Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with integrated microwave lets you cook and heat your food quickly and easily. GE provides a variety of styles, cooking technologies and control options that can be adapted to your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into an outlet, while built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or in cabinets to create an elegant, built-in appearance. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most used appliances in a kitchen, but it can also take up valuable counter space. You can free up counter space by moving the microwave to another space, such as a kitchen island.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. Hidden away beneath your stove, this option is especially beneficial in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. Certain OTR models can also function as a vent for your cooktop. This can help to reduce steam buildup.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry can make space. This can give you an elegant, seamless appearance that can be matched to your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in color, finish or design. It can also provide a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who prefer a minimalist, uncluttered look.
Installing a built-in Microwave may require a professional installation or a kitchen remodel. Based on the layout of your home, you might be able to cut out a space within a wall to accommodate the appliance, however, this will require the proper framing and reinforcement which should be left to professionals. Built-in microwaves require ventilation to prevent overheating or damaging 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 give up to 1 1/2 inch of extra space for ventilation.
built in oven and microwave -saving option is a drawer-style microwave that can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This design is easily accessible, suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being knocked over.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing the space-saving microwave is the door design. Many brands offer a door that opens in the same way as other kitchen appliances, like dropping-down or slide-out. This allows you to integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Some models also feature a sleek and smooth exterior that wards off fingerprints for better, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave that is over the oven offers an attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. They are typically placed at eye level for easy access and come with turntables to reduce the need to transfer food from one plate to another. Additionally, built-in microwaves often come with options that increase functionality, like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broiling elements that allow you to cook or brown food items.
In addition to reducing counter space, a built-in microwave over oven can also improve the value of your home as well as appeal by giving it a premium look that other appliances may not be able to match. These microwaves can be installed above the stove, or in a separate cupboard. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen, giving an elegant appearance that demonstrates how much you've invested in your home and kitchen.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in various sizes as well as power levels and features that can be customized to suit any kitchen. You can even install them under your counter in a drawer style to give a more cohesive design that is a perfect fit into existing cabinetry and requires no extra space. These microwaves, with their premium finishes and high-end functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and your dining and cooking experiences.
While the convenience of a built in microwave over oven is obvious but keep in mind that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the place you install yours, it might require more space than other microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you can't easily change the model should you want something else.
If you choose to install your microwave above your range, then you will need a larger space in your kitchen to allow for the ventilation required in this setup. You'll require either an ducting system that sends smoke away from the home or a recirculating system that pulls air through the microwave and into the home. If you have a smaller kitchen think about a separate microwave built-in which can be fitted inside cabinets, walls or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with numerous controls depending on the model you pick. The most common features are turntables, preset functions like defrosting and reheating and 30-second buttons. Some models have safety features for children to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves come pre-programmed with recipes and cooking times that make the process of preparing food faster and easier. This feature is beneficial for those who aren't sure how long to heat certain foods or for those who aren't acquainted with the particular cooking techniques that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a range of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves that are designed to match the other appliances in design and finish to create seamless appearance. Choose from stainless steel or black finishes that are perfect for any 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.
Contrary to models for countertop use built-in microwaves are fitted inside a fixed area of your kitchen walls or cabinets to give your kitchen a sleek, customized appearance. The internal components are typically similar to traditional countertop models, with some exceptions. built in oven and microwave are available in a variety of sizes, including some that are designed to fit into smaller spaces. Their exteriors may have doors that open in a swing-out style from right to left or drop-down style.
Some over-the-range microwaves like those from Whirlpool(r) can also double as vent hoods to your kitchen stove and use a built-in exhaust system to let fumes out and circulate air. Certain microwaves have a charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are installed on the counter in the kitchen. They don't require venting or any special installation. This makes them a good choice for those who lease their homes or save money on costly changes to their kitchens. Some options also come with trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances like coffee pots and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are much more efficient at heating water and food in comparison to other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than conventional stovetop ovens due to the fact that they focus the microwaves' energy on the liquid within, rather than on heating the air or other elements surrounding it. This means that they can cook food more quickly than a conventional oven. They can be installed either on the upper or lower cabinets and are available in modern or retro designs to match any kitchen.
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 that will save consumers money in 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 the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment and screening analysis as well as an engineering analysis and national impact analysis.
The energy usage analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven operating hours for representative sampled households. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings assessments as well as the other consumer analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from various regions and considers the different usage patterns of microwave ovens across different households and also the variations in electricity prices across the region.
To assess the impact of new or amended standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the lifetime cost of buying and using a microwave oven at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are based on the computer model that utilizes the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an evaluation of the impact of amended or new standards on the national scale based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry's net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings from potential amended or a new standard in the form energy savings for the site and FFC savings.