Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave that is integrated into the oven lets you cook and heat food quickly and efficiently. GE offers a wide variety of designs, cooking technology and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into outlets and built-in models are placed in a wall with a recess or between cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most used appliances in a kitchen however, it can take up valuable counter space. You can free up counter space by moving the microwave to a new place, such as a kitchen island.
One of the most popular options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Tucked away neatly above your stove, this option is especially beneficial in smaller kitchens where space is at a premium. Plus there are certain OTR models double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which can be beneficial in reducing the buildup of steam.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry will save you space. This can give you a sleek, integrated look that can match the color, finish or style of your other kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It can also create a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners that prefer a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However installing a microwave built-in might require a professional installation or renovation of your kitchen. Depending on your home's layout it is possible to cut a space into a wall to accommodate the appliance but this requires the proper framing and reinforcement and should be left to professionals. Built-in microwaves also require 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 microwave built-in is approximately 15 inches. However, certain manufacturers offer trim kits that can provide up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to let air circulate.
A microwave that is built like a drawer can be placed under your counter or inside an island. This design is simple to use and suitable for everyone and requires less countertop space. It also helps prevent hot dishes from falling off the edge or being knocked down.
The design of the door is the final factor to consider when selecting a microwave that is space-saving. Many brands offer an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens with the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking process. Some models 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. They are typically placed at eye level for easy access, and include turntables to make it less necessary to transfer food from one plate to another. Built-in microwaves are often equipped with features that increase their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology for oven conversion and a broiler element that can crisp or brown food items.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave over the oven can increase the value of your home and appearance by offering a luxurious appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. It can be placed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen for an elegant appearance that shows you've invested in your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves that are over ovens are available in a variety of sizes power levels, styles, and features that can be adapted to suit any kitchen. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to give a more integrated appearance that can be easily integrated into the cabinets. It doesn't require any additional space. Made with top-quality finishes and features, these microwaves are sure to complement your kitchen's aesthetic and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the convenience of a built in microwave over oven is obvious however, you should be aware that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. They may require more space for your microwave to operate, depending on where it is installed. They're also not as portable, and you can't easily switch the model if you need something different.
If you decide to place your microwave above your range, then you'll require a bigger space in your kitchen to allow for the ventilation required by this arrangement. You'll need either an ducting system that sends smoke to the outside or a recirculating system that pulls air through the microwave and into the home. Consider a built-in microwave for the kitchen that is small. It can be put to a cabinet, wall or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens have various controls that are convenient depending on the model you choose. Some of the features include turntables, presets such as defrosting or reheating, and buttons that can last for up to 30 seconds. Certain models come with child safety features that prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves also come with preset recipes and cooking times that make the process of preparing meals faster and easier. This feature is beneficial for cooks who don't know how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't familiar with the particular cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
microwave oven built in offers a range of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves designed to match your other appliances with design and finish to create seamless appearance. There's a variety of stainless steel models, as well as black and white 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.
Unlike countertop models, built-in microwaves are installed in fixed spaces on your kitchen walls or cabinets for a sleek and custom appearance. They typically use the same components inside like countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models come in different sizes, including some that are designed to fit in small spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature doors that open with a swing-out that opens from right to left or a drop-down fashion.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those from Whirlpool(r), even double as vent hoods for your stove in the kitchen. They also have an exhaust system that is built-in to vent fumes outside and recycle air. Some models come with a charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter of the kitchen. They don't need venting or special installation. This makes them an ideal option for those who rent their homes or want to stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Some models include trim kits that can be used to bridge the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances like toaster ovens, coffee pots or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to cook water and food than other cooking methods. They also use less power than conventional stovetops because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid within rather than heating the air around it. They can heat up dishes quicker than conventional ovens. They can be put in the upper or lower cabinets, and are available with retro or modern style to match any kitchen style.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether more-stringent standards would be economically feasible and technologically feasible and result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to assess the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment, a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impacts analysis.
The energy use analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer-related analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is built on RECS field data from a variety of regions and takes into consideration the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens in various households and also the variations in the regional electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of the new or modified standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses in order to estimate the cost over time for purchasing and using a microwave oven with different levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations utilize the computer model built on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate variations and uncertainty into the analyses.
In addition to the analysis of energy use and the LCC/PBP, this SNOPR includes an analysis of the national impacts of amended or new standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from possible new or amended standards in the form of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.