Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven lets you cook and heat food quickly and easily. GE provides a range of cooking styles, cooking technology and control options to fit your kitchen's setup.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into an outlet, while built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or in cabinets to create a sleek, built-in look. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most used appliances in a kitchen, but it can also take up valuable counter space. There are a variety of clever ways to reclaim countertop space by moving the microwave to a different place, like an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular choice. Hidden away beneath your stove, this option is particularly useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is limited. Additionally integrated microwave as a vent hood for your cooktop, which can be helpful in reducing steam buildup.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry can make space. This gives you an elegant, integrated look that will match the kitchen cabinets and fixtures in finish, color, or style. It also helps create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is great for homeowners who want an uncluttered and clean look.
However, installing a built-in microwave could require professional installation or a renovation of your kitchen. You might be able depending on the layout of your house to cut an opening in the wall to accommodate the appliance. However it will require professional framing and strengthening. Additionally, built-in microwaves need sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating and damaging the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths, in Chevy Chase, Maryland the minimum cabinet depth for a built-in oven is 15 inches. However some manufacturers offer trim kits with up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to allow for ventilation.
A drawer-style microwave can be placed under your counter or inside 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.
A final consideration for an efficient microwave is its door design. There are many brands that have a door 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 a smooth, sleek exterior that is resistant to finger prints for a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves over ovens look attractive, practical and easy to clean. They are usually set near the eye level to make it easier to access and are equipped with turntables to make it less necessary to move food from one plate to another. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that increase their capabilities, like EasyConvection technology for oven conversion and a broiler that can crisp or brown food items.
A built-in microwave over the oven can save you counter space and also increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances might not be able match. If it's installed above the stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen to create an elegant look that demonstrates you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens come in various sizes as well as power levels and features that can be customized to fit into any kitchen. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to give an elegant look that is a perfect fit within existing cabinetry. It doesn't require any additional space. These microwaves, with their luxurious finishes and high-end functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the convenience of a built in microwave oven is evident however, you should be aware that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. It may take more space to operate, depending on where it is installed. They are also not as portable, and you won't have the ability to easily swap the model to a new model if you prefer something different.
If you decide to place the microwave on top of your range, then you'll require more space in your kitchen to allow for the ventilation required by this arrangement. You'll need either a ducting system that directs smoke to the outside or a recirculating system that draws air through the microwave before transferring it to the home. Consider a built-in microwave for small kitchens. It can be incorporated to a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves offer a wide variety of controls depending on the model. Some common features include turntables, preset functions such as defrosting and reheating as well as 30-second buttons. Certain models come with child safety features to avoid accidental operation.
Many microwaves come pre-programmed with recipes and cooking times, which make the process of making food quicker and more efficient. This feature is useful for those who are just beginning to cook and are not sure of the time needed to cook certain foods or who aren't familiar with the cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand provides a wide range of built-in and over-the-range microwaves that are designed to match the style and finish of your other appliances for an integrated look in your kitchen. There's a variety of stainless steel models, and 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, unlike countertop models, are installed in a fixed location of your walls or cabinets for sleek and distinctive appearance. They generally use the same internal components as regular countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in different sizes, including some that are designed to fit into small spaces. Their exteriors may have a door which opens in a swing-out from left to right or in drop-down design.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those from Whirlpool(r) are able to double as vent hoods for your kitchen stove and use an exhaust system that is built-in to exhaust fumes outside and recycle air. Some microwaves come with charcoal filters that eliminate moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the kitchen counter. They don't need venting or a special installation. This makes them a good choice for those who rent their homes or wish to stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Certain models also come with trim kits that can close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances like coffee pots bread makers, toaster ovens or bread ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves consume less energy to cook water and food than other cooking methods. They also consume less power than conventional stovetops because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid inside instead of heating the air surrounding it. They can cook food faster than conventional ovens. They can be placed within the upper or lower cabinets and are available in retro or modern styles to match any kitchen.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens which will help consumers save money on operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to regularly assess whether more stringent standards are technologically feasible and economically justified and will result in significant energy savings.
The SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and findings to assess the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment as well as a screening analysis as well as an engineering analysis and national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis calculates annual average microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer-related analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is built on RECS field data from a variety of regions, and takes into account the different usage patterns of microwave ovens across different households and also the variation in regional electricity prices.
In order to assess the impact of new or amended standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses in order to determine the lifetime cost for purchasing and using a microwave oven with different levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations are built on an algorithm for computer models that employs a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analysis.
In addition to the analyses of energy use and LCC/PBP, this SNOPR includes an assessment of the national impact of new or amended standards using the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from potential amended or new standards in terms of site energy savings and FFC energy savings.