How to Choose a Built in Microwave For Wall Unit
A built-in microwave in a wall unit offers a sleek look in your kitchen and frees up counter space. They can also be placed at a suitable height or next to other cooking appliances, such as an oven that is wall mounted.
They can be installed in a cabinet, appliance garage or hidden from the view. Trim kits can be purchased for a custom-designed look. They can be equipped with child safety locks to prevent accidental use.
Size
Installed in cabinets or fixed to a wall, built-in microwaves can help you reclaim counter space while giving your kitchen a sleeker look. This option works well in many kitchens and allows you to enjoy the benefits of a full kitchen renovation without the need for an entire renovation. When you are looking for a new microwave, think about the size and features to make sure it meets your cooking needs.
Before you drill into your drywall or cabinetry, carefully measure the opening you'll use for the built-in microwave to ensure that it's of the correct dimension. Some models require that vents be placed in the wall. This could increase installation costs and complexity. Install your new microwave by an experienced professional if you can to avoid a sloppy installation.
The capacity of the built-in microwave determines how much you can cook in one sitting. If you are cooking for large families, select the model with the largest capacity to accommodate everyone's food. If you prefer to prepare foods that require multiple steps, such as casseroles, consider a microwave with an expandable turntable to accommodate large dishes.
While the dimensions of the exteriors of built-in microwaves vary according to the model, they tend to follow standardized dimensions. Review the product's details to determine how wide, tall and deep a microwave is. Check builtin microwaves and whether the microwave comes with a quick start button or a defrost function.
The best microwaves come with easy-to-use controls that display a digital image to let you see the status of your meal in an instant. Some models offer practical options, such as an automatic setting of the right amount of water to steam vegetables and popcorn. The more options for control your microwave has, the simpler it will be to heat and cook food with accuracy.
Design
Microwaves built into cabinets or a fixed wall can free space for counter space and provide an integrated look to your kitchen. Installing a microwave into the electrical system of your home requires an electrician. This solution is more expensive than an appliance that can be placed on the countertop.
Some manufacturers offer trim sets that allow designers to incorporate an inbuilt microwave into the cabinetry along with the other kitchen appliances and fixtures. This is a great option to achieve a customized appearance without the expense of a complete kitchen remodel. A Kitchen Designer should carefully design this kind of installation because the microwave needs air clearance on the sides and back to work effectively.
Another popular option is to stack a built-in microwave with a wall oven. This is a great option for Transitional and Traditional kitchens. Manufacturers offer trim kits for flat and louvered microwaves that be able to match the width of standard wall ovens, making this a simple and practical installation.
A Kitchen Designer could use a cabinet door, tambour or flip-up door to hide the microwave when it's not being used. There are a variety of doors to choose from including pocket, tambour and swing-up doors to assist in making a microwave more compact and blend with the Kitchen's other cabinetry.
One thing that should never be done is to store the microwave in the window. This can block light, and it's not recommended from a safety standpoint since the microwave can be extremely hot when in use and could damage or shatter windows. A microwave that is set close to the window can also block the view making it difficult to clean your kitchen.
Power
If you're looking to make a big impact on your kitchen, think about the option of a built-in microwave which is set inside a cabinet for a streamlined look. These models can be set at a suitable height or in close proximity to other appliances such as wall ovens to simplify cooking and meal prep.
Many built-in microwaves are available in a variety of sizes that will fit into your space. For instance there are models with a width of 27 inches and 24 inches to match the width of most cabinets or a 30-inch model that is perfectly positioned with a stove. You can choose from a range of wattages, ranging from 800 to 1200 watts. The greater the wattage of your cooker, the faster it will cook and the more evenly heated it will be.
When selecting a model, be sure to check the size of your cabinet opening and electrical outlet prior to making any purchases. You may need to have a professional install your microwave to ensure operation and to ensure compliance with local electrical codes.
Before beginning any installation, ensure that the power supply is off at the junction box and take off the cover if required. Connect the cable from your junction box to the new microwave using the UL-listed or CSA approved half inch diameter conduit. Use a screw or screws to fix the connection and secure the conduit.
Once the installation is complete the kitchen will look streamlined and sophisticated. This will allow space for counter space to do other tasks. Choose a stainless-steel appliance that is compatible with Whirlpool(r) to create a cohesive design. To make your life easier you can also consider adding a built-in wall oven microwave combo that offers all the functions of a large microwave and oven in one handy appliance.
Controls
The controls on a microwave built-in can help you set your meals' timers, freeze food and cook a variety of dishes. It's important to select one with the features that you use most often. If you often cook frozen meals or pizza in the microwave, choose a model that has pre-programmed options. Other options for control include sensor cooking, which adjusts power levels according to the type of food and defrost settings, which allows you to defrost food in half the time eliminating moisture from frozen foods prior to microwaving.
Countertop microwaves, also called freestanding microwaves are a great option for kitchens of all sizes, built-in models are considered to be sleeker and more sophisticated. They're installed into a cabinet or attached to the wall, freeing up counter space and creating an aesthetically pleasing look. Built-in microwaves are usually available in a wide range of finishes, including black, white, and stainless steel. Some come with a Flush Built In Design which allows them to fit flush into standard cabinet depths.
Like the countertop microwaves most built-in models have doors that open and closes to reveal the microwave inside. Some are hinged, while others slide out or open as drawers. There are also models with right-to-left swing-out or drop-down doors that allow you to open the microwave in your preferred direction and position. Built-in microwaves require ventilation to properly circulate air. Installation for these types of microwaves is usually more complicated and should be handled by a professional to ensure adequate ventilation and security. Based on the model and installation type, some built-in microwaves may be more expensive than freestanding alternatives.
Safety
The microwave is a major appliance in your kitchen, and it's important to take steps to ensure its stability. This helps to prevent damage and accidents as well as ensuring an organized and functional kitchen. Use brackets and screws to secure your microwave to shelves. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging or loosening your microwave.
If you prefer a less streamlined design, you could consider putting your microwave in an upper cabinet or lower cupboard. This will conceal the cables and wiring and is an option that is safe, since it reduces the chances of spilling liquids or food. You can create a more integrated look by putting a trim kit between the cabinet and microwave.
You can also conceal your microwave by placing it into a wall niche. This is a great idea for small spaces and can free up counter space. This placement will require professional installation, which is expensive.
You can also place the microwave in a corner of the room. This is a great solution for kitchens with small spaces, but you will need to bend or squat to reach the microwave.
It is essential to clean your microwave and the surrounding areas to eliminate any debris, especially flammable materials. Also, you should check the microwave's power cords and electrical wiring regularly to ensure their quality. If you find signs of wear, you should seek out a professional to repair or replace the microwave.