How to Choose a Small Built in Microwave Oven
Save counter space and reclaim work surface area by relocating your microwave to a recessed space in the wall or cabinetry. Built-in models work seamlessly to create the appearance of a sleek kitchen of all sizes.
This 1.2-cubic-foot oven comes with 10 power settings and presets for popular foods like popcorn, pizza and frozen vegetables. It also comes with a smart sensor that calculates the cooking time based on food weight and density.
Power
A microwave with a built-in oven is a wonderful kitchen appliance to cook or reheating meals. Typically, these appliances are powerful and can cook food quickly and evenly. The most important thing is to find the ideal microwave oven that meets your needs. A few features to think about are size as well as design, power level and control options. Certain models have large icons on the display to aid you in choosing the best settings, while other models have smooth control panels that are easy to read in different lighting conditions. The number of racks and the type of turntable are also important features to consider.
When you are choosing a small microwave it is essential to take a look at the interior capacity of the appliance. The average countertop microwave is 1.2 to 2 cubic feet in size. A larger microwave can cook more food in one go, however it may take longer to heat. It is important to take a look at the dimensions of the exterior of a microwave oven that is small to ensure that it will fit in your desired location.
There are three types of microwave ovens: convection, conventional, and oven. Conventional microwaves utilize electromagnetic radiation to heat the food, and are best for standard uses such as reheating leftovers, or freezing frozen food items. Convection microwaves are designed to bake and roast, and they usually have heating elements and a fan that circulate hot air around the food. Additionally, an oven microwave combines the functions of a traditional and convection microwave into a single unit.
You shouldn't just pay attention to wattage, but also the maximum and minimum power of your microwave. The minimum power of microwaves is 800, while the maximum power is 1,200. Avoid buying a microwave with less than 1,000 Watts, as it will not properly cook your food.
Installing a built-in micro within your cabinetry is an excellent way to save space. This will help you save counter space and make your kitchen look more sophisticated. You can even purchase trim kits to make your microwave appear like it's part of the cabinets. These options are more expensive than countertop and over-the-range microwaves, but they're more accessible and provide your kitchen with a premium appearance.
Convenience
A small microwave installed on a countertop is an efficient and simple way to heat up drinks and food. It helps to free up space on the counter and provides more room to prepare meals. It's crucial to make sure that you choose one that has the best features to meet your requirements. A lot of models come with racks, a turntable, and other accessories that make cooking easier and more efficient. Certain models also come with a crisper pan that mimics traditional oven baking, providing crispness to food.
Microwaves come in a range of sizes and finishes that will fit into any kitchen design. Some models have doors that are recessed and blend into the cabinetry to give the appearance of a custom. It's important to think about how often and by whom you will make use of your microwave when choosing the best location. It is also important to ensure that the space is large enough to allow ventilation, according to the instructions of the manufacturer of your microwave.
Above the refrigerator is the most popular spot to store microwaves. This placement keeps the appliance off the countertop and makes it easy to reach. It can be hazardous to children or those with shorter legs, and you will need to remove and store the microwave every time you use it.
Another option is to put the microwave in a cabinet that is not used. This is a great solution for those with limited countertop space and offers a seamless, unobtrusive appearance. It's also a good option for those who don't wish to buy an appliance drawer, but need a convenient place to cook food and beverages.
Alternatively, you can install a pull-out pantry shelf designed to fit a microwave. These shelves are wide enough to fit any space, and deep enough to prevent them from tipping. Some shelves have a curving corner to prevent spills and falling.
Another option is to stack the microwave on top of an oven that is a match in a cabinet of mid-height. This is a classic installation and works well in Transitional style kitchens. Most manufacturers offer trim kits to ensure that the microwave aligns with the oven's depth. These kits come in louvered and flat designs and can be put in on top or flush with the millwork.
Design
A built-in microwave is a convenient kitchen appliance, but you need to find a style that integrates it into the rest of your kitchen layout. The huge footprint it leaves on the counter can detract from the design of your kitchen. There are a myriad of ways to conceal this versatile small appliance, without cutting down on the counter space or storage space.
Installing a cabinet, or appliance garage, to hide the microwave when it is not being used is an option. This solution is particularly effective for smaller kitchens where wall space is limited. This kind of cabinet can be customizable to match the door and trim style in your kitchen, giving it an elegant and unique look.
You can also conceal your microwave by incorporating it into the cabinetry of your pantry. This gives it a clean minimalist look and keeps it easily accessible. This kind of arrangement is ideal for small kitchens. It can be used with another pantry cabinet to maximize storage.
Some microwaves have racks or turntables that are built in which allow you to cook multiple dishes at once. These features make the appliance more useful and save time. It's important that you only make use of microwave-safe cookware and utensils when using these appliances. Avoid using metal containers or cookware with metallic accents. These can cause sparks which could damage the microwave.
Microwaves intended to be put in a drawer or cabinet might have venting systems that are compatible with these enclosed spaces. Talk to your contractor to make sure the venting system is correctly specified. Additionally, a microwave should never be placed directly in the window's direction, since this could block the window and prevent venting.
There are several other ways to incorporate microwaves into your kitchen design, including mounting it under the counter or hiding it away on an island. A microwave with a drawer is a great choice for kitchens with a limited counter space because it is easily accessible by people of all heights.
Another option is to stack the microwave on top of a built-in wall oven. This type of installation works well in Transitional or Traditional Kitchens. Kitchen Designers may use a trim kit for the final installation to cover any gaps. These kits are available in louvered and flat designs and can be customized to match your oven.
Cost
A microwave with a small built-in oven is a great option to modernize your kitchen. It adds style and utility. Pick from a range of styles and finishes that fit in with your home's decor and look for features like auto defrost as well as cook settings and timers which make meal preparation easier. Certain microwaves feature designs that resist fingerprints so they can look pristine.
Countertop microwaves are convenient, but they can take up valuable counterspace and limit the design and functionality of your kitchen. If you're concerned about this, think about a recessed model that can be installed within your cabinetry to create an elegant, customized appearance. Installing a small built-in microwave oven inside a kitchen isle can also provide more space and an attractive integrated appearance. It's important to keep in mind that a recessed microwave requires sufficient air space around the sides and rear to function properly.
Consider how often built in microwave oven will make use of your microwave and what kind of food items you cook the most often when deciding where to put it. If you're making a lot of pizza and frozen meals, opt for an appliance with a higher wattage that can cook food quickly and evenly. If you're cooking vegetables or other foods that require delicate heating, look into an appliance with a lower wattage that will avoid overcooking and scorching.
If you're unable to fit your microwave into cabinets or prefer a smaller model, you can put it on a small, movable stand. These stands have a base that can support the microwave and keep it in place, and are usually designed to ward off fingerprints to ensure a neat appearance. These stands are a convenient and affordable option that can be used to store your microwave until you can find a permanent place for it in the kitchen.
Add a small microwave to the corner of your house, where it will double as a mini hood for your stove. This is a great method to make space, however it's not recommended in homes with children or elderly residents that need easy access to their kitchen. A corner microwave should not be placed in front of a window because it could block the airflow and break the glass in the case in the event of an emergency.