
New microwave ovens have made cooking and reheating a breeze. With advanced features like sensor cooking, you can cook food to the perfect doneness without constantly checking on it.
One of the most exciting features of new microwave ovens is the ability to cook a variety of foods evenly and quickly, including frozen meals and leftovers. This is made possible by the oven's advanced cooking algorithms and precise temperature control.
Some new microwave ovens even come with a built-in grill function, allowing you to achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy interior on your favorite dishes. This feature is perfect for cooking steaks, chicken, and vegetables.
With the ability to cook a wide range of foods and the convenience of reheating leftovers, new microwave ovens are a game-changer for busy home cooks and professionals alike.
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Cooking Features
Our new microwaves are designed to make cooking and reheating a breeze. With smart features and cooking settings, you can enjoy stress-free food preparation.
Convection and air fry modes are available on our modern microwaves, allowing you to cook a variety of foods with ease. Sensor cooking and "Fast Cook" settings also make quick work of meal prep.
Built-in cook settings on some microwaves, such as the Sharp Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven, make cooking tricky foods like popcorn or potatoes a snap. The preset cooking menu will vary by brand and model, but always proves to be beneficial.
Some microwaves even come with sensor cook technology, which automatically determines cooking time and power levels for perfect results. This feature is especially convenient for reheating dinner plates or casseroles.
Here are some key cooking features to look for in a new microwave oven:
- Convection and air fry modes
- Sensor cooking and "Fast Cook" settings
- Built-in cook settings with preset menus
- Sensor cook technology for automatic cooking time and power level adjustment
Cook and Reheat Simply
Our modern microwaves are designed to make food preparation stress-free with smart features and cooking settings.
These include convection and air fry modes, plus sensor cooking and "Fast Cook" settings that make cooking and reheating a breeze.
Sensor Cook technology automatically determines cooking time and power levels, ensuring perfect results every time.
You can even reheat dinner plates or casseroles with ease using Sensor Reheat mode.
Some microwaves, like the Sharp Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven, come with built-in cook settings that make cooking tricky foods like popcorn or potatoes simple.
The preset cooking menu on these microwaves will vary from brand to brand and model to model, but will always prove to be beneficial.
A built-in microwave, like the one mentioned, can be installed alongside a Thermador Wall Oven for a streamlined kitchen setup.
The side-swing door design of some microwaves, like the one described, blends sleek aesthetics with exceptional value.
Some built-in microwaves, like the one mentioned, require the purchase of a separate trim kit, such as the MBT30CS, for installation.
Here are some key features to look for in a microwave oven:
- Built-in (Must be purchased alongside the MBT30CS trim kit.)
- Stainless Steel
- Left Side Opening Door
- 2.1 cu. ft. Capacity
Convection Technology Option
Convection Technology Option is a game-changer for cooking. It uses fans to circulate hot air during cooking times, giving your meals an even heat both inside and out.
This feature is especially valuable because it traps moisture inside the food, preventing drying out. It's a common pitfall of microwave cooking, but convection technology helps to mitigate this issue.
Appliances like the Sharp Stainless Steel Carousel Convection + Microwave Oven combine microwave and convection cooking technology to cook food faster than ever. This is a huge advantage for busy home cooks.
Convection Microwave Ovens achieve golden-brown results by combining a microwave heating element with a fan to circulate warm air evenly around foods. This results in perfectly cooked meals with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Design and Placement
Size matters when it comes to microwave ovens, but it's not just about the bigger being better. You need to consider the countertop space you're willing to sacrifice.
For those who can't spare the space, there are options like over-the-range microwave ovens, over-the-counter microwave ovens, or built-in microwave drawers like the Sharp Stainless Steel Easy Wave Open Microwave Drawer Oven.
These appliances are conveniently placed in space-saving areas of your kitchen, modernizing even the most outdated kitchens.
You can choose from various styles, including a drop-down door style that blends perfectly with your kitchen appliance suite.
Here are some popular placement options:
- Over-the-range microwave oven
- Over-the-counter microwave oven
- Built-in microwave drawer
- Wall oven microwave combination
Over the Range
Over the range microwave ovens are a popular choice for those with limited countertop space. They offer a convenient solution for cooking and reheating food without taking up valuable kitchen real estate.
You can find over the range microwaves that fit seamlessly into your kitchen, with designs that blend in with the rest of your appliances. For example, the GE Advantium Over the Range Microwave Oven has a bold and sleek design that matches perfectly with your kitchen appliance suite.
One of the key benefits of over the range microwaves is their ability to save space. By installing one above your range or cooktop, you can free up valuable countertop space for other appliances or tasks. Plus, many over the range microwaves come with built-in ventilation systems that efficiently capture smoke, steam, grease, and odors from the range or cooktop below.
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Here are some key features to look for in an over the range microwave oven:
- Oven capacity: Look for microwaves with a spacious interior, such as the 2.1 cu. ft. oven capacity of the Over-the-Range Microwave Oven.
- Ventilation system: A powerful ventilation system like the 385 CFM system in the Over-the-Range Microwave Oven can help keep your kitchen clean and odor-free.
- Design: Consider a microwave with a bold and sleek design that matches your kitchen appliance suite, like the GE Advantium Over the Range Microwave Oven.
Overall, over the range microwave ovens are a convenient and space-saving solution for cooking and reheating food in your kitchen.
Best for Small Spaces: GE GCST07N1
The GE GCST07N1 is a great option for small spaces, measuring 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches in size.
It's a bit shorter, shallower, and narrower than most compact microwaves, making it perfect for tight spaces. This microwave is about 2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower, and 3 inches shallower than our top pick.
However, it's narrow inside, so any vessel or food that's even slightly wider than the turntable will get stuck on the walls and begin to smoke. The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 10.4-inch carousel still accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate.
It performed better than the other compact models we evaluated, cooking a little more quickly and evenly than other models of the same size. In our tests, we found that this microwave cooked a cup of water hotter faster than the other compact models we tested.
With only 700 watts of power, it takes longer to heat things up, but it has more features than most compact models. It has automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food.
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Side-Swing

The Side-Swing microwave oven feature is a game-changer in terms of convenience and accessibility. It's designed to make cooking and reheating a breeze.
The Side-Swing feature allows for easy access to the oven's interior, making it simple to place and remove dishes without having to open the entire door. This feature is particularly useful for people with mobility issues or those who need to cook for others.
In the Side-Swing Microwave Oven Feature Highlights, we see that this feature is a key component of superior performance. It's no wonder that many people swear by their Side-Swing microwaves for their ease of use and efficiency.
Side-Swing microwaves often come with a sleek and compact design that fits perfectly in small kitchens. This makes them a great option for city dwellers or those with limited counter space.
Panasonic Models
The Panasonic Genius Sensor Inverter NN-SN686S is a top pick for its even heating and accurate sensors, but it lacks instant-start express settings.
This midsize microwave is a great option for those who want a reliable and efficient cooking experience.
It's worth noting that there are slightly less expensive versions of this model available at Costco and Target, but they have slightly more wattage.
If you're looking for a different finish, Panasonic offers an all-white model (NN-SN65KW) or an all-stainless model (NN-SN68KS), but they cost significantly more than the original pick.
For those who need a larger microwave, the 1.6-cubic-foot Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter NN-SN76LS is a good option, with a 14-inch carousel that fits extra-large plates or dishes.
It's also worth considering the smart version of the original pick, the NN-SV79MS, which connects to an Alexa device via Wi-Fi and allows for voice commands.
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Toshiba Models
The Toshiba EM131A5C is a solid but basic microwave that's a good size with 1.2 cubic feet of space and a carousel that's slightly more than 12 inches in diameter.
It's available in black, white, and stainless steel, and has a more attractive design than many compact models.
This model has a handle instead of a button, which some people prefer, and it's sturdy with a heftier body than most compact models.
The Toshiba ML-EM09PA is a smaller version of the EM131A5C, with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity and 900 watts of power.
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT is similar to the EM131A5C, but it has an inverter motor and costs a bit more.
It performed a little faster and heated more evenly than the EM131A5C, but not on a par with the top pick in those respects.
The EM131A5C has a power of 1,100 watts, which is more than enough, and it also has instant-start express settings, allowing you to cook at the highest power setting for a number of minutes.
It's a good option if your top pick is unavailable or out of stock, but its overall performance is not as strong as that of the top pick.
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GE Models
The GE JES1072 is an older model that's still available in some stores, but it lacks the two-step child-lock system required in newer countertop microwaves.
The GE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker is essentially the same as our compact pick, but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit for mounting under a cabinet or shelf.
If you're looking for more capacity and power, the GE GCST09N1 is a good option, with slightly more capacity and power than our compact pick.
It's also one of the few microwaves that are compatible with Alexa devices and support "scan-to-cook", which allows you to scan a QR code and wirelessly send cooking instructions to the microwave.
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Ge Gcst07n1
The GE GCST07N1 is a compact microwave that's perfect for small spaces, measuring 10.2 by 17.3 by 12.75 inches.
It's available in three finishes, but it's worth noting that it's narrow.
This microwave has instant-start express settings, which allow you to start cooking at the highest power with a single press of a button.

The instant-start express settings include buttons for numbers 1 through 6, as well as an Add 30 Seconds button.
It's also worth mentioning that it has a good assortment of automatic-cooking settings, including buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, reheating, and defrosting by time or by food.
The GE GCST07N1 has a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and a 10.4-inch carousel, which can accommodate a medium-size mixing bowl or dinner plate.
However, any vessel or food that's wider than the turntable will get stuck on the walls and start to smoke.
It performed better than other compact models in our tests, cooking a little more quickly and evenly than others of the same size.
For example, when we heated two cups of water on the highest setting, it got the water hotter faster than the other compact models we tested.
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GE Advantium Over the Range Microwave
The GE Advantium Over the Range Microwave is a game-changer in the kitchen, capable of baking, broiling, browning, roasting, microwaving, and grilling up to eight times faster than a conventional oven. No preheating is required.
This microwave oven is a connected one, meaning it's equipped with the latest technology to make cooking and reheating a breeze.
GE Advantium Over the Range Microwaves are designed to be easy to access and open, making it a convenient addition to any kitchen.
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Additional Features
These new microwave ovens are designed with safety in mind, featuring a child safety lock to prevent accidental start-ups.
Some models also come with a sensor that automatically adjusts cooking time and power level for optimal results.
The smart sensors in these microwaves can detect moisture levels and adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring your food is cooked perfectly every time.
These microwaves often have multiple power levels, allowing you to choose the right setting for your specific cooking needs.
Scan-to-Cook
Scan-to-Cook Technology makes cooking frozen foods a breeze. It's as simple as scanning a barcode to prepare your favorite foods exactly how the manufacturer intended.
This feature is available in smart countertop microwaves, such as the one mentioned in Example 6. It's a game-changer for anyone who's ever struggled to cook frozen meals to perfection.
The technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels based on the barcode scan, ensuring that your food is cooked just right. No more guesswork or overcooking!
If you're interested in investing in a microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology, look for smart countertop microwaves that have this feature.
Auto Defrost
The Auto Defrost feature is a game-changer for anyone who's ever struggled with frozen food. Simply enter the weight of the food you're cooking, and your Thermador Microwave will gently and automatically defrost it.
This feature is especially useful for cooking small quantities of food, like a 20 oz cup, which fits easily in the microwave's 2.1 cu. ft. capacity.
Design and Style
You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a microwave that fits your kitchen's style. GE Appliances and GE Profile offer a range of premium microwaves in various styles to make your kitchen counter shine.
Whether you prefer a classic look or something more modern, you'll find a color and finish to love. From stainless steel to black stainless steel, slate, and black slate, there's a microwave to match your kitchen's aesthetic.
If you're looking for a microwave that blends seamlessly with your kitchen appliance suite, consider one with a drop-down door style. This design is both bold and sleek, making it a great choice for those who want a cohesive look.
Advanced features like Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost are also available on some models, making cooking and defrosting a breeze.
Considerations and Options
You can choose from a variety of microwave oven styles, including built-in, in-cabinet, and countertop models.
If you have the space, built-in microwave ovens with a wall oven combo are a popular option.
Countertop microwaves keep your countertop clear, giving you more space for other appliances or activities.
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What to Consider
As you weigh your options, consider the importance of budget. A lower upfront cost can be appealing, but it's essential to factor in ongoing expenses and potential long-term savings.
The size of your space plays a significant role in determining the type of heating and cooling system you need. In smaller homes, a single unit system may be sufficient, while larger homes require a separate system for each zone.
A well-insulated home can save you money on energy bills and reduce your environmental impact. Proper insulation can make a significant difference in your home's energy efficiency.
In areas with extreme weather conditions, consider investing in a high-efficiency system that can handle the demands of your climate. This can be especially important in regions with intense cold or heat.
Regular maintenance is crucial to extending the life of your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system can run more efficiently and provide better air quality.
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Other GE Appliances to Consider

If you're looking for other GE Appliances microwaves to consider, the GE JES1072 is an older model that may still be available in some stores and is otherwise identical to our compact pick.
The GE GCHK07N1 Spacemaker is essentially the same microwave as our compact pick, but it has a slightly deeper body and is designed to work with a hanging kit (sold separately) so that you can mount it under a cabinet or shelf.
The GE GCST09N1 has slightly more capacity and power than our compact pick, and it’s one of the few microwaves available that are compatible with Alexa devices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest trend in microwave ovens?
The latest trend in microwave ovens is the integration of smart features, including voice control and mobile app connectivity. This allows for greater convenience and control over cooking.
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