How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave
A microwave that sits in a cabinet or beneath your counter will free up space on your countertop and gives a seamless appearance. It's also simple to put them at a comfortable height and near other kitchen appliances, like a wall oven.
Choose from a variety of door designs. They include swingouts that are left-to-right or drop-down doors that open the same way as a cabinet drawer. Other options are worth a look.
Capacity
Microwaves are available in different sizes and capacities that will be a perfect fit for any kitchen. Choose from built-in, compact, countertop microwaves and low-profile models. These models make mealtimes easier with features like sensor cooking and a slim trim kit that saves counter space. Some models also have a turntable that retracts to make loading and unloading dishes a breeze.
Consider the size of your family and whether you'll be using the microwave to cook larger serving ware like platters or casseroles. Consider a microwave with a higher capacity to handle these larger items. For instance the 2.2-cubic foot model from Frigidaire offers enough space to accommodate large platters and plates for dinner.
The power level is another important factor to take into account when choosing a microwave. You should look for models that have more watts, which cook food more quickly and evenly. Some microwaves come with multiple power settings, so you can alter the heat output based on what you're cooking.
Microwave dimensions differ based on type, and typically include dimensions of the exterior width, height and depth, in addition to interior capacity. When looking for a microwave, the dimensions of the exterior are helpful because they provide a sense of what to expect. The interior capacity of each model is listed separately and can help in determining the best model for your home.
The interior of a built-in microwave may differ between models. However, most models will have a diameter of 24 inches when the door is shut. The widths of some models might be a little smaller to accommodate standard cabinet cutouts and align with over the range models. Models vary in height and depth, however, all of them must be placed at least 12 inches higher than the stove to allow for ventilation.
Before installing a new microwave measure the area where you'd like to put it and remove any obstructions from the space. Leave at least one inch between the microwave and the wall for ventilation and three inches between the edge of your countertop and the open doors to prevent tipping.
Design
It is important to consider the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will fit into the space when selecting the best small built-in microwave. There are many ways to integrate the appliance into the kitchen, including placing it on a wall, or placing it beneath the counter in a drawer-style arrangement or even in the cabinetry. This allows the appliance to blend into other kitchen appliances and create a more seamless, integrated look.
The style of the door is also important. Many microwave models have a right-to left swinging door dropping down doors, drop down doors or drawers. These options allow people of any height to easily access the appliance, and also reduce the space needed for countertops. Some microwaves come with a variety of top-of-the-line features to give your kitchen a more premium feel.
It is also essential to keep in mind the amount of power that will be required to cook certain meals. Most microwaves will display a power rating at the back of the unit. Choosing a model with greater wattage will enable quicker cooking and reheating of food items. While there are a few models available with lower wattage ratings for those who want an energy-efficient choice It is important to note that these will typically take longer to cook and reheat food items.
Installing a small microwave into an existing cabinet is one of the easiest ways to integrate it. best integrated microwave oven of microwaves can be found at various price points but generally sit close to the cabinet and have an elegant, integrated appearance. To make sure the installation will work correctly, it is essential to look at the owner's manual as well as instructions for installation for the microwave model that you are considering.
Installing the microwave on the wall is an alternative option. This can be done in a nook or pantry. This can create an open, modern design which will help brighten up the kitchen. A professional Kitchen Designer will work with a homeowner to determine the most suitable place for the microwave. It is essential to keep in mind that the microwave must have enough air space on both sides and back to function effectively.
Power
Microwaves are able to be used for many tasks quickly and efficiently. The power of a microwave is measured in watts. This can impact the speed at which food is cooked. Generally speaking, higher wattage models will heat food quicker and more efficiently than lower wattage models.
Built-in microwaves are integrated into the cabinets in your kitchen and have a sleek, streamlined look that blends seamlessly with your other appliances and space. Moreover wall microwave can find built-in models that are designed to use less space but still have ample room inside for tall glasses, wide dishes, and more.
You can also choose from a range of control options to make cooking and warming food more convenient and easy. You can pick models that feature sensor-cooking to make mealtimes more convenient. Tap-to-open functions and a slim, sleek design help you squeeze them in tight spaces.
Installation
Microwaves built into the cabinets and island structures offer a sleek design that eliminates the appliance from your countertops, freeing up valuable counter space. These models require professional installation, but permit you to be more creative with the layout of your kitchen. They also require less space than freestanding microwaves, making them more suited to tight spaces or corners.
Consult the instructions provided by the manufacturer before installing your new microwave. This should give you information about how much space is required to allow for ventilation, as well as what tools and materials are required to make the job a success. Depending on the type of home, your electrical system may need to be modified for the installation. If you plan to install the system yourself, make sure to turn off the electrical power to your home prior starting work.
First, prepare the cabinet space by removing any trim that could block placing your microwave in the correct place. Ensure the countertop is clear and that there aren't other appliances in the vicinity. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs underneath the cabinet in which you intend to place the microwave. You can also use a hammer and tap the wall to locate studs. If you can hear a solid noise, you have found a good stud. Once you've located the wall studs using the pencil, use a level to mark them. If your microwave came equipped with a cardboard template for drilling holes, then tape it to the upper cabinet.
Most microwaves made for recessed mounting or inside cabinets come with venting systems that can be used with enclosed spaces. They will inform you of what you need to do to ensure proper venting, such as elevating your unit by a few inches, or routing ventilation tubes along the exterior wall or cabinet.
Installing a built-in microwave requires an assistant to hold the appliance when you connect it to the wall. It is best to use screws that can support the weight of the built-in microwave, such as lag bolts (also called toggle bolts). These screws are used to secure the mounting plate to your wall. The power cord can be snagged through an opening that has been specifically drilled for this purpose.