Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven helps you cook and heat food quickly and easily. GE offers a wide range of styles, cooking technology and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into outlets, while built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or between cabinets for an elegant, integrated look. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a popular appliance in the kitchen, but it can also occupy valuable countertop space. There are plenty of smart ways to make the most of your countertop space by moving your microwave to a different place, such as a kitchen island or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most popular choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. This model is conveniently hidden under the stove is particularly helpful in small kitchens with small space. Furthermore some OTR models can double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which is helpful in reducing steam buildup.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry can make space. This gives you a sleek, integrated appearance that can be matched to your kitchen's cabinets and fixtures in finish, color or style. It can also give an overall look that is more minimalist in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who want a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However installing a built-in microwave could require a professional installation or remodel of your kitchen. Depending on the layout of your home you may be able to cut out a space within a wall to accommodate the appliance, however, this requires adequate framing and support, which should be left to professionals. Built-in microwaves also require adequate ventilation to avoid overheating and damaging 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 around 15 inches. However, certain manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a drawer-style microwave which can be set up under your counter or inside an island. It is accessible and suitable for all and requires less counter space. It can also prevent hot dishes or containers falling off the edge or being thrown down.
The design of the door is a final consideration when choosing a space-saving microwavable. Many manufacturers offer the option of a swing-out, drop-down, or slide-out door that opens using the same motion as other kitchen appliances to allow you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking routine. Certain models feature a smooth, sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints for an attractive and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves that are built into ovens look attractive, practical, and easy to clean. They are usually placed near the eye level to make it easier to access and are equipped with turntables that make it easier to move food from one plate to the next. Additionally, built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that improve functionality, such as EasyConvection oven conversion technology and broiling elements that allow you to cook or brown food items.
A built-in microwave over the oven will save counter space and increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. The microwaves can be placed either above your stove, or in a separate cupboard. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen, giving it a tailored appearance that demonstrates how much you've invested in your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a vast range of dimensions as well as power levels and features to suit any kitchen configuration. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to create a more integrated appearance that can be easily integrated into existing cabinets. This requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their high-end designs and top-of-the-line functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen as well as your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built in microwave over oven is obvious however, you should be aware that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. They may require more space for your microwave to function, based on where it is installed. Similarly, they aren't as portable, and you won't be able to easily switch out the model to a new one if you want something different.
If you place your microwave above the range, you'll require an additional kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this configuration. You'll need either a ducting system that carries smoke outside or a recirculating ventilation system that draws air through the microwave and into the home. For a smaller kitchen, consider an additional built-in microwave that can be incorporated into the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with numerous controls, depending on the model you select. The most common features are turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating as well as 30 second buttons. Certain models include safety features for children to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which make the process of making food faster and simpler. This feature is useful for new cooks that are unsure of how long to cook certain foods or who aren't familiar with the 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 finish of your other appliances to create an integrated look to your kitchen. Choose from stainless steel and black finishes that will match any 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.
Unlike models for countertop use built-in microwaves are inserted into a fixed space in the kitchen cabinets or walls for a sleek, custom appearance. The internal components are generally similar to traditional countertop models, with some exceptions. They come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to fit into a smaller space, and their exteriors may include a door that opens either in a left-to right swing-out or drop-down manner.
Certain microwaves in the range, like those made by Whirlpool(r), can also be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system that is built-in to let fumes out and recirculate the air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter to remove odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models can be placed on your counter top and do not require venting hookups or special installation which makes them a great option for rental homes or those who want to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Certain models have trim kits that can be used to close the gap between a microwave and other countertop appliances, such as toaster ovens, coffee pots or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to heat water and food than other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves concentrate their energy on the liquid in, rather than heating the air surrounding it. They can heat up dishes much faster than conventional ovens. They can be put in the upper or lower cabinets, and are available with retro or modern style to fit any kitchen design.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether more-stringent standards would be economically viable and technologically feasible and could result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and findings to assess the effects of new or revised energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment screening and engineering analysis, and an analysis of the impact on the nation.
The energy usage analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven operating hours for the sample of households. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer analysis within this SNOPR. The analysis is based upon RECS field data collected from multiple regions. It also takes into consideration different microwave oven usage patterns in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of new or amended standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of purchasing and using a microwave oven with different levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations are made using the computer model that utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analyses.
oven with microwave built in includes an evaluation of the impact of amended or new standards at the national level, based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from the potential amendment or new standards in the form of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.
