How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave
A microwave that is placed in a cabinet or under your counter frees up space on your countertop and creates a seamless look. It's also simple to set them at a comfortable height and close to other kitchen appliances, like a wall oven.
Select from a range of door designs, including right-to-left swing-out or drop-down models that open in the same manner as a cabinet drawer. Other options are worth looking into.
Capacity
Microwaves are available in a broad variety of capacities and sizes to suit any kitchen. Shop for countertop, compact, low-profile and built-in microwaves to find one that is suitable for your space. These models speed up meals with features such as sensor cooking and a slim trimkit that saves space on the counter. Some models have an adjustable turntable that allows loading and unloading to be done more easily.
Consider integrated microwaves uk of your family and whether you will use the microwave to heat larger serving dishes like platters or casseroles. You'll need a larger capacity microwave to handle these larger items. For example the 2.2-cubic foot model from Frigidaire offers enough space to accommodate large dinner plates and platters.
The power level is an additional important factor to take into account when choosing the right microwave. Look for models with greater wattage that cook food more quickly and evenly. Some microwaves even offer multiple power levels, allowing you to control the amount of heat produced based on what you're cooking.
The dimensions of microwaves vary depending on the type. They are the exterior width and height and the capacity inside. The dimensions of the exterior can be helpful when shopping as they provide an idea of what you can expect. However, the capacity inside is usually specified separately on each product page, and can be efficient in determining which model is best for your home.
The interior of a built-in microwave will vary between models. However, the majority of models will have a diameter of 24 inches when the door is closed. The widths of some models might be a little smaller to accommodate standard cabinet cutouts and are aligned with over the range models. The models vary in both height and depth however, they all need to be mounted 12 inches or more above the stove for ventilation.
Before installing a new microwave, measure the area where you'd like to put it and remove any obstructions that may be in the spot. Be sure to leave at least 1 inch of space between the microwave and the wall to allow for ventilation, and 3 inches of space between the countertop's edge and the doorway to avoid tipping.
Design
When selecting the ideal small built-in microwave it is important to consider the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will fit into the space. You can incorporate the appliance into your kitchen in many ways. It can be mounted on the wall, positioned under the counter in a drawer arrangement or even hidden within the cabinetry. This allows the appliance to blend in with other kitchen appliances and create a seamless, integrated look.
The design of the door is equally important. Many microwave models come with a swinging door that swings from left to right dropping down doors, drop down doors or drawers. These options allow users of any height to access the appliance and reduce the space needed for countertops. Some microwaves come with a variety of high-end features to give the kitchen a luxurious feel.
It is also essential to be aware of the power that is required to cook certain meals. The back of many microwaves will show the power rating. A model with more watts allows for quicker cooking and heating. There are models with lower wattage ratings, which are more energy efficient. However, they will take longer to cook or reheat food items.
One of the most common ways to integrate a small built in microwave is by placing it inside of an existing cabinet. They are available at various price points, but they sit right against the cabinet for an elegant appearance. It is crucial to read the instructions and owner's manual for the microwave you're considering.
Another option is to place the microwave on the wall, like in a nook or pantry. This will give the kitchen a neat, streamlined appearance that can help open the kitchen. A professional Kitchen Designer can collaborate with homeowners to determine the most appropriate place for the microwave. It is crucial to remember that the microwave requires sufficient air clearance on both side and back for it to perform effectively.
Power
Microwaves are a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can perform various tasks quickly and efficiently. The power of a microwave is measured in watts and this can affect the speed and efficiency with which it cooks food. Generally speaking higher wattage models heat food quicker and more efficiently than lower wattage models.
Built-in microwaves are integrated into the cabinets of your kitchen, giving them an elegant, sleek design that blends seamlessly with your other appliances and space. There are also built-in microwaves that take up less space and have enough space to accommodate large glasses and dishes.
You can also pick from a variety of control options to make cooking and warming food more convenient and less time-consuming. You can pick models that have sensor-cooking options to make mealtimes even easier. Tap-to-open features and a slim, sleek design make it easier to squeeze them in tight spaces.
Installation
Microwaves integrated into cabinets or islands give your kitchen a modern design and free up counter space. They typically require professional installation however, they allow you to be imaginative in the layout of your kitchen. They also require less space than freestanding microwaves, which makes them easier to fit into tight spaces or corners.
Consult the instructions provided by the manufacturer before installing your new microwave. This should provide you with information on the amount of space needed for ventilation as well as what materials and tools are needed to make the installation a success. Depending on the model, your home's electrical system might have to be altered for the installation. If you're planning to do the installation yourself, be sure to shut off your home's power before beginning work.
The first step is to prepare the cabinet space by removing any decorative 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-finder tool to locate wall studs underneath the cabinet where you intend to mount the microwave. You can also tap the wall gently with a hammer in order to locate studs; when you hear a sound that is solid, you've found a wall stud. Once you've found the locations of wall studs, mark them using an eraser and a level. If your microwave included a cardboard template, you can tape it to the upper cabinet to act as a guide to drill holes for the mounting plate.
Most microwaves made for recessed mounting or inside cabinets include venting systems that can be used with enclosed spaces. They will tell you how to go about venting, such as elevating your unit by a few inches, or routing the ventilation tubes through an exterior wall or cabinet.
When installing a built-in microwave, have an assistant hold the appliance in place as you secure it to the wall. Screws that can bear the weight of your microwave are recommended, like lag screws (also called toggle bolts). integrated microwaves uk will hold the plate that is mounted to your wall. The power cord can be snagged through an opening that has been specially drilled for this purpose.
