Built In Microwave Oven Combo: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

A Built in Microwave Oven Combo Offers Convenience and Versatility

A microwave oven that is built-in combines your wall oven with your microwave into a single appliance. They can free space on your countertops and give your kitchen a sleek aesthetic.

These models have powerful broilers that cook evenly and their microwaves cook food quickly. They offer a wide range of options to cook different food items.

Size

A built-in microwave and wall oven combo is a great solution for kitchens of all kinds. It is a combination of the convenience of a microwavable with the flexibility of wall ovens. Browse our full selection of combination microwaves and wall ovens to find the best option for your home. Be sure to read the cutout specifications and the installation guide for the model you select to ensure it will work in your space. Our microwave & oven combinations include both microwave and oven models with a variety of colors, styles and finishes that will complement any decor. Look for features such as smart and convenient controls as well as a power cook feature and a built-in self-cleaning system to save you time.

integrated combination microwave with built-in features will free up counter space and give your kitchen a more sleek look. Since it functions as a microwave and a traditional oven it is able to heat leftovers, frozen foods and pre-packaged meals all in one appliance. It can eliminate the necessity of separate countertop appliances or large wall ovens. A combination microwave oven can also be a good choice for those who want to modernize your kitchen without having to undergo any major renovations.

You can find microwave oven combos in various styles to match your kitchen decor. Some microwave oven combos feature doors that swing out right to left, while others are drop-down models that open the same way as traditional ovens. You can also find microwave ovens with a drawer style that opens in the same way as an open cabinet. Microwave drawers are easy to reach and are great for smaller spaces where you want to minimize the use of counter space.

Combination microwaves are also equipped with a variety of features that help you prepare your meals faster and more efficient. For instance, some models come with sensors that allow you to steam your food and automatically adjusts the time and temperature of your food items to ensure that you get perfect steamed fish and vegetables. Other features include a broil element that allows you to quickly melt cheese or brown your favorite dish, as well as Crispwave(tm) technology that can grill, bake and crisp foods.

When choosing a microwave combination, you should take into consideration how often you'll use each function. If you'll be using the oven component of your combo more than the microwave, you may be better off using a double wall oven instead. A combo oven has less capacity than a standalone oven.

After you've selected an oven and microwave combination to satisfy your needs, think about the installation procedure. Over-the-range models are positioned over your stovetop or cooktop and connected to a power outlet. Built-in microwaves are inserted on walls or cabinets in your kitchen. Some models come with trim kits that let you seamlessly blend your new microwave with your kitchen cabinets.

Energy Efficiency

A built-in microwave oven combination can be an excellent space-saving option for those with smaller kitchens, regardless of whether they reside in a house or an apartment. They can save cabinet space that would otherwise be occupied by two separate appliances, and they can also help to reduce energy consumption. They are more energy efficient than traditional wall-mounted ovens and offer a more efficient way to cook. In addition, they can be used to cook both warm and hot dishes, eliminating the requirement for additional appliances, such as toasters or warming plates.

When evaluating potential amended energy conservation standards, DOE conducts several analyses, including assessment of technology and market screening analysis, engineering analysis and national impacts analysis (NIA). In this SNOPR, DOE will rely on its current engineering analysis of microwave ovens to determine the highest efficiency improvements that are technically feasible for this particular product class.

DOE will assess the design of a microwave with the energy performance goals set in the engineering analysis. The engineering analysis will then determine the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is technologically feasible based on the most advanced microprocessor-controlled model available on the market or in working prototypes, or the maximum reduction in energy consumption that is technically achievable with the current technologies available for this product class.

As part of the NIA, DOE will evaluate the effects on consumers for each product category, including lifecycle cost savings as well as simple payback time ("PBP"). DOE will utilize its Government Regulatory Impact Model with an adaptation for microwave ovens to calculate industry net present value ("NPV").

Manufacturer impacts will be evaluated also as the impact on manufacturers will be evaluated. DOE will employ an updated version of its Industry Cash Flow model, which has been adapted for this type of product to calculate the manufacturing NPV. Finally, DOE will consider the potential impacts on small business manufacturers and other manufacturer subgroups to identify any that may be disproportionately affected by these proposals.

Additionally, DOE will consider whether the test procedures for microwave ovens must be updated to include active mode energy use as well as a possible integrated active mode energy use measure. Currently, test procedures only cover standby mode power consumption.

Design

Wall ovens rely on the circulating of hot air while microwaves rely on waves to cause water molecules in food to vibrate and produce heat. Combination wall ovens combine these two distinct appliances into one unit that can be used to save kitchen space and gives sleek, modern design. However, you must carefully think about your needs and budget before purchasing a combination wall oven. Some of the combo ovens we reviewed have design or performance issues.