Built In Microwave Over Oven Tools To Simplify Your Day-To-Day Life
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 wide range of designs, cooking technology and control options to fit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into an outlet, while built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or between cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a common appliance in the kitchen, however it can also take up valuable countertop space. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to a different location, like a kitchen island.
One of the most well-known options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Tucked away neatly above the stove, this option can be especially useful in kitchens with smaller spaces where space is at a premium. Furthermore there are certain OTR models can double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which can be beneficial in reducing the buildup of steam.
Another option to save space is to install a built-in microwave that blends into the cabinetry. This can give you an elegant, seamless appearance that can match the kitchen cabinets and fixtures in finish, color or design. It can also to create a more minimalist look in your kitchen, which is ideal for homeowners who prefer an uncluttered and clean look.
However installing a built-in microwave may require a professional installation or remodeling of your kitchen. You might be able to, based on the layout of your home to cut an opening in the wall to accommodate the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and strengthening. 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 built-in microwave is around 15 inches. However, some manufacturers provide trim kits that can provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to allow for ventilation.
A microwave with a drawer design can be placed under the counter or in an island. It is accessible and suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It can also help avoid hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being crushed.
The design of the door is an important factor to consider when choosing a compact microwave. There are many brands that have the option of a swing-out, drop-down, or slide-out door that opens using the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models feature a sleek and smooth exterior that wards off fingerprints for an attractive, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves over ovens look attractive, practical and easy to clean. In contrast to countertop models they're usually placed at eye level to make it easier to access and are often equipped with turntables that eliminate the necessity of constantly shifting food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are usually equipped with features that enhance their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology for oven conversion and a broiler component that can cook or brown food items.
A built-in microwave on top of the oven will save counter space, and can also boost the value of your home by giving it a sleek and high-end appearance that other appliances may not be able to match. If it's installed above the stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen for an elegant look that demonstrates that you've put money into your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens are available in a wide range of dimensions in terms of power levels, features and models to fit any kitchen layout. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to create an elegant look that fits snugly within existing cabinetry. This requires no additional space. These microwaves, with their premium designs and top-of-the-line functions, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen and your dining and cooking experiences.
While the convenience of a built-in microwave over oven is obvious but keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as flexible as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the place you install your microwave, it will require more space to operate than other types of microwaves. They are also not as mobile, and you aren't able to easily switch the model if you want something different.
If you install your microwave above the range, you'll require an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this configuration. You'll need either a ducting system that carries smoke away from the home or a recirculating system that draws air through the microwave and into the home. Consider a built-in microwave for small kitchens. It can be put to a cabinet, wall or even 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 for a maximum of 30 seconds. Some models have child safety features that prevent accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times that make the process of cooking food faster and simpler. This feature is beneficial for cooks who are new to cooking and unsure of how long to cook certain foods or who aren't familiar with the specific cooking methods that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a broad selection of built-in and over the-range microwaves that are designed to match the style and finish of your other appliances for an aesthetically pleasing kitchen. Select from stainless steel and black finishes that will complement 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.
Built-in microwaves, in contrast to countertop models, are set in a fixed location of your kitchen cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom look. The internal components are usually identical to those of regular countertop models with some exceptions. They come in a variety of sizes, with some designed to fit into a small space and their exteriors could include a door that opens either in a right-to-left swing-out or drop-down fashion.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those made by Whirlpool(r) can also double as vent hoods for your stove in the kitchen. They also have an exhaust system built-in to vent fumes outside and circulate air. Some microwaves come with a charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models can be placed on your counter top and do not require venting hookups or any special installation which makes them a great option for rental homes or anyone who wants to avoid costly changes to their kitchens. Certain models include trim kits that can be used to bridge the gap between a microwave and other countertop appliances like coffee pots, toaster ovens or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency

Microwaves are more efficient at heating water and food as in comparison to other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than stovetop ovens since they focus the microwave's energy on the liquid within instead of heating the air or other elements surrounding it. Because of this, they can heat food more quickly than a conventional oven. They can be placed on the upper or lower cabinets and come in retro or modern styles to fit any kitchen.
In this notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR"), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, which will help consumers save money on their operating costs. Ovens And Hobs and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether the more stringent standards are economically feasible 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 technology and market assessment, a screening and engineering analysis and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours for the sample of households. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer analyses within this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data from multiple regions and takes into consideration the various patterns of use of microwave ovens across different households, as well as the variations in electricity prices across the region.
To determine the impact of possible changes or new standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the lifetime cost of buying and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are based on a computer model that uses a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses, this SNOPR includes an analysis of the national impact of amended or new standards using the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model estimates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from possible new or amended standards in the form of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.