Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven that has a built-in microwave lets you cook and reheat your food quickly and easily. GE provides a variety of styles, cooking technologies and control options to fit your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are placed behind cabinets or in recessing walls to give them a an elegant and seamless look. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most commonly used appliances in a kitchen but it can take up valuable counter space. There are many smart ways to free up counter space by moving the microwave to a different place, like an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most well-known choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Tucked away neatly above your stove, this option is especially beneficial in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. Plus there are some OTR models can double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which can be useful in reducing the amount of steam that builds up.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry will save you space. This option offers an elegant, seamless look that is able to match the color, finish or style of your kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It also helps to create a more minimalist look in your kitchen, which is perfect for homeowners who want a clean and uncluttered look.
However installing a built-in microwave could require professional installation or a renovation of your kitchen. Based on the layout of your home it is possible to cut a space in walls to accommodate the appliance however, this will require proper framing and reinforcement and should be left to the professionals. Built-in microwaves require 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 built-in microwave is around 15 inches, but certain manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to allow for ventilation.
Another option that can be used to save space is a drawer-style microwave which can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This design is simple to use, suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It can also help avoid hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being crushed.
The final aspect to consider for a space-saving microwave is its door design. There are many brands that have a door that opens in the same way as other kitchen appliances, including sliding out or dropping down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Some models have a smooth, sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints to give a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave over oven has a stylish design that is easy to clean and convenient. Contrary to countertop models, they're usually at the eye level for easy access and are often equipped with turntables which reduce the need to move food from plate to plate. Additionally, built-in microwaves often come with options that increase functionality, like EasyConvection oven conversion technology and broil elements that allow you to brown or crisp foods.
A built-in microwave that is integrated into the oven can help you save counter space and increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. If it's installed above the stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen for an elegant look that demonstrates that you've put money into your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a wide range of sizes, power levels and features to match any kitchen configuration. They can be placed under your counter in a drawer style to create a more seamless look that fits snugly into existing cabinets and requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their premium finishes and high-end functions, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen and your dining and cooking experiences.
While the convenience of a built in microwave oven is evident but keep in mind that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the place you install your microwave, it will require more space to operate than other microwaves. They are also not as portable, and you can't easily switch the model should you want something else.
If you put your microwave above the range, you'll need an additional kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this setup. You'll need either a ducting option that directs smoke out to the outside or a recirculating venting system that pulls air from the microwave into the home. Consider a built-in microwave for small kitchens. It can be incorporated into a wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves offer a wide variety of controls depending on the model. Some common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating and 30 second buttons. Certain models include child safety features to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which make the process of cooking food faster and simpler. This feature is helpful for those who are just beginning to cook and are unsure of how long to cook certain foods or who are unfamiliar with the specific cooking methods that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a range of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves that can be matched to the other appliances in style and finish for seamless appearance. Choose from stainless steel or black finishes that will match 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 space of your walls or cabinets for sleek and distinctive appearance. The internal components are usually identical to those of regular countertop models with the exception of. These models are available in a variety of sizes, and some are designed to fit in smaller spaces. Their exteriors could have a door which opens in a swing-out from left to right or drop-down design.
Certain microwaves in the range, like those manufactured by Whirlpool(r) and Whirlpool(r), can be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system that is built-in to vent fumes outdoors and recirculate air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the kitchen counter. They don't need venting or any special installation. This makes them a good choice for those who rent their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Some models come with trim kits that can be used to fill the gap between a microwave and other countertop appliances such as coffee pots, toaster ovens or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to cook food and water than other cooking methods. They also use less energy than traditional stovetop ovens due to the fact that they focus the microwaves' energy on the liquid in the, rather than on heating the air or other elements surrounding it. They can heat up dishes faster than conventional ovens. They can be installed either in the lower or upper cabinets and are available in modern or retro designs to fit any kitchen.
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 that will save consumers money in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to regularly assess whether more stringent standards are technically feasible and economically viable, and if they will yield significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and findings to assess the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment as well as a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy usage analysis estimates the annual average of microwave oven operating hours in a sample of homes. It forms the basis for the energy savings analyses and the other consumer analysis in this SNOPR. The analysis is based upon RECS field data collected from a variety of regions. It also takes into account different microwave oven usage patterns in different households, as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To determine the impact of possible new or modified standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the cost over time of purchasing and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations utilize a computer model that is based on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate variations and uncertainty into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an assessment of the impact of the new or amended standards on the national level based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy saving from the potential amendment or new standard in terms of energy savings for the site and FFC savings.