Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven that has integrated microwave lets you cook and heat your food quickly and easily. GE provides a range of styles, cooking technologies and control options to fit your kitchen's needs.
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. built in microwave and oven combo require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most frequently used kitchen appliances but it can consume valuable counter space. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to another place, such as an island in the kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are an increasingly popular choice. Hidden away beneath your stove, this option is especially beneficial in kitchens with smaller spaces where space is limited. Plus there are certain OTR models can double as a vent hood for 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 your cabinetry. This option offers an elegant, integrated design that is able to match the color, finish or style of your other kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It also helps create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is great for homeowners who prefer an uncluttered and clean look.
However installing a microwave built-in might require professional installation or a renovation of your kitchen. It is possible depending on the layout of your house to make an opening in the wall to accommodate the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and reinforcement. Built-in microwaves also need adequate ventilation to avoid overheating and damaging the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths in Chevy Chase, Maryland the minimum cabinet depth for a built-in oven is 15 inches. However certain manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space for ventilation.
A microwave that is built like a drawer can be installed beneath your counter or within an island. This design is easily accessible, 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 getting damaged by a fall.
The door design is the final factor to consider when choosing a space-saving microwavable. Many manufacturers offer a swing-out, drop-down or slide-out door that opens in the same motion as other kitchen appliances, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking routine. Some models have a sleek, smooth exterior that is resistant to fingerprints for better and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave over oven is attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. They are typically placed at eye-level for easier access and are equipped with turntables to make it less necessary to move food from one plate to another. In addition, built in microwaves usually have options that enhance functionality like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and a broil element that allows you to cook or brown food items.
In addition to saving counter space, a built in microwave over oven can also increase the value of your home and appeal by giving it a premium look that other appliances may not be capable of matching. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen to create an elegant appearance that shows you've invested in your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves that are over ovens are available in various sizes as well as power levels and features that can be adapted to fit any kitchen. They can be placed under your counter in a drawer style to create a more seamless look that fits snugly into existing cabinets and requires no extra space. Designed with premium finishes and top-of-the-line features they are sure to complement the style of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the convenience of a built-in microwave over oven is obvious but keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as versatile as their freestanding counterparts. It might require more space for your microwave to operate, depending on where it is installed. They're also not as portable, and you cannot easily switch the model if you want something else.
If you decide to place your microwave above your range, then you'll require more space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation required in this setup. You'll either need an option for ducting that directs smoke to the outside or a recirculating venting system that pulls air through the microwave and into the house. Consider a built-in microwave to small kitchens. It can be put into a wall, cabinet or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens have a variety of convenient controls depending on the model you select. Some common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating, and 30-second buttons. Certain models come with safety features for children that stop accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which make the process of making food quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for those who aren't sure how long to cook certain meals or for those who aren't acquainted with the specific cooking methods used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid provides a variety of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves that can be matched to the other appliances in style and finish for seamless appearance. You can find a selection of stainless steel models, as well as black and white finishes to match any kitchen design. 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, unlike countertop models, are installed in a fixed space of your kitchen cabinets or walls to give sleek and distinctive appearance. They typically have the same internal components as countertop models, but with a few exceptions. They are available in various sizes, including some that are designed to be able to fit in small spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature doors that open with a swing-out that opens from left to right or a drop-down fashion.
Certain microwaves that are over the range, such as the ones 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 come with a built-in charcoal filter to remove moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models can be placed on your counter top and do not require venting hookups or special installations, making them a great option for rental homes or anyone looking to stay clear of costly renovations to their kitchens. Certain models also come with trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances, such as coffee pots, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to heat water and food than other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than conventional stovetop ovens due to the fact that they focus the microwaves' energy on the liquid within, rather than on heating the air or other elements around it. They can also heat dishes faster than conventional ovens. They can be installed either on the upper or lower cabinets and come in modern or retro styles to suit any kitchen.
In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will save consumers money on operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether stricter standards are economically viable and technologically feasible and could result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR includes the analyses and results 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 and screening analysis, an engineering analysis and national impact analysis.

The energy usage analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness. 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 a variety of regions. It also takes into consideration different patterns of microwave oven use in different households, as well as regional variations in electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of the new or modified standards on household costs, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to estimate the cost over time for buying and using a microwave oven with different levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations are made using a computer model that uses the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an evaluation of the impact of new or amended standards on the national level based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or new standards in terms of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.