7 Best GE Microwave Ovens of 2025

This sleek powerhouse delivers a premium blend of style and performance, standing out with its 1,150 watts of cooking power and 1.6 cubic feet capacity—perfect for singles, couples, or small families who refuse to compromise on kitchen aesthetics. The sensor cooking technology is a game-changer, automatically adjusting time and power to prevent overcooking, while the two-step child lock adds essential safety for homes with curious little ones. With Instant On express controls, busy users can zap leftovers in seconds without fumbling through menus—ideal for those chaotic weekday mornings or late-night snack runs.

In real-world testing, the microwave heats meals evenly thanks to the rotating glass turntable, and the sensor reheat function handles delicate tasks like warming pasta or steaming vegetables without drying them out. It effortlessly accommodates dinner plates and medium-sized casserole dishes, though larger cookware may still feel slightly constrained by the 1.6 cu. ft. interior. The weight-based defrost feature is impressively accurate, taking the guesswork out of thawing frozen proteins, though manual defrost remains a solid fallback. While it doesn’t offer smart connectivity or air frying, its consistent thermal performance and intuitive layout make it a reliable daily driver.

Compared to the GE GCST09U1WSS smart model, this unit trades Wi-Fi and Scan-to-Cook for a more refined, appliance-grade finish and stronger wattage—making it a smarter pick for those who prioritize cooking precision over app control. It’s not as spacious as the 2.0 cu. ft. B0DDM4N45M, but it matches it in core features while elevating the design with black stainless steel that resists fingerprints better than standard finishes. This microwave is perfect for style-conscious users who want restaurant-quality reheating without cluttering their countertop. It delivers better fit and finish than mid-range models, all while maintaining the same essential smart cooking logic.

If you’re after the ultimate balance of size, speed, and smarts, this GE model earns its “Best Overall” title with a robust 1,200-watt output and a spacious 2.0 cubic foot cavity—one of the largest in GE’s countertop lineup. The sensor cooking controls shine here, intelligently managing moisture and heat to deliver perfectly reheated lasagnas or fluffy steamed rice without oversight. Add in weight-based defrost and one-touch express cooking, and you’ve got a microwave that genuinely simplifies daily meal prep, especially for families or frequent entertainers.

During testing, it handled large dinner plates, deep bowls, and even 9×13 dishes with ease, thanks to the generous interior and smooth-rotating glass turntable. The sensor reheat preserved texture better than budget models, avoiding the dreaded “rubberized cheese” effect on pizza or casseroles. Even dense foods like stuffed potatoes cooked through uniformly, though extremely thick items occasionally needed a quick stir. While the stainless steel exterior is durable, it’s prone to smudges and lacks the premium fingerprint resistance of black stainless. Still, for its size, it remains surprisingly compact on the counter.

When stacked against the B0D2956DXB, this model offers more interior space and higher wattage, making it better suited for larger households—though it sacrifices the black stainless upgrade. It doesn’t have smart features like the GCST09U1WSS, but it outperforms it in raw cooking power and volume. This microwave is ideal for families or home cooks who regularly reheat big meals or cook from frozen. It offers the most well-rounded performance in the lineup, combining high-end features with practical design—making it a stronger all-rounder than more specialized models.

Step into the future of reheating with this smart-enabled marvel, where Scan-to-Cook technology and Wi-Fi integration turn your microwave into a voice-controlled kitchen assistant. Powered by Smart HQ, it works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, letting you add time or adjust power hands-free—perfect when your hands are full of groceries or covered in flour. Despite its modest 900-watt output, the 0.9 cubic foot cavity is optimized for efficiency, and the intuitive app pairing makes programming custom presets a breeze, especially for frozen meals or daily routines.

In daily use, the Scan-to-Cook feature—where you scan a frozen food barcode via the app—delivers remarkably accurate cook times and power levels, reducing guesswork and improving consistency. The sensor cooking function also performs well, though it’s slightly less responsive than in higher-wattage models when dealing with dense or layered dishes. The compact size fits snugly in dorms, offices, or RV kitchens, but may struggle with larger dinner plates. It’s not built for heavy-duty cooking, and the lower wattage means longer reheat cycles compared to 1,100W+ models.

Compared to the B0DDM4N45M, this unit trades cooking speed and capacity for cutting-edge convenience, making it best for tech lovers or minimalist spaces where automation trumps raw power. It’s the only GE microwave in this lineup with true smart functionality, setting it apart from otherwise identical siblings. This is the go-to choice for smart home enthusiasts or students who want app-guided cooking without a full kitchen overhaul. It prioritizes innovation over intensity, offering smarter control at the cost of brawn.

For those maximizing kitchen real estate, this over-the-range workhorse mounts neatly above your stove, freeing up counter space while delivering solid 1.6 cubic foot performance and essential ventilation. It’s designed for integrated living spaces, like studio apartments or galley kitchens, where every inch counts—offering both cooking and exhaust functionality in one sleek unit. The convenience controls are easy to navigate, and the included 2-year extended protection plan adds peace of mind, especially for first-time OTR installers who might worry about hidden costs.

In practice, the microwave heats meals evenly with dependable power, though exact wattage isn’t specified—likely in the 900–1000W range based on similar models. The glass turntable ensures consistent rotation, and the preset options simplify reheating, but the lack of sensor cooking or weight-based defrost is a noticeable omission at this price point. Installation can be tricky without prior experience, and the charcoal filter requires periodic replacement to maintain air quality. It’s not as feature-rich as countertop alternatives, but its space-saving design more than compensates for minor functional gaps.

Against the B0D2956DXB countertop model, this one wins on footprint efficiency but falls short on automation and ease of setup. It’s not ideal for renters or those without cabinetry support, but for homeowners doing a kitchen refresh, it’s a practical, space-conscious upgrade. This is best for users remodeling their kitchen or replacing an old over-the-range unit. It trades countertop flexibility for built-in utility, making it a smarter long-term investment for fixed setups.

This value-packed performer hits the sweet spot between capability and cost, offering 1,150 watts of power and a 1.6 cubic foot cavity at a notably lower price than its black stainless sibling. It’s a near twin to the B0D2956DXB in specs—complete with sensor cooking, weight-based defrost, and Instant On controls—but swaps the premium finish for classic stainless steel, making it a smarter buy for budget-aware shoppers who still want top-tier functionality. The two-step child lock ensures safety, while the glass turntable promotes even heating across meals.

Real-world testing confirms it reheats leftovers, cooks frozen dinners, and defrosts meat with the same reliability as pricier counterparts. The sensor settings adapt well to moisture levels, preventing sogginess or scorching, and the express buttons make popcorn or coffee reheating a one-touch affair. It fits standard dinner plates and shallow casseroles without issue, though deep dishes may brush the ceiling. The only real compromise is the finish, which shows fingerprints more easily and lacks the modern flair of black stainless.

Compared to the B0D2956DXB, it’s functionally identical but visually simpler—making it the better pick for those who care more about performance than aesthetics. Against the smart GCST09U1WSS, it delivers more power and larger capacity without the tech frills. This is ideal for students, renters, or secondary kitchens where practicality rules. It outperforms its price tag with high-end cooking logic, offering nearly the same experience as premium models at a leaner cost.

This multi-function dynamo redefines what a microwave can do, packing air fry, convection bake, and broil modes into a compact 1.0 cubic foot body—making it a countertop powerhouse for health-conscious cooks and small-space dwellers alike. With 1,050 watts of microwave power and a crisper pan that delivers golden, fried texture, it eliminates the need for a separate air fryer, saving space and streamlining cleanup. The convection mode circulates hot air for even browning on chicken wings or roasted veggies, while the built-in broiler adds a satisfying sear to steaks or melts cheese with precision.

In testing, the air fry function produced crispy tater tots and juicy chicken nuggets in under 20 minutes—no preheating required—while the sensor microwave settings handled reheating with care. The elevated rack enhances airflow in convection mode, though it limits vertical space for taller dishes. The preset buttons (like Fries and Pizza) are convenient, but the interface has a slight learning curve for first-time convection users. It’s not as fast as a dedicated air fryer, but the multi-cook versatility makes up for it.

Versus the B0DDM4N45M, this model trades interior volume for cooking diversity, making it better suited for those who bake, roast, or fry frequently. It’s a direct competitor to combo ovens twice its price, offering serious kitchen expansion in a microwave form. This is perfect for singles, couples, or small kitchens wanting restaurant-style results without multiple appliances. It delivers more cooking modes than any other GE model, trading a bit of space for a lot of function.

Don’t let its miniature frame fool you—this ultra-compact champion is engineered for efficiency, delivering 700 watts of reliable power in a space-saving 0.7 cubic foot body that fits perfectly in dorms, offices, or RVs. It’s the most affordable entry point into the GE lineup, yet still includes essentials like one-touch controls, child lock, and manual/auto defrost—making it surprisingly capable for light-duty use. The sleek white finish with black glass keypad adds a clean, modern touch to minimalist spaces.

In real use, it handles mug meals, oatmeal, and frozen snacks with ease, though larger plates or deep containers won’t fit. The lower wattage means longer cook times—especially for dense foods—and there’s no sensor cooking to auto-adjust settings, so you’ll need to monitor meals closely. The glass turntable ensures even heating within its limits, and the 39-inch power cord offers flexible placement. It’s not built for family meals or heavy rotation, but for solo users or second homes, it’s perfectly proportioned and fuss-free.

Compared to the B0DD85QFY6, it sacrifices power and capacity for lower cost and smaller size, making it ideal for tight budgets or compact living. It lacks the smart features of the GCST09U1WSS but offers a simpler, more durable interface. This is best for students, bachelors, or travel setups where space and price matter most. It maximizes value at the entry level, proving you don’t need bells and whistles for basic, reliable performance.