Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven that has built-in microwaves allows you to cook and heat your food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a wide range of designs, cooking technology and control options that can be adapted to your kitchen.
Countertop microwaves are placed on the counter and plug into an outlet and built-in models are installed on a recessed wall or between cabinets for an elegant, integrated look. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver

The microwave is among the most used appliances in a kitchen but it can consume valuable counter space. There are a variety of clever ways to reclaim countertop space by moving the microwave to a different place, like an island in the kitchen or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most popular options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. Tucked away neatly above the stove, this option is particularly useful in kitchens that are smaller and space is limited. Additionally some OTR models double as a vent hood for your cooktop, which is beneficial in reducing the buildup of steam.
Installing a microwave that is integrated into your cabinetry can help you save space. This can give you an elegant, integrated look that can be matched to your kitchen's cabinets and fixtures in color, finish or style. It can also help to create a more minimalist look in your kitchen, which is great for those who prefer a clean and uncluttered look.
However installing a microwave built-in may require professional installation or a remodeling of your kitchen. You may be able, 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 support. In addition, microwaves with built-ins require adequate ventilation to avoid overheating 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 a built-in oven is 15 inches. However some manufacturers offer trim kits with up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space for ventilation.
A drawer-style microwave can be placed under the counter or in an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for all and requires less counter space. It also helps 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 a space-saving microwave is its door design. Many manufacturers offer the option of a swing-out, drop-down, or slide-out door that opens with the same motion as other kitchen appliances to help you seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow.
fitted microwave feature a smooth, sleek exterior that is resistant to fingerprints to give 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 typically placed at eye level for easy access, and include turntables to make it less necessary to move food from one plate to another. In addition, built in microwaves usually have options that improve functionality, such as EasyConvection oven conversion technology and a broil element that allows you to brown or crisp foods.
A built-in microwave over the oven can help you save counter space and also increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, high-end appearance that other appliances may not be able match. 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 microwave over ovens are available in a vast range of sizes in terms of power levels, features and models to fit any kitchen layout. Install them underneath the counter in a drawer style to create an integrated look that fits snugly within the cabinetry. They do not require additional space. These microwaves, with their premium features and finishes can enhance the appearance of your kitchen and your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave over oven is obvious, keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as flexible as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the place you install your microwave, it will require more space than other microwaves. They are also not as portable and you won't be able to easily switch out the model to a new model if you want something different.
If you put your microwave above your range, you'll need an additional kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this configuration. You'll require either an ducting system that sends smoke away from the home or a recirculating system that draws air through the microwave before transferring it to the home. For smaller kitchens think about a separate microwave built-in that can be installed inside the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens have various controls that are convenient depending on the model you choose. Common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating, and plus-30-second buttons. Certain models come with child safety features to prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with pre-made recipes and cooking times to make the process of making meals quicker and more efficient. This feature is useful for new cooks who aren't sure how long to heat certain foods or for those who aren't comfortable with the particular cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.
KitchenAid brand provides a wide range of built-in and over-the-range microwaves that are designed to complement the style and finish of your other appliances to create an aesthetically pleasing kitchen. You can find a selection of stainless steel models as well as black and white finishes to match the style of your 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, unlike countertop models, are placed in a fixed space of your kitchen cabinets or walls to give sleek and distinctive appearance. The internal components are typically identical to those of regular countertop models with some exceptions. These models are available in a variety of sizes, including some that are designed to fit into smaller spaces. Their exteriors could have doors that open with a swing-out that opens from left to right or in a drop-down fashion.
Some microwaves over the range, like 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 out fumes outside and recirculate the air. Some microwaves come with a built-in charcoal filter to remove moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the kitchen counter. They don't require venting or special installation. This makes them a good choice for those who rent their homes or wish to avoid expensive modifications to their kitchens. Some models come with trim kits that can be used to bridge the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances, such as toaster ovens, coffee pots or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient at heating food and water in comparison to other cooking methods. They also consume less energy than traditional stovetop ovens since they focus microwaves' energy on the liquid in the, rather than on heating the air or other elements surrounding it. This is why they can cook food more quickly than a conventional oven. They can be put in your lower or upper cabinets, and come with retro or modern style to fit any kitchen design.
In this notice of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will help consumers save money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether the more stringent standards are technologically feasible and economically justified and result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains the analyses and findings that DOE carried out to assess the effects on consumers of the new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment screening and engineering analysis, and a national impact analysis.
The energy use analysis estimates the average annual microwave oven operating hours in the sample of households. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings assessments and the other consumer analyses included in this SNOPR. The analysis is built on RECS field data from a variety of regions and considers the different usage patterns of microwave ovens in various households and also the variations in electricity prices across the region.
To assess the impact of new or amended standards on household expenses, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses to estimate the lifetime cost of purchasing and using a micro-wave oven with different levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations utilize an algorithm built on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
In addition to the energy-use and LCC/PBP analyses in this SNOPR includes an assessment of the national impacts of amended or new standards using the NIA spreadsheet model. The NIA model determines industry net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings from potential amended or new standards in terms of energy savings at the site and FFC energy savings.