While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.
Microwave sales have fallen or remained flat every year for nearly a decade in the US. Unit sales have tumbled by 25% since 2000, and 40% since their peak, in 2004. The waning popularity of the American microwave deserves a closer look.
Microwaves are found in 90% of American kitchens. After all, they cook food quickly, can heat up a cup of tea in minutes, and are easy to use. The range of options and styles has exploded.
Over-the-stove microwave ovens are mounted onto the wall above your stovetop. They are favored because they get the microwave off the countertop or island, giving you more counter space to work with and reducing the appearance of clutter in the kitchen.
Do not install within a closed cabinet or a cut-out space where the bottom is covered. These can be installed under a cabinet, even if there is not a cooking surface underneath the appliance. However, the height clearances outlined in the Installation Instructions must still be met.
Can you put a microwave above a gas range? Yes. In fact, you can put a microwave over a gas range or electric range. Microwaves are also commonly placed on countertops, stored inside cabinets, or on shelves.
Well, can you microwave next to the stove? The short answer is Yes. You can put a microwave next to the stove.
Built-in microwaves can be installed into a wall or cabinet for convenient operation. With a similar capacity to other microwave styles, the built-in design has the advantages of saving counter space and being able to be installed away from the range, allowing multiple people more space to cook together.
The upper kitchen cabinets should install about 12-inch-deep where the microwave is, and over-the-range microwaves are generally 15-16 inches deep. So, the question here arises, how far should your microwave stick out from cabinets? The handle and the door of the oven should stick out from cabinets at least 5 inches.
In 1980, according to Litton, the mean retail price of a microwave oven was $425.
Most major manufacturers recommend a distance of 30 inches between the top of the microwave and the surface of the oven. Depending on the height of the oven, this equates to roughly 14 or 15 inches between the underside of the microwave and the stovetop.
Preparation for installation
Most OTR microwaves are just under 30 in. wide; heights vary from about 10 to 18 inches and depths vary from 12 to about 18 inches. You need to choose a model that allows adequate clearance above the range but can be installed at a comfortable height.
According to GE Appliances, an over-the-range microwave height should be a minimum of 66 inches mounting height from the floor to the top of the microwave. This 66-inch difference from the floor allows approximately 13 inches to 16 inches between the cooktop and the bottom front of the microwave.
Yes, like an appliance that generates heat, the top and the sides of a microwave will get hot when in use. That's why it's recommended not to keep things on top when cooking as this may result in melting, damaging the items or the microwave itself.
It is not safe to microwave food without a cover on. It is highly recommended to cover your food while microwaving by the health and food authorities, including USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Services.
Over-the-range models are just that: They're installed over the range. The built-in category includes models designed only to be built in—surrounded by cabinetry or built into the wall. Microwave drawers fall into this group and can be placed under the countertop or below a wall oven.
Main Differences Between Countertop Microwave and Built-in Microwave. A countertop microwave is placed on a kitchen counter while a built-in microwave is installed into a kitchen wall or kitchen cabinet. So, a countertop microwave takes up space on the kitchen countertop closer to a power supply outlet.
Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must.
Aim for a location that's convenient to the countertop, stove top and fridge. It's really common to pop something straight from the fridge into the microwave, so you want the two to be close together – while ensuring there's bench space nearby.
It cost about $3,200 today. Consumer interest in microwave ovens grew. In the United States, about 40,000 units were sold in 1970.
In 1947, Raytheon built the "Radarange", the first commercially available microwave oven.
In 1970, 40,000 microwave ovens were sold in the US, and by 1975 there were 1 million, according to research from Panasonic.