Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with built-in microwaves lets you cook and reheat your food quickly and easily. GE offers a wide variety of styles, cooking technologies and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are placed behind cabinets or in recessing walls to give them a sleek and integrated appearance. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a well-loved appliance in the kitchen, however it can also take up valuable countertop space. There are a variety of clever ways to make the most of your counter space by moving the microwave to a different place, such as the kitchen island or by recessing it into the wall.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. Tucked away neatly above your stove, this option is particularly useful in kitchens with smaller spaces where space is limited. Furthermore some OTR models can double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which can be helpful in reducing steam buildup.
Another option to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design that blends in with the cabinetry. This can give you a sleek, integrated appearance that can be matched to the kitchen cabinets and fixtures in color, finish or style. It can also provide an elegant look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who prefer an uncluttered, clean appearance.
Installing a built-in Microwave might require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. You might be able depending on the layout of your home, to cut a hole in a wall to accommodate the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and strengthening. Built-in microwaves also require adequate ventilation to avoid overheating or damaging the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths in Chevy Chase, Maryland the minimum cabinet depth for a built-in oven is 15 inches. However certain manufacturers offer trim kits that give up to 1 1/2 inch of additional space for ventilation.
Another option that can be used to save space is a microwave with a drawer that can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting crushed.
The door design is an important factor to consider when choosing a compact microwave. Many manufacturers offer an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens with the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking process. Certain models feature a sleek, smooth exterior that is resistant to fingerprints for a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave over oven has a stylish design, easy to clean and convenient. They are typically placed at eye-level for easier access and come with turntables that make it easier to transfer food from one plate to the next. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that enhance their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology that converts ovens and a broiler element which can brown or crisp food items.
A built-in microwave on top of the oven will save counter space, and can also boost the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances may not be able to match. They can be set up either above your stove, or in a separate cabinet. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen, giving the appearance of a custom-designed appearance that demonstrates how much you've invested in your home and kitchen.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a broad variety of dimensions as well as power levels and features to suit any kitchen configuration. Install them underneath the counter in a drawers to create a more integrated appearance that fits snugly within the cabinetry. This requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their luxurious designs and top-of-the-line functions, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen and your cooking and entertaining experiences.
Although the built-in microwave over ovens are handy, they are not as versatile as the microwaves that stand on their own. Depending on where you install yours, it may require more space than other types of microwaves. They are also not as mobile, and you aren't able to easily alter the model if you need something else.
If you put your microwave above the range, you'll need a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this configuration. You'll need either a ducting option that directs smoke out to the outside or a ventilation system that recirculates air through the microwave into the house. For smaller kitchens think about a separate microwave built-in that can be incorporated into cabinets, walls or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens have numerous controls depending on the model you pick. The most common features are turntables, preset functions such as defrosting and reheating as well as 30 second buttons. Some models have child safety features to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which make the process of cooking food faster and simpler. This feature is useful for new cooks who aren't sure of the time to cook certain meals or for those who aren't comfortable with the specific cooking techniques that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a wide selection of built-in and over the-range microwaves that are designed to match the style and design of your other appliances to create an integrated look to your kitchen. There's a variety of stainless steel models, and black finishes to match the style of your kitchen. These premium microwaves are boldly designed to bring professional-inspired styles into your home, and they're made with high-quality materials for a longer lifespan.
Built-in microwaves, in contrast to countertop models, are installed in a fixed location of your kitchen cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom look. They typically use the same internal components as countertop models, with some exceptions. These models are available in a variety of sizes, and some are designed to be able to fit in smaller spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature a door which opens in a swing-out style from left to right or drop-down design.
Some over-the-range microwaves like those from Whirlpool(r) can also serve as vent hoods for your stove in the kitchen. They also have a built-in exhaust system to exhaust fumes outside and recirculate air. Some models come with a charcoal filter to eliminate moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the counter in the kitchen. They don't need venting or any special installation. This makes them an ideal choice for those who lease their homes or save money on costly changes to their kitchens. Some options also come with trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances, such as coffee pots, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves consume less energy to cook food and water than other cooking methods. They also consume less power than stovetops that are conventional because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid inside, rather than heating the air surrounding it. They can cook food quicker than conventional ovens. They can be placed in your lower or upper cabinets, and come with modern or retro styling to match any kitchen style.
In this supplemental notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will save consumers money on operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to periodically assess whether more stringent standards are technically feasible and economically justified and will yield significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to evaluate the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment and screening analysis as well as an engineering analysis and national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis calculates annual average microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. It forms the basis for the energy savings analyses and the other consumer analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data collected from a variety of regions. It also considers different patterns of microwave oven use in different households, as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To assess the impact of new or amended standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of purchasing and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are made using an algorithm for computer models that employs a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analyses.
In addition to the analysis of energy use and the LCC/PBP in this SNOPR contains an evaluation of the impact on the nation of new or amended standards using the NIA spreadsheet model. built in microwave ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or new standards in the form of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.