Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave that is integrated into the oven allows you to cook and heat food quickly and conveniently. GE provides a range of cooking styles, cooking technology and control options to fit your kitchen setup.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into outlets and built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or among cabinets for an elegant, integrated look. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a well-loved appliance in the kitchen, but it can also occupy valuable countertop space. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to a new space, such as an island in your kitchen.
One of the most popular options is an over the range (OTR) microwave. This type of microwave, which is neatly tucked behind your stove, can be particularly useful in kitchens with a little space. Some OTR models also double as an exhaust for your cooktop. This can reduce steam buildup.
Another option to save space is to install a built-in microwave that blends in with the cabinetry. This type of appliance offers a sleek, integrated look that is able to match the color, finish or style of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It can also create an elegant look in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners that prefer a clean, uncluttered appearance.
Installing a built-in microwavable may require a professional installation or a kitchen remodel. Depending on your home's layout it is possible to cut a space into a wall to accommodate the appliance but this requires proper framing and reinforcement, which should be left to professionals. Built-in microwaves also need adequate 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 certain manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to let air circulate.
A microwave with a drawer design can be set up beneath your counter or within an island. This design is easy to access and is suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also helps prevent hot dishes from falling off the edge or being knocked down.
The door design is the final factor to consider when selecting a microwave that is space-saving. Many brands offer a door that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, such as dropping-down or slide-out. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Some models also have a smooth and sleek exterior that wards off fingerprints for better, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves in ovens are attractive, convenient and easy to clean. In contrast to countertop models they're typically placed at the eye level for easy access and are often equipped with turntables that reduce the necessity of constantly shifting food from plate to plate. Additionally, built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that improve functionality, such as EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broil elements that allow you to crisp or brown food items.
In addition to reducing counter space, a built in microwave over the oven can boost your home's value and appearance by offering a luxurious look that other appliances may not be in a position to match. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen to create a tailored appearance that shows that you've put money into 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 suit any kitchen. Install them under the counter in drawers to create an integrated look that fits snugly within the cabinets. It doesn't require any additional space. These microwaves, with their high-end finishes and high-end functions will enhance the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the convenience of a built-in microwave oven is evident but keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as flexible as their freestanding counterparts. It may take more space for your microwave to operate, depending on where it is installed. They are also not as portable, and you can't easily alter the model if you need something else.
If you put your microwave above your range, you'll need a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this setup. You'll need either an ducting system that sends smoke away from the home or a recirculating system that pulls air through the microwave and into the home. For smaller kitchens you might want to consider a separate built-in microwave which can be fitted into the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with numerous controls, depending on the model you choose. Common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating, and 30-second buttons. Certain models include child safety features to avoid accidental operation.
Many microwaves also come with preset recipes and cooking times to make the process of preparing meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for those who are just beginning to cook and are unsure of how long to cook certain foods or who aren't familiar 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 your other appliances for an integrated look to your kitchen. Select from stainless steel and black finishes that will complement any 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.
Unlike countertop models built-in microwaves are inserted into a fixed space in the kitchen cabinets or walls to give your kitchen a sleek, customized appearance. They generally use the same components inside as regular countertop models, with a few exceptions. They come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to fit into a smaller space and their exteriors can feature a door that opens in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down fashion.
Some microwaves over the range, such as the ones made by Whirlpool(r) and Whirlpool(r), can be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built-in to vent fumes outdoors and then recirculate the air. Some microwaves have a charcoal filter that removes odors and moisture in your kitchen.
Countertop models are installed on the kitchen counter. They don't require venting or a special installation. This makes them an ideal choice for those who lease their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Some options include trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances like coffee pots bread makers, toaster ovens or bread ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to cook water and food than other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid within rather than heating the air around it. They can cook food much faster than conventional ovens. They can be placed on the upper or lower cabinets and come in modern or retro styles to suit any kitchen.
In this notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR"), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that reduce the cost of operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether more-stringent standards would be economically feasible and technologically feasible and could result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains the analyses and findings that DOE carried out to assess the effects on consumers of the new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment screening and engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy usage analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings as well as other consumer-related analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is built on RECS field data from multiple regions and considers the different usage patterns of microwave ovens across different households, as well as the variation in the regional electricity prices.
To evaluate stoves built in microwave of new or amended standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency level. The LCC and PBP calculations are made using the computer model that utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analysis.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses in this SNOPR contains an evaluation of the national impacts of new or amended standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model calculates the industry's net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings resulting from a potential amended or new standard in the form energy savings for the site and FFC savings.