Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with built-in microwaves lets you cook and reheat your food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a wide range of styles, cooking technologies and control options to fit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into an outlet and built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or among cabinets for 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. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to another space, such as an island in your kitchen.
One of the most sought-after options is an over the range (OTR) microwave. This model is tucked away above your stovetop, can be particularly useful in kitchens that are small and have little space. Plus certain OTR models double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which can be useful in reducing the amount of steam that builds up.
Another way to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design that blends into the cabinetry. This gives you a sleek, integrated appearance that can be matched to your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in color, finish or design. It can also give a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who want a minimalist, uncluttered look.
However, installing a built-in microwave may require a professional installation or remodel of your kitchen. Based on the layout of your home it is possible to cut a space in an existing wall to accommodate the appliance however, this requires the proper framing and reinforcement, which should be left to the professionals. Built-in microwaves require 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 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 for ventilation.
A drawer-style microwave can be set up beneath your counter or within an island. This design is easily accessible, suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It can also prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge or being knocked down.
The door design is a final consideration when choosing a compact microwave. Many brands offer a door that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, such as sliding out or dropping down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Some models also feature a sleek and smooth exterior that is resistant to fingerprints, giving better, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave over oven has a stylish, convenient and easy-to-clean design. In contrast to countertop models they're typically placed at eye level for easier accessibility and are often equipped with turntables that reduce the necessity of constantly shifting food from plate to plate. Additionally, built-in microwaves usually have options that enhance functionality like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broiling elements that allow you to crisp or brown foods.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave over the oven can improve the value of your home as well as appearance by offering a luxurious look that other appliances may not be capable of matching. It can be placed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen, creating an elegant look that demonstrates that you've put money into your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves that are over ovens are available in a variety of sizes power levels, styles, and features that can be tailored to fit into any kitchen. Install them underneath the counter in a drawers to create an elegant look that is a perfect fit within the cabinets. This requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their luxurious designs and top-of-the-line functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and your dining and cooking experiences.
While built in combination microwave of a built in microwave over oven is clear but keep in mind that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. They may require more space for your microwave to operate, depending on the place it's placed. They are also not as mobile, and you aren't able to easily switch the model should you want something else.
If you choose to install your microwave over your range, then you'll require more space in your kitchen to allow for the ventilation required in this setup. You'll either need a ducting system that can direct smoke out to the outside or a ventilator that recirculates air through the microwave into the house. For smaller kitchens think about a separate microwave built-in that can be incorporated into the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens are equipped with a variety of convenient controls, depending on the model you choose. Some common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating and 30 second buttons. Some models have child safety features to avoid accidental operation.
Many microwaves come pre-programmed with recipes and cooking times that make the process of cooking food faster and easier. This feature is useful for cooks who are new to cooking and not sure of the time needed to cook specific food items or who are unfamiliar with the cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand provides a wide selection of built-in and over the-range microwaves that are designed to complement the style and appearance of your other appliances for an integrated look in your kitchen. Choose from stainless steel or 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, in contrast to countertop models, are set in a fixed area of your kitchen cabinets or walls for an elegant and unique look. They typically use the same internal components as regular countertop models, but with some exceptions. These models come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to fit in a compact space and their exteriors could feature a door that opens in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down manner.
Some microwaves over the range, like those 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. Some microwaves come with a built-in charcoal filter to eliminate odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter in the kitchen. They don't need venting or a special installation. This makes them an ideal option for people who rent their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Some options also come with trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances such as coffee makers and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to heat water and food than other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than conventional stovetop ovens due to the fact that they focus microwaves' energy on the liquid within, rather than on heating the air or other elements around it. They can heat up dishes faster than conventional ovens. They can be installed either within the upper or lower cabinets and are available in modern or retro designs to fit any kitchen.
In this notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR"), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to periodically assess whether stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically viable, and if they will result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and results to evaluate the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment and screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impacts analysis.
The energy use analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in a sample of homes. 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 considers the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens in different households and the variations in regional electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of possible new or modified standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the cost over time of purchasing and using microwave ovens at various efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations use an algorithm that is based on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate variations and uncertainty into the analyses.
This SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact of amended or new standards at the national level based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from the potential amendment or new standards in terms of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.