Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave that is integrated into the oven helps you cook and heat food quickly and easily. GE provides a variety of designs, cooking technology and control options to fit 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 a sleek, built-in look. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a popular appliance in the kitchen, but can also take up valuable countertop space. There are plenty of smart ways to free up countertop space by moving your microwave to an alternative place, like the kitchen island or by recessing it into the wall.
One of the most popular options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above the stove, this option can be especially useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. Plus certain OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which is useful in reducing the amount of steam that builds up.
Another option to save space is to install a built-in microwave that blends into the cabinetry. This gives you a sleek, integrated appearance that can match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in finish, color or style. It can also help create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is ideal for homeowners who prefer minimalist and clear design.
Installing a built-in Microwave could require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. It is possible 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 support. Additionally, built-in microwaves need adequate ventilation to ensure that they don't overheat and damage 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 with up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to allow for ventilation.
Another option that can be used to save 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 also stops hot dishes or containers falling off the edge or being knocked down.
The design of the door is an important factor to consider when choosing a compact microwave. A lot of brands have doors that opens in the same way as other kitchen appliances, including sliding out or dropping down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Certain models feature an elegant, smooth exterior that resists fingerprints for better and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave that is over the oven is attractive, convenient and easy-to-clean design. They are usually placed near the eye level to make it easier to access and come with turntables to make it less necessary to transfer food from one plate to the next. Built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that enhance their capabilities, like EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler component which can brown or crisp food items.
In addition to reducing counter space, a built-in microwave over the oven can boost your home's value and appeal by giving it a premium appearance that other appliances might not be in a position to match. If it's installed above the stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen for an elegant appearance that shows you've invested in your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a broad range of dimensions, power levels and features to match any kitchen configuration. You can even install them under your counter in a drawer style to give a more cohesive look that fits snugly into your cabinetry and requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their high-end designs and top-of-the-line functions, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen as well as your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While the convenience of a built-in microwave over oven is clear but keep in mind that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on where you install yours, it might require more space to operate than other microwaves. They are also not as portable and you won't be able to easily swap the model for a different model if you'd like a different model.
If you install your microwave above your range, you'll require a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this setup. You'll need either a ducting system that carries smoke to the outside or a recirculating system that pulls air through the microwave and into the home. For a smaller kitchen think about an additional built-in microwave that can be incorporated in the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with numerous controls according to the model you pick. Some features include turntables presets for defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons that can last for up to 30 minutes. Certain models come with child safety features to prevent accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-made recipes and cooking times that help you prepare meals more efficient and less time-consuming. This feature is beneficial for those who don't know how long to heat certain foods or for those who aren't familiar with the specific cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid provides a variety of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves that can be matched to your other appliances with style and finish for an elegant look. Choose from stainless steel or black finishes that will complement 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.
Built-in microwaves, in contrast to countertop models, are installed in a fixed space of your kitchen cabinets or walls to give a sleek and custom look. The internal components are generally similar to traditional countertop models, with a few exceptions. They are available in various sizes, including some that are designed to fit into small spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature a door which opens with a swing-out that opens from right to left or drop-down style.
Certain microwaves in the range, such as those manufactured by Whirlpool(r), can also be used as vent hoods. They have an exhaust system built-in to let out fumes outside and recirculate air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on your counter top and do not require venting hookups, or special installation which makes them a great option for rental properties or anyone who wants to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Some models come with trim kits that can be used to close the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances, such as toaster ovens, coffee pots or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to heat food and water than other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than conventional stovetop ovens since they focus microwaves' energy on the liquid in the, rather than on heating the air or other elements surrounding it. This means that they can cook food more quickly than conventional ovens. They can be put in your lower or upper cabinets, and are available with retro or contemporary styles to fit any kitchen design.
In this additional notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for micro-wave ovens that will save consumers money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically justifiable and if they can yield significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains the analyses and results that DOE carried out to assess the impact on consumers of new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment, a screening and engineering analysis, and an analysis of the national impact.
The energy use analysis estimates the annual average of microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness. built in microwave ovens is the basis for the energy savings analyses and the other consumer analyses included in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data gathered from multiple regions. It also considers the different patterns of use of microwave ovens in different households as also regional variations in electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of potential new or amended standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the lifetime cost of buying and using microwave ovens at various efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are built on the computer model that utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an assessment 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 resulting from potential amended or new standards in the form of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.