How to Choose a Small Built in Microwave Oven
Reduce counter space and the space you have for work by moving your microwave to a recessed cavity in the wall or cabinetry. Built-in models are integrable to give the appearance of a sleek kitchen of all sizes.
This 1.2-cubic-foot oven has 10 power settings and presets to cook popular foods like popcorn, pizza and frozen veggies. It also has a smart sensor that determines cooking time based on food weight and density.
Power
A small built-in microwave oven is an excellent kitchen appliance for cooking and reheating food. Typically, these appliances are powerful and can heat food quickly and evenly. It is crucial to select the best microwave for your needs. The features you should consider include size, design, power level, and control options. Certain models have large icons on the display that aid you in choosing the best settings, while other models have smooth control panels that are easy to read in various lighting conditions. The number of racks, and the type of turntable are crucial aspects to take into consideration.
When selecting a small microwave it is essential to think about the machine's interior capacity. The typical countertop microwave has a capacity of 1.2 to 2.2 cubic feet. A larger microwave will cook more food in one go, but it will take longer to heat. It's important to consider the exterior dimensions of a small microwave oven to ensure it can be placed in your desired location.
There are three primary types of microwave ovens: convection, conventional, and oven. Conventional microwaves cook food by using electromagnetic radiation. They are great for standard uses, such as reheating left-overs and defrosting foods. Convection microwaves are a great option to bake or roast food items. They typically have an element for heating and an air-flow fan which circulates hot air around it. Finally an oven microwave integrates the functions of a traditional and convection microwave in one unit.
It is not enough to be aware of the wattage, but also the maximum and minimum power of your microwave. The minimum power level for an oven in the microwave range is 800 watts, while the maximum is 1,200 watts. Avoid buying a microwave with less than 1,000 Watts as it will not properly cook your food.
If you're looking for a way to make space in your kitchen, consider installing a built-in microwave in your cabinetry. This option will help you save counter space and will make your home appear more sophisticated. You can also purchase trim kits to make your microwave appear like it's part of the cabinets. These options are more expensive than microwaves that are countertop or over-the-range however they are more accessible and give your kitchen a high-end appearance.
Convenience
A small microwave oven is a handy method of heating beverages and food. It can save space on countertops and frees up room for meal prep. However, it's important to make sure that you select the right features for your requirements. A lot of models have a turntable and racks, along with other equipment to make cooking easier. Some models come with a crisper tray that mimics traditional oven baking and adds crisp texture.
Microwaves come in various sizes and finishes to suit your kitchen design. Some models feature doors that are recessed and blend into the cabinetry, giving it a custom appearance. To select the ideal place for your microwave, you need to consider how often you'll use it and who will use it. You should also ensure that the space is big enough to allow ventilation, according to the directions of the manufacturer of your microwave.
Above the refrigerator is an ideal place to store microwaves. This keeps the microwave off your counter and makes it easier to reach. It could be dangerous for children or those with shorter legs, and you will need to remove and store the microwave every time you use it.
Another option is to place the microwave in a spare cabinet. This is a great solution for those with a limited space on their countertops and provides a seamless, unobtrusive appearance. It's also a great option for those who don't want to purchase microwave drawers but require a reliable place to cook food and beverages.
You can also install a pull-out pantry shelf designed to accommodate microwaves. These shelves are deep enough to prevent tipping and come in a variety of widths to suit your space. Some shelves feature a curved corner to prevent spills and tumbling.
Another option is to stack the microwave above an identical wall oven in a cabinet that is mid-height. This design is timeless and looks stunning in Transitional kitchens. Most manufacturers provide trim kits to ensure that the microwave aligns with the oven's depth. They are available in louvered and flat designs and can be mounted flush or proud of the millwork.
microwave integrated to choose an option that integrates the integrated microwave into your kitchen layout. Placing it on the countertop is a huge footprint that can be a hindrance to the design of your kitchen. Luckily, there are many ways to conceal this small appliance, without having to sacrifice countertop space or storage.
Another option is to build a cabinet or appliance garage to hide the microwave when it's not being used. This solution is especially useful for kitchens with small wall space. This kind of cabinet can be made to match your kitchen's trim and door design, providing a sleek custom appearance.
Another method to hide a microwave is to incorporate it into the cabinetry of your pantry. This creates a neat and uncluttered appearance while keeping it easily accessible. This type of design is ideal for a small kitchen, and can be paired with other cabinets for pantry storage to maximize storage space.
Some microwaves come with racks or turntables built-in that let you cook several dishes simultaneously. These features make the appliance even more useful and save time. However, it is essential to use only microwave-safe cooking utensils and cookware when using these appliances. Avoid cooking and cookware made of metal or with metallic accents as they can spark and damage the microwave.
Microwaves intended to be put in a drawer or cabinet may have venting systems that are compatible with these enclosed spaces. Consult your contractor to ensure the venting system is correctly specified. A microwave should not be placed in front of windows, because it could block windows and hinder ventilation.
You can also incorporate a microwave in your kitchen design by mounting it on a counter or hidden on an island. A microwave that is built like a drawer is a great choice for kitchens with limited counter space since it can be easily accessed by users of all heights.
Another option is to place the microwave on top of a built in wall oven. This method works well in Transitional or Traditional Kitchens. Kitchen Designers might opt to utilize a trim kit in the final installation to fill in any gaps. These kits are available in louvered and flat designs, and can be matched to your oven.
Cost
A small built in microwave oven can be an attractive kitchen improvement, adding design and function to your kitchen's new design. Choose from a variety of designs and finishes to match your decor and look for features like auto defrost, cook settings, and timers that will make meal preparation simpler. Certain microwaves also come with designs that can ward off fingerprints, which means you can keep them looking pristine.
While microwaves on the countertop are simple to use, they take up valuable counter space and can limit your kitchen's functionality and design options. If this is a problem, you may want to consider a recessed microwave that can be placed inside your cabinet. This will give it a sleek and custom appearance. A small built-in microwave oven that is installed on a kitchen island can also free up workspace while delivering an attractive, integrated look. It is crucial to remember that a microwave in recessed mode requires enough airflow around its sides and the rear to work effectively.
When determining where to place your microwave, take into consideration the frequency you use it and what kind of food you typically cook. If you typically cook frozen meals and pizzas select a model with a higher wattage that will heat the food quickly and evenly. If you are cooking vegetables or foods that require a delicate heat, choose a lower-wattage unit to keep from overcooking.
If you're unable to fit your microwave inside cabinets or prefer a more compact model, you can install an easy-to-move stand. These stands have an underlying structure that can support the microwave and keep it upright, and they're usually designed to ward off fingerprints to keep it clean. They're a cheap and easy option that can be used as an interim microwave solution until you can find a permanent place for it in your kitchen.
A small microwave can be added to the corner of your house, where it will double as a mini-hood for your stove. While this is a practical method of reducing space, it's not recommended for homes with children or elderly people who require access to the kitchen easily. A corner microwave should also not be placed directly in the window's direction, since it could hinder ventilation and break glass in the event of a crisis.