How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave

A Microwave Oven Built-in that sits in a cabinet or under your counter frees space on your counter and gives a seamless appearance. Installing them at an appropriate position and close to other appliances, such as the wall-mounted oven is easy.

Select from a variety of door designs. They include swingouts that are left-to-right or drop-down doors that open in the same way as a drawer for cabinets. Think about other options, too.

Capacity

Microwaves come in a wide variety of sizes and capacities to fit any kitchen. Choose from Built-in Oven and microwave, compact countertop and low-profile microwaves. These models make mealtimes easier by incorporating features such as sensor cooking and a slim trim kit that helps save counter space. Some models also feature a turntable that retracts to make loading and unloading dishes easier.

Take into consideration the size of your household and whether you will use the microwave to heat larger serving dishes like casseroles or platters. You'll require a larger capacity microwave to hold these larger items. For example, the 2.2-cubic foot model from Frigidaire can accommodate large plates and dinner plates.

The power level is another important factor to take into account when selecting the right microwave. Choose models that have higher watts to cook food more quickly and more evenly. Some microwaves come with various power levels, allowing you to alter the heat output depending on what you're cooking.

The dimensions of microwaves differ according to the model. They are the exterior width and height, as well as the capacity inside. Sizes on the outside can be helpful when shopping as they provide a rough idea of what you can expect. However, the capacity inside is usually described separately on each page, and can be helpful in determining which model is suitable for your home.

The interior space of a small built in microwave varies from model to model, but most will have an overall size of 24 inches with the door shut. The widths of some models might be a little smaller to fit standard cabinet cutouts and are aligned with over-the-range models. The models vary in height and depth, but all must be installed 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 area. Make sure you leave at least 1 inch between the microwave and the wall for ventilation and three inches between the countertop's edge and the doors that are open to prevent tipping.

Design

It is important to think about the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will be incorporated into the kitchen when selecting the most suitable small built-in microwave. There are many options for integrating the appliance into the kitchen including mounting it on a wall, putting it under the countertop in a drawer-style arrangement, or even in the cabinetry. This allows the appliance to be integrated with other kitchen appliances and create a seamless, integrated appearance.

The design of the door is also important. Many microwave models have a right-to-left swinging door drop-down doors, drop-down doors or the pull-out drawer. These options provide easy access to the appliance for users of all heights and can help to save counter space. In addition to these convenient features, some microwaves also feature top-of-the-line features that can give a premium look and feel to your kitchen.

It is important to consider the power required for certain meals. Most microwaves will display a power rating in the back of the appliance. A model that has a higher wattage allows for quicker cooking and reheating. There are models with lower wattage ratings that are more efficient in energy use. However, they'll take longer to cook or heat food items.

One of the most popular ways to integrate a small built in microwave is by placing it inside of an existing cabinet. These microwaves are available in a wide range of prices, but they generally sit close to the cabinet and have an elegant, integrated combi microwave appearance. It is crucial to read the instruction manual and owner's manual for the microwave you're thinking of buying.

Another option is to mount the microwave on the wall, like in a nook or pantry. This will give the room an open, modern look which will help bring brightness to the kitchen. A professional Kitchen Designer will collaborate with the homeowner to determine the most appropriate place to put it. However, it is important to remember that the microwave requires sufficient air clearance on both side as well as the back in order to work correctly.

Power

Microwaves are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to complete various tasks quickly and easily. The power of a microwave is measured in watts. This can impact the speed and consistency with which food is cooked. In general, microwaves with higher watts will cook food faster and more efficiently than microwaves with lower watts.

Unlike freestanding microwaves, built in microwave oven black-in models are fitted into your kitchen's cabinets, and this creates a sleek appearance that seamlessly blends with the other appliances and space. You can also find built-in microwaves that require less space and have enough space to accommodate tall glasses and large dishes.

You can also select from a variety of control options to make cooking and warming food more efficient and easy. You can select models that have sensor-cooking options to make mealtimes more convenient. Tap-to-open features and slim, sleek designs help you squeeze them in 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 with the design of your kitchen. They are smaller than freestanding models, which makes it easier to fit into corners and spaces that are tight.

Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer prior to installing your new microwave. This should give you information on the amount of space needed to allow for ventilation, as well as what tools and materials are required to make the job successful. Depending on the model of your house the electrical system might require modification. If you're planning to do the installation yourself, make sure to turn off your home's power before beginning work.

First, prepare the cabinet space by removing any trim that might interfere with placing your microwave in the correct place. Make sure the countertop is clean and that there are no other appliances within the vicinity. Utilize a stud locater to locate wall studs underneath the cabinet where you plan to install the microwave. You can also tap the wall gently using a hammer to find studs. If you can hear a distinct sound then you've found a nail. Once you've identified the locations of wall studs, mark them with the help of a pencil and small built in microwave a level. If your microwave came equipped with a cardboard template for drilling holes, then tape it to the upper cabinet.

Most microwaves designed to be mounted in cabinets or recessed areas have venting systems that work with enclosed spaces. They'll tell you what you have to do to ensure proper ventilation, like raising the unit by a few inches or routing the ventilation tubes through the exterior wall or cabinet, or even an island.

When installing a built-in microwave make sure that a person is holding the appliance in place as you attach it to the wall. Screws that can bear the weight of the microwave are recommended, for instance lag screws (also known as toggle bolts). Attach the mounting plate to the wall using these screws and then run the power cord through a hole made for this purpose.