Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven allows you to cook and reheat food quickly and efficiently. GE provides a variety of designs, cooking technology and control options that can be adapted to your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are placed behind cabinets or in recessed walls to give them an elegant and seamless look. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most commonly used appliances in a kitchen however, it can consume valuable counter space. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to a new place, such as a kitchen island.
One of the most well-known choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Hidden away beneath your stove, this option is especially beneficial in smaller kitchens where space is limited. Additionally there are certain OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which can be useful in reducing the amount of steam that builds up.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry can save you space. This option offers an elegant, seamless look that can match the color, finish or style of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It also helps create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is ideal for homeowners who want minimalist and clear design.
Installing a built-in Microwave might require a professional installation or a kitchen remodel. Based on the layout of your home, you might be able to cut a space in walls 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 approximately 15 inches, but some manufacturers offer trim kits that can provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to let air circulate.
A third space-saving option is a drawer-style microwave which can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This configuration is easy to access and is suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being knocked over.
The door design is an important 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, such as a slide-out or drop-down. This allows you to integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Some models have an elegant, smooth exterior that resists fingerprints for an attractive and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave that is over the oven is attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. In contrast to countertop models they're typically placed at the eye level for easy access and can be equipped with turntables that reduce the need to move food from plate to plate. Additionally, built-in microwaves usually have options that enhance functionality like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broil elements that allow you to cook or brown foods.
In addition to saving counter space, a built in microwave over the oven can boost your home's value and appeal by giving it a premium look that other appliances may not be in a position to match. If it's installed above the stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen for an elegant appearance that shows you've invested in your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a wide variety of sizes, power levels and features to match any kitchen configuration. You can even install them under your counter with a drawer design to create a more seamless look that fits snugly into your cabinetry and requires no extra space. These microwaves, with their high-end features and finishes, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen and enhance your dining and cooking experiences.
While the benefits of a built in microwave over oven is obvious but keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as flexible as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the place you install yours, it may require more space to operate than other types of microwaves. They are also not as portable and you won't be able easily switch out the model for a new one if you want something different.
If you place your microwave above the range, you'll need an additional kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this setup. You'll need either an ducting system that sends smoke outside or a recirculating ventilation system that pulls the air through the microwave and into the home. For smaller kitchens you might want to consider an additional built-in microwave that can be installed into cabinets, walls or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens are equipped with numerous controls, depending on the model you choose. Common features include turntables, preset functions like defrosting and reheating as well as plus-30-second buttons. Certain models come with safety features for children to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves also come with pre-made recipes and cooking times to make the process of preparing meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is beneficial for those who are just beginning to cook and are unsure of how long to cook specific food items or who are unfamiliar with the specific cooking methods that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand provides a wide variety of built-in and oversized microwaves that are designed to complement the style and finish of other appliances for an aesthetically pleasing kitchen. There's a range of stainless steel models, as well as black and white 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, unlike countertop models, are set in a fixed area of your kitchen cabinets or walls for an elegant and unique look. The internal components are generally the same as those of traditional countertop models, with a few exceptions. They are available in various sizes, and some are designed to fit into small spaces. Their exteriors could have doors that open in a swing-out from right to left or drop-down style.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those made by Whirlpool(r), even double as vent hoods to your kitchen stove and use a built-in exhaust system to vent fumes outside and recirculate air. Some models come with a charcoal filter to eliminate odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models sit on your kitchen counter and do not require venting hookups, or special installations, making them a great option for rental homes or anyone who wants to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Certain models have trim kits that can be used to close the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances like coffee pots, toaster ovens 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 power than conventional stovetops because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid within rather than heating the air around it. They can also heat dishes quicker than conventional ovens. They can be put in on the upper or lower cabinets and come in modern or retro styles to fit any kitchen.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, which will save consumers money in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically justifiable and will result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR provides the analysis and findings that DOE performed to evaluate the effects on consumers of the new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment as well as a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer-related analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from multiple regions and takes into consideration the various patterns of use of microwave ovens across different households, as well as the variation in regional electricity prices.
To assess the impact of possible changes or new standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the cost over time of purchasing and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations use an algorithm based on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analysis.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses, this SNOPR includes an analysis of the national impacts of new or amended standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. Built-in Oven and microwave ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from possible new or amended standards in the form of site energy savings and FFC energy savings.