How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave
A microwave that is installed in a cabinet, or under the counter, can free up valuable space and provides your kitchen with a seamless appearance. Installing them at a comfortable level and in close proximity to other appliances such as an oven that is wall-mounted is easy.
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 drawer for cabinets. Other options are worth a look.
Capacity
Microwaves are available in a variety of sizes and capacities that will work in any kitchen. Find countertop, compact or low-profile microwaves to find one that will fit your space. These models streamline mealtimes by offering features such as sensor cooking and slim trimkits that save space on the counter. Some models also have a turntable that retracts to make loading and unloading dishes a breeze.
When shopping, take into consideration the size of your family and whether you'll use the microwave to cook larger items like casseroles or platters. Consider a microwave with a higher capacity to handle these larger items. For example, a 2.2-cubic foot model from Frigidaire has the room to accommodate large platters and plates for dinner.
Another crucial aspect to consider when selecting the right microwave is its power level. Choose models with more watts, which cook food faster and more evenly. Some microwaves offer various power settings, meaning that you can alter the power output according to what you are cooking.
Microwave dimensions vary by type, and typically include exterior width, height and depth, in addition to the capacity inside. When shopping, ovens with built in microwave are helpful because they give you an idea of what you can expect. However, the capacity inside is usually described separately on each page, and can be useful in determining which model is best for your home.
The inside space of a small built in microwave is different from model to model, but most will have an overall diameter that is around 24 inches with the door closed. The widths can be a bit smaller to fit standard cutout sizes for cabinets and match models from over-the-range. Models vary in height and depth, but all must be installed 12 inches or more above the stove to allow air circulation.
Find the area where you would like to place the microwave in and remove any obstructions. Make sure you leave at least 1 inch space between the microwave and wall to allow for air circulation and 3 inches between the countertop's edge and the open door to avoid tipping.
Design
It is crucial to think about the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will fit into the space when choosing the most compact built-in microwave. It is possible to integrate the appliance into your kitchen in various ways. It can be mounted on the wall, placed underneath the counter in a drawer arrangement or even recessed within the cabinetry. The appliance will blend better with other kitchen appliances, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The design of the door is also important. Many microwave models offer doors that swing left-to-right dropping doors, drop-down doors, or the pull-out drawer. These options allow users of all heights to easily access the appliance and can help to save space on the countertop. In addition to these convenience features, some microwaves also feature high-end features that can add a premium look and feel to the kitchen.
It is essential to consider the wattage required for certain meals. The back of the majority of microwaves will show the power rating. Selecting a model with a more watts will allow for quicker cooking and reheating of food items. There are models with lower wattage ratings that are more energy efficient. However, they will take longer to cook or heat food.
Installing a small microwave in an existing cabinet is one of the most straightforward ways to integrate it. They are available at a variety of price points, but they sit right against the cabinet for a finished look. To ensure that the installation will work correctly, it is essential to read the owner's manual and instructions for installation for the microwave model that you are looking at.
Another option is to place the microwave on the wall, such as in a nook or pantry. This will give the kitchen a neat, streamlined appearance that can help open up the Kitchen. A professional Kitchen Designer will collaborate with the homeowner to determine the most effective place for the microwave. It is essential to keep in mind that the microwave needs to have enough air space on both sides as well as the back to perform correctly.
Power
Microwaves are a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can be used to complete many tasks quickly and efficiently. The power of a microwave can be measured in watts. This will affect how quickly and evenly the food is cooked. In general the higher wattage models heat food quicker and more effectively than lower wattage models.
In contrast to freestanding microwaves, built-in models are incorporated into your kitchen's cabinets, and this gives them a streamlined appearance that seamlessly blends in with the other appliances and space. There are also 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 variety of control options to make cooking and warming food more efficient and less time-consuming. You can choose models that feature sensor-cooking to make mealtimes even easier. Other features include doors that open with a tap and a sleek, slim design that makes them easier to fit into tight spaces.
Installation
Microwaves integrated into cabinets or island structures provide a sleek look and free up valuable counter space. These models require professional installation but allow you to be more creative in the layout of your kitchen. They also require less space than freestanding microwaves, making them more suited to small spaces or corners.
Before installing your new microwave, consult the instructions of the manufacturer for the model you select. This should provide you with details on how much space is needed for ventilation and what tools and materials are needed to make the installation successful. Depending on the type of your house the electrical system might need to be altered. If you plan to install the system yourself, make sure to turn off the electrical power to your home prior beginning the work.
Remove any trims or decorative pieces from the cabinet that may interfere with placing the microwave correctly. Make sure that the countertop is free of clutter and that there aren't other appliances around. Utilize a stud-finder tool to locate wall studs underneath the cabinet where you intend to mount the microwave. You can also use a hammer to tap the wall to find studs. If in built microwave can hear a solid noise it means you've located a good stud. After you've found the wall studs using the pencil and a level, you can use a ruler to mark them. If your microwave came equipped with a cardboard template for drilling holes, you can tape it to the upper cabinet.
Most microwaves made for recessed mounting or inside cabinets have venting systems that are compatible with enclosed spaces. They will explain what you need to do to ensure proper venting, including raising your unit by a few inches, or routing the ventilation tubes along the exterior wall, cabinet or island.
Installing a built-in oven will require an assistant to support the appliance as you connect it to the wall. It is best to use screws that are able to support the weight of the microwave, for instance lag bolts (also known as toggle bolts). Attach the mounting plate to the wall with these and snake the power cord through a hole drilled specifically for this purpose.