6 Best GE Countertop Microwaves of 2025

This powerhouse performer redefines what a countertop microwave should be—delivering 1,200 watts of cooking intensity in a spacious 2.0 cubic foot cavity that effortlessly handles dinner plates, casserole dishes, and family-sized meals. What truly sets the GE B0DDM4N45M apart is its advanced sensor cooking technology, which automatically calibrates time and power for flawless results, eliminating guesswork and preventing overcooking. For busy households and meal-preppers, the weight-based defrost function is a game-changer, taking the frustration out of thawing frozen proteins with precision accuracy.

In real-world testing, this microwave shines when multitasking—reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, and cooking frozen entrées with consistent, even heat distribution thanks to the rotating glass turntable and optimized cavity design. The 8 auto-cook presets (like potato, beverage, and reheat) respond quickly and intelligently, while the Instant On express buttons let you start with a single tap at 100% power—perfect for rushed mornings. However, its larger footprint demands more counter space than compact models, and the stainless steel finish shows fingerprints readily, requiring frequent wiping to maintain its sleek look.

Positioned as the best overall GE countertop microwave, it outperforms smaller models like the B0D296FX8K in both capacity and cooking versatility, making it ideal for families or anyone who regularly cooks full meals. While it lacks the air frying or smart features of niche models, it delivers superior reliability and performance where it counts—consistent power, smart automation, and a roomy interior. It’s a clear step up from budget and compact units, offering greater value through stronger build, smarter sensors, and broader usability compared to entry-level alternatives.

Sleek, efficient, and perfectly sized for tight spaces, the GE B0D296FX8K brings high-end functionality to compact living. With 900 watts of power and a 0.9 cubic foot interior, it strikes a rare balance—offering enough room for most dinner plates and mugs without overwhelming a dorm desk or studio apartment counter. The standout here is its intuitive control layout, featuring one-touch presets and a responsive electronic keypad that makes reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals feel effortless. For parents or roommates, the two-step child lock adds peace of mind without complicating daily use.

During daily use, this microwave proves its worth with reliable performance across common tasks—warming soup, steaming veggies, or melting butter—all with even heating thanks to the rotating glass turntable. While it doesn’t have sensor cooking or weight-based defrost, the manual and auto defrost options are straightforward and effective for basic needs. The 39-inch power cord provides flexible placement, and the stainless steel finish resists scratches well. That said, the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods, and the smaller cavity struggles with oversized containers or deep dishes.

Ideal for students, singles, or secondary kitchens, this model outshines the B0D292H7PR in both power and design, offering a more premium feel without a steep price jump. Compared to the smart-enabled B0D294DCWT, it lacks connectivity but wins on simplicity and durability. It’s the best compact performer for those who prioritize dependable cooking, space efficiency, and clean aesthetics over high-tech extras. If you need strong basics in a small package, this microwave delivers excellent real-world usability with zero learning curve.

Don’t let its petite size fool you—the GE B0D292H7PR packs essential features into an ultra-compact 0.7 cubic foot body, making it a budget-savvy champion for minimalists and first-time buyers. With 700 watts of power, it handles light-duty tasks like reheating coffee, cooking instant ramen, or steaming small portions with surprising efficiency. The one-touch express cooking buttons and manual defrost function keep operation simple, while the two-step child lock ensures safety in shared or family environments.

In practice, this microwave excels in low-traffic kitchens—dorm rooms, offices, or guest suites—where full meals aren’t the norm. The glass turntable promotes even heating, though results can be spotty with thicker foods due to lower wattage. It fits neatly on cramped counters or shelves, and the 39-inch power cord offers placement flexibility. However, cooking times are noticeably longer than higher-wattage models, and the small cavity limits dish size, ruling out most dinner plates. It’s best for solo users or light users who prioritize affordability and footprint over speed and capacity.

When stacked against the B0D296FX8K, it sacrifices power and space but wins on price and simplicity. While it lacks sensor cooking and modern finishes, it delivers core microwave functionality without fluff. For those needing a no-frills, space-saving solution, this model offers solid entry-level performance with essential safety features—a smart pick when value and size matter most.

The GE B0D2956DXB hits the sweet spot between size and strength, offering 1,150 watts of cooking power and a 1.6 cubic foot cavity—ideal for couples or small families who want performance without bulk. Its sensor cooking controls are a standout, automatically adjusting time and power for perfect popcorn, reheated pasta, or steamed vegetables, eliminating the guesswork that plagues manual settings. The weight and time defrost options add versatility, making it easy to thaw chicken breasts or frozen veggies with precision.

In daily use, this microwave handles mid-sized meals with confidence, thanks to its even heat distribution and rotating turntable. The 8 auto-cook presets respond reliably, and the Instant On feature delivers quick access to full power—great for busy weeknights. While it doesn’t match the 2.0 cu. ft. giant in capacity, it fits more dishes than compact models and maintains a relatively slim profile. The black stainless finish resists smudges better than standard stainless, though it can still show fine scratches over time.

Compared to the top-tier B0DDM4N45M, it trades a bit of power and space but retains most smart features at a slightly lower cost. Against the B0D292H7PR, it’s a massive upgrade in speed and usability. As the best mid-range capacity option, it’s perfect for those who want near-full performance in a more manageable size. It delivers smart cooking intelligence and strong power in a design that balances form and function—ideal for modern kitchens with limited counter space.

This multifunctional marvel transforms your countertop into a mini kitchen with air fry, convection, and broil modes packed into a compact 1.0 cubic foot cavity. The 1,050-watt microwave power combines with true convection heating to deliver crispy fries, golden chicken, and even roasted veggies—without needing a separate air fryer or oven. The included crisper pan and elevated rack are game-changers, enabling browning and searing that standard microwaves can’t touch. For health-conscious cooks, the air fry mode uses up to 75% less oil while delivering satisfying crunch.

Real-world testing confirms its versatility: frozen tater tots come out crispy, baked potatoes get fluffy interiors with crisp skins, and broiled salmon develops a delicious caramelized top. The preset buttons for fries and nuggets simplify cooking, and the glass turntable ensures even microwave heating when not using convection. However, the learning curve is steeper than a basic microwave, and cycle times are longer when using convection or broil. It also requires more cleaning due to the extra accessories and grease splatter.

Compared to the B0DDM4N4N45M, it offers far more cooking flexibility but demands more user involvement. It’s the best for healthy cooking and perfect for small kitchens where counter space is precious. If you want oven-like results with microwave convenience, this model delivers unmatched functionality in a compact footprint—a true all-in-one powerhouse for modern cooking.

Step into the future with the GE GCST09U1WSS, a smart microwave that blends voice control, app connectivity, and Scan-to-Cook technology for a seamless kitchen experience. With 900 watts and 0.9 cubic feet of space, it’s compact but powerful, ideal for tech-savvy users who want automation without sacrificing counter real estate. The WiFi integration with Smart HQ lets you start, pause, or adjust cooking via Alexa or Google Assistant—perfect when your hands are full. Even better, scanning frozen food barcodes auto-sets time and power for optimal results, reducing errors and improving consistency.

In daily use, the smart features shine: scanning a frozen meal box triggers the perfect cook cycle, and voice commands work reliably with minimal lag. The rotating turntable and manual defrost ensure basic functions remain solid, and the child lock adds safety. However, the app can be slow to connect during peak hours, and the lack of sensor cooking feels like a missed opportunity given its tech focus. It also can’t match the speed of higher-wattage models for large portions.

Pitted against the B0D296FX8K, it offers identical size and power but adds smart capabilities at the same price point. For those who value automation and voice control, it’s the best smart features model in GE’s lineup. It’s perfect for renters, students, or smart homes seeking connected convenience in a compact, reliable package—a microwave that evolves with your lifestyle.