Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven that has integrated microwave lets you cook and reheat your food quickly and efficiently. GE provides a variety of styles, cooking technology and control options that can be adapted to your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into outlets, while built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or in cabinets to create a sleek, built-in look. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a well-loved appliance in the kitchen, but can also occupy valuable countertop space. There are a variety of clever ways to free up countertop space by moving your microwave to a different place, such as an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most sought-after options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Hidden away beneath the stove, this option can be especially useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. Some OTR models also double as a vent for your cooktop. This can reduce the amount of steam that builds up.
integrated microwave oven to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design which blends seamlessly into the cabinetry. This option provides an elegant, seamless appearance that can be matched to your kitchen's cabinets and fixtures in finish, color or design. It can also provide a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners who want a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However installing a microwave built-in could require professional installation or a remodeling of your kitchen. It is possible depending on the layout of your house, to cut an opening in the wall for the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and support. Built-in microwaves also need adequate ventilation to avoid overheating or 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 give up to 1 1/2 inch of extra space for ventilation.
A third space-saving option is a drawer-style microwave that can be placed below your countertop or inside an island. It is accessible and suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It also stops hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge or being thrown down.
The design of the door is an important factor to consider when choosing a space-saving microwavable. There are many brands that have an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens using the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models also have a smooth and sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints, giving a cleaner, more attractive appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves over ovens are attractive, convenient, and easy to clean. Unlike countertop models, they're usually at eye level for easier accessibility and can be equipped with turntables that eliminate the need to constantly shift food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that improve their capabilities, like EasyConvection technology that converts ovens and a broiler element which can brown or crisp food items.
A built-in microwave over the oven can save you counter space and also increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. These microwaves can be installed on top of your stove or in a separate cabinet. They blend seamlessly into the kitchen to give it a tailored look that shows how much you've invested in your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves that are over ovens are available in various sizes, power levels, and features that can be adapted to fit any kitchen. Install them under the counter in drawer style to create an elegant look that can be easily integrated into the cabinetry. This requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their premium finishes and high-end functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave over oven is obvious but keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as versatile as their freestanding counterparts. It may take more space for your microwave to operate, depending on the location it's installed. They are also not as portable and you won't be able to easily switch out the model for a different one if you want something different.
If you put your microwave above the range, you'll require an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this configuration. You'll need either an ducting system that sends smoke outside or a recirculating system that draws air through the microwave and into the home. If you have a smaller kitchen, consider a separate microwave built-in that can be installed inside cabinets, walls or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with a variety of convenient controls according to the model you select. Some common features include turntables, preset functions such as defrosting and reheating, and 30 second buttons. Some models have safety features for children to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times that make the process of preparing food faster and simpler. This feature is useful for new cooks that are unsure of how long to cook specific food items or are not familiar with the specific cooking methods that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of built-in microwaves as well as over-the-range microwaves that can be matched to your other appliances in style and design to create an elegant look. There's a range 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 installed in a fixed area of your kitchen cabinets or walls to give a sleek and custom look. They typically have the same internal components as countertop models, with some exceptions. These models are available in various sizes, with some designed to fit in a compact space and their exteriors can feature a door that opens either in a right-to-left swing-out or drop-down fashion.
Some over-the-range microwaves, such as those from Whirlpool(r), even double as vent hoods for your kitchen stove. built in oven and microwave have an exhaust system built-in to let fumes out and circulate air. Some microwaves come with a built-in charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models sit on the counter in your kitchen and do not require venting hookups or special installations, making them a great choice for rental homes or anyone who wants to stay clear of costly renovations to their kitchens. Certain models include trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances such as coffee makers, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are much more efficient at heating water and food compared to other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than stovetop ovens since they focus the microwave's energy on the liquid within, rather than on heating the air or other elements surrounding it. This is why they can heat dishes more quickly than conventional ovens. They can be installed either within the upper or lower cabinets and are available in retro or modern styles to match 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 micro-wave ovens which will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to regularly assess whether more stringent standards are technologically feasible and economically justified, and if they will result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and findings to assess the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment, a screening and engineering analysis and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in a sample of homes. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings assessments and the other consumer analyses included in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data from multiple regions, and takes into account the different usage patterns of microwave ovens across different households and also the variations in electricity prices across the region.
In order to assess the impact of new or amended standards on household expenses, 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 based on an algorithm for computer models that employs the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analyses.
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 determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from possible new or amended standards in terms of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.