Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven allows you to cook and heat food quickly and conveniently. GE provides a range of designs, cooking techniques and control options that will fit your kitchen's setup.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into outlets and built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or between cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most commonly used appliances in a kitchen however, it can take up valuable counter space. There are a variety of clever ways to reclaim countertop space by moving your microwave to an alternative place, like a kitchen island or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most sought-after options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above your stove, this model is particularly useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. Certain OTR models also double as a vent for your cooktop. This can reduce the amount of steam that builds up.
Another space-saving solution is to install a built-in microwave which blends seamlessly into your cabinetry. This can give you an elegant, seamless look that can be matched to the style, color, or finish of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It can also create an elegant look in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners who want a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However installing a microwave built-in could require a professional installation or renovation of your kitchen. Depending on your home's layout you may be able to cut a space into walls to accommodate the appliance, however, this requires the proper framing and reinforcement which should be left to experts. Built-in microwaves require ventilation to prevent overheating or damaging the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths, in Chevy Chase, Maryland the minimum cabinet depth of a built-in oven is 15 inches. However some manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inch of extra space for ventilation.
A third space-saving option is a drawer-style microwave which can be installed below your countertop or inside an island. This type of microwave is easy to access and is suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also helps to prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting damaged by a fall.
The design of the door is a final consideration when choosing a compact microwave. There are many brands that have 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 process. Some models even have a smooth and sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints, giving an attractive, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves in ovens are attractive, convenient, and easy to clean. They are usually set at eye level for easy access, and include turntables that make it easier to move food from one plate to another. In addition, built in microwaves are often equipped with features that enhance functionality like EasyConvection oven conversion technology and broil elements that allow you to cook or brown foods.
In addition to saving counter space, a built in microwave that is atop an oven can boost your home's value and appearance by offering a luxurious appearance that other appliances might not be capable of matching. They can be set up on top of your stove or in a separate cabinet. built in microwave for wall unit blend into the kitchen to give it a tailored look that shows how much you have invested in your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a wide range of dimensions in terms of power levels, features and models to match any kitchen configuration. You can even put them under your counter in a drawer-style to create a more seamless design that is a perfect fit into existing cabinetry and requires no additional space. Designed with premium finishes and high-end features they are sure to complement the style of your kitchen and elevate your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave over oven is obvious, keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as flexible as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on where you install yours, it might require more space than other microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you can't easily change the model if you need something else.
If you place your microwave above your range, you'll require an additional kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this configuration. You'll need either an option for ducting that directs smoke out to the outside or a recirculating venting system that pulls air through the microwave into the home. Consider a built-in microwave to the kitchen that is small. It can be put to a cabinet, wall or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with numerous controls depending on the model you pick. The most common features are turntables, preset functions like defrosting and reheating and 30-second buttons. Certain models include safety features for children to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves come with preset recipes and cooking times that help you prepare meals more efficient and less time-consuming. This feature is useful for cooks who are new to cooking and unsure of how long to heat specific foods or are not familiar with the cooking techniques that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a range of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that can be matched to your other appliances in style and finish for seamless appearance. 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.
Built-in microwaves, in contrast to countertop models, are set in a fixed location of your walls or cabinets for a sleek and custom look. They generally use the same components inside as countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to fit into a smaller space and their exteriors could have doors that open either in a left-to right swing-out or drop-down manner.
Some microwaves over the range, like the ones made by Whirlpool(r) and Whirlpool(r), can be used as vent hoods. They have an exhaust system that is built-in to let fumes out and then recirculate the air. Some microwaves come with charcoal filters that get rid of moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter of the kitchen. They don't require venting or any special installation. This makes them a good choice for those who lease their homes or avoid expensive modifications to their kitchens. Certain models also come with 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 are much more efficient at heating water and food as compared to other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid in instead of heating the air around it. This is why they can heat dishes much faster 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 notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will reduce the cost of operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically justified, as well as result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes the analyses and findings that DOE carried out to assess the impact on consumers of the new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment as well as a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy usage analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer analyses within this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data from a variety of regions, and takes into account the different usage patterns of microwave ovens in various households, as well as the variations in the regional electricity prices.
To assess the impact of possible new or modified standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are based on the computer model that utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analyses.
In addition to the analysis of energy use and the LCC/PBP, this SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact on the nation of the new or amended standards using the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or new standards in terms of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.