Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave that is integrated into the oven lets you cook and reheat food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a variety of styles, cooking technologies and control options to suit your kitchen setup.
Built-in microwaves are installed behind cabinets or in recessing walls to give them a a sleek and integrated look. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a popular appliance in the kitchen, however it can also take up valuable countertop space. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to another place, such as an island in the kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are an increasingly popular choice. Hidden away beneath the stove, this option is especially beneficial in kitchens that are smaller and space is limited. Plus, certain OTR models double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which is beneficial in reducing the buildup of steam.
Another way to save space is to install a built-in microwave which blends seamlessly into your cabinetry. This option provides an elegant, seamless appearance that will match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in finish, color or style. It can also help to create a more minimalist look in your kitchen, which is perfect for homeowners who want a clean and uncluttered look.
However installing a microwave built-in may require professional installation or a renovation of your kitchen. You might be able, depending on the layout of your home, to cut a hole in a wall to install the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and strengthening. Built-in microwaves also require adequate ventilation to avoid overheating and 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, some manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space for ventilation.
A microwave that is built like a drawer can be placed beneath your counter or within an island. This configuration is simple to use, suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also helps to prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting crushed.
The door design is a final consideration when choosing a space-saving microwavable. Many brands offer a door that opens in the same way as other kitchen appliances, including sliding out or dropping down. This allows you to integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Some models even feature a sleek and smooth exterior that resists fingerprints for an attractive, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves that are built into ovens are attractive, convenient and easy to clean. They are typically placed at eye-level for easier access and are equipped with turntables that make it easier to transfer food from one plate to another. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that enhance their functionality, such as EasyConvection technology that converts ovens and a broiler element which can brown or crisp food.
A built-in microwave over the oven can help you save counter space and also increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, luxurious appearance that other appliances might not be able match. If it's installed above the stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen, creating an elegant appearance that shows you've invested in your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens come in various sizes power levels, styles, and features that can be tailored to fit any kitchen. 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 high-end designs and top-of-the-line functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While the benefits of a built in microwave over oven is clear however, you should be aware that these microwaves aren't as versatile as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on where to buy built in microwave put yours, it might require more space to operate than other types of microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you cannot easily alter the model should you want something different.
If you decide to put your microwave above your range, then you will require more space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation required by this configuration. You'll need either an ducting system that sends smoke to the outside or a recirculating ventilation system that draws air through the microwave and into the home. Consider a built-in microwave to a small kitchen. It can be incorporated on a wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens are equipped with numerous controls according to the model you select. The most common features are turntables, preset functions such as defrosting and reheating, and plus-30-second buttons. Certain models come with child safety features to avoid accidental operation.
Many microwaves also come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times that help you prepare meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for cooks who don't know how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't comfortable with the particular cooking techniques 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 appearance of other appliances for an integrated look in your kitchen. There's a range of stainless steel models, and black finishes to match any kitchen design. 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, unlike countertop models, are placed in a fixed area of your kitchen cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom look. They generally use the same components inside as regular countertop models, but with some exceptions. These models come in a variety of sizes, including those made to fit into a smaller space and their exteriors can have doors that open in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down manner.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those from Whirlpool(r) can also serve as vent hoods for your kitchen stove. They have an exhaust system built-in to exhaust fumes outside and recirculate air. Some microwaves come with a built-in charcoal filter to remove moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the kitchen counter. They don't require venting or any special installation. This makes them a good choice for those who lease their homes or avoid expensive modifications to their kitchens. Certain models include trim kits that can be used to bridge the gap between a microwave and other countertop appliances, such as coffee pots, toaster ovens or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves consume less energy to heat food and water than other cooking methods. They also consume less power than conventional stovetops because microwaves concentrate their energy on the liquid within, rather than heating the air surrounding it. They can heat up dishes quicker than conventional ovens. They can be installed in your lower or upper cabinets, and are available with retro or modern style to suit any kitchen design.
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 in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether more-stringent standards would be economically feasible and technologically feasible, as well as result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains the analyses and findings that DOE performed to evaluate the impact on consumers of the new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment, a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the annual average microwave ovens operating hours for households from a representative sample. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings assessments as well as the other consumer analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from various regions, and takes into account the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens across different households and also the variations in the regional electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of the new or modified standards on household expenses, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses in order to determine the lifetime cost for purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency level. The LCC and PBP calculations are built on an algorithm for computer models that employs the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact of new or amended standards on the national scale based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings resulting from a potential amended or new standard in the form energy savings for the site and FFC savings.