Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with a built-in microwave lets you cook and heat your food quickly and easily. GE offers a wide range of styles, cooking technologies and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into outlets, while built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or between cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most used appliances in a kitchen however, it can consume valuable counter space. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to a different place, such as an island in your kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular choice. Hidden away beneath your stove, this option is especially beneficial in kitchens with smaller spaces where space is limited. Some OTR models also double as an air vent for your cooktop. This can help to reduce steam buildup.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry can make space. This option provides an elegant, integrated look that can be matched to your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in finish, color or style. It can also help create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is ideal for those who prefer a clean and uncluttered look.
Installing a built-in Microwave could require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. Based on the layout of your home, you might be able to cut a space into an existing wall to accommodate the appliance, however, this will require adequate framing and support and should be left to the professionals. 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. ovensandhobs 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 inch of extra space to allow for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a drawer-style microwave that can be installed beneath your countertop or within an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, 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 getting knocked over.
A final consideration for a space-saving microwave is its door design. Many manufacturers offer a swing-out, drop-down or slide-out door that opens using the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Certain models feature a sleek, smooth exterior that resists fingerprints for a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built in microwave over oven is attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. They are typically placed at eye-level for easier access, and include turntables that make it easier to move food from one plate to the next. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that improve their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler component that can crisp or brown food.
A built-in microwave over the oven can help you save counter space and increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek and high-end appearance that other appliances may not be able to match. If it's installed above the stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen for an elegant appearance that shows that you've put money into your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens are available in a broad variety of sizes, power levels and features to suit any kitchen configuration. Install them under the counter in drawer style to create an elegant look that can be easily integrated into existing cabinets. This requires no additional space. Made with top-quality finishes and features, these microwaves are sure to complement your kitchen's aesthetic and elevate your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the convenience of a built in microwave oven is evident, 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 cannot easily alter the model if you need something else.
If you put your microwave above the range, you'll require an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this arrangement. You'll need a ducting system that can direct smoke to the outside, or a ventilator that recirculates air through the microwave and into the home. For a smaller kitchen, consider a separate microwave built-in that can be incorporated in a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves have a wide range of controls based on the model. The most common features are turntables, preset functions such as defrosting and reheating as well as plus-30-second buttons. Some models have safety features for children that stop accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which make the process of making food faster and simpler. This feature is helpful for cooks who aren't sure how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't comfortable with the specific cooking methods that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of built-in microwaves as well as over-the-range microwaves that can be matched to the other appliances in style and finish for a seamless look. Select from stainless steel and 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.
Unlike models that are built into countertops built-in microwaves are inserted into a fixed space in the kitchen cabinets or walls to give your kitchen a sleek, customized appearance. They generally use the same internal components as countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in different sizes, including some that are designed to be able to fit in smaller spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature a door which opens with a swing-out that opens from left to right or drop-down style.
Certain microwaves that are 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 charcoal filters that get rid of odors and moisture in your kitchen.
Countertop models are installed on the counter in the kitchen. They don't need venting or any special installation. This makes them a good choice for people who rent their homes or wish to save money on costly changes to their kitchens. Certain models have trim kits that can be used to bridge the gap between a microwave and other countertop appliances like toaster ovens, coffee makers or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are much more efficient at heating water and food in comparison to other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than traditional stovetop ovens because they focus the microwave's energy on the liquid in the instead of heating the air or other elements surrounding it. They can also heat dishes faster than conventional ovens. They can be put in your upper or lower cabinets, and are available with retro or contemporary styles to fit any kitchen design.
In this notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that save consumers money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether the more stringent standards are economically feasible and technologically feasible, as well as result in significant energy savings.
The 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, a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy usage analysis calculates the annual average microwave ovens operating hours for the sample of households. It forms the basis for the energy savings analyses and the other consumer analysis in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data collected from a variety of regions. It also takes into consideration different microwave oven usage patterns in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To assess the effects of new or amended standards on household expenses, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to estimate the cost over time of purchasing and using a microwave oven at various levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations are made using a computer model that uses the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analyses.
This SNOPR includes an assessment 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 standard in the form of energy savings for the site and FFC savings.