15 Things You Don't Know About Small Built In Microwave
How to Choose the Best Small Built in Microwave
A microwave that's placed in a cabinet or under your counter frees up space on your countertop and creates a seamless look. Installing them at a comfortable level and near other appliances, such as a wall-mounted oven is also simple.
Select from a range of door designs, including right-to-left-left swing-out doors or drop-down models that open in the same manner as a drawer for cabinets. Other features are also worth considering.
Capacity
Microwaves are available in a variety of sizes and capacities that can work in any kitchen. Look for compact, countertop or low-profile microwaves to find a model that is suitable for your space. These models help streamline mealtimes by incorporating features such as sensor cooking and a slim trim kit that can save counter space. Some models also feature a turntable that retracts to make loading and unloading dishes a breeze.
While you shop, consider the size of your family, and whether you'll use the microwave to cook larger items, such as casseroles or platters. Consider a microwave with the capacity to handle these larger items. A 2.2-cubic-foot model from Frigidaire for instance, can accommodate large dinner platters and plates.
Another important factor when choosing a microwave is the power level. Choose models with more watts which cook food faster and more evenly. Some microwaves come with multiple power levels, allowing you to control the power output based on what you're cooking.
The dimensions of microwaves vary based on the type, and usually include the dimensions of the exterior width, height and depth, in addition to interior capacity. The dimensions of the exterior can be helpful in your search, as they can give you an idea of what you can expect. However, builtin microwaves is typically listed separately on each product page and can be more efficient in determining which model is suitable for your home.
The interior space of a small built in microwave is different from model to model, but most will have an overall diameter of around 24 inches when the door is shut. The widths of certain models might be a bit smaller to fit standard cabinet cutouts and are aligned with models that are over the range. The height and depth differ among models, but all microwaves must be installed at least 12 inches higher than the stove to allow for ventilation.
Take measurements of the space you wish to place the microwave in and clear any obstructions. You should 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 doors that are open to avoid tipping.
Design
When choosing the best small built-in microwave it is crucial to think about the overall layout of the kitchen and how the appliance will fit into the space. There are a variety of options for integrating the appliance into the kitchen, including mounting it on the wall, putting it under the countertop in a drawer-style arrangement or even recessed into cabinetry. This will allow the appliance to be integrated with other kitchen appliances and give a seamless, integrated appearance.
The style of the door is also crucial. Many microwave models have an open swinging door from right to left dropping down doors, drop down doors or drawers. These options make it easy to gain access to the appliance for people of all sizes and help to save counter space. In addition to these practical features, certain microwaves come with premium features that can provide the look and feel of a luxury to your kitchen.
It is crucial to think about the wattage required for certain meals. Most microwaves will have a power rating displayed on the back of the unit. A model that has a higher wattage will allow for faster cooking and heating of food items. There are models with lower wattage ratings that are more energy efficient. However, they will take longer to cook or reheat food items.
Installing a small built-in microwave in an existing cabinet is among the easiest ways to incorporate it. The microwaves are available in different prices, but they sit flush against the cabinet for an elegant look. To ensure that the installation is done correctly it is crucial to read the owner's manual as well as installation instructions for the microwave model you are looking at.
Another option is to place the microwave on the wall, such as in a pantry or nook. This can create an open, modern look which will help brighten up the kitchen. A professional Kitchen Designer can work with a homeowner to determine the best place for the microwave. It is important to keep in mind that the microwave should have enough air space on both sides as well as the back to perform effectively.
Power
Microwaves are an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to complete various tasks quickly and efficiently. The power of a microwave is measured in watts and this will affect the speed at which it cooks food. In general, higher wattage models will cook food faster and more effectively than models with lower watts.
Built-in microwaves are incorporated into the cabinets in your kitchen, giving them a sleek, streamlined design that blends seamlessly with your other appliances and space. Moreover, you can find built-in models designed to take up less space and still provide ample room inside for large glasses, wide dishes, and more.
You can also pick from a wide range of control options that make cooking and heating food much easier and more efficient. You can choose models that have sensor-cooking options to make mealtimes more convenient. Other features include doors that open with a tap and a sleek, slim design that allows them to fit into tight spaces.
Installation
Microwaves integrated into cabinets or islands give your kitchen a modern look and free up valuable counter space. They generally require professional installation however they do allow you to be imaginative with your kitchen layout. They are smaller than freestanding models, making it easier to fit them into corners and spaces that are tight.
Check the instructions supplied by the manufacturer prior to installing your new microwave. This will provide information about how much space is required to allow for ventilation, as well as what tools and materials are needed to make the installation successful. Depending on the model of your house the electrical system could require modification. If you're planning to do the installation yourself, make sure to shut off the power in your home prior to beginning the work.
Remove any decorative trim from the cabinet which could hinder the placement of the microwave properly. Make sure that the countertop is free of clutter and there aren't other appliances within the vicinity. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs beneath the cabinet where you plan to mount the microwave. You can also tap the wall with a hammer to locate studs. If you can hear a solid sound, you've found the stud. After you've found the wall studs using pencil, use a level to mark them. If your microwave came with a cardboard template to use for drilling holes, tape it to the upper cabinet.
Most microwaves designed for recessed mounting or inside of cabinets include venting systems that are compatible with enclosed spaces. They'll explain what you'll need to do to ensure proper ventilation, like elevating the unit a few inches or routing the ventilation tubes through the exterior wall, cabinet, or island.

Installing a built-in microwave requires an assistant to support the appliance as you fix 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 will hold the mounting plate to the wall. The power cord can be pulled through the hole drilled specifically for this purpose.