How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave
A microwave that sits in a cabinet or beneath your counter frees space on your counter and gives a seamless appearance. It's also simple to put them at a comfortable height and near other kitchen appliances, like an oven on the wall.
Select from a variety of door styles. These include right-to-left swingout or drop-down doors that open in the same manner as a drawer for cabinets. Other features are also worth a look.
Capacity
Microwaves are available in a broad range of capacities and sizes to suit any kitchen. Find countertop, compact, low-profile and built-in microwaves to find one that will fit your space. These models speed up meals with features such as sensor cooking and slim trimkits that save space on the counter. Some models also feature a turntable that retracts to make loading and unloading dishes a breeze.
Take into consideration the size of your family and whether you will use the microwave to cook larger serving ware like casseroles or platters. Consider a microwave with more capacity 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 consider when choosing a microwave. Select models with a higher wattage to cook food more quickly and evenly. Some microwaves offer different power levels, which allows you to adjust the power output based on the food you're cooking.
Microwave dimensions differ based on type, and usually include the exterior width, height and depth, along with interior capacity. When shopping, exterior sizes are useful because they give you a sense of what to expect. The interior capacity of each model is listed separately and can be helpful in determining the best model for your home.
The space inside a small built in microwave differs from model to, but most will have an overall dimension that is around 24 inches when the door is shut. The widths of certain models might be a little smaller to fit standard cabinet cutouts and align with over the range models. Models vary in height and depth, however, they all need to be mounted 12 inches or more above the stove to allow air circulation.
Before installing a new microwave determine the area you'd like to place it and remove any obstructions from the spot. 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 door to prevent tipping.
Design
When selecting the ideal small built in microwave, it is essential to think about the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will fit into the space. There are a myriad of options for integrating the appliance into the kitchen. These include placing it on a wall, placing it underneath the countertop in a drawer arrangement, or even recessed into the cabinetry. The appliance will blend in better with other kitchen appliances, creating an elegant appearance.
The right door style is a crucial aspect to consider. Many microwave models offer doors that swing from left to right, drop-down doors or an open drawer. These options allow people of any height to easily access the appliance and save valuable countertop space. Certain microwaves are equipped with a variety of premium features that give the kitchen a more premium feel.
It is crucial to think about the amount of power needed for certain meals. The back of many microwaves will show the power rating. A model that has a more watts will allow for faster cooking and reheating of food. There are models with lower wattage ratings that are more energy efficient. However, they will take longer to cook or reheat food.
One of the most common methods to integrate a tiny built-in microwave is by installing it inside of an existing cabinet. The microwaves are available in a variety of price points, but they sit in a flush position against the cabinet to give it an elegant appearance. It is important to read the instruction manual and owner's guide for the microwave you are considering.
Another option is to place the microwave on a wall such as in a pantry or nook. This can give a clean, streamlined appearance that can help open up the Kitchen. A professional Kitchen Designer can work with a homeowner to determine the best place for the microwave. However, it is important to keep in mind that the microwave needs sufficient air clearance on each side and back to perform properly.
Power
Microwaves are a versatile kitchen appliance that can carry out a variety of tasks quickly and easily. The power level of a microwave is measured in watts and this can affect the speed at which it cooks food. In general the higher wattage models cook food faster and more efficiently than lower wattage models.
In contrast to freestanding microwaves, built-in models are installed within the cabinets of your kitchen, which gives them a streamlined appearance that seamlessly blends in with the rest of your appliances and space. There are also built-in microwaves that take up less space, but still provide enough space inside for large glasses and dishes.
You can also pick from a range of options to control the cooking process, making cooking and heating food much easier and more efficient. You can select models that have sensor-cooking options to make mealtimes more convenient. Tap-to-open features and a slim, sleek design allow you to easily fit them into tight spaces.
integrated microwaves uk built into island and cabinet structures offer a sleek design that takes the appliance off your counters, thereby freeing up valuable counter space. These types of microwaves typically require professional installation however they do permit you to be creative with your kitchen layout. They are also smaller than freestanding models, which makes it easier to fit into corners and tight spaces.
Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer prior to installing your new microwave. This should provide you with information on how much space is required for ventilation as well as what tools and materials are needed to make the installation successful. Depending on the model, your home's electrical system might need to be altered for the installation. If you are planning to install the system yourself, switch off the electricity to your home prior to beginning work.
First, prepare the cabinet space by removing any trim that could block placing your microwave properly. Make sure that the countertop is free of obstructions and that there aren't any other appliances within the space. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs under the cabinet in which you intend to mount the microwave. You can tap the wall using a hammer to find studs. When you hear a solid sound, you've found the wall stud. Once you've located the location of wall studs, mark them off with the help of a pencil and a level. If your microwave came with a cardboard template, you can tape it over the upper cabinet to act as a guide to drill holes for the mounting plate.
Most microwaves designed to be installed in cabinets or recessed spaces have ventilation systems that are compatible with enclosed spaces. They'll explain what you'll need to do in order to have proper ventilation, for instance elevating the unit by a few inches or routing ventilation tubes through an exterior wall or cabinet.
When installing a microwave with a built-in, have an assistant hold the appliance in place as you fasten it to the wall. It is recommended to use screws that are able to support the weight of the microwave, for instance lag bolts (also called toggle bolts). These screws are used to secure the plate in place to the wall. The power cord can be secured through a hole that has been specially drilled for this purpose.