Abstract: A domestic appliance (for example, a microwave oven), comprising: a housing; a front door; a retention mechanism (for example including a latch), located within the housing and engageable with the door; wherein the retention mechanism is movable between a first configuration, in which the door is retained in a closed position, and a second configuration, in which the door is non-engaged; an electromechanical actuator (for example a relay), adapted to move the retention mechanism out of said first configuration; and a controller (for example a microprocessor coupled to the relay, the microprocessor being operable in responsive to one or more signals to activate the relay, and thereby release the door from the closed position. Under spring bias, the door thus opens to about 30-45 degrees. The microprocessor-controlled door opening may be operable in three or more modes, including: actuation of a touch switch, remote control, or a microwave end of cooking.

Abstract: A domestic appliance for built-in installation, comprising: a housing having at least two sides; a front door; a hinge mechanism, provided at or adjacent one of the sides, coupling the door to the housing and permitting relative movement thereof, wherein the door is movable between a first position, in which the door is closed, and a second position, in which the door is fully open; and/or wherein the hinge is so shaped and dimensioned whereby, in use, the extent of protrusion of the door laterally beyond said one side when the door is in said second position is less than or equal to that when the door is in said first position. Preferably, the hinge mechanism is shaped and arranged whereby double movement, for example both rotational and translational movement, of the door relative to the housing is facilitated during movement between said first position and said second position.

Abstract: A domestic appliance for built-in installation, comprising: a housing having at least two sides; a front door; a hinge mechanism, provided at or adjacent one of the sides, coupling the door to the housing and permitting relative movement thereof, wherein the door is movable between a first position, in which the door is closed, and a second position, in which the door is fully open; and/or wherein the hinge is so shaped and dimensioned whereby, in use, the extent of protrusion of the door laterally beyond said one side when the door is in said second position is less than or equal to that when the door is in said first position. Preferably, the hinge mechanism is shaped and arranged whereby double movement, for example both rotational and translational movement, of the door relative to the housing is facilitated during movement between said first position and said second position.

Abstract: A domestic appliance (for example, a microwave oven), comprising: a housing; a front door; a retention mechanism (for example including a latch), located within the housing and engageable with the door; wherein the retention mechanism is movable between a first configuration, in which the door is retained in a closed position, and a second configuration, in which the door is non-engaged; an electromechanical actuator (for example a relay), adapted to move the retention mechanism out of said first configuration; and a controller (for example a microprocessor coupled to the relay, the microprocessor being operable in responsive to one or more signals to activate the relay, and thereby release the door from the closed position. Under spring bias, the door thus opens to about 30-45 degrees. The microprocessor-controlled door opening may be operable in three or more modes, including: actuation of a touch switch, remote control, or a microwave end of cooking.