Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven allows you to cook and heat food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a variety of designs, cooking techniques and control options that will fit your kitchen's needs.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into outlets and built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or in cabinets to create an elegant, built-in appearance. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most used appliances in a kitchen however, it can take up valuable counter space. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to another location, like an island in your kitchen.
microwaves built in of the most well-known options is an over the range (OTR) microwave. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above your stove, this option is particularly 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 help to reduce steam buildup.
Another option to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design which blends seamlessly into the cabinetry. This can give you a sleek, integrated look that can be matched to the color, finish or style of your other kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It also helps create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is ideal for homeowners who prefer an uncluttered and clean look.
However installing a built-in microwave could require professional installation or a renovation of your kitchen. It is possible, depending on the layout of your home to cut an opening in the wall to install the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and strengthening. Built-in microwaves require 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 built-in microwave is around 15 inches. However, certain manufacturers offer trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space for ventilation.
Another option that can be used to save space is a drawer-style microwave that can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This design is easily accessible, suitable for everyone and requires less counter space. It can also help avoid hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being crushed.
The final aspect to consider for the space-saving microwave is the door design. There are many brands that have a door that opens in the same way as other kitchen appliances, like sliding out or dropping down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Certain models feature an elegant, smooth exterior that resists finger prints for a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave over oven is attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. They are usually set at eye level for easy access and are equipped with turntables that make it easier to transfer food from one plate to the next. Additionally, built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that improve functionality, such as 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 increase the value of your home and appearance by offering a luxurious look that other appliances may not be capable of matching. They can be set up either above your stove, or in a separate cupboard. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen to give the appearance of a custom-designed look that shows how much you've put in your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a wide range of sizes, power levels and features to suit any kitchen configuration. You can even put them under your counter in a drawer-style to create a more seamless look that fits snugly into existing cabinetry and requires no extra space. With premium finishes and high-end features they are sure to complement your kitchen's aesthetic and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
Although the built-in microwave over ovens are handy however they aren't as versatile as the microwaves that stand alone. Depending on where you install yours, it may require more space to operate than other microwaves. Similarly, they aren't as portable, and you won't be able easily swap out the model to a new one if you'd like a different model.
If you install your microwave above the range, you'll require an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this configuration. You'll either need a ducting option that directs smoke 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 to a cabinet, wall or even an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves have a wide range of controls based on the model. Some features are 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 operation.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which makes the process of making food faster and easier. This feature is beneficial for those who are just beginning to cook and are uncertain of the proper time to cook specific food items or who are unfamiliar with the specific cooking methods used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves that are designed to match your other appliances with style and design to create a seamless look. Choose from stainless steel and black finishes that are perfect for 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.
In contrast to countertop models built-in microwaves are fitted in fixed spaces on your kitchen's cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom appearance. They generally use the same components inside as countertop models, with a few exceptions. They are available in various sizes, and some are designed to be able to fit in smaller spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature a door which opens with a swing-out that opens from left to right or a drop-down fashion.
Some over-the-range microwaves like those made by Whirlpool(r) can also double as vent hoods to your stove in the kitchen. They also have a built-in exhaust system to let fumes out and recycle air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter that removes odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models can be placed on the counter in your kitchen and do not require venting hookups or any special installation, making them a great option for rental properties or anyone looking to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Some options include trim kits that can close the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances, such as coffee pots, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient in heating food and water in comparison to other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than stovetop ovens since they focus microwaves' energy on the liquid in the, rather than on heating the air or other elements surrounding it. They can cook food faster than conventional ovens. They can be placed within the upper or lower cabinets and come in modern or retro designs to suit any kitchen.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR"), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to periodically assess whether more stringent standards are technologically feasible and economically viable and will yield significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and findings to assess the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment as well as a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings assessments as well as the other consumer analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data from multiple regions and considers the different usage patterns of microwave ovens across different households and the variations in the regional electricity prices.
To determine the impact of possible 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 made using an algorithm for computer models that employs a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an assessment of the impact of new or amended standards at the national level, based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings from potential amended or a new standard in the form of site energy savings and FFC savings.