Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven helps you cook and reheat 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 installed in a recessed wall or among cabinets for an elegant, integrated look. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a well-loved appliance in the kitchen, but can also occupy valuable countertop space. There are a variety of clever ways to free up countertop space by moving your microwave to a different place, like an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most well-known options is an over the range (OTR) microwave. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above the stove, this option can be especially useful in smaller kitchens where space is at a premium. Plus there are certain OTR models can double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which can be useful in reducing the amount of steam that builds up.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry can help you save space. This option provides a sleek, integrated appearance that will match your kitchen's cabinets and fixtures in finish, color, or style. It also helps create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is perfect for those who prefer an uncluttered and clean look.
However, installing a built-in microwave may require a professional installation or remodel of your kitchen. Depending on your home's layout, you might be able to cut a space into walls to accommodate the appliance, however, this will require the proper framing and reinforcement and should be left to experts. In addition, microwaves with built-ins require sufficient ventilation to prevent 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 around 15 inches, but some manufacturers provide trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to allow for ventilation.
A third space-saving option is a microwave with a drawer that can be set up below your countertop or inside an island. This design is easily accessible, suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It can also help avoid hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting crushed.
The final aspect to consider for the space-saving microwave is the door design. A lot of brands have doors that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, including dropping-down or slide-out. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Some models even have a smooth and sleek exterior that wards off fingerprints for a cleaner, more attractive appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves in ovens look attractive, practical and easy to clean. Unlike countertop models, they're usually placed at eye level for easier accessibility and come with turntables that eliminate the need to move food from plate to plate. In addition, built in microwaves are often equipped with features that increase functionality, like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broil elements that allow you to cook or brown food items.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave that is atop an oven can increase the value of your home and appearance by offering a luxurious look that other appliances may not be capable of matching. These microwaves can be installed on top of your stove or in a separate cabinet. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen, giving an elegant look that shows how much you have invested in your home and kitchen.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in various sizes as well as power levels and features that can be adapted to suit any kitchen. You can even install them under your counter in a drawer style to give a more cohesive look that fits snugly into your cabinetry and requires no additional space. Designed with premium finishes and high-end features they are sure to complement your kitchen's aesthetic and elevate your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave over oven is clear but keep in mind that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. It might require more space for your microwave to operate, depending on the location it's installed. They're also not as portable, and you cannot easily change the model should you want something different.
If you decide to put your microwave above your range, then you will require more space in your kitchen to allow for the ventilation required in this setup. You'll need either a ducting option that directs smoke to the outside, or a recirculating venting system that pulls air from the microwave into the home. Consider a built-in microwave for a small kitchen. It can be put into a wall, cabinet or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with various controls that are convenient depending on the model you choose. The most common features are turntables, preset functions such as defrosting and reheating, and 30-second buttons. Some models offer child safety features to prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times to help you prepare meals more efficient and less time-consuming. This feature is helpful for those who don't know how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't acquainted with the specific cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid provides a variety of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves designed to match your other appliances with style and design to create a seamless look. Choose from stainless steel or 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.
Unlike models for countertop use built-in microwaves are inserted in fixed spaces on your kitchen walls or cabinets to give your kitchen a sleek, customized appearance. They typically use the same internal components as countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in different sizes, and some are designed to fit into smaller spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature a door which opens with a swing-out that opens from left to right or drop-down style.
Some over-the-range microwaves like those from Whirlpool(r) can also double as vent hoods to your kitchen stove and use an exhaust system built-in to let fumes out and recycle air. Some microwaves have charcoal filters that eliminate moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the kitchen counter. They don't require venting or any special installation. This makes them an ideal option for those who lease their homes or want to avoid expensive modifications to their kitchens. Some options include trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances like coffee pots and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to heat 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 in, rather than heating the air surrounding it. They can also heat dishes faster than conventional ovens. They can be installed in your lower or upper cabinets, and come with retro or modern style to match any kitchen style.
In this notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR"), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, which will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether more-stringent standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified and could result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes the analyses and results that DOE carried out to assess the impact on consumers of the new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment screening and engineering analysis and an analysis of the national impact.
The energy use analysis estimates the annual average microwave ovens operating hours in representative sampled households. Built-in Microwaves forms the basis for the energy savings assessments and the other consumer analyses included in this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from multiple regions, and takes into account the various patterns of use of microwave ovens across different households, as well as the variations in electricity prices across the region.
To assess the impact of possible new or amended standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the cost over time of purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are built on a computer model that uses the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analyses.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses, this SNOPR contains an evaluation of the national impacts of new or amended standards that are based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or a new standard in terms of site energy savings and FFC savings.