Buying guide for best GE microwaves

A microwave is a must-have in the kitchen. GE, maker of a number of quality kitchen appliances, covers the complete range. They make built-ins, countertops, and over-the-range designs with vents. They even make a combo range/microwave.

GE also makes smart microwaves. These use the best technology, including voice activation and control with Alexa. They also have scanning technology to adjust power and cook times.

If you have a small kitchen, you could get a small microwave from GE. You might want a countertop, a built-in, or an over-the-range microwave. All of these products look great and work well. If you have a big kitchen, you could get a bigger microwave for more money. Large families tend to like these.

No matter who you are, GE makes a microwave that would probably work for you. Read our guide and tips to find the best microwave for your needs. Check out the photos and links we offer to some of our favorites as well.

Don’t forget to clean the handle and touchpad of your microwave to prevent the spread of germs.

Key considerations

Size

The space in a microwave is measured in cubic feet. These ovens range from .7 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet. The amount should be marked on the box.

GE classifies its microwaves as “large,” “medium,” or “small.”  Large microwaves have 1.9+ cu ft; medium machines have 1.5 to 1.8 cu ft; small machines have 1.5 cu ft or less.

Four types are available: over-the-range, built-in, countertop, and combo. Regardless of which you choose, you will want to measure first to make sure your new microwave would fit.

Types of GE microwaves

Over-the-range: Just like it sounds, these ovens go above a regular range. They come in large and medium sizes. Colors include black, white, black stainless steel, and regular stainless. Some are fingerprint-resistant. Some offer convection cooking with wattages of 1,099 or less.

Built-in: Built-in microwaves fit on a wall or in a cabinet. They come in large, medium, and small sizes.

Black and stainless steel are the most common colors, but you can also get black stainless steel, slate, and gray, among others. Some offer convection cooking, and over half offer Advantium technology, which we will soon discuss.

If you want to put a microwave in a cabinet, you may need a trim kit. This is like a picture frame that hides gaps between the edges of the microwave and the edges of the cabinet. Remember when you install the trim kit that airflow is necessary around the sides, top, and bottom of the unit.

Countertop: Countertop microwaves from GE come in large, medium, and small sizes.

Lots of colors are available, including red, almond, matte black, and matte white. If you want a fingerprint-resistant finish, though, your color choices will be fewer.

Countertop convection ovens are available, but not all countertops have this technology.

Combo: GE makes a combination range microwave oven. A high-capacity sensor microwave sits on top, and a wall oven sits on bottom. It has heavy-duty racks, broil and bake elements, and a self-cleaning feature. These appliances cost several thousand dollars and come in limited colors.

Note: if you decide to replace a current wall oven (any brand) with a new one, GE offers a “Fit Guarantee.” If the new oven does not fit, GE will give you $300 to fix your space.

The Fit Guarantee is found on the GE website. We urge buyers to also check these details with the seller before purchasing.

A splatter cover fits over your dinner plate when you are reheating items. It minimizes splatter so you have less to clean up later.

Features

Convection cooking: Many microwaves use convection power. They have a heating coil and a fan that blows hot air around to evenly cook food.

Advantium technology: This combines traditional microwave cooking, convection power, and halogen light. Food is nicely browned on the outside and moist on the inside.

You can also speed cook without preheating first. It’s helpful for people in a hurry.

Sensor cooking controls: With sensor cooking, the oven adjusts cook time and temperature so food reaches the perfect doneness.

Scan-to-cook: Some smart appliances include scan-to-cook technology.

With a phone app, you scan the barcode of, say, a frozen meal you want to cook. Your phone then “sends” cooking instructions like time and temperature to the microwave.

When your food is done cooking, you get a push notification.

Other brands that use scan-to-cook technology include Whirlpool, Samsung, and LG.

Finish

As mentioned, GE microwave ovens come in different finishes. Some are fingerprint-resistant.

Stainless steel and black stainless steel are very popular. You can also get colors such as black, white, and red.

GE microwave prices

Lower cost: For $94 to $150, many countertop models are available. Size increases as you move closer to $150. Time defrost is common here. Some have sensor cooking controls, though these tend to cost more.

Mid-range: Between $150 and $300, the ovens get bigger, and there are more finish options. Most are still countertops.

Higher cost: Around $300, you will see more over-the-range microwaves. Over $400, very large sensor microwaves are found. Convection is common in the $600+ range.

If you want a combination range and microwave, you will need to spend a lot more than that. These appliances cost several thousand dollars.

If your turntable breaks, you may be able to get a new one from the manufacturer or a site like Amazon.

Tips

• To reheat pizza, put a cup of water on the turntable. Heat the pizza for 30 seconds or so. The water absorbs some of the microwaves so the pizza does not overcook.
• Get your microwave squeaky clean with lemon. Cut a lemon in half. Squeeze the juice into a bowl of water. Cook the bowl for three minutes on high. Leave the door closed for another five minutes. Then, open the door and wipe away gunk and grime with a paper towel.
• A wheeled microwave cart is a space saver. It’s great for apartments and small kitchens. You get a portable cart for your microwave as well as extra storage space.

If you want just a little bit of cake, try a mug cake recipe. There are lots of easy, yummy recipes on the internet.

FAQ

Q. How do watts affect cooking quality?

A. A smaller microwave may have a wattage of 600. It can still cook most foods, though it may not get as hot. A higher number (like 1,100) will cook food even faster.

Q. Can I get rebates?

A. Maybe. Look for info on the GE website. You may be able to get a gift card if you buy a certain number of GE Profile items. (GE Profile appliances include ovens, dish washers, refrigerators, and air conditioners.) Get all the details before making a purchase.

Q. I use a wheelchair. How can I find a microwave that is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant?

A. Some microwaves from GE are ADA compliant. This means the controls are not over 48 inches high and not under 15 inches high. The controls must work easily with one hand. Check this page to learn more about ADA-compliant products.