Five Built In Microwave Over Oven Lessons From The Pros

Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven

A microwave oven that has built-in microwaves allows you to cook and reheat your food quickly and conveniently. GE provides a range of cooking styles, cooking technology and control options that will fit your kitchen's setup.

Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into an outlet, while built-in models are placed in a wall with a recess or between cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These styles require professional installation.

Space Saver

The microwave is among the most used appliances in a kitchen however, it can consume valuable counter space. There are plenty of smart ways to make the most of your countertop space by moving your microwave to an alternative location, such as in the kitchen island or by recessing it into the wall.

One of the most well-known choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. This model, which is neatly tucked behind your stove can be extremely useful in kitchens that are small and have little space. Some OTR models can also function as an air vent for your cooktop. This can help reduce the buildup of steam.

Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry can help you save space. This gives you an elegant, seamless appearance that can match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in terms of color, finish or style. It can also help create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is great for those who prefer a clean and uncluttered look.

However, installing a built-in microwave could require a professional installation or remodel of your kitchen. Depending on your home's layout, you might be able to cut out a space within an existing wall to accommodate the appliance however, this requires adequate framing and support and should be left to experts. Built-in microwaves also need 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, but certain manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to allow for ventilation.

A microwave that is built like a drawer can be set up under the counter or in an island. This design is easily accessible, suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes from falling off the edge or being knocked down.

The design of the door is the final factor to consider when selecting a microwave that is space-saving. Many brands offer an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens in the same motion as other kitchen appliances, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Certain models feature a sleek, smooth exterior that resists fingerprints to give an attractive and cleaner appearance.

Convenience

A built-in microwave that is over the oven offers an attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. In contrast to countertop models they're usually at the eye level for easy access and are often equipped with turntables which reduce the necessity of constantly shifting food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are usually equipped with features that improve their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler that can cook or brown food items.

A built-in microwave that is integrated into the oven can help you save counter space, and can also boost the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances may not be able match. It can be placed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen for an elegant look that demonstrates you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and your home.

Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a vast variety of dimensions in terms of power levels, features and models to match any kitchen configuration. Install them underneath the counter in a drawers to create a more integrated appearance that can be easily integrated into existing cabinetry. It doesn't require any additional space. These microwaves, with their luxurious features and finishes can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.

While the benefits of a built-in microwave oven is evident however, you should be aware that these microwaves aren't as versatile as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on where you install your microwave, it will require more space to operate than other microwaves. Similarly, they aren't as portable, and you won't be able to easily switch out the model for a new one if you prefer something different.

If you put your microwave above the range, you'll need a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this arrangement. You'll either need a ducting option that directs smoke out to the outside or a ventilation system that recirculates air from the microwave into the house. If you have 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 a variety of convenient controls, depending on the model you select. Some common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating and 30-second buttons. Some models offer child safety features to prevent accidental operation of the appliance.

Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which makes the process of making food faster and simpler. This feature is useful for new cooks that are uncertain of the proper time to cook certain foods or who aren't familiar with the cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.

KitchenAid brand provides a wide variety of built-in and oversized microwaves that are designed to match the style and design of other appliances for an aesthetically pleasing kitchen. You can find a selection of stainless steel models as well as black and white finishes to match the style of your 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, unlike countertop models, are installed in a fixed location of your walls or cabinets for a sleek and custom look. The internal components are usually the same as those of regular countertop models with a few exceptions. They are available in various sizes, including some that are designed to be able to fit in smaller spaces. Their exteriors could have doors that open with a swing-out that opens from left to right or in drop-down style.

Some microwaves over the range, like those made by Whirlpool(r) are able to be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built in to let fumes out and recirculate air. Certain microwaves have charcoal filters that get rid of moisture and odors from your kitchen.

Countertop models sit on your kitchen counter and do not require venting hookups or any special installation which makes them a great option for rental homes or anyone who wants to avoid costly changes to their kitchens. Certain models come with trim kits that can be used to bridge the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances like toaster ovens, coffee makers or bread makers.

Energy Efficiency

Microwaves consume less energy to cook water and food than other cooking methods. They also use less energy than stovetop ovens due to the fact that they focus microwaves' energy on the liquid inside instead of heating the air or other elements around it. They can heat up dishes quicker than conventional ovens. They can be installed either on the upper or lower cabinets, and are available in retro or modern styles to fit any kitchen.

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 periodically assess whether stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically justifiable, and if they will result in significant energy savings.

This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and results to assess the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment, a screening and engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.

The energy use analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness.  Ovens & Hobs  forms the basis for the energy savings analyses and the other consumer analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data collected from multiple regions. It also considers the different patterns of use of microwave ovens in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.

To assess the impact of possible new or modified standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of buying and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations employ a computer model built on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.

In addition to the analysis of energy use and the LCC/PBP in this SNOPR includes an assessment of the national impacts of new or amended standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from the potential amendment or new standards in the form of site energy savings and FFC energy savings.