Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with integrated microwave allows you to cook and reheat your food quickly and easily. GE provides a variety of designs, cooking technology and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves sit 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, integrated look. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most commonly used kitchen appliances but it can take up valuable counter space. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to a new place, such as an island in your kitchen.
One of the most sought-after choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. This type of microwave, which is neatly tucked away above your stovetop can be extremely useful in small kitchens with limited space. Some OTR models can also be used as an exhaust for your cooktop. This can help reduce the amount of steam that builds up.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry will save you space. This option provides a sleek, integrated appearance that can match your kitchen's cabinets and fixtures in finish, color, or style. It can also give a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners that prefer an uncluttered, clean appearance.
However installing a built-in microwave might require professional installation or a renovation of your kitchen. Depending on your home's layout you may be able to cut a space into a wall to accommodate the appliance however, this requires proper framing and reinforcement and should be left to the professionals. Built-in microwaves require ventilation to avoid overheating or damaging the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti, vice president of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths in Chevy Chase, Maryland, the minimum cabinet depth for a built-in microwave is around 15 inches. However, some manufacturers offer trim kits that can provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a microwave with a drawer that can be installed beneath your countertop or within an island. This type of microwave is simple to use and is suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It can also prevent hot dishes from falling off the edge or being thrown down.
The door design is the final factor to consider when choosing a space-saving microwavable. A lot of brands have doors that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, like sliding out or dropping down. This allows you to integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Some models also feature a sleek and smooth exterior that resists fingerprints for an attractive, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built in microwave over oven is attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. They are typically placed near the eye level to make it easier to access and come with turntables to make it less necessary to move food from one plate to another. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that enhance their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler element that can cook or brown food.
A built-in microwave on top of the oven can save you counter space, and can also boost the value of your home by giving it a sleek and high-end appearance that other appliances may not be able to match. The microwaves can be placed above the stove, or in a separate cupboard. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen to give 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 fit any kitchen. Install them under the counter in drawers to create an elegant look that fits snugly within existing cabinets. This requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their high-end finishes and high-end functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen as well as your dining and cooking experiences.
While the convenience of a built-in microwave over oven is clear, keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as flexible as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on stoves integrated microwave install your microwave, it will require more space than other types of microwaves. Similarly, they aren't as portable and you won't be able easily switch out the model for a different one if you prefer something different.
If you install your microwave above your range, you'll require an additional kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this setup. You'll require either a ducting system that directs smoke away from the home or a recirculating ventilation system that draws air through the microwave before transferring it to the home. For a smaller kitchen, consider an additional built-in microwave that can be installed into the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with a variety of convenient controls according to the model you choose. Some common features include turntables, preset functions like defrosting and reheating and plus-30-second buttons. Certain models come with child safety features to avoid accidental operation.
Many microwaves also come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times to make the process of making meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for those who aren't sure of the time to heat certain foods or for those who aren't comfortable with the specific cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a broad selection of built-in and over the-range microwaves that are designed to complement the style and finish of your other appliances to create an integrated look in your kitchen. You can find a selection of stainless steel models as well as black finishes to match the style of your 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 placed in a fixed location of your kitchen cabinets or walls to give a sleek and custom look. The internal components are typically the same as those of regular countertop models with some exceptions. They are available in various sizes, with some designed to fit into a small space, and their exteriors may include a door that opens either in a left-to right swing-out or drop-down manner.
Certain microwaves in the range, like those made by Whirlpool(r) and Whirlpool(r), can be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built-in to let out fumes outside and recirculate the air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter to remove 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 lease their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Some options also come with trim kits that can close the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances like coffee pots bread makers, toaster ovens or bread ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient at heating water and food compared to other cooking methods. They also consume less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid inside, rather than heating the air around it. They can also heat dishes quicker than conventional ovens. They can be installed in the upper or lower cabinets, and come with retro or contemporary styles to match any kitchen style.
In this supplemental 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 will save consumers money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to periodically determine whether stricter standards are economically feasible and technologically feasible and could result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and results to assess the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment screening and engineering analysis, and an analysis of the national impact.
The energy usage analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings analyses and the other consumer analyses included in this SNOPR. The analysis is built on RECS field data from multiple regions and considers the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens in various households and also the variation in the regional electricity prices.
To determine the impact of possible new or modified standards on the cost of operating a household, 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 built on a computer model that uses the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analyses.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses, this SNOPR contains an evaluation of the national impact of the new or amended standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy saving from potential amended or a new standard in terms of energy savings for the site and FFC savings.