7 Best GE Countertop Microwaves (November 2026)
The best GE countertop microwaves include the GE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave for everyday family meals, the GE 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave for very tight spaces, and the GE 1.6 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave for larger meal portions.
On this page (8 sections)
- How we chose these GE countertop microwaves
- The best GE countertop microwaves by use
- What should you compare before buying a GE countertop microwave?
- How should you set up a GE countertop microwave?
- How do you get better results from everyday microwave use?
- How should you clean and care for your GE microwave?
- Which buying mistakes are easiest to avoid?
- Which GE countertop microwave should you choose?
The GE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave is the best GE countertop microwave for most homes because it balances everyday dish space with sensor cooking. Choose a smaller model for mugs and single portions, or move up when the dishes you actually use need more room.
Start with your counter and cookware, then choose the features. A microwave that crowds your prep area or can't turn your favorite bowl is the wrong fit, even if it has more power or extra buttons.
For comparisons beyond GE, start with our countertop microwave brand guide. You can also browse the best countertop microwaves or our small countertop microwave picks.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itGE Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave
Best for apartment lunches - 5
Check itGE Profile 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave
Best for connected kitchens - 6
Check itGE 2.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best for roomy family kitchens - 7
Best for small-space cooksCheck it
How we chose these GE countertop microwaves
We compared capacity, cooking power, controls and installation needs to match each GE countertop microwave to a clear household use. Sensor cooking, connected features and browning modes matter most when they solve a task you'll repeat.
The standard models cover small snacks through larger meal portions. The Profile serves buyers who want connected controls, while the 4-in-1 serves cooks who want crisping and browning alongside microwave heating.
Our order favors an everyday kitchen fit rather than the largest cavity or longest feature list. A specialized model can still be your best choice when its particular function matters more than general reheating.
For more on footprint and dish space, use our countertop microwave size and dimensions guide. For other roundup categories, our best-picks hub brings the options together.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Cooking power | Controls | Our score |
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| GE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | everyday family meals | 1.4 cu ft | 1,100 watts | One-touch settings and electronic keypad | 7.8 |
| GE 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | very tight spaces | 0.7 cu ft | 700 watts | One-touch settings and electronic keypad | 7.2 |
| GE 1.6 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | larger meal portions | 1.6 cu ft | 1,150 watts | One-touch settings and electronic keypad | 7.0 |
| GE Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave | apartment lunches | 0.9 cu ft | 900 watts | One-touch settings and electronic keypad | 7.0 |
| GE Profile 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave | connected kitchens | 1.1 cu ft | 800 watts | Wi-Fi, keypad and one-touch settings | 7.0 |
| GE 2.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | roomy family kitchens | 2.0 cu ft | 1,200 watts | One-touch settings and electronic keypad | 6.9 |
| GE 4-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer | small-space cooks | 1.0 cu ft | 1,050 watts | 6.9 |
The best GE countertop microwaves by use
Choose the middle-size GE for everyday meals, a compact model for smaller portions, or a specialized model for connected controls or browning. Each pick below has a distinct reason to buy it and a clear reason to skip it.
GE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for everyday family meals
- 1.4 cu ft capacity
- 1,100 watts
- Sensor cooking
- 7 convenience cook settings
The first choice for everyday reheating when you want sensor controls and more dish space than a compact microwave offers.
Pros
- Sensor controls adjust cooking time based on moisture
- Express controls simplify common heating tasks
- Manual and automatic defrost options
Cons
- Needs more counter room than the smallest GE option
- Doesn't add air fry, convection or broil modes
This is the starting point for a household that reheats dinner plates, warms side dishes and defrosts ingredients throughout the week. Its 1,100 watts and sensor cooking make it a more useful everyday choice than buying the smallest unit simply to save space.
The sensor monitors moisture and adjusts cooking time. That suits common reheating tasks, while manual time and power controls remain useful for delicate foods or recipes with specific instructions.
Choose it when several people use the microwave but you don't regularly need the largest dishes. The 7 convenience settings offer shortcuts without making extra cooking modes the main reason to buy.
Skip it if your routine is mostly a mug of milk and an occasional small snack. It also won't replace an appliance you use to brown food, so keep the 4-in-1 in view if crisp edges matter.
Before committing, compare the cavity and turntable measurements with your widest everyday plate. Leave enough room to grip the plate with mitts, too.
GE 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for very tight spaces
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 700 watts
- 4 convenience cook settings
- Stainless steel finish
Choose this compact model for mugs, small bowls and occasional meals when preserving usable counter space comes first.
Pros
- Smallest capacity in this group
- Express settings for quick starts
- Manual and automatic defrost options
Cons
- Lower power means allowing more time for many meals
- Small interior needs careful dish-fit checks
Choose this model when preserving counter space comes first and your regular cookware is small. Its body measures 17.31 in wide, 12.75 in deep and 10.19 in high, before ventilation gaps.
It suits an office snack station, occasional reheating or a small household that mainly uses mugs and cereal-size bowls. The express controls and 4 convenience settings cover a simple routine without connected features to set up.
The tradeoff is patience: 700 watts calls for more heating time than higher-power meal instructions may expect. Follow any lower-wattage directions on the package, then stir and check the food rather than adding a long block of time blindly.
Skip it if you often heat broad dinner plates, tall containers or several portions together. Those tasks make interior shape and access more important than a small exterior.
This is also a poor way to save room if your favorite dishes force you to transfer every meal into another bowl. Measure those dishes first.
GE 1.6 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for larger meal portions
- 1.6 cu ft capacity
- 1,150 watts
- Sensor cooking
- 8 convenience cook settings
A step up in interior capacity for households that regularly reheat larger portions and have counter space to spare.
Pros
- More interior capacity than the top pick
- Sensor controls adjust cooking time
- Manual and automatic defrost options
Cons
- Larger capacity needs a suitable countertop location
- Little reason to size up for small bowls alone
Choose this GE when your normal meal portions need more room than the top pick. Its sensor controls and 8 convenience settings support the same reheating-focused routine, with a larger cavity for buyers who will use it.
The reason to move up is cookware and portion size, rather than the small wattage increase over the first pick. An extra 50 watts shouldn't drive the decision if both models already meet your cooking needs.
It suits households that reheat larger bowls of leftovers or prepare side dishes for several people. Confirm that a particular casserole dish can rotate freely, since cubic feet alone won't answer that question.
Skip this model when you mostly use small containers and would lose valuable chopping or serving space to a bigger appliance. Extra unused cavity space doesn't improve a cup of soup.
For larger portions, spread food into an even layer instead of leaving it piled in the center. More room helps you arrange food, but stirring and standing time still matter.
GE Compact 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for apartment lunches
- 0.9 cu ft capacity
- 900 watts
- 7 convenience cook settings
- Stainless steel finish
A compact choice for daily lunches when the smallest model feels restrictive but a family-size microwave is unnecessary.
Pros
- More capacity and power than the smallest pick
- Express controls and convenience settings
- Manual and automatic defrost options
Cons
- Less interior capacity than the top pick
- Requires ventilation space beyond the appliance footprint
The compact GE is the middle choice for someone who heats lunch daily but doesn't need a family-size appliance. Its 900 watts give it a useful power step above the smallest pick.
Choose it for an apartment kitchen, office or dorm where meals usually arrive one portion at a time. The 7 convenience settings and manual or automatic defrost suit that routine without adding Wi-Fi or browning modes.
Skip it if your regular meal container is a wide rectangular dish, or if you often reheat food for several people together. Check the actual interior width and turntable space before deciding that a compact cavity is enough.
Confirm exterior width and depth for the exact model before ordering, especially when replacing an appliance in a tight spot. Leave working space beside it for a hot bowl instead of using every remaining inch for storage.
The small microwave guide helps you compare other compact options if dish fit remains the deciding factor.
GE Profile 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for connected kitchens
- 1.1 cu ft capacity
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Sensor cooking
- Scan-to-Cook
Pick the Profile for voice assistant support, package scanning or its optional under-cabinet hanging arrangement.
Pros
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant over Wi-Fi
- Sensor cooking and Scan-to-Cook
- Supports an optional under-cabinet hanging kit
Cons
- Wide body needs careful placement planning
- Hanging kit is sold separately
- Less cooking power than the top pick
Choose the Profile when connected controls or optional hanging installation will earn their place in your kitchen. It connects over Wi-Fi, works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and offers Scan-to-Cook for package barcode-based settings.
Those features suit someone who already uses voice assistants or wants help entering packaged-food instructions. Keep the package directions available when using scanning, and check any required preparation steps yourself.
This isn't the narrow-counter option: the body is 24 in wide. Its shallow shape may suit some layouts, but measure the whole location before choosing it for space savings.
The optional under-cabinet hanging kit is sold separately. Use the compatible kit and installation instructions rather than treating a shelf or generic bracket as a substitute.
Skip the Profile if you want straightforward keypad use and have no plan to connect it. Its 800-watt cooking power also means the connected features shouldn't be mistaken for faster heating than the standard middle-size picks.
GE 2.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for roomy family kitchens
- 2.0 cu ft capacity
- 1,200 watts
- Sensor cooking
- 8 convenience cook settings
The largest-capacity option here suits bulky dishes and generous portions when you can dedicate a substantial counter area.
Pros
- Most interior capacity in this roundup
- Sensor controls adjust cooking time
- Express controls and automatic defrost
Cons
- Substantial countertop footprint
- Countertop-only design cannot use a trim kit
Choose this model when bulky cookware and generous portions justify dedicating a substantial counter area to the microwave. It has the largest capacity in this group and sensor controls for automatic cooking-time adjustments.
It suits a family kitchen where a smaller cavity regularly forces food into several containers. Before buying, compare usable interior dimensions with the handles and corners of your largest microwave-safe dish.
Its higher power doesn't remove the need to stir a dense meal. Break apart thick portions where possible, distribute food evenly and check the middle before serving.
Skip it when the microwave mostly handles drinks and snacks, or when it would crowd the sink or prep area. A bigger cavity is worthwhile only if your meals use it.
This model is countertop-only and incompatible with a trim kit. If your kitchen plan calls for an enclosed appliance opening, choose a model and installation system approved for that purpose instead of adapting this one.
GE 4-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer: Best for small-space cooks
- 1.0 cu ft capacity
- Microwave, air fry, convection and broil
- 1,050 watts
- Crisper pan and racks included
Choose this combo when you want one appliance for reheating, crisping and small baking tasks and will use its different modes.
Pros
- Combines four cooking modes
- Includes a crisper pan and two cooking racks
- Can reduce the need for separate countertop appliances
Cons
- Accessories need storage and cleaning
- One cooking cavity limits simultaneous tasks
- Extra modes add little for reheating-only buyers
Choose the 4-in-1 if you want to reheat food and brown its surface using one appliance. Microwave, air fry, convection and broil modes give it a different job from the standard models above.
It suits a small household that would use convection for small baking tasks or air fry for crisping. It can reduce the need for separate appliances, provided its cooking space suits your portions.
The included accessories are a stainless steel crisper pan, a tall broiling rack and a short convection rack. Store them nearby, but use each one only in the modes GE allows.
Skip it if you already have a separate air fryer you like and mainly need fast reheating. A single cooking cavity also means you can't use it to microwave a side while another dish occupies its convection mode.
Allow for accessory washing and cooling time after browning tasks. For other configurations, compare our best microwave air fryer combos.
What should you compare before buying a GE countertop microwave?
Compare dish fit, available space and your usual meals before weighing extra features. The best choice handles your daily routine without taking more kitchen space than you can spare.
How much space does a GE countertop microwave need?
For countertop use, these models require 3 in on each side and above, plus 1 in behind, with the bottom fully unobstructed. Add those gaps to the appliance body before deciding whether it fits.
For example, the smallest pick needs a clear envelope at least 23.31 in wide and 13.19 in high under those requirements. Its minimum depth allowance is 13.75 in, with additional room as needed for the plug and safe placement.
Check door movement separately from the closed appliance dimensions. You need room to open it fully, reach inside and put down a hot dish without twisting around nearby appliances.
For more layout help, see our guide to countertop microwave placement. A spot that preserves a landing area can be more useful than squeezing the microwave into the smallest possible gap.
Will your dishes fit and rotate freely?
Choose capacity around your largest regular dish, rather than a rare holiday container. Measure the rim, handles and height, then compare them with the cavity opening, usable interior and turntable diameter.
A rectangular container may fit through the door yet catch the wall as it turns. Tall mugs also need enough room to lift them out without tilting hot liquid toward your hand.
Don't assume that moving up one capacity step guarantees a particular casserole dish will fit. Interior shape matters alongside volume, and cookware handles can be the limiting point.
If most meals are individual portions, prioritize comfortable access to a normal plate or bowl. Buying extra space for a dish you almost never use can cost you valuable prep room every day.
How much cooking power do your meals need?
Choose power with your heating routine and package directions in mind. Frequent frozen meals make higher output more useful, while occasional drinks and small snacks can justify the smallest model.
A package's suggested time usually assumes a stated microwave wattage. If your oven differs, use the package's adjustment guidance and check progress rather than assuming the same time will work.
More output doesn't mean every food should cook at full power. Lower power settings can help with gentle warming, softening ingredients and heating foods whose edges become hot before the center.
For a fuller explanation of output and timing, read how many watts a countertop microwave needs. Capacity and wattage are separate choices, so don't use either one as a shortcut for the other.
Which extra features will you actually use?
Choose sensor cooking for automatic timing, connected controls for a smart-home routine, or combo modes for browning. These features solve different problems and aren't substitutes for one another.
Sensor cooking responds to moisture released during heating. Use the correct program and follow the manual's instructions for covers and containers so steam can reach the sensor as intended.
A convenience button is still a shortcut for a particular task. Check that its intended portion and food type match what you're preparing instead of assuming every preset suits every meal.
Wi-Fi won't make a poorly fitting bowl easier to remove. Likewise, air fry and convection modes deserve priority only if you'll use them often enough to justify accessories and a different cooking routine.
How should you set up a GE countertop microwave?
Set it on a stable, level surface with the required ventilation space, then follow the exact model's setup instructions. Installation is also the time to learn the controls before you're holding a hot meal.
Remove packing material and fit the turntable parts as directed. Make sure the tray sits correctly and turns freely, and don't run the microwave empty to check its operation.
Use the electrical connection described in the manual, and keep the cord away from heat and water. If the intended location creates a cord or outlet problem, resolve that before placing the appliance there.
For shared kitchens, walk everyone through setting time, changing power and using the child lock. All these models have a lock that can be disabled when appropriate, but adults should still supervise children around hot food.
Keep any installation accessories specific to the approved arrangement. The Profile's optional hanging setup doesn't mean other countertop models can be suspended or enclosed in the same way.
How do you get better results from everyday microwave use?
Use even food placement, stirring and standing time before adding more heat. A turntable helps move food through the cavity, but it doesn't remove differences between thick and thin portions.
Spread leftovers in a shallow, even layer and separate dense clumps. Pause to stir or turn food when the recipe or package calls for it, bringing the cooler center toward the outside.
Use a microwave-safe cover with appropriate venting to limit splashes. Never seal a container tightly, and open covers away from your face because steam can escape quickly.
After the cycle, let food stand for the directed time so heat can spread through it. For foods that require a safe internal temperature, use a food thermometer rather than relying on visible steam.
For defrosting, follow the prompts to turn or separate food, then cook promptly as directed. Automatic defrost is a timing aid, so check thick sections and thin edges rather than leaving a solid block untouched throughout.
With the combo model, choose cookware for the selected mode. A container suitable for microwave reheating may be unsuitable for convection heat, and metal accessories need explicit approval for the mode in use.
How should you clean and care for your GE microwave?
Wipe up splashes once the interior is cool enough to clean safely, using the method in the manual. Regular light cleaning is easier than removing dried food from corners and beneath the tray.
Wash removable parts as directed, and let a hot glass tray cool before exposing it to cooler water. Avoid scraping surfaces with metal tools or flooding the control panel with cleaner.
Keep ventilation openings clear of dust and nearby objects. Don't use the top or side gaps as storage for trays, cloths or food packages.
Inspect the door, hinges and sealing surfaces during cleaning. Stop using the appliance if the door is bent, won't close properly or has visible damage that needs service.
The 4-in-1 needs attention after browning foods as well as after splashes. Let the cavity, pan and racks cool, then remove grease and crumbs according to GE's care instructions.
Which buying mistakes are easiest to avoid?
Avoid choosing by capacity alone, ignoring ventilation or paying for unused modes. Most poor matches begin with a kitchen measurement or meal habit that wasn't considered before ordering.
- Measuring only the old microwave: Check the available location again, including door movement and ventilation.
- Choosing the smallest body without checking dishes: Transferring every meal into smaller cookware adds work.
- Sizing up only for more watts: A modest output difference may matter less than keeping a useful prep area.
- Treating presets as universal instructions: Food amount, container and starting temperature still affect heating.
- Assuming a trim kit makes any model built-in: Installation approval must apply to the exact appliance.
- Buying a combo to cook two dishes at once: Different modes still share one cavity.
A replacement is a good chance to correct an old compromise. If the previous unit blocked a cupboard or left nowhere to set a hot bowl, solve the layout before choosing its successor.
Which GE countertop microwave should you choose?
Choose your GE countertop microwave by the dish you heat most often and the space you can dedicate to it. Once those fit, use features to settle the remaining choice.
Pick the GE 1.4 Cu Ft for regular household meals, or the 0.7 Cu Ft when small portions and a tight counter define your routine. Choose the 0.9 Cu Ft for daily single-serving lunches when the smallest option feels restrictive.
Move to the 1.6 Cu Ft when you need a little more meal space, and the 2.0 Cu Ft when bulky cookware justifies its substantial footprint. Confirm dish rotation before either size increase.
Choose the Profile for connected features or its approved optional hanging arrangement. Pick the 4-in-1 when browning, crisping and small baking tasks will be regular uses.
Before ordering, measure your main dish and mark out the appliance location with its ventilation gaps. For a final checklist, use our countertop microwave buying guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Which GE countertop microwave is best for most homes?
The GE 1.4 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave is the best starting point for most homes because it pairs a middle-size interior with sensor cooking. Move up only when your regular dishes need more space, and choose a compact model when small portions and a tight counter define your routine.
Which GE microwave is best for a small kitchen?
The GE 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave is the first choice when saving counter space matters most. Choose the compact 0.9 cu ft model if you'll heat lunches daily and want more interior room, then confirm dish fit and ventilation space before settling on either option.
Does GE make a countertop microwave with air fry?
Yes, the GE 4-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer combines microwave heating with air fry, convection and broil modes. It includes a crisper pan and two racks, but you'll need to use each accessory only as GE directs for the selected mode and allow hot accessories to cool before cleaning.
Can a GE countertop microwave go under a cabinet?
The GE Profile 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave supports under-cabinet installation with an optional hanging kit sold separately. Use the compatible kit and its installation instructions, and don't assume the other countertop models can hang beneath cabinets or sit inside an enclosed cabinet simply because they fit.
How much clearance does a GE countertop microwave need?
For countertop placement, these GE models require 3 in on each side and above, 1 in behind, and a fully unobstructed bottom. Measure those gaps along with the appliance body, then check that the door opens freely and you can remove a hot dish without reaching around other appliances.
