Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven that has integrated microwave lets you cook and heat your food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a variety of cooking styles, cooking technology and control options that will fit your kitchen setup.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into an outlet and built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or between cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most used kitchen appliances but it can take up valuable counter space. You can free up counter space by moving the microwave to a different place, such as a kitchen island.
One of the most well-known choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above your stove, this model is especially beneficial in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. Additionally certain OTR models double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which is helpful in reducing steam buildup.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry will help you save space. This option provides an elegant, seamless appearance that can be matched to the kitchen cabinets and fixtures in finish, color or style. It also helps create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is ideal for homeowners who prefer a clean and uncluttered look.
However, installing a built-in microwave may require a professional installation or remodeling of your kitchen. You may be able, depending on the layout of your house to cut a hole in a wall to accommodate the appliance. However it will require professional framing and strengthening. Built-in microwaves also require adequate ventilation to prevent overheating or 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 approximately 15 inches, but some manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to allow for ventilation.
A drawer-style microwave can be placed under the counter or in an island. It is accessible and suitable for everyone and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes from falling off the edge or being thrown down.
The final aspect to consider for an efficient microwave is its door design. Many brands offer the option of a swing-out, drop-down, or slide-out door that opens using the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking routine. Some models also have a smooth and sleek exterior that resists fingerprints for better, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves that are built into ovens are stylish, convenient, and easy to clean. In contrast to countertop models they're usually at the eye level for easy access and can be equipped with turntables that reduce the need to move food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that improve their functionality, such as EasyConvection technology that converts ovens and a broiler component which can brown or crisp food.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave that is atop an oven can boost your home's value and appeal by giving it a premium design that other appliances may not be capable of matching. They can be set up on top of your stove or in a separate cupboard. They blend seamlessly into the kitchen, giving it a tailored appearance that demonstrates how much you've invested in your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves that are over ovens are available in a variety of sizes, power levels, and features that can be tailored to fit any kitchen. Install them under the counter in drawer style to give an integrated look that can be easily integrated into the cabinets. It doesn't require any additional space. Made with premium finishes and top-of-the-line features, these microwaves are sure to enhance the look of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave over oven is clear however, you should be aware that these microwaves aren't as versatile as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the location you put yours, it may require more space to operate than other microwaves. They are also not as portable, and you won't be able easily swap the model for a new model if you prefer something different.
If you install your microwave above the range, you'll need a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this configuration. You'll need either an ducting system that sends smoke outside or a recirculating system that pulls air through the microwave before transferring it to the home. Consider a built-in microwave for small kitchens. It can be mounted on a wall, cabinet or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens have numerous controls, depending on the model you select. Common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating as well as 30 second buttons. Some models offer child safety features that prevent accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times that make the process of cooking food faster and easier. Built-in Microwaves is useful for new cooks who aren't sure how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't comfortable with the particular cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand provides a wide selection of built-in and over the-range microwaves that are designed to complement the style and appearance of your other appliances to create an integrated look to your kitchen. There's a range of stainless steel models, as well as black and white finishes to complement 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.
Built-in microwaves, in contrast to countertop models, are set in a fixed location of your kitchen cabinets or walls for an elegant and unique look. They generally use the same components inside as countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in a variety of sizes, including those designed to fit in a compact space and their exteriors could include a door that opens in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down style.
Some over-the-range microwaves like those from Whirlpool(r) can also double as vent hoods to your kitchen stove. They have an exhaust system that is built-in to exhaust fumes outside and recycle air. Some models come with a charcoal filter that removes odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter in your kitchen and don't require venting hookups or special installations which makes them a great option for rental homes or anyone who wants to avoid costly changes to their kitchens. Some options include trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances, such as coffee pots, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves require less energy to heat food and water than other cooking methods. They also use less energy than traditional stovetop ovens since they focus the microwave's energy on the liquid inside, rather than on heating the air or other elements around it. They can heat up dishes quicker than conventional ovens. They can be installed either in the lower or upper cabinets and come in modern or retro styles to suit any kitchen.
In this additional notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will save consumers money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to periodically determine whether more-stringent standards would be economically viable and technologically feasible, as well as result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains the analyses and results that DOE performed to evaluate the impact on consumers of new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. link homepage includes a technology and market assessment screening and engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in a sample of homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings as well as other consumer analysis within this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data collected from various regions. It also takes into account different patterns of microwave oven use in different households as also regional variations in electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of potential new or amended standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the cost over time of purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations use a computer model based on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analyses.
This SNOPR includes an assessment of the impact of amended or new standards on the national scale based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from the potential amendment or new standards in terms of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.