Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven lets you cook and heat food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a variety of styles, cooking technologies and control options to suit your kitchen's needs.
Countertop microwaves sit on the counter and plug into an outlet and built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or among cabinets for an elegant, built-in appearance. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is one of the most used appliances in a kitchen however, it can consume valuable counter space. You can free up counter space by moving the microwave to a different space, such as an island in your kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are a popular option. Hidden away beneath the stove, this option is especially beneficial in kitchens that are smaller and space is at a premium. stoves built in microwave can also be used as an exhaust for your cooktop. This can reduce the amount of steam that builds up.
Another space-saving solution is to install a built-in microwave that blends into your cabinetry. This can give you an elegant, integrated design that can be matched to the style, color, or finish of your other kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It can also give an elegant look in your kitchen. This is ideal for homeowners that prefer a clean, uncluttered appearance.
However installing a microwave built-in could require professional installation or a renovation of your kitchen. You may be able depending on the layout of your home to cut a hole in a wall to accommodate the appliance. However it will require professional framing and strengthening. Built-in microwaves require ventilation to avoid overheating and 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 15 inches, but some manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space for ventilation.
A microwave with a drawer design can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This design is simple to use and suitable for everyone and requires less countertop space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting damaged by a fall.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a space-saving microwave is its door design. Many brands offer a door that opens in the same way as other kitchen appliances, including dropping-down or slide-out. This allows you to integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking workflow. Some models have a smooth, sleek exterior that resists fingerprints for better and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave that is over the oven offers an attractive design, easy to clean and convenient. They are usually set at eye level for easy access and come with turntables to make it less necessary to transfer food from one plate to another. Built-in microwaves are usually equipped with features that improve their capabilities, like EasyConvection technology to convert ovens and a broiler component that can cook or brown food items.
In addition to saving counter space, a built in microwave that is atop an oven can increase the value of your home and appeal by providing a high-end appearance that other appliances might not be capable of matching. The microwaves can be placed on top of your stove or in a separate cabinet. They blend seamlessly into the kitchen, giving an elegant appearance that demonstrates how much you have invested in your home and kitchen.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a wide variety of sizes in terms of power levels, features and models to fit any kitchen layout. You can even install them under your counter with a drawer design to create a more seamless look that fits snugly into existing cabinets and requires no extra space. These microwaves, with their luxurious designs and top-of-the-line functions, will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen and your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While microwaves built into ovens are handy however they aren't as versatile as their counterparts that stand on their own. It might require more space for your microwave to operate, depending on the location it's installed. They are also not as mobile, and you aren't able to easily alter the model should you want something different.
If you decide to place your microwave over your range, then you'll require a bigger space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation needed in this setup. You'll require either a ducting system that directs smoke to the outside or a recirculating ventilation system that pulls air through the microwave before transferring it to the home. For smaller kitchens you might want to consider an additional built-in microwave that can be installed inside cabinets, walls or an island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves come with a variety of controls based on the model. Some of the features include turntables, presets for defrosting or reheating, and buttons for plus-30 minutes. Some models have child safety features that prevent accidental operation of the appliance.
Many microwaves also come with pre-made recipes and cooking times that help you prepare meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is useful for those who aren't sure how long to heat certain foods or for those who aren't acquainted with the particular cooking techniques that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a wide variety of built-in and oversized microwaves that are designed to match the style and appearance of other appliances for an integrated look in your kitchen. Choose from stainless steel or black finishes that will complement 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 location of your kitchen cabinets or walls to give a sleek and custom look. The internal components are typically identical to those of regular countertop models with some exceptions. These models come in a variety of sizes, including those designed to fit in a compact space and their exteriors can feature a door that opens either in a right-to-left swing-out or drop-down manner.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those made by Whirlpool(r) can also serve as vent hoods for your stove in the kitchen. They also have an exhaust system that is built-in to let fumes out and recirculate air. Some models come with a charcoal filter to eliminate odors and moisture from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on your kitchen counter and don't require venting hookups or special installations making them an excellent choice for rental homes or those who want to stay clear of costly renovations to their kitchens. Some options include trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances such as coffee makers and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves use less energy to cook water and food than other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because microwaves focus their energy on the liquid inside instead of heating the air around it. They can cook food quicker than conventional ovens. They can be installed in your upper or lower cabinets, and come with retro or modern style to suit any kitchen design.

In this supplemental 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 in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether stricter standards are technologically feasible and economically viable and if they can result in significant energy saving.
The SNOPR contains DOE's analyses 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, a screening analysis of engineering analysis, and a national impact 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-related analyses in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data collected from various regions. It also considers different patterns of microwave oven use in different households as also regional variations in electricity prices.
To determine the impact of potential changes or new standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to estimate the cost over time of purchasing and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. integrated combination microwave and PBP calculations are made using a computer model that uses the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analyses.
In addition to the analysis of energy use and the LCC/PBP, this SNOPR includes an assessment of the national impact of the new or amended standards based on the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model estimates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from the potential amendment or new standards in terms of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.