Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A microwave oven that has integrated microwave lets you cook and reheat your food quickly and conveniently. GE offers a wide variety of styles, cooking technologies and control options that can be adapted to your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are placed behind cabinets or in recessed walls to give them sleek and integrated appearance. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most used appliances in a kitchen however, it can consume valuable counter space. There are many smart ways to make the most of your countertop space by moving the microwave to a different location, such as in a kitchen island or recessing it into the wall.
One of the most popular options is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. It is tucked away in a neatly placed above your stove, this option can be especially useful in smaller kitchens where space is limited. Some OTR models can also function as a vent for your cooktop. This can help reduce the buildup of steam.
Another option to save space is to install a built-in microwave which blends seamlessly into the cabinetry. This can give you a sleek, integrated appearance that can match the kitchen cabinets and fixtures in terms of color, finish or style. It also helps create a more streamlined appearance in your kitchen, which is great for homeowners who prefer minimalist and clear design.
Installing a built-in microwave could require a professional installation or a kitchen remodel. Depending on the layout of your home it is possible to cut a space into walls to accommodate the appliance however, this will require proper framing and reinforcement and should be left to professionals. In addition, microwaves with built-ins require adequate ventilation to ensure that they don't overheat and damage 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 15 inches. However, certain manufacturers offer trim kits that offer up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space to allow for ventilation.
integrated combination microwave that is built like a drawer can be installed beneath your counter or within an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It also helps prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or being knocked over.
The door's design is the final factor to consider when choosing a space-saving microwavable. Many brands offer an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens with the same motion as other kitchen appliances, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models also come with a sleek and smooth exterior that wards off fingerprints for an attractive, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
Built-in microwaves over ovens are attractive, convenient and easy to clean. Contrary to countertop models, they're typically placed at eye level for easier accessibility and are often equipped with turntables that reduce the need to constantly shift food from plate to plate. In addition, built in microwaves often come with options that enhance functionality like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broiling elements that allow you to cook or brown food items.
A built-in microwave on top of the oven will save counter space and increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek and high-end appearance that other appliances might not be able to match. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen to create an elegant look that demonstrates you've invested in your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves and ovens are available in a variety of sizes, power levels, and features that can be tailored to fit into any kitchen. You can even install them under your counter in a drawer-style to give a more cohesive design that is a perfect fit into existing cabinetry and requires no additional space. Designed with premium finishes and high-end features they are sure to complement the style of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
Although microwaves with built-in microwaves over ovens are convenient but they aren't as flexible as microwaves that stand on their own. It might require more space to function, based on where it is installed. They are also not as mobile, and you aren't able to easily switch the model if you need something else.
If you decide to put your microwave over your range, then you'll require more space in your kitchen to accommodate the ventilation required by this arrangement. You'll require either a ducting system that carries smoke to the outside or a recirculating system that draws air through the microwave and into the home. For smaller kitchens, consider a separate microwave built-in that can be incorporated into a cabinet, wall or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens are equipped with a variety of convenient controls according to the model you choose. Common features include turntables, preset functions including defrosting and reheating, and 30 second buttons. Certain models include child safety features to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which makes the process of preparing 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 familiar with the particular cooking techniques used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a wide selection of built-in and over the-range microwaves that are designed to match the style and finish of your other appliances to create an aesthetically pleasing 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 sleek and distinctive appearance. They typically use the same internal components like countertop models, but with a few exceptions. These models are available in various sizes, including those designed to fit into a smaller space and their exteriors could have doors that open in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down manner.
Some microwaves that are over-the-range like those made by Whirlpool(r) are able to double as vent hoods to your kitchen stove and use a built-in exhaust system to let fumes out and circulate air. Some microwaves have charcoal filters that eliminate moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the kitchen counter. They don't need venting or any special installation. This makes them a good choice for people who rent their homes or want to stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Some models have trim kits that can be used to fill the gap between a microwave and other countertop appliances like toaster ovens, coffee makers or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency

Microwaves require less energy to cook food and water than other cooking methods. They also use less energy than traditional stovetop ovens due to the fact that 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 heat food much faster than a conventional oven. They can be put in within the upper or lower cabinets, and are available in modern or retro designs to suit 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 periodically assess whether more stringent standards are technically feasible and economically justified and if they can result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and results to evaluate the impact of the new or modified energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a technology and market assessment, a screening and engineering analysis and a national impact analysis.
The energy usage analysis calculates the annual average microwave ovens' operating hours in the sample of households. It is the basis for the energy savings analyses and the other consumer analyses included in this SNOPR. The analysis is made using RECS field data from various regions and considers the various patterns of use of microwave ovens in different households, as well as the variations in electricity prices across the region.
In order to assess the impact of the new or modified standards on household expenses, 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 employ a computer model built on Monte Carlo simulations to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an analysis of the impact of new or amended standards at the national scale based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model calculates the industry net present value (INPV) in terms of energy saving from the potential amendment or new standard in the form savings on energy consumption at the site and FFC savings.