Benefits of a Built in Microwave Over Oven
A built-in microwave over an oven allows you to cook and heat food quickly and efficiently. GE offers a wide variety of styles, cooking technologies and control options that will suit your kitchen.
Built-in microwaves are installed behind cabinets or in recessing walls to give them a a sleek and integrated look. These styles require professional installation.
Space Saver
The microwave is among the most commonly used kitchen appliances but it can consume valuable counter space. You can reclaim valuable counter space by moving the microwave to another space, such as an island in the kitchen.
One of the most popular options is an over the range (OTR) microwave. built in microwave ovens above the stove, this option can be especially useful in smaller kitchens where space is at a premium. Some OTR models can also be used as an exhaust for your cooktop. This can help reduce the amount of steam that builds up.
Installing a microwave integrated into your cabinetry can help you save space. This option offers a sleek, integrated look that can match the color, finish or style of your kitchen fixtures and cabinets. It can also create a more streamlined look in your kitchen. This is great for homeowners who want a minimalist, uncluttered look.
However, installing a built-in microwave might require professional installation or a remodel of your kitchen. Depending on the layout of your home it is possible to cut a space into a wall to accommodate the appliance however, this requires the proper framing and reinforcement, which should be left to professionals. Also, built-in microwaves require sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating and causing damage to 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 can provide up to 1 1/2 inches of additional space for ventilation.
A third option to reduce space is a drawer-style microwave which can be set up under your counter or inside an island. This design is easily accessible, 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 being damaged by a fall.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing the space-saving microwave is the door design. A lot of brands have doors that can be opened in the same manner as other kitchen appliances, such as sliding out or dropping down. This allows you to integrate your microwave seamlessly into your cooking process. Some models feature a sleek and smooth exterior that resists fingerprints for an attractive, cleaner appearance.
Convenience
A built in microwave over oven offers an attractive, convenient and easy-to-clean design. They are usually set near the eye level to make it easier to access, and include turntables to make it less necessary to transfer food from one plate to the next. Additionally, built-in microwaves often come with options that enhance functionality like EasyConvection oven conversion technology, and broil elements that allow you to brown or crisp foods.
A built-in microwave on top of the oven can save you counter space and increase the value of your home by giving it a sleek, luxurious appearance that other appliances may not be able match. It can be placed above your stove or in a separate cabinet these microwaves blend seamlessly into your kitchen, creating a tailored appearance that shows you've invested in your kitchen and your home.
Built-in microwaves over ovens come in a variety of sizes power levels, styles, and features that can be tailored to fit into any kitchen. They can be placed under your counter with a drawer design to create a more seamless design that is a perfect fit into existing cabinetry and doesn't require any additional space. These microwaves, with their high-end finishes and high-end functions will enhance the look of your kitchen and enhance your cooking and entertaining experiences.
While the benefits of a built-in microwave oven is evident but keep in mind that these microwaves aren't as flexible as their freestanding counterparts. They may require more space to function, based on where it is installed. They are also not as portable, and you cannot easily change the model if you need something different.
If you put your microwave above your range, you'll require an additional kitchen space to accommodate the ventilation system that is required by this arrangement. You'll need either a ducting system that directs smoke outside or a recirculating system that pulls air through the microwave and into the home. For a smaller kitchen, consider a separate built-in microwave that can be installed into the wall, cabinet or island.
Convenient Controls
Microwave ovens are equipped with numerous controls, depending on the model you select. Some of the features include turntables, presets for defrosting or reheating, as well as buttons that can last for up to 30 minutes. Some models have child safety features to prevent accidental operation.
Many microwaves have pre-programmed recipes and cooking times, which make the process of making food faster and easier. This feature is useful for new cooks that are unsure of how long to heat specific foods or who are unfamiliar with the specific cooking techniques employed in various cuisines.
KitchenAid offers a variety of built-in microwaves and over-therange microwaves that can be matched to your other appliances with style and finish for a seamless look. There's a variety of stainless steel models as well as black and white 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.
Built-in microwaves, in contrast to countertop models, are installed in a fixed space of your kitchen cabinets or walls for an elegant and unique look. They typically have the same internal components as countertop models, with a few exceptions. These models are available in a variety of sizes, and some are designed to be able to fit in smaller spaces. Their exteriors could have a door which opens with a swing-out that opens from left to right or drop-down design.
Some microwaves over the range, such as those made by Whirlpool(r) and Whirlpool(r), can be used as vent hoods. They come with an exhaust system built-in to vent fumes outdoors and recirculate the air. Certain 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 an ideal choice for those who lease their homes or stay clear of costly modifications to their kitchens. Certain models also come with trim kits to close the gap between your microwave and other freestanding countertop appliances, such as coffee pots and bread makers, as well as toaster ovens.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves require less energy to heat water and food than other cooking methods. They also consume less power than conventional stovetops because the microwaves focus their energy on the liquid inside, rather than heating the air around it. This is why they can cook food much faster than conventional ovens. They can be installed either within the upper or lower cabinets and come in modern or retro styles to suit any kitchen.
In this additional notification of proposed rulemaking ("SNOPR") the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposes new or revised energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, which will save consumers money on their operating costs. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA") requires DOE to evaluate on a regular basis whether the more stringent standards are economically viable and technologically feasible and could result in significant energy savings.
This SNOPR provides the analysis and findings that DOE carried out to assess the impact on consumers of the new or amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. The analysis includes a market and technology assessment screening and engineering analysis and an analysis of the impact on the nation.
The energy use analysis estimates the annual average of microwave oven operating hours in representative sampled homes. This analysis is used to calculate energy savings as well as other consumer analyses within this SNOPR. The analysis is built on RECS field data from multiple regions and takes into consideration the various patterns of use of microwave ovens in various households and the variation in regional electricity prices.
To evaluate the impact of the new or modified standards on household expenses, DOE conducted LCC analyses and PBP analyses in order to estimate the lifetime cost of purchasing and using a microwave oven with different levels of efficiency. The LCC and PBP calculations are based on a computer model that uses a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate uncertainties and variations into the analysis.
This SNOPR includes an assessment of the impact of new or amended standards at the national scale based on the NIA spreadsheet. The NIA model estimates the industry's net present value ("INPV") in terms of energy savings resulting from possible new or amended standards in terms of energy savings on site and FFC energy savings.