When designing a kitchen, every person wants to use the available space to the maximum and efficiently. Therefore, everyone tries to place kitchen appliances as compactly as possible. Many manufacturers of household appliances try to follow customer preferences, including in terms of microwave ovens. There are quite a lot of built-in ovens on the market with different sizes. Such ovens have their own characteristics. But you can see what a built-in oven with a microwave function looks like and how functional it is here.
Countertop space
This option is the most common because it does not require any additional costs or effort on the part of the owners. You can place the microwave oven at any end of the table and move it as needed.
However, this method of placing a microwave is completely inapplicable in a small kitchen, since it deprives the housewife of a significant part of the working space, which is already insufficient.
Why know the dimensions of your microwave oven?
First, let's figure out what dimensions and parameters clearly characterize this kitchen set:
- Width. This parameter displays the external dimensions of the case.
- Length. Maximum distance between front and rear.
- Height. Dimension between the base and the top panel of a freestanding oven.
- Volume. This is the capacity of the food chamber, measured in liters. If the parameter is 20 liters for a microwave, this means that a plastic bag filled with that amount of water will fit in it. Also, the internal compartment is often determined by the depth of the chamber - the distance between the inside of the front wall and the surface of the back panel in the chamber.
- Weight. Indicates the total weight of the microwave without containers.
Before purchasing a microwave that you plan to build into a cabinet, be sure to determine its permissible dimensions in advance.
Think about what functionality you are trying to get from the device. This need usually arises when the kitchen renovation is completed and nothing else is expected to be reconstructed.
Many parameters of kitchen furniture are closely interrelated. Because of this, you should select built-in equipment extremely carefully, taking into account the dimensions of the room and its interior.
The industry produces a variety of furnace options, radically different in capabilities and sizes, as well as in material. The compact design is ideal for small kitchens.
It is necessary to understand that a small microwave oven is only capable of heating food and preparing simple dishes, but large-sized ovens, suitable for large rooms equipped with modular furniture, also have other additional functions.
When purchasing, you should also take into account the number of users of the purchased equipment. It's a different burden to cook for a couple of people or to serve a large family.
Placement on brackets
Wall brackets can be mounted between the wall cabinet and the countertop, thereby saving scarce space in a small kitchen. In spacious kitchens, this option is also acceptable, since the microwave oven is located at a convenient level for use.
It should not be forgotten that any placement of this electronic device requires free space to allow air to circulate freely around it. Also, even the slightest vibration, which can damage the device, is unacceptable.
Models of built-in microwave ovens
Depending on the functionality and the presence of additional modes, all microwaves can be divided into several types. Namely:
- solo microwave with a minimum set of functions,
- grill ovens,
- models equipped with both grill and convection,
- multifunctional models.
The first type of microwave oven is equipped with the simplest set of programs. These include functions for heating and quickly defrosting food. In addition, you can cook simple dishes in such stoves. These models are especially relevant in families with children. With their help, even a child can warm up his own lunch in a matter of minutes by pressing just one button.
Simple microwave
There are also models with extended equipment that include a grill. It is a metal heating element located in the upper part of the inner chamber. In this case, the dishes are heated from bottom to top. Also, there are microwave ovens equipped with a so-called movable grill, which, depending on needs, can be placed either vertically or at an angle. This function is very important when preparing some dishes. Some models of microwave ovens can be equipped with an additional lower grill.
Microwaves with a grill may also differ depending on the type of heating element inserted into them. It can be metal, quartz or ceramic.
Microwave oven with grill
In addition to grilling, ovens with extended configurations can have a convection mode. This function implies uniform distribution of warm air in the inside of the microwave. Thus, dishes cook much faster, do not burn or dry out. This distribution is achieved through the operation of a special fan.
Such ovens are suitable for preparing absolutely any dishes and can easily replace a gas stove or oven.
Built-in oven with grill and convection
The most expensive models include multifunctional ovens. The list of their modes, along with grill and convection, also includes a steam cooking function. This model is definitely worth choosing for those who cook very often and are a supporter of proper nutrition.
Microwave with steam function
Built-in microwave ovens may differ in their control method. It can be mechanical or electronic.
The first implies the presence of two regulators, which are responsible for the power and cooking time. Such models are equipped with a minimum set of functions. They are not intended for cooking complex dishes, since it is almost impossible to accurately determine the cooking time.
Electronically controlled ovens have a more expanded range of modes. Thanks to precise timing (down to the second), such microwave ovens are perfect for preparing baby food and various baked goods.
Built-in microwave ovens are also distinguished by the type of interior decoration of the chamber. It can be made of enamel, stainless steel and bioceramics.
Placement under the countertop
This option can be used when other methods of placing a microwave oven are rejected for objective reasons. It should be noted that with such a low location it is extremely inconvenient to use the device.
Placement on a windowsill
If there is not enough space, this option is very convenient, since it does not require a specially equipped place for the stove. For this reason, this method is used quite often. When placing an electronic device in this manner, safety requirements must be observed.
The width of the window sill must be sufficient to accommodate the stove and allow free circulation of air flows emanating from it. It should also be taken into account that during its operation the device emits significant thermal energy, which, acting on the cooled window glass, creates unacceptably sharp temperature changes and negatively affects it.
Plants on the windowsill are also exposed to excessive heat radiation, which can lead to their death.
What is a built-in microwave?
In fact, the operating principle of a built-in microwave is no different from a conventional microwave. However, it is equipped with a wider selection of modes compared to a stationary oven. These two devices differ in the installation method. As the name implies, a microwave of this type is installed directly into the kitchen unit. Another feature of the built-in microwave is its large size.
Thanks to its versatility, a built-in microwave oven can easily replace several household appliances at once. It combines the functions of a microwave, hob and oven at the same time.
Such furnaces operate on the principle of emitting ultra-high frequency waves. Models with extended configuration may also have convection and grill functions.
Built-in microwave
Right choice
Placing the stove in accordance with the requirements of its operation guarantees long service life for the period specified by the manufacturer. If these requirements are not met, the device is subject to adverse effects and overloads, which leads to a reduction in the period of trouble-free operation.
If it is possible to select several options, one should proceed from specific conditions and capabilities, regardless of general recommendations. In extreme cases, when none of the existing options can be implemented, and the question of how to place a microwave in the kitchen remains unanswered, it can be moved to another room.
Successfully implemented real options for placing a microwave in the kitchen are illustrated by numerous photo and video materials posted on specialized Internet sites.
Note!
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Standard sizes of stationary microwave ovens
The most common 15-17 liter stoves usually have dimensions of 30x50x40. There are devices with larger or smaller dimensions. Options for their placement are on the surface of kitchen furniture, in a cabinet niche, on a suspension (shelf, brackets).
Mini microwave solo type
The volume is small, from 8.5 to 20 liters, but it is accompanied by compactness on the outside:
- body depth - 20-30 cm;
- width – 35-50 cm;
- height - up to 30 cm.
The power of such devices is also small - 600 W.
Large types of stationary microwaves
The second name for such devices is full-size. Their volume is 20-40 liters. They have a wide range of options, depending on the specific model. Dimensions:
- height – 30-45 cm;
- width – 45-60 cm.
