Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven lets you cook and heat food quickly and efficiently. GE provides a variety of styles, cooking technology and control options to fit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into an outlet and built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or between cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most frequently used kitchen appliances but it can consume valuable counter space. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to another location, like a kitchen island.
One of the most well-known options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Hidden away beneath your stove, this model can be especially useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is limited. Additionally, certain OTR models can double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which is beneficial in reducing the buildup of steam.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry will save you space. This option offers an elegant, seamless look that can match the design, color, or finish of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It can also help create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is great for homeowners who want an uncluttered and clean look.
Installing a built-in Microwave may require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. Depending on the layout of your home it is possible to cut a space into walls to accommodate the appliance however, this requires proper framing and reinforcement which should be left to the professionals. Also, built-in microwaves require sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating and causing damage to the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths, in Chevy Chase, Maryland the minimum cabinet depth for an oven with built-ins is 15 inches. However, some manufacturers offer trim kits that give up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to allow for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a microwave with a drawer that can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This configuration is easy to access and is suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting crushed.
The final aspect to consider for the space-saving microwave is the door design. Many brands offer a door that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, such as sliding out or dropping down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Some models even come with a sleek and smooth exterior that is resistant to fingerprints, giving a cleaner, more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave over oven offers an attractive design, easy to clean and convenient. They are typically placed at eye level for easy access and are equipped with turntables that make it easier to move food from one plate to another. Built-in microwaves are usually equipped with features that enhance their functionality, such as EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler element which can brown or crisp food.
In addition to reducing counter space, a built-in microwave over oven can also boost your home's value and appeal by giving it a premium look that other appliances may not be able to match. These microwaves can be installed either above your stove, or in a separate cupboard. They blend seamlessly into the kitchen to give it a tailored appearance that shows how much you have invested in your home and kitchen.
Built-in microwaves over ovens are available in a vast variety of dimensions as well as power levels and features to match any kitchen configuration. They can be placed under your counter with a drawer design to create a more seamless design that is a perfect fit into existing cabinetry and doesn't require any additional space. These microwaves, with their premium designs and top-of-the-line functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen as well as your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the convenience of a built-in microwave over oven is obvious however, you should be aware that these microwaves aren't as flexible as their freestanding counterparts. It might require more space to function, based on the location it's installed. Similarly, they aren't as portable, and you won't be able easily switch out the model for a different one if you'd like a different model.
If built in microwaves decide to put your microwave above your range, then you will need a larger space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation needed by this configuration. You'll need a ducting system that can direct smoke to the outside or a ventilator that recirculates air from the microwave into the house. For smaller kitchens think about a separate microwave built-in that can be installed into the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with a variety of convenient controls, depending on the model you choose. The most common features are turntables, preset functions like defrosting and reheating as well as 30 second buttons. Some models have child safety features to avoid accidental operation.
Many microwaves come pre-programmed with recipes and cooking times, which makes the process of making food quicker and more efficient. This feature is useful for new cooks that are uncertain of the proper time to heat specific foods or are not familiar with the cooking techniques that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a range of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that can be matched to the other appliances in design and finish to create seamless appearance. 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 placed in a fixed space of your kitchen cabinets or walls to give an elegant and unique look. The internal components are usually identical to those of regular countertop models with a few exceptions. They are available in various sizes, including some that are designed 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 in drop-down design.
Certain microwaves in the range, such as the ones made by Whirlpool(r) and Whirlpool(r), can be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system that is built-in to let out fumes outside and recirculate air. Some microwaves come with charcoal filters that get rid of moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the kitchen counter. They don't need venting or special installation. This makes them a good choice for those who rent their homes or wish to 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 countertop appliances like coffee pots, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves require less energy to heat food and water than other cooking methods. They also use less power than conventional stovetops because microwaves concentrate their energy on the liquid within, rather than heating the air surrounding it. This means that they can cook food much faster than conventional ovens. They can be put in in the lower or upper cabinets, and are available in modern or retro designs to fit any kitchen.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens which will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to periodically determine whether stricter standards are economically viable and technologically feasible and result in significant energy savings.
The SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to assess the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment as well as a screening analysis as well as an engineering analysis and national impacts analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the annual average microwave ovens operating hours in the sample of households. It is the basis for the energy savings assessments as well as the other consumer analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from a variety of regions and considers the different usage patterns of microwave ovens across different households and the variations in regional electricity prices.
To assess the effects of new or amended standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses in order to estimate the lifetime cost for buying and using a micro-wave oven at different efficiency level. The LCC and PBP calculations are made using a computer model that uses the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analysis.
In addition to the analyses of energy use and LCC/PBP, this SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact on the nation of amended or new standards using the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or new standards in terms of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.