GE Countertop Microwave: 5 Best Models Reviewed

Imagine this: You’re craving a quick snack, or maybe you need to reheat leftovers in a flash. You reach for your microwave, but it’s clunky, slow, or just not cutting it. Choosing a new countertop microwave, especially a GE, can feel like a puzzle. There are so many models, each with different features and prices. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder which one will actually make your kitchen life easier.

That’s where we come in. This post will help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes GE countertop microwaves stand out and what you should look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking a microwave that fits your needs and your kitchen perfectly. Get ready to find your new favorite kitchen helper!

Our Top 5 Ge Countertop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Ge Countertop Microwave Detailed Reviews

1. GE GCST14S1WWW Microwave Oven

GE GCST14S1WWW Microwave Oven,1,100-watt 7 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, 1.4 Cu. Ft, White

Rating: 8.8/10

The GE GCST14S1WWW Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. It offers 1,100 watts of power and a 1.4 cubic foot capacity, making it perfect for cooking and reheating meals. This microwave also features 7 auto cooking settings and child-lock technology for added convenience and safety.

What We Like:

  • Powerful Cooking: With 1,100 watts, it heats food quickly and efficiently.
  • Smart Cooking: Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results.
  • Easy Defrosting: Weight and time defrost options make thawing food simple.
  • Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents accidental use.
  • Even Cooking: The glass turntable rotates food for thorough heating.
  • Space-Saving Design: It’s compact enough for countertops without taking up too much space.
  • Simple Controls: Instant On buttons and clear settings make it easy to use.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Limited Auto Settings: While 7 auto settings are good, more options could offer even greater versatility.
  • Basic Appearance: The white color is classic but might not match all modern kitchen decors.

This GE microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It balances power and convenience, making it a solid choice for everyday cooking needs.

2. GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven

GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven, 950-watt 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, 1.1 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel

Rating: 9.1/10

The GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. Its sleek stainless steel design looks good on any countertop. This microwave offers 950 watts of power, which is plenty for heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals. It also has 6 auto-cooking settings to make things even easier.

What We Like:

  • The two-step child lock is a smart safety feature for families with young children.
  • It has a good balance between its exterior size and interior space. The 1.1 cu. ft. interior can hold a lot, and the glass turntable ensures even cooking.
  • Controls are simple to use. One-touch buttons and features like the kitchen timer and cooking complete alarms make operation a breeze.
  • Defrosting is easy with the weight and time defrost options. You just tell it how much food you have, or set the time, and it does the rest.
  • Setup is straightforward. It’s a freestanding microwave that fits easily on most surfaces and comes with a decent length power cord.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it has 6 auto-cooking settings, some users might want even more specialized options for specific foods.
  • The exterior, while stylish, might show fingerprints easily due to the stainless steel finish.

This GE microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It packs useful features into a compact and attractive package.

3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven

GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven, 1,050 Watts Air Fryer, Broiler & Convection Mode, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop or Dorm Room, 1.0 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel

Rating: 8.8/10

Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave that does more than just heat up your leftovers. This appliance is a countertop champion, offering 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, dorm room, or office. With its versatile cooking options, it’s ready to tackle all your mealtime needs.

What We Like:

  • It has an amazing Air Fry mode. You can make your favorite snacks crispy and healthier.
  • The Convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a perfect golden-brown finish. A special rack helps the air circulate.
  • You can even Broil food with this microwave! It’s like having a grill inside.
  • Preset controls make cooking simple. Just pick your food, like fries or nuggets, and it cooks them perfectly.
  • The Child-Lock feature is a smart safety addition, stopping little hands from accidentally turning it on.
  • It’s compact but powerful, fitting easily on your counter without taking up too much space.
  • The glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all the way around.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it has many features, some users might find the initial learning curve for all the modes a little steep.
  • The Air Fry function, while good, may not achieve the same level of crispiness as a dedicated air fryer for very large batches.

This GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one solution for quick meals and creative cooking. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking for convenience and versatility in their kitchen.

4. GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven

GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt 8 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, 1.6 Cu. Ft, Black Stainless

Rating: 9.2/10

The GE GCST16S1WTS Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave packs a punch with 1150 watts of power, making it a speedy and efficient cooking companion. It’s also designed with families in mind, featuring a helpful child lock to keep little hands safe.

What We Like:

  • The 1150-watt power heats food quickly and evenly.
  • The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is generous for its size.
  • Sensor cooking controls take the guesswork out of reheating.
  • Weight and Time Defrost makes thawing food simple.
  • The two-step child lock adds an important safety feature.
  • Instant On express cooking controls are super convenient.
  • The glass turntable ensures food cooks thoroughly.
  • It fits easily on countertops, making setup a breeze.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it has 8 auto-cooking settings, some users might want more specialized options.
  • The “black stainless” finish can sometimes show fingerprints more easily than traditional stainless steel.

This GE microwave oven offers a great blend of power, convenience, and safety. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly microwave.

5. GE Countertop Microwave Oven

GE Countertop Microwave Oven,1, 200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel

Rating: 9.1/10

The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop. This microwave offers a generous 2.0 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for handling larger meals or multiple dishes. You get a powerful 1200 watts of cooking power, making quick work of reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals. Plus, with 8 auto cooking settings, it takes the guesswork out of preparing your favorite foods.

What We Like:

  • The TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK is a smart safety feature that keeps little hands out of the microwave.
  • It’s COMPACT YET POWERFUL, fitting easily on your counter while still cooking efficiently.
  • SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS automatically adjust cooking time and power for perfect results every time.
  • WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST makes thawing food simple and quick.
  • CONVENIENT CONTROLS, like Instant On express cooking and helpful alarms, make using it a breeze.
  • The glass turntable rotates for even cooking.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced customization options beyond the auto settings.
  • The 2.0 cubic feet capacity, while generous for a countertop model, might still be too small for extremely large cooking tasks.

This GE microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It simplifies cooking with its smart features and powerful performance, making it a great value.

Your Guide to the Perfect GE Countertop Microwave

GE countertop microwaves offer a great way to heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, and even cook simple meals. They sit right on your counter, so they’re easy to reach. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re shopping for a GE countertop microwave, keep these important features in mind.

Power (Wattage)
  • Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most GE microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts.
  • For quick reheating, 700-900 watts is usually enough.
  • If you plan to cook more often, look for 1000 watts or higher.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
  • This tells you how much food can fit inside.
  • Smaller kitchens might prefer a compact microwave (around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet).
  • Larger families or those who cook bigger dishes will need a mid-size or large microwave (1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet).
Convenience Features
  • Turntable: A spinning plate helps food cook evenly. Most GE models have this.
  • Preset Cooking Options: Buttons for popcorn, pizza, or defrosting make cooking easy.
  • Sensor Cooking: This smart feature detects moisture and adjusts cooking time automatically.
  • Child Lock: A safety feature to prevent little hands from turning it on.

Important Materials

The inside and outside of your GE microwave are made from different materials. These affect durability and cleaning.

Interior Material
  • Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It’s durable, looks good, and is easy to clean. It can be a bit more expensive.
  • Ceramic Enamel: This is also very durable and resists scratches. It’s often easier to wipe clean than some older materials.
  • Painted Cavity: This is the most basic option. It’s usually found in less expensive models. It can scratch or chip over time.
Exterior Material

Most GE countertop microwaves have a sleek exterior, often made of painted metal. Some higher-end models might feature stainless steel accents or fully stainless steel exteriors, which match other kitchen appliances.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Several things can make a GE microwave better or not as good.

What Makes a GE Microwave Great
  • Brand Reputation: GE is a well-known brand. They usually make reliable appliances.
  • Build Quality: A sturdy door, a smooth-operating dial or buttons, and a well-fitting lid all point to good quality.
  • Even Cooking: A good microwave heats food evenly without hot or cold spots.
  • Easy Controls: Simple and clear buttons make it easy to use.
What Can Make a GE Microwave Less Ideal
  • Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when they run.
  • Durability of Controls: Buttons that feel flimsy might not last as long.
  • Cleaning Difficulty: A microwave with many nooks and crannies can be harder to keep clean.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you’ll use your GE microwave. This helps you choose the right size and features.

Everyday Kitchen Tasks

GE countertop microwaves are perfect for heating up a quick lunch, making a cup of tea, or melting butter. They save time and effort for busy people.

Quick Meal Preparation
  • You can use them to cook frozen meals.
  • They are great for steaming vegetables quickly.
  • Reheating leftovers is a breeze.
Specific Needs
  • Small Apartments: A compact GE microwave fits well in tight spaces.
  • Families: A larger capacity microwave can handle family-sized portions.
  • Tech-Savvy Users: Look for models with advanced sensor cooking or smart features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does a GE countertop microwave typically cost?

A: GE countertop microwaves can range from about $100 for basic models to $300 or more for those with more features and stainless steel finishes.

Q: Are GE microwaves easy to clean?

A: Most GE microwaves are designed to be easy to clean. Models with ceramic enamel or stainless steel interiors are usually the easiest to wipe down.

Q: What is the average lifespan of a GE countertop microwave?

A: With proper care, a GE countertop microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.

Q: Do GE microwaves come with a warranty?

A: Yes, GE appliances usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Check the product details for specific warranty information.

Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a GE countertop microwave?

A: While some larger GE microwaves might fit smaller chickens, they are generally better suited for reheating and cooking smaller items. For roasting a whole chicken, an oven is usually recommended.

Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?

A: Wattage measures the microwave’s power. Higher wattage means it can heat food faster and more efficiently.

Q: Is a turntable necessary in a microwave?

A: A turntable is not strictly necessary, but it helps food cook more evenly by rotating it as it heats.

Q: How do I choose the right size microwave?

A: Consider how much food you usually heat or cook. If it’s just for one or two people and small items, a smaller microwave is fine. For families or larger dishes, opt for a bigger one.

Q: What are “preset cooking options”?

A: These are pre-programmed settings for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. You just select the food type and sometimes the weight, and the microwave cooks it for the right amount of time.

Q: Are GE microwaves energy efficient?

A: GE designs its appliances with energy efficiency in mind. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models if this is a top priority for you.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.