How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave

A microwave that's placed in a cabinet or under your counter will free the countertop and creates a seamless look. Installing them at a comfortable position and close to other appliances such as an oven that is wall-mounted is easy.

Choose from a variety of door designs, including right-to-left swing-out models or drop-down ones that open the same way as a drawer in a cabinet. Also, think about other features.

Capacity

Microwaves are available in a broad variety of sizes and capacities to suit any kitchen. Look for compact, countertop, low-profile and white built in microwave oven-in microwaves to find a model that will fit your space. These models speed up meals with features like sensor cooking and a slim trimkit that saves 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 household and if you'll be using the microwave to cook larger serving dishes like casseroles or platters. You'll require a larger capacity microwave to accommodate these larger items. A 2.2-cubic-foot model from Frigidaire, for example, is large enough to hold large dinner platters and plates.

Another important factor when choosing a microwave is the power level. Look for models with greater wattage that cook food more quickly and evenly. Some microwaves have multiple power settings, so you can adjust the heat output based on what you're cooking.

The dimensions of microwaves vary according to the model. They include the exterior width and height as well as the capacity inside. When shopping, exterior sizes are useful as they provide you with an idea of what you can expect. However, the capacity inside is typically described separately on each page and could be helpful in determining which model is best for your home.

The interior space of small built-in microwaves differs from model to, but most will have an overall dimension of 24 inches when the door is closed. The widths of some models may be slightly smaller to fit standard cabinet cutouts and align with models that are over the range. The depth and height vary between models, but all microwaves should be placed 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 that may be in the space. Leave at least one inch between the microwave and the wall to allow for ventilation, and three inches between the edge of your countertop and the open doors to avoid tipping.

Design

It is essential to think about the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will fit in the kitchen when selecting the most suitable small built-in microwave. You can incorporate the wer level of a microwave is measured in watts, and this will affect the speed and efficiency with which it cooks food. In general, higher wattage microwaves will heat food faster and more efficiently than microwaves with lower watts.

Unlike freestanding microwaves, built-in built microwave oven models are fitted into your kitchen's cabinets, which provides them with a sleek look that blends seamlessly with the other appliances and space. There are also built in microwaves-in microwaves that require less space, but still provide enough space inside for tall glasses and large dishes.

You can also select from a variety of control options to make cooking and warming food more comfortable and easier. You can pick models that have sensor-cooking options to make mealtimes easier. Other features include tap-to-open doors and a sleek, slim design that allows them to fit into tight spaces.

Installation

Microwaves integrated into cabinets or island structures give a sleek appearance and free up valuable counter space. These types of microwaves generally require professional installation but they do allow you to be creative with your kitchen layout. They also take up less room than freestanding microwaves, making them more suited to tight spaces or corners.

Before installing your new microwave, consult the manufacturer's instructions for the model you select. This should provide you with information about how much space is required for ventilation as well as what tools and materials are needed to make the installation successful. Depending on the type of your home the electrical system might need to be altered. If you're planning on doing the installation yourself, make sure to shut off your home's power before starting work.

Remove any trims or decorative pieces from the cabinet that may hinder the placement of the microwave correctly. Make sure the countertop is free of obstructions and there are no other appliances within the area. Use a stud-finder to locate the wall studs under the cabinet in which you plan to place the microwave. You can also use a hammer to tap the wall to locate studs. If you can hear a solid noise it means you've located an appropriate stud. Once you've located the wall studs with pencil or a level, mark them. If your microwave came with a cardboard template, you can tape it to the upper cabinet, to serve as a reference to drill holes for the mounting plate.

Most microwaves made for recessed mounting or inside cabinets include venting systems that work with enclosed spaces. They will explain what you need to do to ensure proper venting, including raising your microwave by a few inches or directing ventilation tubes along the exterior wall or cabinet.

When installing a built-in microwave make sure that a person is holding the appliance in place as you secure it to the wall. It is recommended to use screws that will support the weight of the built-in microwave, for instance lag bolts (also called toggle bolts). These screws will hold the plate in place to the wall. The power cord can be pulled through a hole that has been specifically drilled for this purpose.