Today we’re discussing microwaves; by the end of this video you should have a better
understanding of the different types of microwaves available on the market today.
The first type we’ll discuss is countertop.
Countertop microwaves are portable, come in several colors and are available in sizes
ranging from 0.6 to 2.2 cubic feet with power levels ranging from 700 to 1400 watts.
Comparatively countertop microwaves are the least expensive, easiest to replace and most
versatile of all microwaves. They can be set on to a counter top, placed on a shelf, installed
under a shelf if the model you choose has an available mounting kit option, or built
into an open enclosure as long as there is ample room for air circulation.
Some countertop microwaves also have the ability to be built in to a custom enclosure with
the help of a matching trim kit.
Trim kits are not available on all countertop models, so it’s best to check with a salesperson
if you’re thinking about building in your Countertop microwave.
Commercial Microwaves are very similar to traditional Countertop Microwaves when it
comes to size, the replacement factor and the fact that they sit on a countertop but
there are several differences in the two models.
Unlike residential microwaves, all commercial microwaves have a stainless exterior and interior
and are designed to withstand constant usage of fast food restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets
or convenience stores some can be used up to 200 times a day or more depending on the
model and can cook much faster than residential microwaves.
The control panels are streamlined with large 1-touch controls to ensure faster more accurate
cooking.
Commercial microwaves have better warranties, will last longer than residential microwaves,
will cost more and don’t include turntables or cooking racks.
Commercial microwaves fall into 3 categories.
Light duty which offers around 1000 watts of power perfect for usage of around 50 times
a day or less.
These units are not as durable as the higher powered commercial models but still offer
way more usage and reliability than a residential model of the same wattage.
Medium duty ranging between 1200 and 1800 watts these units will more than double the
available daily usage of a light duty commercial microwave with the ability to be used up to
150 times a day.
Heavy duty these units range in power from 2000 to 3000 watts and can be used over
200 times a day which makes them perfect for the extremely fast paced restaurant and food
industry.
Above the Range & Low Profile microwaves combine the convenience of a microwave with the added
power of a range hood plus the bonus of a surface and night light to give you the perfect
all in one solution for freeing up counter space.
These microwaves are very much like countertop microwaves when it comes to features like,
programmable control panels, wattages and sizes.
Where they differ is that Over the Range & Low Profile microwaves are designed to be mounted
to a cabinet above a heat surface in place of a range hood to help eliminate smoke, steam,
and odors and come with the option of vented or non-vented installation depending on whether
or not you have duct work installed in your cabinet
Above the Range & Low profile microwaves cannot be set on a countertop due to the overall
design and will also require a dedicated outlet in your cabinet.
This category seems to add some confusion, many people tend to confuse a Countertop Microwave
that offers a mounting kit that allows the Microwave to be mounted to an upper cabinet,
and an Over the Range microwave that must be installed over a heat surface as an Over
the Counter Microwave.
This simply isn’t so.
Here’s the difference, Over the Counter Microwaves cannot sit on your countertop instead
they're designed to be mounted between your upper cabinets for a more built in custom
look they have all the same features of countertop models like turntables, sensor cooking modes
and fully programmable touchpads,
but unlike countertop models with a mounting kit, true Under Counter Microwaves also offer
surface or task lighting which also makes them similar to Above the Range Microwaves
except they cannot be installed above a heat surface and do not have the option of ventilation.
Built-in Microwaves combine all the features of a Countertop Microwave with the look of
a built-in oven and are best for the person looking for a completely customized look.
Built-in microwaves come in 2 forms a Countertop Microwave with an optional trim kit or true
Built-in.
True Built-in Microwaves can never be placed on a counter or hung from a cabinet, they
are designed to be installed into a custom wall enclosure or cabinetry and feature drop
down doors much like a wall oven.
These microwaves will fit perfectly over a matching oven and are the most expensive of
all the microwave types.
Drawer Microwaves are the perfect solution for those who don’t want a microwave on
the counter, under counter, or above the range.
They also work well for people who prefer to have the microwave at a more comfortable
loading height.
They fit seamlessly in any kitchen to offer a customized integrated look and are available
in two sizes 24" and 30" wide though for each model the usable interior space is the same.
They can be installed in wall, in an island or below a countertop as long as there is
a dedicated outlet.
To learn more about microwaves and all the options available check out our selection
at Abt.com or visit our showroom in Glenview, Illinois.