How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave
A microwave that is placed in a cabinet, or under the counter, frees space and provides your kitchen with a seamless appearance. Installing them at a suitable level and near other appliances, such as a wall-mounted oven is also easy.
Choose from a range of door designs. These include right-to-left swingout or drop-down doors that open the same way as a drawer in a cabinet. Also, think about other features.
Capacity
Microwaves come in a wide range of sizes and capacities to suit any kitchen. Find countertop, compact and low-profile microwaves as well as built-in models to find one that will fit your space. They can speed up meals by incorporating features like sensor cooking and slim trimkits that save space on the counter. Some models also have a retractable turntable to make loading and unloading dishes much easier.
Think about the size of your household and whether you'll use the microwave to heat larger serving ware such as platters or casseroles. You'll require a larger capacity microwave to hold these larger items. A 2.2-cubic-foot model from Frigidaire is a good example. It is large enough to hold large dinner platters and plates.
Another important factor when choosing the right microwave is its power level. Select models with a higher wattage to cook food faster and more evenly. Some microwaves offer multiple power levels, allowing you to adjust the amount of heat produced based on the food you're cooking.
The dimensions of microwaves differ depending on the type. They include the height and width on the outside and the interior capacity. Exterior sizes can be useful in your search, as they can give you an idea of what to expect. The capacity of the interior of each model is listed separately and can be helpful in determining the best model for your home.
The space inside a microwave built-in is different from model to model but the majority will have an overall diameter of 24 inches when the door is shut. The widths could be a bit smaller to be able to match standard cabinet cutout sizes and match models from over-the-range. Models vary in both height and depth however, they all need to be mounted at least 12 inches above the stove for ventilation.
Measure the area you want to put the microwave in and remove any obstructions. Be sure to leave at least 1 inch space between the microwave and the wall for ventilation and 3 inches of space between the edge of the countertop and the doorway to avoid tipping.
Design
It is important to consider the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will fit in the kitchen when selecting the most compact built-in microwave. You can integrate the appliance into your kitchen in many ways. It can be mounted on the wall, placed underneath the counter with a drawer layout or even recessed into the cabinetry. This allows the appliance to blend into other kitchen appliances and give a seamless, integrated look.
Ovens And Hobs of the door is equally important. Many microwave models have an open swinging door from right to left dropping down doors, drop down doors or drawers. These options allow easy access to the appliance for those of all sizes and reduce counter space. In addition to these practical features, some microwaves come with premium features that can provide a premium look and feel to the kitchen.
It is also essential to keep in mind the amount of power that is required to cook certain meals. The back of many microwaves will display the power rating. A model with higher wattage will allow for quicker cooking and reheating. There are models with lower wattage ratings that are more energy efficient. However, they will take longer to cook or reheat food.
Installing a small, built-in microwave inside an existing cabinet is among the easiest ways to integrate it. These microwaves are available at a variety of price points and are able to be placed flush against the cabinet for an elegant appearance. It is crucial to read the instruction manual and owner's manual for the microwave you're thinking of buying.
The microwave can be mounted on the wall is a different option. This can be placed in a pantry or nook. This can create an open, modern appearance which will help make the kitchen more inviting. A professional Kitchen Designer will work with the homeowner to determine what is the best placement. However, it is important to remember that the microwave requires adequate air clearance on each side as well as the back to work correctly.
Power
Microwaves can be used to complete many tasks quickly and efficiently. The power of a microwave is measured in watts. This will affect the speed and consistency with which food is cooked. In general, microwaves with higher watts will heat food faster and more efficient than microwaves with lower watts.
Built-in microwaves are integrated into the cabinets in your kitchen, giving them a sleek, streamlined design that blends seamlessly with your other appliances and space. You can also find built-in microwaves that require less room and still have enough space to accommodate tall glasses and large dishes.
You can also choose from a wide range of options for control that make cooking and heating food much more convenient and easy. For instance, you can opt for models with sensor-cooking technology to make eating effortless. Tap-to-open functions and a slim, sleek design make it easier to squeeze them in tight spaces.
Installation
Microwaves integrated into cabinets or island structures provide a sleek appearance and free up valuable counter space. These types of microwaves generally require professional installation but they do allow you to be creative in the layout of your kitchen. They are also smaller than freestanding models, which makes it easier to fit them into corners and tight spaces.
Consult the instructions provided by the manufacturer before installing your new microwave. This should provide you with information about how much space is needed to allow for ventilation, as well as the materials and tools required to make the project a success. Depending on the model of your house, the electrical system may require modification. If you plan to install the system yourself, turn off the power to your home before beginning the work.
First, prepare the cabinet space by removing any decorative trim that could hinder placing your microwave properly. Make sure the countertop is clean and that there aren't other appliances around. Use a stud-finder to locate the wall studs beneath the cabinet you want to place the microwave. You can also use a hammer and tap the wall to find studs. If you can hear a distinct sound then you've found the right stud. Once you've located the wall studs using pencil and a level, you can use a ruler to mark them. If your microwave included an old-fashioned cardboard template, place it over the upper cabinet, to serve as a reference for drilling holes for the mounting plate.
Most microwaves designed for recessed mounting or inside cabinets come with venting systems that can be used with enclosed spaces. They will explain how to go about venting, such as elevating your unit a few inches, or routing ventilation tubes along the exterior wall, cabinet or island.
Installing a built-in oven requires an assistant to support the appliance as you connect it to the wall. It is best to use screws that will support the weight of the microwave, like lag bolts (also called toggle bolts). Secure the mounting plate to the wall using these screws and then run the power cord through a hole made for this purpose.