How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave
A microwave that sits in a cabinet or under your counter, frees up space on your countertop and creates a seamless look. Installing them at a suitable level and in close proximity to other appliances like the wall-mounted oven is easy.
Choose from a range of door styles. These include right-to-left swingout or drop-down doors that open in the same manner as a drawer in a cabinet. Other features are also worth considering.
Capacity
Microwaves come in a wide range of capacities and sizes that will suit any kitchen. Shop for countertop, compact and low-profile microwaves as well as built-in models to find a model that will fit your space. They can speed up mealtimes by offering features like sensor cooking and slim trimkits that save space on the counter. Some models come with a retractable turntable that allows loading and unloading to be done more easily.
When shopping, take into consideration the size of your family and whether you'll use the microwave to cook larger items, such as casseroles or platters. Choose a microwave that has the capacity to handle these larger items. A 2.2-cubic-foot model from Frigidaire for instance, has enough space to accommodate large dinner plates and platters.
The power level is an additional important factor to consider when selecting the right microwave. You should look for models that have greater wattage which cook food more quickly and evenly. Some microwaves come with different power levels, which allows you to adjust the power output based on the food you're cooking.
Microwave dimensions vary by type, and usually include the exterior width, height, and depth, as well as the capacity inside. When shopping, exterior sizes are useful as they provide you with a sense of what to expect. The interior capacity of each model is separated and can assist in determining the best model for your home.
The interior of a built-in microwave will vary from model to. However, the majority of models will have a diameter of around 24 inches when the door is shut. The widths could be a bit smaller to be able to match the standard dimensions of cutouts for cabinets and match models from over-the-range. The depth and height vary between models, but all microwaves should be placed at least 12 inches above the stove in order to allow ventilation.
Measure the area you want to install the microwave and clear any obstructions. Make sure that you leave at least 1 inch of space between the wall and the microwave to allow for ventilation, and 3 inches between the countertop's edge and the doorway to prevent tipping.
Design
When selecting the ideal small built in microwave, it is essential to think about the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will fit into the space. It is possible to integrate the appliance into your kitchen in various ways. It can be hung on the wall, placed underneath the counter in a drawer arrangement or even recessed into the cabinetry. This will allow the appliance to blend in with other kitchen appliances and create a more seamless, integrated look.
The style of the door is also crucial. A lot of microwave models have a swinging door that swings from left to right dropping down doors, drop down doors or a drawer. These options allow people of any height to access the appliance and can reduce the space needed for countertops. integrated microwave oven combo have various premium features that give the kitchen a more premium feel.
It is also important to remember the power needed to cook certain meals. Most microwaves will have a power rating in the back of the unit. A model that has a higher wattage allows for quicker cooking and heating. There are models with lower wattage ratings which are more efficient in energy use. However, they will take longer to cook or reheat food.
One of the most common ways to incorporate a small built in microwave is by installing it inside of an existing cabinet. The microwaves are available in various price points, but they sit right against the cabinet for an elegant appearance. It is essential to read the instruction manual and owner's guide for the microwave you're considering.
Another option is to mount the microwave on a wall like in a pantry or nook. This will give the kitchen a neat sleek appearance that will help to open up the Kitchen. A professional Kitchen Designer will work with the homeowner to determine what is the most appropriate place to put it. It is important to keep in mind that the microwave should have enough air space on both sides and the back to work correctly.
Power
Microwaves can be used to perform various tasks quickly and efficiently. The power of a microwave is measured in watts, and this will affect the speed at which it cooks food. Generally speaking, higher wattage models will cook food faster and more effectively than models with lower watts.
Unlike freestanding microwaves, built-in models are installed in your kitchen's cabinets which provides them with a sleek look that seamlessly blends with the other appliances and space. Additionally there are built-in models that are designed to use less space but still have plenty of space for tall glasses, large dishes and more.
You can also pick from a range of control options to make cooking and warming food more convenient and less time-consuming. You can choose models that have sensor-cooking options to make mealtimes easier. Other features include doors that open with a tap and a sleek, slim design that makes it easier to fit into tight spaces.
Installation
Microwaves integrated into cabinets or islands give your kitchen a modern appearance and free up valuable counter space. They typically require professional installation, however, they allow you to be creative with your kitchen layout. They are also smaller than freestanding models, which makes it easier to fit into tight spaces and corners.
Before installing your new microwave, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the model you pick. You will be able to determine the amount of airflow you will require and the tools and materials required to complete the job. Depending on the type of your home, the electrical system may need to be altered. If you're planning to do the installation yourself, make sure to turn off the power to your home prior to beginning work.
The first step is to prepare the cabinet space by removing any decorative trim that might interfere with the proper placement of your microwave. Make sure the countertop is free of obstructions and there aren't any other appliances within the area. Utilize a stud-finder tool to locate the wall studs beneath the cabinet in which you plan to place the microwave. You can tap the wall using a hammer to find studs; when you hear a distinct sound then you've found a stud. Once you've identified the locations of wall studs, mark them with the help of a pencil and a level. If your microwave included a cardboard template, tape it over the upper cabinet to serve as a guideline for drilling holes for the mounting plate.
Most microwaves designed for recessed mounting or inside of cabinets have venting systems that work with enclosed spaces. They'll specify what you need to do in order to have proper ventilation, like elevating the unit by a few inches or routing ventilation tubes through an exterior wall, cabinet, or island.
Installing a built-in oven will require an assistant to hold the appliance while you connect it to the wall. Screws that are able to support the weight of your microwave are recommended, such as lag screws (also called toggle bolts). These screws will secure the plate that is mounted to the wall. The power cord can be pulled through a hole that has been drilled specifically for this purpose.