Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven allows you to cook and heat food quickly and easily. GE offers a variety of designs, cooking techniques and control options to fit your kitchen setup.
Built-in microwaves are placed behind cabinets or in recessed walls to give them a sleek and integrated look. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a popular appliance in the kitchen, but can also occupy valuable countertop space. There are plenty of smart ways to free up countertop space by moving the microwave to a different place, such as an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. Hidden away beneath your stove, this model can be especially useful in smaller kitchens where space is at a premium. Certain OTR models can also function as an air vent for your cooktop. This can help to reduce the amount of steam that builds up.
Another space-saving solution is to install a built-in microwave which blends seamlessly into your cabinetry. This option provides an elegant, integrated look that will match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in finish, color, or style. It can also create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is great for homeowners who want an uncluttered and clean look.
However installing a built-in microwave might require a professional installation or renovation of your kitchen. It is possible depending on the layout of your house to cut a hole in a wall to install the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and support. In addition, microwaves with built-ins require adequate ventilation to avoid overheating and damage the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti, vice president of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths in Chevy Chase, Maryland, the minimum cabinet depth for a built-in microwave is approximately 15 inches, however some manufacturers provide trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space for ventilation.
A third space-saving option is a drawer-style microwave which can be set up below your countertop or inside an island. This design is easily accessible, suitable for all and requires less counter space. It also helps to prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting knocked over.
The door's design is an important factor to consider when choosing a compact microwave. Many manufacturers offer a swing-out, drop-down or slide-out door that opens in the same motion as other kitchen appliances to allow you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models also have a smooth and sleek exterior that wards off fingerprints for a cleaner, more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave over oven offers an attractive design, easy to clean and convenient. Unlike countertop models, they're typically placed at the eye level for easy access and can be equipped with turntables that reduce the need to constantly shift food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that improve their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology that converts ovens and a broiler element that can crisp or brown food items.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave over oven can also boost your home's value and appeal by providing a high-end look that other appliances may not be able to match. The microwaves can be placed on top of your stove or in a separate cabinet. They blend seamlessly into the kitchen to give it a tailored appearance that shows how much you've put in your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a wide range of sizes as well as power levels and features to suit any kitchen configuration. They can be placed under your counter with a drawer design to give a more cohesive look that fits snugly into your cabinetry and requires no extra space. These microwaves, with their premium designs and top-of-the-line functions will enhance the look of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While microwaves built into ovens are useful, they are not as versatile as the microwaves that stand alone. They may require more space for your microwave to function, based on where it is installed. They are also not as portable, and you cannot easily change the model if you need something different.
If you decide to put your microwave over your range, then you'll require a bigger space in your kitchen to allow for the ventilation required by this arrangement. You'll either need a ducting option that directs smoke out to the outside or a recirculating venting system that pulls air from the microwave into the home. Consider a built-in microwave to a small kitchen. It can be mounted on a wall, cabinet or even an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves have a wide range of controls based on the model. Some features include turntables presets such as defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons that can last for up to 30 seconds. Certain models come with child safety features to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves also have pre-made recipes and cooking times that make the process of preparing meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for new cooks who aren't sure how long to cook certain foods or for those who aren't comfortable with the specific cooking methods that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that are designed to match your other appliances with style and design to create a seamless look. Choose from stainless steel or black finishes that will match any kitchen. Best built in microwaves are boldly designed to bring professional-inspired styles into your home, and they're made with high-quality materials for a longer lifespan.
In contrast to countertop models, built-in microwaves are installed into a fixed space in the kitchen cabinets or walls for a sleek, custom appearance. They generally use the same components inside as countertop models, but with some exceptions. They come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to fit in a compact space, and their exteriors may feature a door that opens either in a left-to right swing-out or drop-down fashion.
Certain microwaves that are over the range, like the ones made by Whirlpool(r), can also be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built in to vent fumes outdoors and recirculate air. Some microwaves have charcoal filters that get rid of moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter in the kitchen. They don't require venting or any special installation. This makes them an ideal option for those who lease their homes or want to avoid expensive modifications to their kitchens. Certain models include trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances such as coffee makers and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves consume less energy to cook food and water than other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid inside, rather than heating the air surrounding it. This means that they can cook food much faster than a conventional oven. They can be installed in your upper or lower cabinets, and come with modern or retro styling to fit any kitchen design.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for micro-wave ovens which will help consumers save money on operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether more stringent standards are technically feasible and economically justified and will yield significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and findings to assess the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment as well as a screening analysis, an engineering analysis and national impacts analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in households from a representative sample. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings assessments and the other consumer analysis in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data from various regions, and takes into account the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens in different households and the variations in the regional electricity prices.
To evaluate the effects of new or amended standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses in order to estimate the cost over time of purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency level. The LCC and PBP calculations utilize an algorithm that is based on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate variations and uncertainty into the analysis.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses in this SNOPR includes an analysis of the national impacts of amended or new standards using the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy saving from a potential amended or new standard in the form of savings on energy consumption at the site and FFC savings.