GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven Review

While a microwave is relatively easy to buy, finding one that’s a little more high-tech can be a challenge. That’s where the GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven comes in.

It works with Amazon’s Alexa, so you can command the machine to execute actions, it can scan your food to give you the right mode and time to cook things perfectly, and it comes with seven pre-programmed settings.

Unfortunately, not all users speak of a great experience with this microwave. Some found that the oven is not as powerful as expected, that the scanning feature does not save that much time, and that the voice command feature is not as convenient as advertised.

But is it still an ideal product for you? Let’s go over all the details, so you can make the best buying decision.

GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven: The Details

Specs

• Product Dimensions: 11 ½ x 19 x 14 ½ inches.
• Product Weight: 1 lb.
• Product Type: Microwave.
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa: Alexa can control nearly everything on the microwave.

How Does It Work?

Despite all the technology that’s been added to this microwave, the GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven is fairly simple to use.

When it first arrives, simply take it out of the box, plug it in, and follow the instructions on how to set the time and connect it to Alexa. You should also download the GE Smart Microwave app, as it will help you through the process of connecting everything.

After that, it’s time to start cooking – with zero guesswork necessary.

For a number of frozen foods, you need only scan the barcode with the microwave. The device will then adjust its power level and time setting to the correct mode needed to cook your meal perfectly.

If you’re not cooking frozen items, you can set the time (via Alexa or not), choose the power level, add time while the food is cooking, or even stop the cooking process altogether.

If you decide to control the microwave via Alexa, you can easily speak your commands and have them executed remotely.

You don’t even have to move from the couch! GE really thought of everything when it comes to an effortless user experience.

GE: The Brand

GE, or General Electric Brand, was originally founded in 1812 by Thomas Edison, J.P. Morgan, Charles A. Coffin, Elihu Thomson, and Edwin J. Houston.

GE states that their mission is “to invent the next industrial era, to build, move, power, and cure the world.”

The number of products that GE provides is almost too great to mention. Their inventions range from kitchen appliances to oil and gas production equipment to aircraft engines. Talk about a diverse portfolio!

GE Smart Countertop Microwave Over Review

The Positives

Convenient

Quite a few users mentioned how convenient this microwave is. Since you can effortlessly talk to Alexa and control the microwave remotely, it’s easy to see why.

Just tell Alexa to heat up your meal, defrost some chicken, or reheat your coffee instead of pushing the buttons on the microwave itself.

The scanning technology on the microwave is helpful as well. If you have a frozen meal bought at the grocery store, you need only scan the barcode on the packaging.

GE has programmed so many pre-packaged foods into this oven that it will know automatically from that barcode how long to cook your meal and at what power level. No more guesswork trying to figure out if 30 seconds to a minute really is just enough.

Durable

The GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven is also durable with its completely stainless-steel exterior.

You never have to worry about the microwave breaking down or falling apart. Even if it takes a fall, it’s likely to survive the encounter. That’s especially key when you’re paying for any smart device; you want it to last a long time.

If you’re placing this microwave in a busy home or office, it’ll be able to withstand multiple uses, and you won’t have to worry too much about any accidents.

Multi-Functional

Can this microwave perform a variety of tasks? Oh yes. As both a microwave and an oven, you need it to accommodate any of your daily heating or re-heating needs, be it Thanksgiving morning or a lazy Wednesday afternoon.

The device has seven pre-programmed settings, including beverage, pizza, dinner plate, popcorn, potato, reheat, and vegetable.

There’s no danger of falling back on your traditional oven to get the job done; this device absolutely covers your needs in one tidy package.

Easy to Use

Microwaves are simple to use, but does technology make them unnecessarily complicated? Not in this case.

If you use the Alexa voice command feature, you can control the microwave from wherever you are. Forgot that you left something in the microwave and it’s probably cold now? You can tell Alexa to reheat it without moving an inch.

Thanks to the scan-barcode feature, you don’t even have to put in a time; the microwave does it for you.

If you don’t use Alexa, it’s as simple to operate like any normal microwave, which is great, since you’re not limited in how it operates.

Perfect for the Smart Home

If you’re really trying to integrate smart technology into every aspect of your home, then this is the kitchen appliance to add to your network.

Users of Alexa will find it easy to communicate with the microwave through voice commands, and it’s easy to connect to the Amazon Alexa device from the start.

While many users may find Alexa convenient, those who have a hard time reading buttons on the microwave, or struggle to figure out functions will find it easier to control through voice commands.

If you live in a home with kids, this microwave also comes with a safety lock feature, so it won’t receive commands ensuring any accidental activations don’t occur.

Stylish and Compact

Since it’s great at handling a number of tasks, those short on space or those living in studios will be thankful for a device that can save on kitchen space.

And whether you choose to display it in a kitchen with or without a standard oven, this microwave will still allow you to have extra room for other appliances and kitchen items.

Packaged in a sleek stainless steel design, the GE Smart Microwave will look good wherever you choose to keep it and will fit seamlessly into a variety of decor styles. This microwave does its job while looking great!

The Negatives

Connectivity Issues

Here’s the kicker. Several users did have issues connecting everything so that the apps, Alexa, and the microwave synced up.

The instruction manual is less helpful in this case, and you may have to contact GE directly to get the microwave properly connected.

Other users discovered that the clock would not sync to their phone. Hopefully, these kinks will be worked out soon.

Expensive

This is one of the more expensive microwaves on the market. Based on feedback, depending on your needs, it may not be worth it.

If you’re on a budget, sticking to a basic microwave might be up your alley, especially to avoid any complications that can arise with this microwave’s technology.

Tech enthusiasts, however, may be easily swayed by its innovative design.

Doesn’t Save Much Time

Other users found that controlling the microwave via Alexa, and using the barcode feature, did not save them as much effort as GE advertised.

They felt it took about the same amount of time to operate as a standard microwave.

To some, it may seem like this device has been designed to show off new, interesting technology rather than to save consumers time and effort.

It does save effort, but for the busy home, it may not make much of a difference.

Underpowered

Testers mentioned that the microwave seemed to be underpowered. The purpose of a greater energy capacity is to cook things more thoroughly in a short amount of time.

As a result, less power means longer cooking times, and less convenience. That seems to be the case with this device.

One user thought that, for this price, the microwave should be running on more than just 900 watts. If you are seeking a microwave that will help save you time in the kitchen, this may not be for you.

Overall Verdict

After going over all the positives and negatives, we are recommending the GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven.

A few years ago, who would have thought you could control your microwave via a voice command or your phone? This is doubtlessly an interesting, tech-savvy appliance.

Users who regularly utilize Amazon Alexa will love having another smart feature in their home, and another device that doesn’t require lifting a finger.

However, with users complaining about the microwave being underpowered, the price, and the connectivity issues, it may not be worth buying for those on a budget.

If you’d like try it out for the smart technology aspects, by all means – you will enjoy those features. However, if you’re seeking a high-powered microwave that will make your life more convenient, it’s wise to keep shopping, as traditional microwaves may better suit you.

Where to Buy the GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven

The GE brand has been around for decades, evolving with their customers throughout the years, and staying on top of the market with their innovative products like the GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven.

This American brand is known for offering products of varying niches and departments that are accessible to a wide number of customers at differing price-ranges.

With the integration of smart technology in their products, we can’t wait to see what this company comes up with next.

Since GE is a popular brand, featured around the globe, with a long line of items behind them covering all corners of the home, it’s no surprise retailers offer products like the Smart Microwave Oven both in-store and online.

You can usually find GE products at home department, tech, and specialty stores, but you can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• The Home Depot (from $139)
• Appliances Connection (from $169)

And of course, you can also find this smart microwave on Amazon.

That’s all for our review on the GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven. Curious to give it a go?