Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven

A microwave oven with a built-in microwave allows you to cook and reheat your food quickly and conveniently. GE provides a variety of designs, cooking technology and control options that can be adapted to your kitchen.

Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into outlets and built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or in built microwave cabinets to create an elegant, integrated look. These styles require professional installation.

Space Saver

The microwave is a common appliance in the kitchen, built-in double oven and microwave combination 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.

Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. This option is conveniently hidden behind your stove can be extremely useful in small kitchens with limited space. Additionally there are certain OTR models double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which can be helpful in reducing steam buildup.

Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry will help you save space. This can give you an elegant, seamless appearance that can be matched to your kitchen fixtures and built-in double oven and Microwave combination cabinets in color, finish or design. It also helps create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is perfect for homeowners who prefer minimalist and clear design.

Installing a built-in Microwave may require a professional installation or a kitchen remodel. You might be able, depending on the layout of your home to cut an opening in the wall for 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 causing damage to 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 with up to 1 1/2 inch of extra space to allow for ventilation.

A third space-saving option is a drawer-style microwave which can be set up under your counter or inside an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for everyone and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being knocked over.

The final aspect to consider for an efficient microwave is its door design. Many brands offer an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens using the same motion as other kitchen appliances, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking process. Some models have an elegant, smooth exterior that resists finger prints for better and cleaner appearance.

Convenience

A built-in microwave over oven has a stylish design, easy to clean and convenient. Contrary to countertop models, they're usually at eye level for easier accessibility and are often equipped with turntables which reduce the necessity of constantly shifting food from plate to plate. In addition, built in oven and microwave oven in microwaves usually have options that enhance functionality like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and a broil element that allows you to cook or brown foods.

In addition to saving counter space, a built in microwave over the oven can increase the value of your home and appeal by giving it a premium appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. The microwaves can be placed on top of your stove or in a separate cupboard. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen, giving the appearance of a custom-designed look that shows how much you've invested in your home and kitchen.

Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a vast variety of sizes in terms of power levels, features and models to suit any kitchen configuration. Install them under the counter in drawers to create an integrated look that fits snugly within existing cabinetry. They do not require additional space. Made with premium finishes and top-of-the-line features they are sure to complement your kitchen's aesthetic and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.

Although the built-in microwave over ovens are convenient but they aren't as versatile as the microwaves that stand alone. Depending on the location you put yours, it may require more space than other types of microwaves. They are also not as portable, and you won't have the ability to easily switch out the model for a different one if you decide that you prefer something different.

If you put your microwave above the range, you'll require an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this configuration. You'll require either an ducting system that sends smoke to the outside or a recirculating system that pulls the air through the microwave and into the home. For a smaller kitchen, consider a separate built-in double oven and microwave combination microwave that can be incorporated in cabinets, walls or an island.

Convenient Controls

Microwaves have a wide range of controls depending on the model. Common features include turntables, preset functions like defrosting and reheating and plus-30-second buttons. Certain models include child safety features to prevent accidental operation.

Many microwaves also come with preset recipes and cooking times to make the process of making meals more efficient and less time-consuming. This feature is beneficial for new cooks that are unsure of how long to cook certain foods or are not familiar with the cooking techniques used in different cuisines.

KitchenAid offers a variety of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves that are designed to match your other appliances with style and design to create an elegant look. Choose 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.

In contrast to models that are built into countertops built-in microwaves are fitted inside a fixed area of your kitchen's cabinets or walls for a sleek and custom appearance. They generally use the same components inside as regular countertop models, with some exceptions. These models are available in various sizes, including those designed to fit into a small space, and their exteriors may feature a door that opens in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down style.

Some over-the-range microwaves like those made by Whirlpool(r) are able to double as vent hoods for your kitchen stove. They have a built-in exhaust system to exhaust fumes outside and circulate air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter that removes odors and moisture from your kitchen.

Countertop models are placed on the kitchen counter. They don't require venting or any special installation. This makes them an ideal choice for those who lease their homes or avoid expensive modifications to their kitchens. Some options also come with trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances such as coffee makers, bread makers or toaster ovens.

Energy Efficiency

Microwaves use less energy to cook water and food than other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than conventional stovetop ovens since they focus the microwave's energy on the liquid in the, rather than on heating the air or other elements around it. Because of this, they can cook food more quickly than a conventional oven. They can be put in within the upper or lower cabinets, and are available in retro or modern styles to suit any kitchen.

In this additional notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for micro-wave ovens that will save consumers money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to periodically determine whether the more stringent standards are technologically feasible and economically justified and could result in significant energy savings.

This SNOPR includes DOE's analysis and findings to assess the impact of new or amended energy standards for microwave ovens on consumers. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment and screening analysis as well as an engineering analysis and national impact analysis.

The energy usage analysis calculates the average annual microwave oven' operating hours in households from a representative sample. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings as well as other consumer-related analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data gathered from multiple regions. It also takes into account different microwave oven usage patterns in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.

To assess the effects of new or amended standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to estimate the cost over time for buying and using a micro-wave oven at different efficiency level. The LCC and PBP calculations use an algorithm built on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analyses.

This SNOPR includes an assessment of the impact of new or amended standards at the national level based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings resulting from the potential amendment or new standard in the form of energy savings for the site and FFC savings.