Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with a built-in microwave allows you to cook and reheat your food quickly and easily. GE offers a variety of designs, cooking techniques and control options to suit your kitchen's setup.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into an outlet and built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or in cabinets to create an elegant, integrated 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. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to a new place, such as a kitchen island.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular choice. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above your stove, this option is particularly useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. Furthermore, certain OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which is beneficial in reducing the buildup of steam.
Another way to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design which blends seamlessly into the cabinetry. This gives you a sleek, integrated appearance that will match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in color, finish or style. It can also help create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is ideal for those who prefer an uncluttered and clean look.
However installing a microwave built-in could require a professional installation or renovation of your kitchen. You might be able, depending on the layout of your house to make an opening in the wall to accommodate the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and strengthening. 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 certain manufacturers offer trim kits that give 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 placed beneath your countertop or within an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for everyone and requires less counter space. It also stops hot dishes from falling off the edge or being thrown down.
A final consideration for an efficient microwave is its door design. Many brands offer a door that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, such as a slide-out or drop-down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Some models feature a sleek and smooth exterior that wards off fingerprints for better, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves that are built into ovens are attractive, convenient and easy to clean. In contrast to countertop models they're usually at eye level for easier accessibility and come with turntables that reduce the need to move food from plate to plate. In addition, built in microwaves usually have options that increase functionality, like EasyConvection oven conversion technology and a broil element that allows you to cook or brown foods.
A built-in microwave on top of 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 might not be able to match. It can be placed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen to create a tailored appearance that shows you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens are available in a vast variety of dimensions as well as power levels and features to fit any kitchen layout. They can be placed under your counter in a drawer-style for a more integrated appearance that blends seamlessly into your cabinetry and doesn't require any additional space. Designed with top-quality finishes and features, these microwaves are sure to complement the style of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built in microwave over oven is obvious however, you should be aware that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on where you install yours, it might require more space to operate than other microwaves. In addition, they're not as portable, and you won't have the ability to easily swap out the model to a new model if you want something different.
If you decide to place your microwave over your range, then you'll need a larger space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation required by this arrangement. 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 for small kitchens. It can be put to a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens are equipped with a variety of convenient controls according to the model you select. The most common features are turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating, and 30 second buttons. Some models have child safety features to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves also have pre-made recipes and cooking times to make the process of making meals more efficient and less time-consuming. This feature is useful for those who are just beginning to cook and are not sure of the time needed to heat specific foods or who are unfamiliar with the cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a wide variety of built-in and oversized microwaves that are designed to match the style and design of your other appliances for an aesthetically pleasing kitchen. Select from stainless steel and black finishes that will complement 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.
Built-in microwaves, unlike countertop models, are set in a fixed location of your walls or cabinets for a sleek and custom look. They generally use the same components inside as regular countertop models, with a few 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 with a swing-out that opens from right to left or drop-down style.
Certain microwaves that are over the range, like the ones made by Whirlpool(r), can also be used as vent hoods. They have an exhaust system built in to let fumes out and recirculate air. best integrated microwave come with a charcoal filter to eliminate moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter of the kitchen. They don't need venting or any special installation. This makes them an ideal choice for those who rent their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Some options include trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances, such as coffee pots bread makers, toaster ovens or bread ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient in heating water and food compared to other cooking methods. They also consume less power than conventional stovetops because microwaves concentrate their energy on the liquid within instead of heating the air surrounding it. They can also heat dishes much faster than conventional ovens. They can be put in your upper or lower 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 revised energy conservation standards for micro-wave ovens, which will save consumers money in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether stricter standards are economically viable and technologically feasible and result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to assess the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment as well as a screening analysis, an engineering analysis and national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven' operating hours in the sample of households. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer analyses within this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from a variety of regions and takes into consideration the various patterns of use of microwave ovens in various households and also the variations in the regional electricity prices.
To evaluate the effects of new or amended standards on household expenses, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost for buying and using a microwave oven with different levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations employ an algorithm that is based on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analyses.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses, this SNOPR includes an analysis of the national impacts of amended or new standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model estimates 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.