Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven helps you cook and reheat food quickly and conveniently. GE provides a variety of styles, cooking technologies and control options that can be adapted to your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are positioned 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 kitchen appliances however, it can consume valuable counter space. There are plenty of smart ways to make the most of your counter space by moving your microwave to a different place, like an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular choice. This type of microwave is conveniently hidden behind your stove is particularly helpful in small kitchens with limited space. Certain OTR models also double as an exhaust for your cooktop. This can reduce steam buildup.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry will make space. This can give you a sleek, integrated appearance that can match your kitchen's cabinets and fixtures in finish, color or design. It can also create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is perfect for homeowners who prefer minimalist and clear design.
However installing a built-in microwave could require a professional installation or remodeling of your kitchen. It is possible to, based on the layout of your house to make a hole in a wall to accommodate the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and strengthening. In addition, microwaves with built-ins require adequate ventilation to ensure that they don't overheat and damage the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths in Chevy Chase, Maryland the minimum cabinet depth for an oven with built-ins is 15 inches. However some manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inch of additional space for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a drawer-style microwave that can be placed under your counter or inside an island. This design is easily accessible, suitable for all and requires less counter space. It also stops hot dishes or containers from 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 the option of a swing-out, drop-down, or slide-out door that opens with the same motion as other kitchen appliances to allow you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking process. Certain models feature an elegant, smooth exterior that is resistant to finger prints for a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves that are built into ovens are stylish, convenient and easy to clean. They are usually placed at eye-level for easier access, and include turntables to make it less necessary to move food from one plate to the next. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that enhance their functionality, such as EasyConvection technology for oven conversion and a broiler component which can brown or crisp food items.
In addition to saving counter space, a built in microwave that is atop an oven can increase the value of your home and appeal by giving it a premium appearance that other appliances might not be capable of matching. It can be placed above your stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen, creating a tailored appearance that shows you've invested in your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves that are over ovens are available in various sizes as well as power levels and features that can be adapted to suit any kitchen. Install them under the counter in drawer style to create an elegant look that fits snugly within the cabinetry. This requires no additional space. Designed with premium finishes and top-of-the-line features, these microwaves are sure to enhance the look of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave over oven is clear, keep in mind that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. It may take more space for your microwave to function, based on where it is installed. They're also not as mobile, and you aren't able to easily change the model should you want something different.
If you place your microwave above your range, you'll need a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system required by this arrangement. You'll need a ducting system that can direct smoke out to the outside or a ventilation system that recirculates air through the microwave and into the home. For smaller kitchens you might want to consider a separate built-in microwave that can be incorporated in cabinets, walls or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens come with various controls that are convenient depending on the model you select. Some of the features include turntables, presets for defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons for plus-30 seconds. Certain models come with child safety features to avoid accidental operation.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which makes the process of preparing food faster and simpler. This feature is useful for new cooks that are unsure of how long to heat specific foods or who are unfamiliar with the specific cooking techniques that are used in different 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 your other appliances for 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.
In contrast to models that are built into countertops built-in microwaves are fitted into a fixed space in your kitchen's cabinets or walls for a sleek, custom appearance. They typically use the same internal components like countertop models, but with a few exceptions. These models are available in a variety of sizes, including some that are designed to fit in small spaces. Their exteriors may have a door which opens in a swing-out from left to right or in drop-down style.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those made by Whirlpool(r) can also double as vent hoods to your kitchen stove. They have a built-in exhaust system to exhaust fumes outside and recycle air. Some microwaves have a charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter of the kitchen. They don't require venting or special installation. This makes them an ideal option for people who rent their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Certain models come with trim kits that can be used to fill the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances, such as toaster ovens, coffee pots or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient in heating water and food in comparison to other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than conventional stovetop ovens due to the fact that they focus the microwaves' energy on the liquid within, rather than on heating the air or other elements around it. They can heat up dishes much faster than conventional ovens. They can be put in the upper or lower cabinets, and come with modern or retro styling to suit any kitchen design.
In combination microwave oven built in of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for micro-wave ovens which will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to periodically determine whether stricter standards are economically viable and technologically feasible and result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and results to assess the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment and screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven' operating hours in the sample of households. It forms the basis for the energy savings assessments and the other consumer analysis in this SNOPR. The analysis is built on RECS field data from multiple regions, and takes into account the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens in different households and also the variations in regional electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of new or amended 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 the computer model that utilizes the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact of the new or amended standards at the national level based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or new standards in the form of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.