What is an OTR Microwave: A Guide to Over-the-Range Microwaves

I remember when I first moved into my own apartment, I quickly realized that cooking for myself was a whole new adventure. Gone were the days of relying on my parent’s home-cooked meals or the convenient microwave dinners of my college dorm days. Now, I had to learn how to actually cook real meals. But as I ventured into the world of recipes and meal prep, I quickly realized that a microwave was still an essential tool in the kitchen. That’s when I came across the OTR microwave.

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What is an OTR Microwave?

A Convenient Kitchen Solution

An OTR microwave, also known as an over-the-range microwave, is a type of microwave oven that is specifically designed to be mounted above your stove or cooktop. This ingenious invention not only saves precious countertop space but also acts as a range hood, clearing out smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.

The Perfect Fit

One of the great things about an OTR microwave is that it is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen setup. It typically comes in a standard size, making it easy to install in most kitchens. The microwave is equipped with a built-in exhaust fan and a ventilation system that can be connected to an external duct, effectively eliminating any unwanted smell or smoke while you cook.

Features to Look Out For

When shopping for an OTR microwave, there are several features that you should keep in mind:

Powerful Cooking: Look for a microwave with a high wattage for quick and efficient cooking.

Auto-Sensor Cooking: Some models have sensors that can detect the moisture levels in your food and adjust the cooking time accordingly, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes every time.

Convection Cooking: If you enjoy baking or roasting, consider getting an OTR microwave with a convection feature. This allows you to use the microwave as a convection oven, giving you the option to bake, roast, and even crisp your food.

Easy-to-Use Controls: Make sure the microwave has intuitive and user-friendly controls that will make your cooking experience hassle-free.

Advantages of an OTR Microwave

Saves Counter Space: One of the biggest advantages of an OTR microwave is that it frees up precious countertop space. This is especially important if you have a small kitchen.

Multi-Functionality: With the added range hood feature, an OTR microwave allows you to have two essential kitchen appliances in one. This saves both money and space.

Improved Ventilation: Cooking can sometimes create a lot of smoke and odors. With an OTR microwave, you can effectively eliminate these unpleasant byproducts of cooking, keeping your kitchen clean and fresh.

Enhanced Lighting: Many OTR microwaves come with built-in cooktop lighting, providing additional illumination to your cooking area.

Installation Considerations

Installing an OTR microwave requires some basic handyman skills, but with the right tools and a little patience, it can be easily done. Here are a few things to consider before installing your new microwave:

Power Source: Make sure there is an electrical outlet near the installation location.

Height Clearance: Check the dimensions of the microwave and ensure that there is enough clearance above your stove or cooktop.

Ventilation: Determine whether your OTR microwave will be ducted or non-ducted. Ducted microwaves require an external vent, while non-ducted microwaves use a charcoal filter to filter out odors and recirculate the air.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an OTR microwave is a game-changer when it comes to kitchen convenience. It not only saves counter space but also provides extra ventilation and lighting, making it an essential addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, an OTR microwave can elevate your cooking experience to a whole new level. So go ahead, invest in an OTR microwave, and enjoy hassle-free cooking and clean-smelling kitchen every day.