your kitchen cabinets rather than the oven.
Panasonic Microwave With Trim Kit
1. Panasonic NN-SN966S Microwave Oven with TK922SS 27-inch Trim Kit
If you’re on the market for a family-sized Panasonic microwave with a trim kit, the NN-SN966S microwave can fit the bill. It has a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet and is large enough to cook a whole turkey at a time.
This built-in countertop model is compatible with two trim kits from Panasonic – a 27-inch and a 30-inch one. I prefer it with the 27-inch trim kit that gives the oven a streamlined appearance without looking too thick.
Made of stainless steel, the trim kit fits the microwave’s polished finish beautifully. The lack of a handle also makes this microwave perfect for a built-in installation, either on its own or above a wall oven. To open the door, all you have to do is push a button.
Why I love it
Intuitive operation
Some microwaves are challenging to use, but not the Panasonic NN-SN966S. Its intuitive keypad makes operation a cinch, even if you’ve never used a microwave before. A sensor cook with 14 preset cooking functions and ten power levels (up to 1,250 watts) also makes it easy to cook or reheat whatever you want.
Popcorn function
Finding the sweet settings for microwave popcorn is often a nightmare, but with this microwave, you’ll never have to worry about movie night snacks again. The dedicated popcorn button has three levels for different size bags.
Keep warm feature
How many times did you finish cooking before your other family members got home from work? Reheating food can be annoying, but you can keep the dishes warm with this microwave. Obviously, you can also use the appliance to reheat leftovers for lunch the next day.
Easy built-in installation
Panasonic NN-SN966S‘s trim kit makes built-in installation a breeze. The NN-TK922S trim kit comes with all tools needed for installation, including a measuring tape and pencil.
What could be better
Keypad design
Overall, I love this microwave’s keypad. The panel is intuitive and easy to use. However, its design could be improved. The buttons are smallish and look rather old.
Trim kit compatibility
When looking for a family-sized microwave, you may notice that Panasonic manufactures this high-capacity model in two variants. The trim kit is only compatible with the keypad model I reviewed. If you like control panels with a dial, the trim kit won’t fit properly.
2. Panasonic HomeChef NN-CD87KS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with NN-TK81KCS Trim Kit
Panasonic HomeChef may not have our top choice’s power and capacity, but it is an excellent choice for those living in small apartments. The 4-in-1 functionality combines the benefits of a convection oven with those of a microwave and beyond.
Not only can you use it for cooking microwaved dishes or for baking, but you can also broil or air fry a variety of foods.
The 24-inch trim kit has the same sleek design as the microwave. Both the appliance and the trim are made of stainless steel and have the same finish. Another thing that I like is the lack of vents on the trim’s front. Undeniably, an excellent combo for a small yet contemporary kitchen.
Why I love it
Functionality
Whether you’re a young professional living in a studio apartment or a student sharing your accommodation with roommates, there are instances when finding kitchen space for a wall oven, and a built-in microwave is impossible. That’s where this 4-in-1 microwave steps in. Use it for baking, broiling, air frying, and microwaving foods.
Smart cooking power
Lots of microwave functions give this appliance even more value. The smart settings make it easy to defrost, reheat, cook, or keep dishes warm.
Streamlined look
The contemporary design makes this microwave oven a stylish addition to your kitchen. The stainless steel finish and minimalist control panel enhance the visual appeal. The trim kit maintains the same streamlined look.
Silent mode
Microwaves are loud appliances that could wake up a baby. The HomeChef has a silent mode that allows you to deactivate its beeping at the end of the cooking cycle. Moreover, you can set a smart safety lock to keep young hands from operating the appliance.
What could be better
Capacity
While this oven is an excellent choice for singles and couples, it may not suit families who live in houses with a small kitchen. The 1.2 cubic feet could be enough to fit in a smaller chicken but too small for a turkey. Quite disappointing considering that you’d get this appliance to avoid buying both a microwave and an oven.
Trim kit installation instructions
This microwave and trim kit combo is well-built and durable, but the installation instructions are awful. A bit more clarity would be expected from the brand.
3. Panasonic NN-SN67KS Compact Microwave Oven with Panasonic NN-TK621SS 27-inch Trim Kit
If you don’t mind a smaller capacity but need more power, the Panasonic NN-SN67KS Compact Microwave Oven could suit your needs. Similar to the HomeChef, it has a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, but it is almost as powerful as the NN-SN966S, its power reaching 1,200 watts.
You won’t get an oven and microwave in one, but the 16 preset cooking options make this microwave incredibly versatile.
Designed for countertop or built-in installation, it is compatible with a 27-inch stainless steel trim kit from the brand. It may not be as compact as the HomeChef, but the 27-inch wide trim kit makes it easy to integrate into standard kitchen cabinets.
Why I love it
Auto and manual controls
While I all love preset cooking functions and automatic time and temperature control, nothing beats manual controls when your food isn’t cooked quite to your liking. With this microwave, you can start a cooking cycle with a touch of a button when you’re in a hurry or fine-tune the settings for more elaborate dishes.
Inverter technology
Like the other microwaves that have made it to our list, this one boasts Panasonic’s signature inverter technology that allows for turbo defrost, as well as even cooking and heating.
Airflow
The compatible Panasonic microwave trim kit features top and bottom vents that ensure proper airflow. Thus, you won’t have to worry about the microwave overheating or its motor breaking due to a lack of aeration.
What could be better
Mounting kit
The trim kit’s mounting kit is poorly designed and may require some adaptation. However, it is of good quality and looks great once installed.
No “one-button” start
One of this unit’s drawbacks is that all cooking options require you to press at least two buttons. This could be annoying if you’re used to microwaves with a quick start 30-second sensor cooking button.
Panasonic Microwave with Trim Kit – FAQs
Can I Put a Countertop Microwave in a Built-in Microwave slot?
You can put a countertop microwave in a built-in microwave slot, but only if the manufacturer recommends a built-in installation.
The easiest way to tell is by checking the appliance’s user manual. If your countertop microwave was built for built-in installation, you’d likely be able to find a compatible trim kit on the market – unless the oven is old, in which case you may want to buy a new microwave with a trim kit.
How to Install a Panasonic Microwave Trim Kit?
Panasonic microwave trim kits generally include all necessary assembly pieces. With that in mind, here’s how to install it.
1. Following the instructions that come with your trim kit, take off the back of the microwave and mount the top duct. Mount the back cover into its place, then install the left duct. Secure the ducts with a piece of tape.
2. Check that the measurements of the cabinet slot comply with the dimensions required in your microwave’s or trim kit’s manual.
3. Attach the base brackets to the cabinet with the screws and screwdriver provided in the kit.
4. Insert the catch into each bracket, then the four strikes into the trim frame.
5. Install the microwave by attaching its legs to each of the four catches you installed earlier. When the microwave is secured, proceed to install the trim by attaching it to the four strikes. Press on each of the corners until you hear a clicking sound. That’s it.
Conclusion
A Panasonic microwave with a trim kit is an excellent choice for a modern home. Not only will it give your kitchen a more contemporary look, but it also helps you save space on the countertop. I hope this guide can help you pick the right model for you.
