Let's be real for a second. Most microwaves are eyesores. They’re these clunky, industrial boxes that we try to hide in a pantry or tuck away in a dark corner of the kitchen. But then the beautiful by drew microwave showed up on the scene, and suddenly, people are actually looking at their appliances again.
It’s stylish. It’s matte. It has those signature gold accents that Drew Barrymore’s line, created with Made by Gather, is famous for. But is it actually a good microwave, or is it just a pretty face that’s going to let you down when you’re just trying to heat up a bowl of chili at 11 PM? Honestly, after looking at the specs and the real-world feedback from people who use this thing every day, the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.
The Aesthetic Obsession vs. Reality
You've probably seen it on social media. The "White Icing" or "Cornflower Blue" finish looks incredible in a staged kitchen. The beautiful by drew microwave isn't just about the colors, though; it’s about the "touch-activated" display. When it's off, the interface basically disappears. It’s sleek. It’s modern.
But here’s what most people get wrong: they think "modern" means "simpler."
Actually, some users find the interface a bit of a learning curve. There’s no physical dial or chunky buttons. Everything is a tap. And while it looks high-end, you might find yourself tapping a few extra times just to get a simple 30-second heat-up going. It’s a 1000-watt machine, which is standard for a mid-sized 1.1 cubic foot model, but the way it handles that power is where the "Sensor Cook" technology comes in.
Technical Specs at a Glance
- Power: 1000 Watts
- Capacity: 1.1 Cubic Feet (The "Goldilocks" size—not too small for a dinner plate, not too big for the counter)
- Turntable: 12.4-inch glass plate
- Presets: 15 digital functions
- Finish: Soft matte with gold-toned hardware
Why This Microwave is Polarizing
There is a weird divide in the reviews for this thing. On one hand, you have people who swear by it because it finally makes their kitchen feel "curated." On the other, you have home cooks who get frustrated by the "Silence Mode."
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Wait, did I mention the silence?
This is actually a huge selling point for some. You can turn off the beeping. No more "BEEP BEEP BEEP" waking up the whole house when your popcorn is done. But—and this is a big "but"—some users have reported that the touch-pad can be finicky. Sometimes it requires a firm press; other times a light tap. It’s a bit like a temperamental smartphone.
Then there's the "Er81" error code. If you spend any time on Reddit or appliance forums, you’ll see this pop up. It’s a glitch that seems to happen to a subset of units after about a year of use. The fix? Usually, it's the classic "unplug it and plug it back in" maneuver, but for a microwave that costs more than the budget brands, people expect a bit more longevity.
How it Actually Cooks
Is it better than a $70 basic unit? In terms of heating logic, yes. The Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat functions are designed to detect steam. Basically, the microwave "feels" how much moisture is coming off your food and adjusts the time so you don't end up with a rubbery chicken breast or a literal lava-filled pizza roll.
When it works, it’s brilliant. You hit a button and walk away.
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However, some folks have complained that it feels a bit slower than other 1000-watt models. This might be due to how the sensor cycles the power to avoid hotspots. If you're used to a microwave that just blasts everything at 100% until it's charcoal, this one might feel a little "gentle" to you.
The Durability Question
Honestly, we have to talk about the "rust" reports. A handful of long-term owners have mentioned seeing spots of rust near the back vents or under the turntable after a year or two. This usually happens if you're a "heavy steamer"—meaning you do a lot of veggies or boiling water and don't wipe out the condensation afterward.
Because the housing is metal with a matte finish, it’s a bit more sensitive to trapped moisture than a cheap plastic-lined unit. If you buy this, you've got to be the kind of person who is okay with a quick 5-second wipe-down after use. If you’re the "set it and forget it" type who leaves the door closed for three hours after heating soup, you might see some wear and tear sooner than you'd like.
Comparing the Options
When you’re looking at the beautiful by drew microwave, you’re usually choosing between:
- The Aesthetic Choice: You want the Sage Green or the Rose because it matches your toaster and air fryer.
- The Utility Choice: You just want something that works and don't care if it looks like it's from 1994.
If you’re in the first camp, there isn’t really a competitor that looks this good for under $150. Brands like Smeg or Haden are beautiful, sure, but they’ll cost you double or triple the price for basically the same internal hardware. Drew’s line occupies that "affordable luxury" space that makes it very tempting for a kitchen refresh.
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Practical Steps for Owners
If you've decided that the style is worth the trade-offs, there are a few things you can do to make sure this microwave lasts longer than the warranty.
Wipe the interior regularly.
Don't let steam sit in there. After you heat something up, leave the door cracked for a minute or give it a quick swipe with a dry cloth. This prevents that "rusting" issue that people complain about.
Learn the "Hold" functions.
The clock and the child lock usually require a 3 to 5-second hold. People often think the buttons are broken when they’re actually just designed to be "toddler-proof." Be patient with the sensor buttons.
Check your clearance.
This is a countertop unit. Don't shove it into a tight cabinet without at least a few inches of breathing room on the sides and back. It needs to vent that heat, or the internal components will cook themselves before your food does.
Keep the manual (or a PDF of it).
If you ever see that "Er81" code, don't panic. Usually, a hard reset (unplugging for 10 minutes) clears the logic board. If it keeps happening, that's when you reach out to the "Made by Gather" customer service team, which has been fairly responsive to users lately.
The beautiful by drew microwave isn't a professional-grade kitchen beast meant for a restaurant. It’s a lifestyle piece. It’s for the person who wants a kitchen that feels like a sanctuary, not a cafeteria. It has its quirks—like the touch interface and the moisture sensitivity—but for the price point, it offers a level of design that was previously impossible to find at a big-box retailer. Just treat it a little more gently than your old college microwave, and it should serve you just fine.