Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven allows you to cook and reheat food quickly and efficiently. GE provides a range of designs, cooking techniques and control options that will fit your kitchen's setup.
Built-in microwaves are positioned behind cabinets or in recessed walls to give them a sleek and integrated look. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a common appliance in the kitchen, but can also take up valuable countertop space. There are many smart ways to reclaim counter space by moving the microwave to a different place, like the kitchen island or by recessing it into the wall.
One of the most well-known options is an over the range (OTR) microwave. This model is conveniently hidden behind your stove can be extremely useful in kitchens that are small and have small space. Plus there are some OTR models can double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which is useful in reducing the amount of steam that builds up.
Another way to save space is to install a built-in microwave that blends in with your cabinetry. This type of appliance offers an elegant, seamless look that is able to match the design, color, or finish of your other kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It also helps create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is great for homeowners who prefer a clean and uncluttered look.
Installing a built-in microwave may require a professional installation or a kitchen remodel. Based on the layout of your home you may be able to cut out a space within an existing wall to accommodate the appliance but this requires the proper framing and reinforcement, which should be left to experts. In addition, microwaves with built-ins require adequate ventilation to avoid 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 of a built-in oven is 15 inches. However, some manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to allow for ventilation.
A third space-saving option is a drawer-style microwave which can be set up beneath your countertop or within an island. This type of microwave is easy to access, 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 being crushed.
The door's design is a final consideration when choosing a compact microwave. There are many brands that have the option of a swing-out, drop-down, or slide-out door that opens in the same motion as other kitchen appliances to allow you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Certain models feature a smooth, sleek exterior that resists fingerprints for a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built in microwave over oven is attractive design, easy to clean and convenient. In contrast to countertop models they're typically placed at eye level for easier accessibility and come with turntables that eliminate the need to constantly shift food from plate to plate. In addition, built in microwaves often come with options that increase functionality, like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broiling elements that allow you to crisp or brown food items.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave that is atop an oven can boost your home's value and appearance by offering a luxurious appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen to create an elegant look that demonstrates you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a broad range of dimensions as well as power levels and features to suit any kitchen configuration. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to give an elegant look that fits snugly within existing cabinetry. This requires no additional space. Designed with top-quality finishes and features they are sure to complement the style of your kitchen and elevate your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built in microwave over oven is obvious however, you should be aware that these microwaves aren't as versatile as their freestanding counterparts. They may require more space for your microwave to operate, depending on the place it's placed. stoves integrated microwave are also not as portable, and you won't have the ability to easily switch out the model for a new one if you decide that you prefer something different.
If you decide to place your microwave above your range, then you'll require more space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation required by this configuration. You'll require either a ducting system that carries smoke away from the home or a recirculating system that pulls the air through the microwave and into the home. If you have a smaller kitchen, consider an additional built-in microwave that can be incorporated in the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with numerous controls, depending on the model you choose. Some features are turntables, presets like defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons for plus-30 seconds. Some models offer child safety features to prevent accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with preset recipes and cooking times that make the process of making meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is useful for new cooks who aren't sure how long to cook certain foods or for those who aren't acquainted with the specific cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a broad range of built-in and over-the-range microwaves that are designed to match the style and appearance of your other appliances to create an aesthetically pleasing kitchen. There's a variety of stainless steel models as well as black 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.
Unlike countertop models built-in microwaves are fitted inside a fixed area of your kitchen's cabinets or walls to give your kitchen a sleek, customized appearance. They typically use the same components inside as countertop models, with a few exceptions. They come in a variety of sizes, including those made to fit into a small space, and their exteriors may have doors that open in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down manner.
Certain microwaves over the range, such as those from Whirlpool(r) can also double as vent hoods for your kitchen stove. They have an exhaust system that is built-in to exhaust fumes outside and recycle air. Certain microwaves have a charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter in your kitchen and do not require venting hookups or any special installation which makes them a great choice for rental homes or anyone looking to avoid costly changes to their kitchens. Some models have trim kits that can be used to close the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances like toaster ovens, coffee makers or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves require less energy to heat food and water than other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid in, rather than heating the air around it. This is why they can heat dishes more quickly than conventional ovens. They can be placed within the upper or lower 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 modified energy conservation standards for micro-wave ovens, which will save consumers money on operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to periodically determine whether stricter standards are economically feasible and technologically feasible, as well as result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR provides the analysis and findings that DOE carried out to assess the effects on consumers of the new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment, a screening and engineering analysis and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the annual average of microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings as well as other consumer analyses within this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data collected from a variety of regions. It also takes into consideration the different patterns of use of microwave ovens in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.
In order to assess the impact of new or amended standards on household expenses, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to estimate the lifetime cost for purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency level. The LCC and PBP calculations are based on an algorithm for computer models that employs a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact of amended or new standards on the national level, based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from the potential amendment or new standards in terms of site energy savings and FFC energy savings.