How To Tell If You're Set To Go After Built In Microwave Over Oven
Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven lets you cook and heat food quickly and efficiently. GE offers a wide variety of designs, cooking technology and control options to fit your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into outlets or outlet, while built-in models can be installed in a recessed wall or among cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is a well-loved appliance in the kitchen, but it can also occupy valuable countertop space. There are built in combination microwave to reclaim countertop space by moving your microwave to an alternative location, such as in an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are an increasingly popular choice. This model is conveniently hidden away above your stovetop can be extremely useful in kitchens with a limited space. Additionally there are certain OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which can be helpful in reducing steam buildup.
Another way to save space is to install a microwave with a built-in design that blends in with the cabinetry. This option offers an elegant, integrated design that is able to match the style, color, or finish of your other kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It also helps create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is ideal for those who prefer minimalist and clear design.
However installing integrated combi microwave built-in microwave could require professional installation or a remodel of your kitchen. Based on the layout of your home you may be able to cut out a space within an existing wall to accommodate the appliance, however, this will require the proper framing and reinforcement which should be left to experts. Built-in microwaves require ventilation to avoid overheating or 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 15 inches, but some manufacturers offer trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to let air circulate.
A microwave with a drawer design can be set up under the counter or in an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for all and requires less counter space. It also stops hot dishes or containers falling off the edge or being knocked down.
The door design is the final factor to consider when choosing a compact microwave. A lot of brands have doors that opens the same way as other kitchen appliances, including dropping-down or slide-out. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Some models have a smooth and sleek exterior that resists fingerprints for better, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built in microwave over oven is attractive design, easy to clean and convenient. Contrary to countertop models, they're usually placed at eye level for easier accessibility and are often equipped with turntables which reduce the need to constantly shift food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are typically equipped with features that improve their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology for oven conversion and a broiler element that can crisp or brown food.
In addition to reducing counter space, a built-in microwave over the oven can increase the value of your home and appearance by offering a luxurious look that other appliances may not be able to match. It can be placed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen to create an elegant look that demonstrates you've invested in your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens come in various sizes as well as power levels and features that can be adapted to fit any kitchen. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to create an elegant look that fits snugly within existing cabinetry. They do not require additional space. These microwaves, with their luxurious finishes and high-end functions, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen and your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While the convenience of a built-in microwave over oven is clear but 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 are also not as portable and you won't be able easily switch out the model for a different one if you decide that you want something different.
If you install your microwave above your range, you'll need a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this arrangement. You'll need either a ducting option that directs smoke to the outside or a ventilation system that recirculates air from the microwave into the home. If you have a smaller kitchen, consider a separate microwave built-in that can be installed inside the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls

Microwaves have a wide range of controls based on the model. Some features include turntables presets such as defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons for plus-30 seconds. Some models have child safety features that prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-programmed recipes and cooking times that make the process of preparing food quicker and more efficient. This feature is beneficial for cooks who are new to cooking and unsure of how long to cook specific food items or who are unfamiliar with the specific cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that can be matched to the other appliances in style and finish for an elegant look. Select from stainless steel and black finishes that are perfect for 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 placed in a fixed area of your walls or cabinets for a sleek and custom look. They typically use the same components inside as countertop models, with some exceptions. These models come in a variety of sizes, including those designed to fit into a smaller space, and their exteriors may feature a door that opens in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down style.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range, such as those from Whirlpool(r), even double as vent hoods to your stove in the kitchen. They also have an exhaust system that is built-in to let fumes out and recirculate air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter to eliminate odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models can be placed on the counter in your kitchen and do not require venting hookups or any special installation making them an excellent choice for rental homes or anyone who wants to stay clear of costly renovations to their kitchens. Certain models include trim kits to fill in the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances such as coffee makers, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient at heating water and food as compared to other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid within instead of heating the air around it. This is why they can heat food more quickly than conventional ovens. They can be placed in your lower or upper cabinets, and are available with modern or retro styling to match any kitchen style.
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 that will save consumers money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether the more stringent standards are technologically feasible and economically justified and could result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains the analyses and findings that DOE carried out to assess the impact on consumers of the new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment, a screening and engineering analysis, and an analysis of the impact on the nation.
The energy use analysis estimates the annual average of microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness. It is the basis for the energy savings assessments and the other consumer analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is based upon RECS field data gathered from multiple regions. It also takes into consideration the different patterns of use of microwave ovens in different households, as well as regional variations in electricity prices.
To assess the impact of possible new or modified standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the cost over time of purchasing and using a microwave oven at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are built on the computer model that utilizes the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
In addition to the analysis of energy use and the LCC/PBP in this SNOPR includes an analysis of the national impacts of amended or new standards using the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from the potential amendment or new standards in the form of site energy savings and FFC energy savings.