Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven that has built-in microwaves lets you cook and reheat your food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a wide range of styles, cooking technology and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are positioned behind cabinets or in recessed walls to give them a sleek and integrated look. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most commonly used appliances in a kitchen however, it can consume valuable counter space. There are built in oven with microwave to reclaim counter space by moving your microwave to a different location, such as in a kitchen island or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most well-known choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above your stove, this option can be especially useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is limited. Some OTR models can also be used as an air vent for your cooktop. This can reduce steam buildup.
Another way to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design that blends into your cabinetry. This option offers an elegant, integrated design that can be matched to the color, finish or style of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It can also create a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who want a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However, installing a built-in microwave might require professional installation or a remodel of your kitchen. Based on the layout of your home, you might be able to cut out a space within walls to accommodate the appliance however, this requires adequate framing and support and should be left to experts. Additionally, built-in microwaves need adequate ventilation to avoid overheating 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 microwave built-in is approximately 15 inches, however certain manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space for ventilation.
A drawer-style microwave can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This configuration is easy to access, suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It can also help avoid hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting damaged by a fall.
A final consideration for a space-saving microwave is its door design. Many manufacturers offer a swing-out, drop-down or slide-out door that opens with the same motion as other kitchen appliances to allow you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking routine. Some models also have a smooth and sleek exterior that resists fingerprints for a cleaner, more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built in microwave over oven offers an attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. They are usually placed at eye-level for easier access, and include turntables to make it less necessary to move food from one plate to another. Additionally, built-in microwaves usually have options that increase functionality, like EasyConvection oven conversion technology and a broil element that allows you to brown or crisp foods.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave over oven can also improve the value of your home as well as appeal by providing a high-end look that other appliances may not be capable of matching. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen to create an elegant appearance that shows that you've put money into your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a vast variety of dimensions in terms of power levels, features and models to suit any kitchen configuration. Install them under the counter in drawer style to give an integrated look that can be easily integrated into the cabinetry. They do not require additional space. With top-quality finishes and features, these microwaves are sure to complement your kitchen's aesthetic and elevate your cooking and entertaining experience.
Although the built-in microwave over ovens are useful however they aren't as versatile as the microwaves that stand on their own. Depending on the location you put yours, it might require more space to operate than other microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you cannot easily switch the model should you want something different.
If you decide to put your microwave over your range, then you will require a bigger space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation needed by this configuration. You'll need either an ducting system that sends smoke away from the home or a recirculating system that pulls air through the microwave before transferring it to the home. For smaller kitchens, consider an additional built-in microwave that can be installed inside cabinets, walls or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves come with a variety of controls depending on the model. Common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating as well as 30 second buttons. Certain models come with child safety features to prevent accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times that make the process of making meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for those who are just beginning to cook and are uncertain of the proper time to heat specific foods or are not familiar with the cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of built-in microwaves as well as over-the-range microwaves that are designed to match your other appliances in design and finish to create a seamless look. Choose 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.
Contrary to countertop models, built-in microwaves are installed in fixed spaces on your kitchen's cabinets or walls for a sleek, custom appearance. They typically have the same internal components as regular countertop models, but with some exceptions. They are available in various sizes, including some that are designed to fit into smaller spaces. Their exteriors could have a door which opens in a swing-out style from right to left or drop-down style.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those made by Whirlpool(r) are able to double as vent hoods to your kitchen stove. They have an exhaust system built-in to exhaust fumes outside and circulate air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter that removes odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models are installed on the counter in the kitchen. They don't require venting or any special installation. This makes them an ideal choice for those who lease their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Certain models include trim kits that can close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances, such as coffee pots and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves require less energy to cook water and food than other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid within rather than heating the air surrounding it. Because of this, they can heat dishes much faster than a conventional oven. They can be installed either in the lower or upper cabinets, and are available in modern or retro designs to fit any kitchen.
In this supplemental notice 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 save consumers money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to periodically assess whether more stringent standards are technically feasible and economically justifiable and will result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR provides the analysis and results that DOE performed to evaluate the impact on consumers of the new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment, a screening analysis as well as an engineering analysis and national impacts analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven' operating hours in the sample of households. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings as well as other consumer analysis within this SNOPR. The analysis is based upon RECS field data gathered from various regions. It also takes into account different microwave oven usage patterns in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of changes or new standards on the cost of operating a household, 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 are built on a computer model that uses the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analyses.
This SNOPR includes an evaluation 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 from the potential amendment or new standard in the form site energy savings and FFC savings.