What Experts Say You Should Know
Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave that is integrated into the oven allows you to cook and heat food quickly and easily. GE provides a range of designs, cooking techniques and control options to fit your kitchen setup.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into an outlet, while built-in models are placed in a wall with a recess or among cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most frequently used appliances in a kitchen, but it can also consume valuable counter space. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to a different place, such as an island in the kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above your stove, this option is especially beneficial in kitchens with smaller spaces where space is at a premium. Additionally there are some OTR models can double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which is useful in reducing the amount of steam that builds up.
Another way to save space is to install a built-in microwave that blends in with the cabinetry. This can give you an elegant, seamless appearance that can match your kitchen fixtures and cabinets in terms of color, finish or style. It can also give an elegant look in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners that prefer a minimalist, uncluttered look.
However installing a microwave built-in could require a professional installation or remodel of your kitchen. Based on the layout of your home, you might be able to cut out a space within an existing wall to accommodate the appliance, but this requires proper framing and reinforcement and should be left to the professionals. Built-in microwaves also require adequate 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 microwave built-in is approximately 15 inches, but some manufacturers offer trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space for ventilation.
A drawer-style microwave can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This type of microwave is simple to use, suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also stops hot dishes or containers falling off the edge or getting knocked down.
The door's design is a final consideration when choosing a compact microwave. There are my website that have a door that opens in the same way as other kitchen appliances, including a slide-out or drop-down. This allows you to integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Some models also have a smooth and sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints, giving better, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves in ovens look attractive, practical and easy to clean. In contrast to countertop models they're usually 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 usually equipped with features that improve their functionality, such as EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler component that can cook or brown food.
A built-in microwave on top of the oven can save you counter space and also increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances might not be able match. They can be set up above the stove, or in a separate cabinet. They blend seamlessly into the kitchen, giving it a tailored appearance that shows how much you've put in your home and kitchen.
Built-in microwaves over ovens are available in a broad variety of dimensions as well as power levels and features to suit any kitchen configuration. They can be placed under your counter with a drawer design for a more integrated look that fits snugly into existing cabinets and requires no additional space. With premium finishes and high-end features, these microwaves are sure to enhance the look of your kitchen and elevate your cooking and entertaining experience.
Although microwaves with built-in microwaves over ovens are convenient, they are not as flexible as microwaves that stand alone. Depending on the place you install your microwave, it will require more space than other types of microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you can't easily alter the model should you want something else.
If you choose to install your microwave above your range, then you'll require a bigger space in your kitchen to allow for the ventilation required by this configuration. You'll need either a ducting system that directs smoke away from the home or a recirculating system that draws air through the microwave before transferring it to the home. If you have a smaller kitchen think about a separate built-in microwave that can be incorporated into the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves have a wide range of controls based on the model. Some common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating and 30-second buttons. Some models offer 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 faster and easier. This feature is beneficial for those who are just beginning to cook and are not sure of the time needed to cook specific food items or who are unfamiliar with the cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a range of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that are designed to match your other appliances with style and design to create an elegant look. Select from stainless steel and 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.
Built-in microwaves, in contrast to countertop models, are installed in a fixed area of your kitchen cabinets or walls to give a sleek and custom look. They typically use the same internal components as regular countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models are available in a variety of sizes, and some are designed to be able to fit in smaller spaces. Their exteriors could have a door which opens in a swing-out from left to right or drop-down style.
Certain microwaves in the range, like those made by Whirlpool(r) and Whirlpool(r), can be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built-in to let fumes out and recirculate the air. Some microwaves have charcoal filters that get rid of moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are positioned on the counter in the kitchen. They don't need venting or any special installation. This makes them an ideal option for those who rent their homes or save money on costly changes to their kitchens. Certain models have 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 use less energy to cook food and water than other cooking methods. They also consume less power than conventional stovetops because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid within rather than heating the air surrounding it. They can cook food faster than conventional ovens. They can be placed on the upper or lower cabinets, and are available in modern or retro styles to match any kitchen.
In this additional notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for microwave ovens which will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether stricter standards are economically feasible and technologically feasible and could result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and findings to assess the effects of new or revised energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment as well as a screening analysis as well as an engineering analysis and national impacts analysis.
The energy usage analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer analysis within this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data gathered from a variety of regions. It also considers different patterns of microwave oven use in different households, as well as regional variations in electricity prices.
To evaluate the effects of new or amended standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to estimate the lifetime cost for purchasing and using a microwave oven with different levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations are built on an algorithm for computer models that employs a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analysis.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses in this SNOPR includes an analysis of the national impacts of the new or amended standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model calculates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from potential amended or new standards in terms of site energy savings and FFC energy savings.