Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven with integrated microwave lets you cook and reheat your food quickly and efficiently. GE provides a range of styles, cooking technologies and control options that will fit your kitchen's needs.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into outlets, while built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or among cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most frequently used appliances in a kitchen but it can take up valuable counter space. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to a new space, such as a kitchen island.
One of the most sought-after options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Hidden away beneath your stove, this option is especially beneficial in kitchens with smaller spaces where space is at a premium. Furthermore, certain OTR models can double as a vent hood to your cooktop, which is beneficial in reducing the buildup of steam.

Another space-saving solution is to install a microwave with a built-in design that blends in with your cabinetry. This can give you an elegant, integrated look that will match the kitchen cabinets and fixtures in color, finish or style. It can also provide an elegant look in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners that prefer an uncluttered, clean appearance.
Installing a built-in microwave might require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. Depending on your home's layout you may be able to cut out a space within walls to accommodate the appliance however, this requires proper framing and reinforcement which should be left to professionals. Built-in microwaves require ventilation to prevent 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 approximately 15 inches, but some manufacturers offer trim kits that can provide up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a drawer-style microwave which can be set up beneath your countertop or within an island. This type of microwave is easy to access, suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also stops hot dishes from falling off the edge or being knocked down.
A final consideration for a space-saving microwave is its door design. Many manufacturers offer a swing-out, drop-down or slide-out door that opens in the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking routine. Some models have an elegant, smooth exterior that is resistant to fingerprints to give a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave that is over the oven has a stylish design, easy to clean and convenient. They are usually placed at eye level for easy access, and include turntables to reduce the need to move food from one plate to another. In addition, built in microwaves are often equipped with features that improve functionality, such as EasyConvection oven conversion technology and broil elements that allow you to brown or crisp foods.
A built-in microwave that is integrated into the oven can save you 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 match. They can be set up on top of your stove or in a separate cupboard. They seamlessly blend into the kitchen, giving it a tailored appearance that shows how much you've invested in your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a vast range of sizes in terms of power levels, features and models to match any kitchen configuration. Install them underneath the counter in a drawers to create an integrated look that fits snugly within the cabinets. 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 enhance your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave over oven is clear however, you should be aware that they aren't as efficient as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on where you install yours, it might require more space than other microwaves. They're also not as portable, and you cannot easily change the model if you want something different.
If you place your microwave above the range, you'll need an extra kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system required by this setup. You'll need a ducting system that can direct smoke to the outside, or a ventilation system that recirculates air from the microwave into the house. For a smaller kitchen think about a separate microwave built-in which can be fitted into a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves offer a wide variety of controls based on the model. Some features are turntables, presets for defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons that can last for up to 30 seconds. Certain models come with child safety features to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves come pre-programmed with recipes and cooking times that make the process of preparing food quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for cooks who aren't sure how long to heat certain foods or for those who aren't familiar with the particular cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid provides a variety of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that are designed to match your other appliances in design and finish to create 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, in contrast to countertop models, are placed in a fixed area of your walls or cabinets for sleek and distinctive appearance. The internal components are generally identical to those of regular countertop models with a few exceptions. These models are available in a variety of sizes, including some that are designed to be able to fit in small spaces. The exteriors of these models may feature a door which opens in a swing-out style from left to right or in a drop-down fashion.
Certain microwaves in 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 that is built-in to let fumes out and recirculate the air. Some microwaves have a charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the kitchen counter. They don't need venting or special installation. This makes them an ideal option for people who rent their homes or wish to save money on costly changes 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 pots, bread makers or toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves consume 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 put in the upper or lower cabinets, and are available with retro or modern style to suit any kitchen design.
In this notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, which will reduce the cost of operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether stricter standards are economically feasible and technologically feasible and result in significant energy savings.
built in ovens and microwaves 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 screening and engineering analysis and an analysis of the impact on the nation.
The energy use analysis estimates annual average microwave oven operating hours in homes that have been sampled for representativeness. It is the basis for the energy savings analyses and the other consumer analysis in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data from multiple regions and considers the different patterns of usage of microwave ovens across different households and the variations in electricity prices across the region.
To evaluate the impact of potential new or modified standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the cost over time of purchasing and using microwave ovens at various efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are built on an algorithm for computer models that employs a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analyses.
This SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact of amended or new standards at the national scale based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy savings from the potential amendment or new standard in terms of savings on energy consumption at the site and FFC savings.