Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with integrated microwave lets you cook and reheat your food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a variety of designs, cooking techniques and control options that will fit your kitchen's setup.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into an outlet and built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or between cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a common appliance in the kitchen, but can also take up valuable countertop space. There are many smart ways to make the most of your countertop space by moving your microwave to an alternative place, like an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most well-known choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. This model is tucked behind your stove can be extremely useful in small kitchens with small space. Certain OTR models can also be used as a vent for your cooktop. This can reduce the amount of steam that builds up.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry will save you space. This type of appliance offers a sleek, integrated look that is able to match the style, color, or finish of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It also helps create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is ideal for homeowners who prefer minimalist and clear design.
Installing a built-in microwave might require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. Depending on your home's layout, you might be able to cut out a space within walls to accommodate the appliance, however, this requires proper framing and reinforcement, which should be left to professionals. Built-in microwaves require ventilation to prevent 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 15 inches. However, some manufacturers provide trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space for ventilation.
A drawer-style microwave can be placed under the counter or in an island. This type of microwave is easy to access and is suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It can also prevent hot dishes from falling off the edge or being knocked down.
The final aspect to consider for an efficient microwave is its door design. Many brands offer the option of a swing-out, drop-down, or slide-out door that opens in the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models also feature a sleek and smooth exterior that is resistant to fingerprints, giving a cleaner, more attractive appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves over ovens look attractive, practical and easy to clean. They are typically placed at eye level for easy access and are equipped with turntables that make it easier to move food from one plate to another. In addition, built in microwaves often come with options that improve functionality, such as EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and a broil element that allows you to crisp or brown foods.
integrated oven and microwave built-in microwave on top of the oven can save you counter space and also increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, luxurious appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen to create an elegant appearance that shows you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves that are over ovens are available in various sizes power levels, styles, and features that can be customized to fit any kitchen. You can even put them under your counter in a drawer style for a more integrated design that is a perfect fit into existing cabinets and requires no extra space. These microwaves, with their luxurious designs and top-of-the-line functions can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While the benefits of a built in microwave over oven is obvious however, you should be aware that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the location you put yours, it might require more space than other microwaves. In addition, they're not as portable, and you won't have the ability to easily swap the model for a new one if you'd like a different model.
If you place your microwave above your range, you'll require an additional kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this arrangement. You'll need either a ducting option that directs smoke out to the outside or a recirculating venting system that pulls air from the microwave into the home. Consider a built-in microwave to the kitchen that is small. It can be mounted on a wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves offer a wide variety of controls based on the model. Common features include turntables, preset functions such as defrosting and reheating, and 30 second buttons. Some models have safety features for children to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves come with preset recipes and cooking times to make the process of preparing meals more efficient and less time-consuming. This feature is beneficial for new cooks who don't know how long to heat certain foods or for those who aren't comfortable with the specific cooking methods that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a range of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that can be matched to your other appliances in design and finish to create a seamless look. You can find a selection of stainless steel models as well as black finishes to complement any kitchen design. 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.
In contrast to models that are built into countertops built-in microwaves are fitted in fixed spaces on your kitchen's cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom appearance. They typically have the same components inside like countertop models, with a few exceptions. They are available in various sizes, including those designed to fit into a smaller space and their exteriors could have doors that open in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down fashion.
Certain microwaves in the range, like the ones made by Whirlpool(r), can also be used as vent hoods. They have an exhaust system that is built-in to let fumes out and recirculate the air. Some microwaves come with a charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter in your kitchen and don't require venting hookups or any special installation which makes them a great option for rental homes or those who want to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Some options also come with trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances, such as coffee pots and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are much more efficient at heating water and food as when compared to other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid inside, rather than heating the air surrounding it. They can also heat dishes faster than conventional ovens. They can be installed either on the upper or lower cabinets and come in retro or modern styles to suit any kitchen.
In this additional notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that 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 economically feasible and technologically feasible, as well as result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to assess the effects of new or revised energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment, a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impacts analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the annual average of microwave oven operating hours in a sample of homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer analysis within this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data from various regions, and takes into account the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens in different households, as well as the variations in the regional electricity prices.
To evaluate 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 employ the computer model based on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate variations and uncertainty into the analysis.
In addition to the analysis of energy use and the LCC/PBP in this SNOPR includes an assessment of the national impacts of amended or new standards that are based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model estimates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from the potential amendment or new standards in terms of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.