Microwaves have become a common fixture into the modern kitchen’s aesthetics. While it may not have been a revolution, per se, the introduction of microwave ovens definitely helped shave off hours that you would have spent preparing meals in the kitchen. In regards to convenience in the kitchen, microwave ovens definitely earned its current spot as a must-have appliance in everyone’s home.
One of the most trusted and respected brands in this particular category is GE. This multinational megacorporation manufacturers a wide breadth of products for various consumer segments. From healthcare, home appliances, and renewable energy, GE is one of the leading innovators in the industry.
So, it is not surprising that their microwave oven catalogue is home to a veritable list of energy-efficient models. GE is one of the safest brands to choose when it comes to appliances. You are guaranteed to see a GE entry or two in lists that covers home appliances. With that in mind, we will be taking a look at the best GE microwaves reviews in the market today. These are the cream of the crop in regards to what GE has to offer at the moment in the market of microwave ovens.
Sit back, relax, and let us help you narrow down your choices for the best GE microwaves that you can get your hands on today.
Whoa! There, Tex. In a hurry and simply want to our top pick GE microwave oven pick?
No worries! Here is the most well-rounded and overall best GE microwave in our list. We applied our buying guide rules (which we will go through in this article, as well) to isolate the top pick. This particular model checks all the necessary boxes on what you can expect a microwave oven to deliver.
GE JVM3162RJSS Over the Range Microwave Oven
This earns our coveted top recommendation due to its excellent and even heating capability, silent operation, and some fantastic features thrown in to further improve your overall cooking experience.
Types of Microwave Ovens
GE has a wealth of microwave ovens in their catalogue. In order to choose the best one, you will first need to know that there are various types of microwave ovens that GE is currently offering. Knowing the differences between each type will help you determine which microwave oven model will fit your personal preferences.
Countertop Microwave Oven
This is the most common type of microwave oven that you will come across in the market. This is the most basic, in terms of its design, as you simply place it on top of your kitchen counter, table, or inside a kitchen cabinet. This is basically a ‘plug and play’ microwave oven. Set it down, plug it in, and turn it on.
Advantages of a Countertop Microwave Oven
- This type are typically the most affordable models in the market.
- Extremely easy ‘plug and play’ style installation.
- Some models come in a lightweight and compact build.
Drawbacks of a Countertop Microwave Oven
- Depending on the model or size, this microwave oven type usually takes up a considerable amount of space.
- Basic and rudimentary features for entry-level and mid-range models.
Over the Range Microwave Oven
This type of microwave oven is installed on the top of your stovetop or cooking range and are often found built into kitchen cabinets to provide a more streamlined kitchen interior appearance. This type of microwave oven is usually in the high-end to premium-grade price range. Most OTR microwave ovens also have a convenient standard light fixture which helps in giving you a good view inside. Also unique to this microwave oven type is its inclusion of built-in ventilation systems.
Advantages of a Countertop Microwave Oven
- Great option for kitchens with limited space thanks to its built-in installation capability.
- The interior light fixture improves visibility inside the cooking chamber.
- It features a built-in ventilation system which helps eliminate smoke and odor.
Drawbacks of a Countertop Microwave Oven
- OTR microwave ovens tend to be quite expensive and are typically seen as luxury models.
- Its preferred installation in the kitchen means that some may find it difficult to reach.
- OTR microwave ovens need to be installed properly. If you have no idea how to approach this, we advise you hire a professional.
Convection Microwave Ovens
Microwave convection ovens provide more versatility when it comes to how it cooks food. While standard microwave ovens utilize electromagnetic waves to cook your food from the inside out, this also limits its overall capabilities. This is where a microwave convection oven comes into play.
A microwave convection oven uses extremely high temperatures and an internal fan to help circulate heat inside the chamber. This tweak on how it cooks food gives the microwave convection oven the ability to also be used for roasting, broiling, and baking. Getting that delightful crispiness in your dish was impossible to achieve with a standard microwave oven. If you are looking for an all-around microwave oven, we suggest you go with the convection type.
Advantages of a Countertop Microwave Oven
- This is the most versatile type of microwave oven available.
- It offers users the ability to have multiple cooking options that are not available in traditional microwave ovens such as the ability to roast, bake, and broil dishes.
- This type of microwave oven is known for having the ability to seal in the flavor for great tasting results.
Drawbacks of a Countertop Microwave Oven
- Similar to OTR microwave ovens, microwave convection ovens are often quite expensive.
- If you are not using preset cooking options, you have to be extra careful not to overcook your food.
- Microwave convection ovens cannot switch between microwave and convection functionalities at the drop of a dime.
Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Buying a microwave oven will require that you have some basic know-hows on this particular kitchen appliance. Of course, we are here to not only give you the basics, but the whole shebang in regards to buying a microwave oven.
How Much Space Does Your Kitchen Have?
The first step is to consider what type of microwave oven accentuate your kitchen? Limited space available? Maybe go for built-in and OTR microwave ovens. In this regard, if you are replacing a broken built-in microwave, you will need to make sure that the new unit will fit into the previous installation area. If it doesn’t you might be forced to do a kitchen renovation.
The microwave oven design with the kitchen aesthetics should be considered as well. You wouldn’t want a microwave oven that will stick out like a sore thumb and clash with your kitchen’s interior design.
How Much Wattage Should You Aim For?
As you would expect, the higher the wattage rating of the unit – the faster it can cook your food. If speed is something you prefer, we recommend going for with microwave ovens that have 1000-watts or above. Of course, models with high wattage are typically more expensive. If you are looking for something more affordable and is okay with lower wattage, we advise you go with microwave ovens from reputable brands, like GE.
The Durability of the Microwave Oven
This is why it is often safer to go with models manufactured by well-known brands as these are tried and tested. Your standard microwave oven will usually have an average shelf life of about a decade with proper maintenance. When it comes to determining the durability of a particular model in the market, it is best to do your research and check the overall customer feedback online.
What is Your Budget?
If you are on a tight budget, then you might be limited to countertop microwave ovens only as built-in and OTR models tend to be quite expensive. Also, keep in mind that models that are at the lower end of the price bracket will typically have rudimentary features as compared to the feature-rich high-end models.
Preset Cooking Programs
This is a feature that considerably enhances the overall convenience of using a microwave oven. It basically offers users a selection of preset cooking options for a wide variety of dishes. Not sure the right temperature and duration for cooking popcorn? Press the ‘Popcorn’ button. Some of the more expensive models provide up to 14 preset cooking options, which makes food preparation a breeze.
Safety Features
Safety is another crucial aspect of choosing microwave ovens that you should never overlook. In this regard, we suggest you go with models that have child lock features and, if you are buying an OTR unit, excellent ventilation.
Top 3 Best GE Microwaves in the Market Today
There are 3 specific product from GE that we really want to introduce to you in this post. Below are the reviews for all 3 GE microwaves, I hope it can do something to help you find the right GE microwave that you need!
1. GE Profile PEB9159SJSS Countertop Microwave Convection Oven
Features:
- Wattage: 1000 Watts.
- Capacity: 1.5 Cu. Ft.
- Dimensions: 20 x 21 x 12-inches.
- Weight: 38 lbs.
With a decent 1.5 cu. ft. capacity and 1000 watts of output power, this GE Profile Microwave Convection Oven model is one of the better and more well-rounded deals that this brand has to offer. The convection oven capability is in full display and can provide excellent browning results on your food. It is also a great choice for baking. It comes with several modern features that will help expand its reliability and ability to provide convenience in the kitchen, such as the cooking preset options.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
If you can afford it, the GE Profile PEB9159SJSS is one of the finest microwave convection ovens from GE. It is equipped with modern features and a build that equally delivers in durability and reliability. This might be a worthwhile investment if you are looking for a microwave convection oven that is built to last.
2. GE JVM3162RJSS Over the Range Microwave Oven
Features:
- Wattage: 1000 Watts.
- Capacity: 1.6 Cu. Ft.
- Dimensions: 15.8 x 29.8 x 16.4-inches.
- Weight: 63 lbs.
With a reasonable price tag and a top-notch level performance, the GE JVM3162RJSS OTR Microwave Oven is one that we highly recommend for those with limited kitchen space. This is a well-designed model with a robust construction and excellent list features such as defrost, reheat, 30-second button, and a slew of preset cooking options.
As this is an OTR microwave oven, one of the most important factors here is its ventilation system. Fortunately, this GE OTR microwave oven also gets top-marks in this category thanks to its excellent 300-CFM 2-Speed ventilation system design.
As for other notable aspects of this GE microwave oven, it features a convertible vent system which means you can reposition the exhaust fan as you see fit. There are also ten power levels available which enhances cooking precision and overall versatility.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
This is one of GE’s finest OTR microwave ovens, and it isn’t even that expensive as compared to its competition in the market. It features a robust construction and a depth of fantastic features. If you are looking for a space-saving microwave oven from GE, this model should be at the top of your list.
3. GE Appliances JEM3072DHBB Countertop Microwave Oven
Features:
- Wattage: 700 Watts.
- Capacity: 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Dimensions: 17.25 x 13 x 10.13-inches.
- Weight: 21 lbs.
This is one of GE’s more affordable, yet high-quality models in the market at the moment. Despite being on GE’s entry-level microwave ovens, the manufacturer saw fit to equip this unit with a handful of exceptional modern microwave features. We would like to note sleek design of this GE microwave oven as it perfectly encapsulates the minimalist modern aesthetic to a tee.
Despite the lower-end price tag, the GE JEM3072DHBB microwave oven features some convenient cooking preset options for food such as popcorn and potato. It also has a reheat and defrost button that automatically adjusts the power level and duration to deliver optimum results.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
For the price, the GE JEM3072DHBB microwave oven definitely brings its A-game. It comes with all the features to enhance your overall convenience and its compact size makes it ideal for small homes. Its smaller stature though means this is best suited for residences with one or two occupants. There is also an issue with the door latch being a bit flimsy, but it is not a dealbreaker, per se.
Final Thoughts
We hope this GE microwave review list has helped you figure out whether this brand will be able to meet your needs. Just remember to apply our buying guide when searching for a microwave oven and you are all set to go.
