Appliance instead of an integrated microwave?

Vanilla

Vanilla

Vanilla

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
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9,540
Hi all,

So I have an single over / microwave wall unit (pic below). I'm realising how damn expensive integrated microwaves are (more than the oven!! An entry level Bosch oven is £250, microwave is more!! and bog standard, not a combi microwave).

I was thinking of what other appliances I could have instead of a microwave/ I actually don't microwave that much....but I don't know what other cool kitchen gadgets I can replace it with.

VofTyUC.jpg


1.) Just get a microwave
2.) Given the price get a combo microwave/grill
3.) Get a different appliance and just get a desktop microwave
3.) See if you can get a double oven (or is there a wooden plank between the two)

Thanks for any advice
 
Is this the kitchen you have or the kitchen you are buying?

I'd never bother with an integrated microwave, and would look to either have a double oven in that space or two single ovens, depending on your individual requirements.

As far as I'm concerned, microwaves are much of a muchness and a cheap model will do the job just as well as a pricier one. And when you get into grilling and other things like that, an oven is the better tool.
 
I haven't used a microwave in years.
I actually have 2 ovens which might fit into your configuration, would recommend that. I find having 2 really useful, particularly if the family are round for a roast dinner.

But it depends on your own requirements... perhaps a coffee machine, or a standalone grill? Perhaps you could give that space back for additional storage?
 
glitch said:
Is this the kitchen you have or the kitchen you are buying?

I'd never bother with an integrated microwave, and would look to either have a double oven in that space or two single ovens, depending on your individual requirements.

As far as I'm concerned, microwaves are much of a muchness and a cheap model will do the job just as well as a pricier one. And when you get into grilling and other things like that, an oven is the better tool.
Click to expand...

Kitchen that has been bought and in storage. I'm going to find out if I can have a double oven....
 
Jimmeh said:
I haven't used a microwave in years.
I actually have 2 ovens which might fit into your configuration, would recommend that. I find having 2 really useful, particularly if the family are round for a roast dinner.

But it depends on your own requirements... perhaps a coffee machine, or a standalone grill? Perhaps you could give that space back for additional storage?
Click to expand...

The more I look at it the more i'm reserved to a microwave. I will need one one day and why take up more space on the counter.

Maybe i'll get a combo grill / microwave
 
I have just ordered a new kitchen and found the same as you. Initially I was going for 2 standard single ovens with a work top microwave. We don't use it that much but there are something that it is handy for. In the end we went for a standard oven plus and combination oven with a microwave feature. Yes it costs more but it leaves the worktops clear and having spent several ££ to make a kitchen to look fantastic you then dump an ugly square box on the work top.

We didn't bother with a coffee machine, apart from not drinking coffee, the worktop ones are small and quite stylish.
 
Is that a howdens design?

We've just had a new kitchen and we went through the exact same thought process as you. We were going to get two single ovens but eventually just went with a very high end single oven. It's in a tower unit so it's nice and high up and it gives us a full size cupboard both underneath and above, loads of storage space.

What I did really want but couldn't find is a cold water dispenser and ice maker that fits into that microwave space. Would have been brilliant. I don't drink coffee so that ruled that out.
 
kinobestew123 said:
What I did really want but couldn't find is a cold water dispenser and ice maker that fits into that microwave space. Would have been brilliant. I don't drink coffee so that ruled that out.
Click to expand...

That would be good, we were originally going to get a American F/F just for the icemaker but found that they stick out an are pretty ugly, but if there was a built in icemaker that would have been a solution!
 
Felix said:
That would be good, we were originally going to get a American F/F just for the icemaker but found that they stick out an are pretty ugly, but if there was a built in icemaker that would have been a solution!
Click to expand...

I did lie a little bit actually. I did find one but it seems to be discontinued.

http://www.appliancesdirect.co.uk/p/fwv470ss/cda-fwv470ss-ice-and-water-dispenser

I also found a manufacturer in China that sold them badged with your own brand if anybody fancies importing several hundred. OcUK brand water dispensers? :p
 
kinobestew123 said:
Is that a howdens design?

We've just had a new kitchen and we went through the exact same thought process as you. We were going to get two single ovens but eventually just went with a very high end single oven. It's in a tower unit so it's nice and high up and it gives us a full size cupboard both underneath and above, loads of storage space.

What I did really want but couldn't find is a cold water dispenser and ice maker that fits into that microwave space. Would have been brilliant. I don't drink coffee so that ruled that out.
Click to expand...

It is a Howdens kitchen yes. I don't have the measurements of the unit so i'm unaware what I can fit! :/

I like trhe look of those water and ice dispensers - found an Electrolux one!

£449 tho!!
 
Most things can fit, you just need to get different frontals which alter the spacing within the tower unit.

I have the installation manual which shows all the possible configurations of the tower unit at home.
 
Had the room so went with integrated microwave, I use it a lot for steaming veg, rice and warming milk for a coffee
 
It's quite a chunky book so I'd be unable to share the whole lot. I'm happy to send you the relevant pages to do with the tower this evening though. Can you trust me so I have your e-mail address?
 
Our Neff combi oven and microwave has proven to be extremely useful and definitely worth the outlay. Counter top savings really help, but also it's a fine piece of kit and could probably be used as a main oven. In future I would definitely look to forgo other features in the kitchen in order to ensure we had one built in.
 
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