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 efficiently. GE provides a range of cooking styles, cooking technology and control options that will fit your kitchen's needs.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into outlets and built-in models are installed in a recessed wall or in cabinets to create a sleek, built-in look. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most frequently used kitchen appliances but it can consume valuable counter space. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to another location, like an island in the kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. Hidden away beneath your stove, this model can be especially useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. Furthermore there are certain OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which is helpful in reducing steam buildup.
Another way to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design which blends seamlessly into the cabinetry. This can give you an elegant, integrated look that can match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in color, finish or style. It can also create a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who prefer a minimalist, uncluttered look.
Installing a built-in Microwave could require a professional installation or a kitchen remodel. You may be able depending on the layout of your home to make an opening in the wall to accommodate the appliance. However it will require professional framing and strengthening. In addition, microwaves with built-ins require sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating and causing damage to 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, but some manufacturers offer trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to let air circulate.
A third space-saving option is a drawer-style microwave that can be installed beneath your countertop or within an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for all and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge or being knocked down.
The final aspect to consider for a space-saving microwave is its door design. Many brands offer an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens with the same motion as other kitchen appliances, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models also come with a sleek and smooth exterior that resists fingerprints for an attractive, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves that are built into ovens look attractive, practical, and easy to clean. In contrast to countertop models they're usually placed at eye level to make it easier to access and can be equipped with turntables which reduce the need to constantly shift food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that enhance their capabilities, like EasyConvection technology for oven conversion and a broiler which can brown or crisp food.
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, high-end appearance that other appliances might not be able match. These microwaves can be installed on top of your stove or in a separate cupboard. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen, giving the appearance of a custom-designed appearance that demonstrates how much you've put in your home and kitchen.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a variety of sizes power levels, styles, and features that can be adapted to fit into any kitchen. You can even install them under your counter in a drawer style for a more integrated appearance that blends seamlessly into existing cabinets and requires no extra space. These microwaves, with their luxurious features and finishes, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen and your dining and cooking experiences.
While the benefits of a built in microwave oven is evident however, you should be aware that these microwaves aren't as versatile as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the place you install your microwave, it will require more space to operate than other types of microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you cannot easily change the model if you need something else.
If you put your microwave above the range, you'll need an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this arrangement. You'll require either an ducting system that sends smoke outside or a recirculating ventilation system that pulls the air through the microwave and into the home. For smaller kitchens think about a separate built-in microwave that can be incorporated inside a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves offer a wide variety of controls depending on the model. Some features are turntables, presets like defrosting or reheating, and buttons for plus-30 seconds. Certain models come with child safety features to prevent accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves come pre-programmed with recipes and cooking times, which make the process of cooking food quicker and more efficient. This feature is beneficial for new cooks who aren't sure of the time to heat certain foods or for those who aren't acquainted with the particular cooking techniques that are 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 finish of your other appliances to create an integrated look to your kitchen. 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 installed in a fixed location of your kitchen cabinets or walls for sleek and distinctive appearance. They typically use the same internal components like countertop models, but with some exceptions. They come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to fit into a small space and their exteriors can include a door that opens either in a right-to-left swing-out or drop-down manner.
Some microwaves over the range, like the ones made by Whirlpool(r) are able to be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built in to let fumes out and then recirculate the air. Some models come with a charcoal filter to remove moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models can be placed on the counter in your kitchen and don't require venting hookups or special installations which makes them a great choice for rental homes or anyone who wants to stay clear of costly renovations to their kitchens. Certain models include trim kits that can close the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances like coffee pots and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient in heating food and water in comparison to other cooking methods. They also use less energy than conventional stovetop ovens because they focus microwaves' energy on the liquid in the instead of heating the air or other elements surrounding it. They can also heat dishes faster than conventional ovens. They can be put in on the upper or lower cabinets, and are available in modern or retro designs to suit any kitchen.
In this supplemental notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for micro-wave ovens which will help consumers save money in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether the more stringent standards are technologically feasible and economically justified, as well as result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and findings to assess the effects of new or revised energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. 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 of microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness. It is the basis for the energy savings assessments and the other consumer analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from multiple regions and considers the various patterns of use of microwave ovens in various households and the variations in electricity prices across the region.
To determine the impact of new or amended standards on the cost of operating a household, 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 the computer model that utilizes the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an assessment of the impact of the new or amended standards at the national scale based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry's net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings resulting from a potential amended or new standard in terms of site energy savings and FFC savings.