Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven helps you cook and reheat food quickly and easily. GE offers a wide variety of styles, cooking technology and control options to fit your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are positioned behind cabinets or in wall recess to give them a sleek and integrated look. These types of microwaves require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most used kitchen appliances, but it can also take up valuable counter space. You can make use of counter space by moving the microwave to a new place, such as an island in your kitchen.
Over-the-range microwaves (OTRs) are an increasingly popular choice. This type of microwave is conveniently hidden under the stove, can be particularly useful in small kitchens with little space. Some OTR models can also function as an exhaust for your cooktop. This can help reduce the amount of steam that builds up.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry will save you space. This option provides an elegant, integrated look that can match your kitchen's cabinets and fixtures in finish, color or design. It also helps create a cleaner appearance in your kitchen, which is perfect for homeowners who prefer a clean and uncluttered look.
However installing a microwave built-in may require a professional installation or renovation of your kitchen. Based on the layout of your home you may be able to cut out a space within walls to accommodate the appliance, however, this requires adequate framing and support and should be left to experts. Additionally, built-in microwaves need sufficient ventilation to prevent 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 around 15 inches, but some manufacturers offer trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to let air circulate.
A third option to reduce space is a drawer-style microwave which can be installed under your counter or inside an island. This configuration is easy to access, suitable for all users and requires less countertop space. It also helps to prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being damaged by a fall.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing the space-saving microwave is the door design. There are many brands that have a door that opens the same way as other kitchen appliances, including dropping-down or slide-out. This lets you integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Certain models feature an elegant, smooth exterior that is resistant to finger prints for an attractive and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built in microwave over oven offers an attractive design that is easy to clean and convenient. Unlike countertop models, they're usually placed at eye level for easier accessibility and can be equipped with turntables that eliminate the need to move food from plate to plate. Additionally, built-in microwaves often come with options that increase functionality, like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broiling elements that allow you to brown or crisp foods.
In addition to saving counter space, a built-in microwave over the oven can boost your home's value and appeal by providing a high-end design that other appliances may not be in a position to match. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen, creating an elegant appearance that shows you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens come in various sizes, power levels, and features that can be tailored to fit into any kitchen. Install them under the counter in drawers to create an elegant look that is a perfect fit within the cabinets. It doesn't require any additional space. Made with top-quality finishes and features, these microwaves are sure to complement the style of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
Although the built-in microwave over ovens are convenient however they aren't as flexible as microwaves that stand on their own. Depending on the place you install yours, it may require more space to operate than other microwaves. In addition, they're not as portable, and you won't have the ability to easily switch out the model to a new one if you decide that you want something different.
If you decide to put your microwave above your range, then you will require a bigger space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation required by this arrangement. You'll need a ducting option that directs smoke to the outside, or a ventilator that recirculates air from the microwave into the house. If you have a smaller kitchen you might want to consider a separate built-in microwave that can be installed inside the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves offer a wide variety of controls depending on the model. Common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating, and plus-30-second buttons. Certain models include child safety features to avoid accidental operation.
Many microwaves also have pre-made recipes and cooking times that make the process of preparing meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is helpful for those who are just beginning to cook and are not sure of the time needed to cook certain foods or who are unfamiliar with the specific cooking methods that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of microwaves with built-ins and over-the-range microwaves designed to match your other appliances in design and finish to create a seamless look. There's a variety of stainless steel models, and black finishes to complement 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.
Contrary to countertop models built-in microwaves are inserted into a fixed space in your kitchen walls or cabinets for a sleek, custom appearance. The internal components are typically identical to those of traditional countertop models, with a few exceptions. best integrated microwave oven are available in various sizes, including those designed to fit into a smaller space and their exteriors can include a door that opens either in a left-to right swing-out or drop-down fashion.
Certain microwaves that are over the range, such as those manufactured by Whirlpool(r) are able to be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built-in to vent fumes outdoors and then recirculate the air. Others have a built-in charcoal filter to eliminate moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter of the kitchen. They don't require venting or special installation. This makes them an ideal choice for those who rent their homes or wish to save money on costly changes to their kitchens. Some options include trim kits that can close the gap between your microwave and other countertop appliances such as coffee makers bread makers, toaster ovens or bread ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient at heating water and food when compared to other cooking methods. They also consume less power than conventional stovetops because microwaves concentrate their energy on the liquid in rather than heating the air around it. This means that they can cook food much faster than a conventional oven. They can be installed either on the upper or lower cabinets, and are available in modern or retro styles to match any kitchen.
In this supplemental 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 regularly assess whether stricter standards are technically feasible and economically viable, and if they will yield significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains the analyses and findings that DOE carried out to assess the effects on consumers of the new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment, a 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 representative sampled homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings and other consumer analysis within this SNOPR. The analysis is based upon RECS field data gathered from multiple regions. It also takes into consideration different patterns of microwave oven use in different households, as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To assess the impact of possible new or amended standards on household operating costs, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the lifetime cost of purchasing and using microwave ovens at various efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are made using the computer model that utilizes the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variability into the analyses.
This SNOPR includes an evaluation 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 resulting from the potential amendment or new standard in terms of energy savings for the site and FFC savings.