Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven allows you to cook and reheat food quickly and easily. GE offers a variety of cooking styles, cooking technology and control options to suit your kitchen's needs.
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 a common appliance in the kitchen, however it can also take up valuable countertop space. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to a different location, like a kitchen island.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above your stove, this model is especially beneficial in kitchens that are smaller and space is limited. Furthermore certain OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which can be helpful in reducing steam buildup.
Another way to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design that blends into the cabinetry. This option offers an elegant, integrated design that can be matched to the design, color, or finish of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It can also provide a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who want a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However installing a built-in microwave may require a professional installation or remodeling of your kitchen. Depending on your home's layout, you might be able to cut a space in walls to accommodate the appliance, but this requires proper framing and reinforcement which should be left to the professionals. Built-in microwaves also need adequate ventilation to avoid overheating or damaging the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti of R. M. in built microwave and Baths in Chevy Chase, Maryland the minimum cabinet depth for a built-in oven is 15 inches. However, some manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inch of extra space to allow for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a microwave with a drawer that can be set up below your countertop or inside an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for everyone and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting damaged by a fall.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing the space-saving microwave is the door design. There are many brands that have a door that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, including a slide-out or drop-down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Certain models feature a sleek, smooth exterior that resists fingerprints for better and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves that are built into ovens are stylish, convenient and easy to clean. Contrary to countertop models, they're usually at eye level to make it easier to access and can be equipped with turntables that reduce the need to constantly shift food from plate to plate. Additionally, built-in microwaves usually have options that enhance functionality like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and a broil element that allows you to crisp or brown food items.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave over oven can also increase the value of your home and appeal by giving it a premium appearance that other appliances might not be capable of matching. If it's installed above the 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 and ovens are available in a variety of sizes as well as power levels and features that can be customized to suit any kitchen. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to give an elegant look that fits snugly within existing cabinetry. They do not require additional space. Designed with premium finishes and high-end features, these microwaves are sure to complement the style of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While microwaves built into ovens are handy but they aren't as versatile as the microwaves that stand alone. Depending on the location you put yours, it may require more space to operate than other types of microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you cannot easily switch the model if you want something different.
If you put your microwave above your range, you'll require an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this arrangement. You'll need a ducting option that directs smoke to the outside, or a ventilator that recirculates air through the microwave into the home. Consider a built-in microwave to a small kitchen. in built microwave can be incorporated to a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens are equipped with various controls that are convenient depending on the model you choose. Some features include turntables presets for defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons for a maximum of 30 minutes. Some models have child safety features to prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times that make the process of cooking food faster and simpler. This feature is useful for those who are just beginning to cook and are not sure of the time needed to heat specific foods or who aren't familiar with the specific cooking methods used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of built-in microwaves as well as over-the-range microwaves designed to match the other appliances in style and design to create seamless appearance. There's a variety of stainless steel models as well as black and white 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 inside a fixed area of the kitchen cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom appearance. The internal components are typically the same as those of conventional countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in different sizes, including some that are designed to be able to fit in small spaces. Their exteriors could have doors that open in a swing-out from left to right or drop-down style.
Certain microwaves in the range, like the ones made by Whirlpool(r), can also be used as vent hoods. They have an exhaust system built-in to let fumes out and recirculate air. Some microwaves come with a charcoal filter that removes odors and moisture in your kitchen.
Countertop models can be placed on the counter in your kitchen and do not require venting hookups or special installation which makes them a great choice for rental homes or anyone looking to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Some models include trim kits that can be used to fill the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances, such as coffee pots, toaster ovens or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are much more efficient at heating water and food as in comparison to other cooking methods. They also consume less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid in rather than heating the air around it. This is why they can cook food much faster than conventional ovens. They can be placed in your lower or upper cabinets, and come with modern or retro styling to suit any kitchen design.
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, which will save consumers money in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to periodically assess whether stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically justifiable and will result in significant energy savings.
The SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to assess the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment, a screening and engineering analysis, and an analysis of the impact on the nation.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings as well as other consumer analysis within this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data gathered from various regions. It also considers different microwave oven usage patterns in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To determine the impact of changes or new standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of buying and using a microwave oven at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations utilize the computer model built on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analyses.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses, this SNOPR includes an assessment of the impact on the nation 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 the potential amendment or new standard in terms of site energy savings and FFC savings.