Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven allows you to cook and reheat food quickly and conveniently. GE provides a range 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, while built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or in cabinets to create an elegant, integrated look. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a common appliance in the kitchen, but it can also occupy valuable countertop space. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to a different space, such as a kitchen island.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular choice. This option is conveniently hidden under the stove can be extremely useful in small kitchens with small space. Additionally there are some OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which is beneficial in reducing the buildup of steam.
Another way to save space is to install a built-in microwave that blends into your cabinetry. This can give you an elegant, integrated design that can be matched to the color, finish or style of your kitchen appliances and cabinets. It can also give an overall look that is more minimalist in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners who want a minimalist, uncluttered look.
However installing a microwave built-in could require a professional installation or remodel of your kitchen. Depending on your home's layout you may be able to cut a space into walls to accommodate the appliance but this requires proper framing and reinforcement and should be left to the professionals. In addition, microwaves with built-ins require adequate ventilation to ensure that they don't overheat 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 some manufacturers offer trim kits that can provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a drawer-style microwave that can be set up beneath your countertop or within an island. This configuration is easy to access and is suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also stops hot dishes or containers falling off the edge or being thrown 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 in the same motion as other kitchen appliances, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models also have a smooth and sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints, giving an attractive, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave that is over the oven offers an attractive design, easy to clean and convenient. They are typically 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 the next. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that increase their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler component which can brown or crisp food.
In addition to saving counter space, a built in microwave over oven can also improve the value of your home as well as appearance by offering a luxurious appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. They can be set up either above your stove, or in a separate cabinet. They blend seamlessly into the kitchen, giving the appearance of a custom-designed appearance that demonstrates how much you've invested in your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens are available in a broad range of dimensions as well as power levels and features to match any kitchen configuration. You can even install them under your counter in a drawer style to create a more seamless design that is a perfect fit into your cabinetry and doesn't require any additional space. Made with top-quality finishes and features, these microwaves are sure to enhance the look of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While microwaves built into ovens are convenient however they aren't as versatile as their counterparts that stand on their own. It may take more space for your microwave to function, based on where it is installed. Similarly, they aren't as portable and you won't be able to easily switch out the model to a new model if you prefer something different.
If you choose to install the microwave on top of your range, then you'll need a larger space in your kitchen to allow for the ventilation required in this setup. You'll require either an ducting system that sends smoke outside or a recirculating system that pulls the air through the microwave before transferring it to the home. For a smaller kitchen you might want to consider a separate microwave built-in that can be incorporated in a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves offer a wide variety of controls based on the model. Some features are turntables, presets such as defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons for a maximum of 30 seconds. Certain models include safety features for children to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which makes the process of cooking food faster and easier. This feature is beneficial for those who aren't sure how long to heat certain foods or for those who aren't comfortable with the specific cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a wide selection of built-in and over the-range microwaves that are designed to match the style and finish of other appliances for an integrated look to your kitchen. There's a variety of stainless steel models as well as black 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.
Unlike models that are built into countertops, built-in microwaves are installed in fixed spaces on the kitchen cabinets or walls to give your kitchen a sleek, customized appearance. They typically have the same internal components like countertop models, with some exceptions. These models are available in a variety of sizes, and some are designed to fit in small spaces. Their exteriors could have doors that open in a swing-out from left to right or drop-down style.
Certain microwaves that are over the range, such as those manufactured by Whirlpool(r), can also be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built in to let out fumes outside and recirculate the air. Some microwaves come with charcoal filters that eliminate odors and moisture in your kitchen.
Countertop models are installed on the kitchen counter. They don't require venting or a special installation. This makes them an ideal choice for people who rent their homes or save money on costly changes to their kitchens. Some models include trim kits that can be used to fill the gap between a microwave and other countertop appliances such as toaster ovens, coffee makers or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves require less energy to heat food and water than other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid in, rather than heating the air surrounding it. They can also heat dishes faster than conventional ovens. They can be placed in your upper or lower cabinets, and are available with retro or contemporary styles 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 amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether stricter standards are economically feasible and technologically feasible and result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes the analyses and results that DOE performed to evaluate the effects on consumers of the new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment as well as a screening analysis, an engineering analysis and national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven' operating hours in households from a representative sample. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer analysis within this SNOPR. The analysis is based upon RECS field data gathered from a variety of regions. It also takes into consideration different microwave oven usage patterns in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.
In built in microwave and oven to assess the impact of new or amended standards on household expenses, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses in order to estimate the lifetime cost for buying and using a micro-wave oven at various levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations are based on a computer model that uses a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analyses.
This SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact of the new or amended standards on the national level, based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from possible new or amended standards in terms of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.