Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built in microwave over oven allows you to cook and reheat food quickly and conveniently. GE provides a range of designs, cooking techniques and control options to fit your kitchen's needs.
Built-in microwaves are placed behind cabinets or in recessing walls to give them a sleek and integrated appearance. These models require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most commonly used appliances in a kitchen, but it can also consume valuable counter space. You can free up counter space by moving the microwave to a different place, such as a kitchen island.
One of the most popular choices is an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. This model is tucked under the stove is particularly helpful in kitchens that are small and have small space. Plus 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 will make space. This type of appliance offers a sleek, integrated look that can be matched to the design, color, or finish of your kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It can also help to create a more minimalist look in your kitchen, which is perfect for those who prefer minimalist and clear design.
Installing a built-in Microwave could require an expert installation or kitchen remodel. You may be able to, based on the layout of your home to make a hole in a wall to accommodate the appliance. However, this will require professional framing and reinforcement. Also, built-in microwaves require adequate ventilation to ensure that they don't overheat and damage the appliance. According to Sam Cipiti of R. M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths, in Chevy Chase, Maryland the minimum cabinet depth for an oven with built-ins is 15 inches. However some manufacturers offer trim kits that provide up to 1 1/2 inches of extra space to allow for ventilation.
A microwave with a drawer design can be set up under the counter or in an island. This configuration is easy-to-access, suitable for all ages and requires less counter space. It also helps to prevent hot dishes or containers from falling off the edge of the microwave or getting damaged by a fall.
The door design is an important factor to consider when selecting a microwave that is space-saving. There are many brands that have an open, swing-out or slide-out door that opens in the same motion as other kitchen appliances, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your microwave into your cooking workflow. Some models have a smooth, sleek exterior that resists finger prints for an attractive and cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built-in microwave that is over the oven offers an attractive design, 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 reduce the need to constantly shift food from plate to plate. Built-in microwaves are usually equipped with features that enhance their utility, for instance EasyConvection technology that converts ovens and a broiler 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 giving it a premium design that other appliances may not be capable of matching. Whether installed above your stove or in a separate cabinet, these microwaves seamlessly blend into your kitchen for an elegant look that demonstrates you've put in the time to improve your kitchen and home.
Built in microwave over ovens are available in a vast range of sizes, power levels and features to match any kitchen configuration. Install them under the counter in drawer style to create a more integrated appearance that is a perfect fit within the cabinetry. This requires no additional space. Made with premium finishes and high-end features they are sure to enhance the look of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experience.
While the convenience of a built-in microwave over oven is obvious, keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as versatile as their freestanding counterparts. Depending on the location you put yours, it might require more space to operate than other types of microwaves. They're also not as mobile, and you aren't able to easily switch the model if you need something else.
If you place your microwave above your range, you'll need a larger kitchen to accommodate the ventilation system required by this arrangement. You'll either need a ducting system that can direct smoke to the outside, or a ventilator that recirculates air from the microwave into the house. For smaller kitchens think about an additional built-in microwave that can be installed in the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwaves come with a variety of controls depending on the model. Some features include turntables presets for defrosting or reheating, and buttons that can last for up to 30 seconds. Some models offer child safety features that prevent accidental use of the appliance.
Many microwaves come with preset recipes and cooking times that make the process of preparing meals more efficient and less time-consuming. This feature is beneficial for those who are just beginning to cook and are uncertain of the proper time to cook certain foods or who are unfamiliar with the specific cooking techniques that are used in different cuisines.
KitchenAid brand offers a broad range of built-in and over-the-range microwaves that are designed to match the style and design of your other appliances for an integrated look in your kitchen. There's a range 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 set in a fixed location of your walls or cabinets for a sleek and custom look. They generally use the same internal components as regular countertop models, but with a few exceptions. These models are available in various sizes, with some designed to fit into a smaller space and their exteriors can include a door that opens in a left-to-right swing-out or drop-down style.
Certain microwaves over the range like those from Whirlpool(r), even double as vent hoods to your kitchen stove and use an exhaust system built-in to let fumes out and recycle air. Some microwaves have a charcoal filter that removes moisture and odors from your kitchen.
Countertop models are placed on the counter of the kitchen. They don't need venting or any special installation. This makes them a good choice for those who rent their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Certain models include trim kits that can be used to fill the gap between the microwave and other countertop appliances like toaster ovens, coffee pots or bread makers.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are more efficient at heating food and water compared to other cooking methods. They also use less power than stovetops that are conventional because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid in instead of heating the air around it. They can heat up dishes much faster than conventional ovens. They can be installed either on the upper or lower cabinets and come in retro or modern styles to suit any kitchen.
In this supplemental notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or modified energy conservation standards for microwave ovens that will save consumers money in their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to examine on a regular basis whether stricter standards are economically viable and technologically feasible, as well as result in significant energy savings.
The SNOPR contains DOE's analyses and findings to assess the effects of new or revised energy standards for microwave ovens on the consumer. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment, a screening analysis, an engineering analysis and national impact analysis.

The energy use analysis estimates the annual average microwave ovens' operating hours in households from a representative sample. This analysis is the basis of the energy savings assessments as well as the other consumer analysis in this SNOPR. The analysis is based on RECS field data collected from various regions. It also considers the different patterns of use of microwave ovens in different households as and regional variations in electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of new or modified standards on the cost of operating a household, DOE conducted LCC and PBP analyses to determine the cost over time of purchasing and using microwave ovens at different efficiency levels. The LCC and PBP calculations are made using an algorithm for computer models that employs the Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainty and variation into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an evaluation of the impact of the new or amended standards at the national level based on the NIA spreadsheet. microwave and oven built in combo (INPV) in terms of energy savings resulting from potential amended or a new standard in the form of energy savings for the site and FFC savings.