Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with integrated microwave lets you cook and heat your food quickly and efficiently. GE provides a variety of styles, cooking technology and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into outlets, while built-in models are placed in a wall with a recess or between cabinets for a sleek, built-in 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 free up counter space by moving the microwave to a new space, such as a kitchen island.
One of the most popular options is an over the range (OTR) microwave. Hidden away beneath your stove, this model is particularly useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is limited. Some OTR models can also function as an exhaust for your cooktop. This can help to reduce the buildup of steam.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry can make space. This can give you an elegant, integrated design that is able to match the style, color, or finish of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It can also give an overall look that is more minimalist in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who prefer a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However installing a built-in microwave may require professional installation or a remodeling of your kitchen. Based on the layout of your home it is possible to cut a space into an existing wall to accommodate the appliance, however, this will require adequate framing and support, which should be left to experts. Built-in microwaves also require 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 15 inches, however some manufacturers offer trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to let air circulate.
A drawer-style microwave can be set up under your counter or inside an island. This design is simple to use and suitable for everyone and requires less countertop space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge or being thrown down.
The door design is the final factor to consider when choosing a compact microwave. There are many brands that have a door that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, like sliding out or dropping down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Certain models feature a smooth, sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints to give a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves that are built into ovens are stylish, convenient, and easy to clean. They are usually set at eye-level for easier access and are equipped with turntables to make it less necessary to transfer food from one plate to the next. In addition, built in microwaves usually have options that improve functionality, such as EasyConvection oven conversion technology and broiling elements that allow you to cook or brown foods.
A built-in microwave on top of the oven can help you save counter space and increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, luxurious appearance that other appliances might not be able match. The microwaves can be placed on top of your stove or in a separate cabinet. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen to give an elegant look that shows how much you've put in your home and kitchen.
Built-in microwaves over ovens are available in a vast range of sizes, power levels and features to fit any kitchen layout. You can even put them under your counter in a drawer style to create a more seamless appearance that blends seamlessly into existing cabinetry and requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their high-end features and finishes, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
Although the built-in microwave over ovens are convenient but they aren't as versatile as the microwaves that stand alone. Depending on the location you put your microwave, it will require more space than other microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you can't easily alter the model should you want something different.
If you place your microwave above the range, you'll need a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system required by this configuration. You'll need either a ducting option that directs smoke to the outside or a ventilator that recirculates air through the microwave into the home. If you have a smaller kitchen, consider a separate built-in microwave that can be incorporated inside the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with a variety of convenient controls, depending on the model you pick. Some features include turntables presets like defrosting or reheating, and buttons for a maximum of 30 seconds. Some models offer safety features for children that stop accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which make the process of preparing food quicker and more efficient. This feature is beneficial for cooks who aren't sure how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't acquainted with the specific cooking methods used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid provides a variety of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that are designed to match your other appliances with design and finish to create an elegant look. There's a variety of stainless steel models, as well as black finishes to match 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 for countertop use built-in microwaves are fitted into a fixed space in the kitchen cabinets or walls to give your kitchen a sleek, customized appearance. They typically have the same components inside like countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in different sizes, and some are designed to be able to fit in small spaces. Their exteriors may have a door which opens in a swing-out style from left to right or in a drop-down fashion.
Some over-the-range microwaves like those made by Whirlpool(r), even serve as vent hoods for your stove in the kitchen. They also have a built-in exhaust system to exhaust fumes outside and circulate air. Some microwaves have a charcoal filter that removes odors and moisture in your kitchen.
Countertop models can be placed on your counter top and don't require venting hookups or any special installation which makes them a great option for rental properties or those who want to avoid costly modifications to their kitchens. Some options include trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances such as coffee makers bread makers, toaster ovens or bread ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are much more efficient at heating water and food compared to other cooking methods. They also use less energy than stovetop ovens since they focus the microwaves' energy on the liquid in the instead of heating the air or other elements around it. They can also heat dishes quicker than conventional ovens. They can be placed in your upper or lower cabinets, and are available with modern or retro styling to suit any kitchen design.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, which will save consumers money on operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to regularly assess whether stricter standards are technically feasible and economically justified, and if they will yield significant energy savings.
The SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to evaluate the effects of new or revised energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment as well as a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impacts analysis.
The energy usage analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven' operating hours in households from a representative sample. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings assessments as well as the other consumer analyses included in this SNOPR. The analysis is based upon RECS field data from various regions. It also considers different patterns of microwave oven use in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of possible new or modified standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the lifetime cost of buying and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are built on the computer model that utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analyses.
This SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact of new or amended standards on the national level based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model estimates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or new standards in the form of site energy savings and FFC energy savings.