As life today continues to evolve at a rather rapid pace, every element of how we perform routines, tasks and even social interactions changes, along with life itself. Everything we must do to maintain ourselves, our families and our homes to the exact structure of how we manage our work, play and social comings and goings seems to permanently exist in a constant state of flux. Home life for most busy families seems to portray only a vague likeness to anything that was considered to be standard or conventional, even in just reflecting back a generation or two. While the infrastructure of today’s ideal home life is still intact and valued, just about every aspect of how it all comes together has changed significantly. We still want the same things, and we still never like to compromise. The very goal of avoiding or eliminating compromise will always remain at the core of fundamental design for every product, purpose and pursuit that aims to prevail by continuing to develop elements that authentically improve the lives of modern consumers.
The Kitchen, as the Heart of the Home
From the beginning of time, home life has always been centered on the kitchen and everything produced there. And while the way food is grown and/or purchased, prepared and consumed might continue to change with the times, and from the latest scientific findings, one thing will always remain true: people need to eat. Some families spend more money and time dining out than they do eating meals cooked at home, and others might rarely; if ever eat foods that are commercially prepared. Regardless of the frequency and quantity of occasions necessitating the kitchen for food production, there are always going to be numerous valid reasons why every home needs to be outfitted with a kitchen. And likewise, every kitchen will always be improved upon by being fully equipped with the most advanced appliances.
Microwave Technology
To date, the most significant advancement too many areas of food production remains in the development and release of microwave oven technology for home use. The introduction of microwave ovens for the home created a niche that, ever since inception clearly aligns with convenience and speed that busy families need. Before microwave ovens became available, the only way to speed up the cooking process of anything was to crank the heat up, and possibly risk burning the food or dish. The first home microwaves involved a crudely limited performance whereby users would place a food item inside, shut the door and press a number (from 1-9,) to activate the cooking. Since that time, microwaves have increased in popularity and thankfully, in functionality to the point where modern microwaves cast a giant shadow on their predecessors. Today’s microwaves are able to include multi-functions like steam technology, convection and even speed heating that utilizes the heat from interior halogen lighting systems to expedite the cooking process and improve results. And at this point, it would seem fairly reasonable to imagine that there would be little if any other direction remaining in which microwave technology could progress.
The Pull-Out Drawer
“Drawer” technology is rapidly changing the entire ambiance of kitchens, with heated drawers, refrigerator and freezer drawers and one of the best innovations – microwave drawers. On the outside, it’s impossible to distinguish a pull out microwave drawer from a drawer where you might keep utensils, or small pots and pans. These drawers all nicely measure up to the modern goal of streamlining the kitchen, while at the same time offering the most advanced degree of technology possible. Out of the way and out of the line of sight when not in use, and when needed, easy to smoothly pull out and’ use. Once used, just slide the drawer back to a closed position and you’re done, leaving counter space that is uncluttered and appliance-free. One aspect to consider is that a good quality drawer microwave will come with a higher price tag than a counter-top or over-the-range microwave, but if your budget allows, it’ll definitely be worth the increase.
Pros:
Location: Microwave drawers place the microwave at a level (typically at hip level,) that is easier for use by being easier to open, load heavier dishes, check on what’s cooking mid-process, and maybe stir the dish or add other ingredients without having to take the dish out of the unit entirely. Due to this enhanced accessibility, manufacturers have thoughtfully included locks in their microwave drawer designs to ensure safeguards. This way, in homes where there are young children, they are thus prevented from being able to operate the device without the assistance of an adult.
Another Accessibility Issue Resolved: Most regular microwaves open from right to left, which obviously is suited with right-handed users in mind. Drawer microwaves allow for equal accessibility for both righties and lefties, as they open either by pulling a handle or pushing a button that will open the door. And the operational controls are conveniently located along the top, just above the drawer.
Not a Lot of Installation Preparation Required: Microwave drawers come pre-assembled with their own built-in ventilation system. This means there’s no issue of having to first create or reconfigure an existing ventilation system in your kitchen. The widths aligned with standards typically used for kitchen cabinetry construction, too. All that’s needed is a dedicated 120-volt wiring running to a (grounded) three-pronged plug. There needs to be a corresponding breaker added to the existing panel box, and the drawer itself requires a supporting shelf or platform within the cabinet, where it will rest.
Ease of Use: You’ll find different types of mechanisms available in microwave drawer designs for opening and closing them. They can either be powered by an electric motor or operated by pressing a button.
Makes Room for Other Appliances: By situating the microwave in a drawer, you create room for the placement of more cooking technology, like perhaps a double oven.
Cons:
Cavity Space Limitations: Before you decide on a drawer microwave, find out its interior measurements, as in the max available space available within the unit for items you’ll be cooking. The depth of most microwave drawers might present a problem when it comes to their ability to accommodate larger casseroles and food items.
In some cases, problems have been associated with condensation occurring from normal operation of some drawer microwaves. If left unchecked, this could prove ruinous to your cabinets. Carefully inspect the microwave and its venting system, and make sure that no condensation can leak from where the drawer closes.
Photo Credits
Designer kitchen – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Microwave Oven – Fair Use
Guest Author Bio
Kashif Raza
Kashif Raza gives you great tips for improving your home, interior decoration and buying appliances for your kitchen.
Recent Guest Author Articles:
- Empowered to Advocate: How to Become the Voice for the Silent
- How to Build a Celebration-Ready Wine Cellar
- Wander, Discover, Reflect: My Most Surprising Finds in Las Vegas
- Creating Meaningful Connections: What Ecosystems and Families Teach Us About Belonging
- How Breathwork Creates a Pathway Through Trauma: Beyond Traditional Approaches
Please Share Your Thoughts - Leave A Comment!