Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven helps you cook and reheat food quickly and efficiently. GE provides a range of designs, cooking techniques and control options to suit your kitchen's needs.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into an outlet, while built-in models are placed in a wall with a recess or in cabinets to create an elegant, integrated look. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a popular appliance in the kitchen, but can also take up valuable countertop space. There are plenty of smart ways to reclaim counter space by moving your microwave to a different place, like the kitchen island or by recessing it into the wall.
One of the most sought-after options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Tucked away neatly above your stove, this model can be especially useful in smaller kitchens where space is at a premium. Some OTR models can also function as an air vent for your cooktop. This can help reduce steam buildup.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry can make space. This option provides an elegant, integrated look that will match your kitchen's cabinets and fixtures in finish, color, or style. It can also give an overall look that is more minimalist in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who prefer a clean, uncluttered appearance.
Installing a built-in microwavable may require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. It is possible depending on the layout of your house to cut a hole in a wall to accommodate the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and support. Also, built-in microwaves require adequate ventilation to ensure that they don't overheat and 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 certain manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space for ventilation.
Another option that can be used to save space is a drawer-style microwave which can be placed below your countertop or inside an island. This configuration is simple to use and suitable for everyone and requires less countertop space. It can also help avoid hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting knocked over.
A final consideration for an efficient microwave is its door design. Many brands offer an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens in the same motion as other kitchen appliances to allow you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models have a smooth, sleek exterior that resists fingerprints for an attractive and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves over ovens are attractive, convenient and easy to clean. They are usually set at eye level for easy access and come with turntables to make it less necessary to transfer food from one plate to the next. Built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that increase their capabilities, like EasyConvection technology that converts ovens and a broiler that can crisp or brown food items.
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, high-end 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 for an elegant look that demonstrates you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves that are over ovens are available in various sizes as well as power levels and features that can be customized to suit any kitchen. You can even put them under your counter in a drawer-style for a more integrated look that fits snugly into existing cabinetry and requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their premium finishes and high-end functions, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen as well as your cooking and entertaining experience.
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. It may take more space to operate, depending on the location it's installed. Similarly, they aren't as portable, and you won't be able easily swap the model for a new one if you want something different.
If you decide to put the microwave on top of your range, then you'll require a bigger space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation required by this arrangement. You'll need an option for ducting that directs smoke out to the outside or a recirculating venting system that pulls air through the microwave into the home. Consider a built-in microwave for the kitchen that is small. It can be put into a wall, cabinet or even an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves have a wide range of controls, based on model. Some common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating and 30-second buttons. Some models have child safety features to prevent accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves also have pre-made recipes and cooking times that help you prepare meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is useful for new cooks who aren't sure how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't acquainted with the specific cooking methods used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand provides a wide variety of built-in and oversized microwaves that are designed to match the style and finish of other appliances for an integrated look to your kitchen. There's a range 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.
Contrary to models that are built into countertops built-in microwaves are fitted into a fixed space in the kitchen cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom appearance. They typically have the same components inside like countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to fit into a smaller space and their exteriors can include a door that opens either in a left-to right swing-out or drop-down fashion.
Some microwaves over the range, such as 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 then recirculate the air. Some microwaves have charcoal filters that get rid of odors and moisture in your kitchen.
Countertop models sit on your counter top and do not require venting hookups or special installations, making them a great option for rental homes or anyone looking to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Some options 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 are more efficient at heating water and food as in comparison to other cooking methods. They also use less energy than traditional stovetop ovens since they focus the microwave's energy on the liquid in the instead of heating the air or other elements surrounding it. They can heat up dishes much faster than conventional ovens. They can be placed in your lower or upper cabinets, and come with retro or contemporary styles to fit any kitchen design.
In this additional notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for micro-wave ovens which will help consumers save money in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to regularly assess whether stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically viable and if they can yield significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes the analyses and results that DOE conducted to assess the impact on consumers of new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment, a screening and engineering analysis and an analysis of the national impact.
The energy use analysis calculates the annual average of microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. It forms the basis for the energy savings assessments as well as the other consumer analysis in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data from various regions and considers the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens across different households and also the variations in the regional electricity prices.
In order to assess the impact of the new or modified standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to estimate the cost over time of purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency level. The LCC and PBP calculations are based on a computer model that uses a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analysis.
microwave oven builtin includes an assessment of the impact of new or amended standards on the national level, based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or a new standard in the form of site energy savings and FFC savings.