Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven that has a built-in microwave lets you cook and heat your food quickly and efficiently. GE offers a wide range of styles, cooking technology and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are placed behind cabinets or in recessing walls to give them a a sleek and integrated look. These styles 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 a different location, like an island in your kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are an increasingly popular choice. This option is tucked behind your stove, can be particularly useful in kitchens with a small space. Plus, some OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which can be useful in reducing the amount of steam that builds up.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry will save you space. This gives you a sleek, integrated appearance that will match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in terms of color, finish, or style. It can also provide an elegant look in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners that prefer an uncluttered, clean appearance.
Installing a built-in microwave might require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. Depending on your home's layout, you might be able to cut a space into a wall to accommodate the appliance, but this requires proper framing and reinforcement which should be left to experts. Additionally, built-in microwaves need adequate ventilation to ensure that they don't overheat 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 a built-in oven is 15 inches. However certain manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inch of additional space for ventilation.
A drawer-style microwave can be set up under your counter or inside an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for everyone and requires less counter space. It also stops hot dishes from falling off the edge or getting knocked down.
A final consideration for the space-saving microwave is the door design. There are oven with built in microwave that have the option of a swing-out, drop-down, or slide-out door that opens with the same motion as other kitchen appliances to allow you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking routine. Some models have an elegant, smooth exterior that resists fingerprints to give a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves in ovens look attractive, practical, and easy to clean. Contrary to countertop models, they're typically placed at eye level for easier accessibility and can be equipped with turntables that eliminate the need to move food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that improve their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler element that can cook or brown food.
A built-in microwave over the oven will save counter space, and can also boost the value of your home by giving it a sleek and high-end appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. They can be set up above the stove, or in a separate cupboard. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen, giving it a tailored look that shows how much you have invested in your home and kitchen.
Built-in microwaves over ovens come in a variety of sizes as well as power levels and features that can be adapted to suit any kitchen. They can be placed under your counter in a drawer style for a more integrated look that fits snugly into your cabinetry and requires no additional space. With top-quality finishes and features, these microwaves are sure to complement the style of your kitchen and elevate your cooking and entertaining experience.
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. It may take more space for your microwave to function, based on where it is installed. They are also not as portable, and you can't easily change the model if you want something else.
If you place your microwave above your range, you'll need an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this arrangement. You'll require either a ducting system that carries smoke away from the home or a recirculating ventilation system that pulls air through the microwave and into the home. Consider a built-in microwave to a small kitchen. It can be mounted to a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens are equipped with a variety of convenient controls according to the model you pick. Common features include turntables, preset functions like defrosting and reheating, and 30-second buttons. Some models have child safety features that prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which makes the process of cooking food quicker and more efficient. This feature is beneficial for new cooks that are unsure of how long to heat specific foods or who are unfamiliar with the cooking techniques that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a range of built-in microwaves as well as over-the-range microwaves designed to match your other appliances in style and design to create an elegant look. There's a variety of stainless steel models, as well as black and white 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 location of your kitchen cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom look. The internal components are usually similar to conventional countertop models, with some exceptions. They come in a variety of sizes, including those made to fit into a small space and their exteriors could include a door that opens either in a left-to right swing-out or drop-down fashion.
Certain microwaves that are over the range, like those manufactured by Whirlpool(r) and Whirlpool(r), can be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built in to let fumes out and recirculate air. Some microwaves come with a built-in charcoal filter that removes odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models sit on the counter in your kitchen and don't require venting hookups or special installations, making them a great option for rental homes or those who want to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Certain models also come with trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances, such as coffee pots, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to heat food and water than other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than conventional stovetop ovens because they focus the microwave's energy on the liquid inside, rather than on heating the air or other elements surrounding it. They can also heat dishes much faster than conventional ovens. They can be put in your lower or upper cabinets, and come with retro or modern style 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 microwave ovens which 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 stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically viable and will result in significant energy savings.
The SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and findings 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 of engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy usage analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven 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 built on RECS field data from multiple regions and considers the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens across different households and also the variations in regional electricity prices.
To assess the impact of potential new or modified standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the lifetime cost of purchasing and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations use the computer model built on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate variations and uncertainty into the analysis.
In addition to the analyses of energy use and LCC/PBP In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses, this SNOPR includes an analysis of the national impact of new or amended standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or a new standard in the form of savings on energy consumption at the site and FFC savings.