Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven allows you to cook and reheat food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a variety of cooking styles, cooking technology and control options to fit your kitchen's needs.
Built-in microwaves are placed behind cabinets or in recessing walls to give them a an elegant and seamless look. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most commonly used appliances in a kitchen, but it can also take up valuable counter space. You can free up counter space by moving the microwave to a different space, such as an island in the kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. Tucked away neatly above your stove, this option can be especially useful in kitchens with smaller spaces where space is limited. Plus certain OTR models can double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which can be helpful in reducing steam buildup.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry can make space. This can give you a sleek, integrated look that can match the design, color, or finish of your other kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It can also create an elegant look in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners that prefer a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However installing integrated oven and microwave built-in might require a professional installation or renovation of your kitchen. Depending on your home's layout, you might be able to cut out a space within a wall to accommodate the appliance however, this requires proper framing and reinforcement, which should be left to experts. Built-in microwaves also need adequate ventilation to avoid 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 built-in microwave is 15 inches, however certain manufacturers offer trim kits that can provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to let air circulate.
A drawer-style microwave can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for all and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes from falling off the edge or being thrown down.
The door design is the final factor to consider when choosing a compact microwave. A lot of brands have doors that opens the same way as other kitchen appliances, such as sliding out or dropping down. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Some models also have a smooth and sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints, giving a cleaner, more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave over oven is attractive design, easy to clean and convenient. They are usually placed near the eye level to make it easier to access, and include turntables to reduce the need to move food from one plate to another. Additionally, built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that improve functionality, such as EasyConvection oven conversion technology and broiling elements that allow you to crisp or brown food items.
In addition to reducing 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 able to match. If it's installed above the stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen, creating an elegant appearance that shows you've invested in your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a variety of sizes power levels, styles, and features that can be tailored to fit any kitchen. Install them underneath the counter in a drawers to create an integrated look that is a perfect fit within the cabinets. This 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 convenience of a built in microwave oven is evident, keep in mind that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. It may take more space to function, based on the place it's placed. They're also not as portable, and you can't easily alter the model should you want something different.
If you decide to put your microwave above your range, then you'll require a bigger space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation needed in this setup. You'll require either a ducting system that carries 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
Microwaves come with a variety of controls, based on model. The most common features are turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating and 30 second buttons. Some models offer child safety features that prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times that make the process of making food quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for new cooks who don't know how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't comfortable with the particular cooking techniques that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a wide range of built-in and over-the-range microwaves that are designed to match the style and appearance of your other appliances for an integrated look in your kitchen. There's a variety of stainless steel models and black finishes to match 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.
In contrast to countertop models built-in microwaves are fitted into a fixed space in the kitchen cabinets or walls to give your kitchen a sleek, customized appearance. They typically use the same components inside as countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in different sizes, including some that are designed to fit into smaller spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature a door which opens in a swing-out from left to right or in a drop-down fashion.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range, such as those from Whirlpool(r) are able to double as vent hoods for your kitchen stove and use a built-in exhaust system to let fumes out and recycle air. Some models come with a charcoal filter to eliminate odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the kitchen counter. They don't need venting or special installation. This makes them an ideal option for those who rent their homes or wish to avoid expensive modifications to their kitchens. Some options also come with trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances such as coffee makers and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to cook water and food than other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than conventional stovetop ovens because they focus the microwaves' energy on the liquid within instead of heating the air or other elements surrounding it. Because of this, they can cook food more quickly than conventional ovens. They can be installed in your lower or upper cabinets, and are available with retro or contemporary styles to match any kitchen style.
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, which will reduce the cost of 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 will result in significant energy saving.
The SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and findings to assess the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment screening and engineering analysis, and an analysis of the impact on the nation.
The energy use analysis calculates the average annual 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 based upon RECS field data gathered from a variety of regions. It also takes into account different patterns of microwave oven use in different households, as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To determine the impact of new or modified standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of purchasing and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are based on an algorithm for computer models that employs a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
In addition to the analyses of energy use and LCC/PBP, this SNOPR contains an evaluation of the national impacts of the new or amended standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model estimates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from potential amended or new standards in the form of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.