The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (Part 1: The Microwave)

Who would have thought that one can be philosophical about appliances? The 1966 film, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly certainly makes an appropriate backdrop to the subject I am about to discuss. In both the movie and the kitchen, all three are neither great nor necessary but with creature comfort on the line, it seems apparent that all three are needed to bring about that end goal.

I refer to the microwave, the cooking ventilation, and the dishwasher but more specifically, the built-in microwave, the vented range, and the dish drawer in that order. I am the first to admit that the microwave is used more than the stovetop in my household. The vent, while inadequate, is still a must on those occasions when we cook some rather savory meals. And the dish drawer will never keep up with the demands of any kitchen let alone the hectic traffic in mine.

To those who are considering a remodel, consider this another thoughtful insight into the rigors of appliance selection from the viewpoint of a kitchen and bath designer who has experienced the joys and pitfalls of specifying appliances and overseeing their installations for numerous clients over the years.

Admittedly, the microwave is a wonderful kitchen appliance. It offers the convenience of being able to defrost your food, heat pre-cooked meals and pop popcorn with a singular push-button effort. Statistically, most consumers use the microwave primarily for such purposes and, thanks to its accessibility, virtually every household has one of a seemingly endless number of models available in the market at a wide range or prices.

But with the pros are the cons. The convenience of  having a microwave in our kitchen is a double edged sword. Prepackaged ready meals (otherwise known as TV dinners) have become an industry standard that have eagerly replaced their home-cooked counterparts.  It's value is subjective–dependent upon the preference or ethics of the individual cook but, opinions notwithstanding, the appliance is a dominant feature of any kitchen. Even many proponents of the slow food movement have this appliance in their home. That's why I call the ubiquitous microwave, The Good.

My preferred application is to install this unit within the cabinetry. It saves precious countertop space and is a far more appealing option to the microwave hood which lacks versatility (where can you install this other than above a stove top?). Some smaller "countertop" models offer an adapter kit that allows you to install the microwave below an upper-cabinet. It's an adequate retrofit option but tends to leave little usable or accessible countertop space underneath.

My favorite is a GE Profile model that has been around for quite some years. The PEM31 microwave series is available in all colors including stainless. It features 1.0 cubic feet of interior space, 800 watt sensor cooking and an optional trim kit for that built-in look. Like the appliance itself, you don't need the kit, but it may help it look conveniently better.  Images below show the difference, with and without the kit. GE's stock photo on the first image features an install with the trim kit. I suppose that if you're jonesing for that look, then this may be for you.  On the second image, I opted against the kit to minimize the microwave's presence within the space in a recent kitchen remodel.

The PEM31SMSS installed with the JX827 trim kit (image courtesy: GE)

The PEM31SMSS installed within the cabinetry without a trim kit

 

Why this particular microwave? Years of specifying one particular model over another  have yielded a fairly consistent result. Clients do appreciate it's basic but practical features along with it's compact size and overall simplicity in relation to the kitchen design. There are no bells or whistles that they will pay for but never use. The microwave fits the space like a glove. And the model has been a mainstay of the GE lineup for years that finding a replacement should be easy if another is needed down the road.

Arguably, there are other microwave ovens out there that have more features. The hamper-style doors on some built-in units are ergonomically appealing. The drawers are an innovative design for ADA functionality. The speedcook option on certain models add even greater convenience (caveat: will you use it?) and if you're looking for a right-hinged microwave–well, stop right there. To my knowledge, they simply don't exist. I don't have the philosophy behind this manufacturing logic but the hard fact is that you likely won't find one in the market.

Blondie (portrayed by Clint Eastwood) was The Good in the movie. In retrospect, he wasn't really that good. He was a bounty hunter in search of treasures. He found it at the expense of his seedy companions. He used it. He capitalized on it. One could surmise my tangent into the deep as strange but I argue that one should find meaning everywhere. The microwave is an analogy in speed's inherent usefulness to cater to the banalities of everyday life but do so within the limits of good and practical design. So, I'm not telling you not to do it. I am saying–use it well.