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 conveniently. GE offers a variety of cooking styles, cooking technology and control options to fit your kitchen setup.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into an outlet, while built-in models are placed in a wall with a recess or in cabinets to create an elegant, built-in appearance. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a well-loved appliance in the kitchen, but it can also take up valuable countertop space. There are a variety of clever ways to reclaim counter space by moving the microwave to a different location, such as in an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular choice. This option is tucked under the stove, can be particularly useful in kitchens with a limited space. Certain OTR models also double as an exhaust for your cooktop. This can help to reduce the buildup of steam.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry can make space. This option provides a sleek, integrated appearance that will match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in finish, color, or style. It can also create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is great for homeowners who want a clean and uncluttered look.
However installing a microwave built-in might require professional installation or a remodeling of your kitchen. Depending on the layout of your home you may be able to cut a space in an existing wall to accommodate the appliance but this requires adequate framing and support, which should be left to the professionals. Additionally, built-in microwaves need sufficient ventilation to prevent 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 for an oven with built-ins is 15 inches. However, some manufacturers offer trim kits that give up to 1 1/2 inch of additional space for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a drawer-style microwave which can be set up under your counter or inside an island. This type of microwave is simple to use and is suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It can also help avoid hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being crushed.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing an efficient microwave is its door design. Many brands offer a door that opens in the same way as other kitchen appliances, including dropping-down or slide-out. This allows you to integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Certain models feature a sleek, smooth exterior that is resistant to fingerprints to give an attractive and 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 easy access, and include turntables to reduce the need to move food from one plate to another. In addition, built in microwaves usually have options that improve functionality, such as EasyConvection oven conversion technology and broiling elements that allow you to crisp or brown foods.
A built-in microwave over the oven will save counter space and increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances may not be able to match. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen for a tailored appearance that shows you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a vast variety of dimensions as well as power levels and features to match any kitchen configuration. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to create an elegant look that can be easily integrated into the cabinets. They do not require additional space. Designed with built in ovens and microwaves finishes and high-end features These microwaves are guaranteed to enhance the look of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave oven is evident but keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as versatile 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 won't be able to easily swap out the model for a new one if you want something different.
If you decide to put your microwave over your range, then you'll require a bigger space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation needed in this setup. You'll require either an ducting system that sends smoke outside or a recirculating system that pulls the air through the microwave and into the home. Consider a built-in microwave to small kitchens. It can be mounted into a wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves have a wide range of controls based on the model. Some of the features include turntables, presets such as defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons for a maximum of 30 minutes. Some models offer child safety features to prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves come pre-programmed with recipes and cooking times, which makes the process of making food quicker and more efficient. This feature is useful for those who aren't sure how long to cook certain foods or for those who aren't comfortable with the specific cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.
KitchenAid provides a variety of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves designed to match your other appliances in style and design to create seamless appearance. There's a range of stainless steel models as well as 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.
Contrary to models for countertop use built-in microwaves are fitted inside a fixed area of your kitchen's cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom appearance. They typically use the same internal components as countertop models, with some exceptions. These models come in different sizes, and some are designed to fit into smaller spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature a door which opens in a swing-out style from right to left or drop-down style.
Certain microwaves that are over the range, such as the ones 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 the air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter to remove odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the kitchen counter. They don't need venting or special installation. This makes them an ideal choice for those who lease their homes or wish to save money on costly changes to their kitchens. Certain models come with trim kits that can be used to fill the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances, such as toaster ovens, coffee makers or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient in heating food and water when compared to other cooking methods. They also consume less power than conventional stovetops because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid within, rather than heating the air around it. They can heat up dishes quicker than conventional ovens. They can be put in your lower or upper cabinets, and are available with retro or modern style to match any kitchen style.
In this supplemental 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 save consumers money on operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to regularly assess whether stricter standards are technically feasible and economically justified and will result in significant energy saving.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to evaluate the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment screening and engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings as well as other consumer analyses within this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from various regions, and takes into account the various patterns of use of microwave ovens across different households and also the variations in electricity prices across the region.
To evaluate the impact of possible new or amended standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of buying and using a microwave oven at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations employ the computer model built on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate variations and uncertainty into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an evaluation of the impact of new or amended 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 the potential amendment or new standards in the form of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.