Utilizing an island for kitchen appliances is often just a case of good space planning. Designers are increasingly installing microwave ovens in the kitchen island. Microwave ovens can be problematic against a wall where upper cabinets a) may not make sense ergonomically, and b) don't fit in a standard 12″ deep cabinet. The island turns out to be a logical and convenient location for a microwave oven. The easily accessible microwave oven under the counter is a good example of universal design at work. Consumers can choose from an inexpensive countertop microwave with trim kit, or if they don't like the side swing door, several manufacturers offer built-in options with drop down doors. Some companies even have microwave ovens which have a motorized drawer.

Here are three brands that offer good options for island microwaves:

KitchenAid

KitchenAid offers a choice of built-in microwave ovens that can work nicely in an island. The oven below is a 24″ wide oven that comes with a 27″, and 30″ trim kit so that it can work in a 24″, 27″, or 30″ cabinet. KitchenAid also offers a very powerful built-in Micro-Convection oven that is available in a 240v. version.

KitchenAid Built-In Microwave

Sharp

Sharp is a leader in microwave ovens and pioneered the microwave drawer. They also source microwave drawers for a number of other leading brands. The Sharp microwave drawer is available in both a 27″ and 30″ version.

Sharp Microwave Drawer

GE Advantium

GE's Advantium Speed Cook microwave combination can be purchased in a variety of built-in configurations. The 240v. version is available only in a 30″ width. The 120v. version is available in both 27″ and 30″ width.

GE Monogram Microwave

Since many of the major appliance brands offer some built-in microwave options, you have a good chance of finding just the right features and brand to suit your needs. To explore your options further contact the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today.

Two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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Remember the pressure cooker? Ever had a rice steamer? Cooking with steam has been around for a long time, yet major appliances have begun adding steam features to their ovens and ranges as if they’d discovered something new.

Ovens with steam are available in countertop versions, wall ovens, or in ranges. Brands include Sharp, Miele, Thermador, KitchenAid, Gaggenau, Wolf, and Viking.

Most people are probably familiar with steamed vegetables or at least steamed rice. In addition to the obvious benefits of the freshness of steamed vegetables, cooking quickly at lower temperatures also helps retain important vitamins and minerals. Proponents of steam cooking also point out the benefit of reduced fat content. Fat helps keep food moist, but that’s not necessary when using steam, so less fat and no basting is necessary.

Gourmet Chefs will marvel at the ability to use a steam oven to make stunning creme brule without a water bath, or to bake fresh moist salmon avoiding the fish en papillote (parchment) regimen.
The rest of us will marvel at how good leftovers taste when they can be re-heated without drying out.

For more information on cooking with steam contact the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center in Studio City at 12050 Ventura Boulevard PH 877 696-2982. They’ve not only got the best selection, but also the lowest prices.