GE JVM3160RFSS 30 OTR Microwave 1 6 cu ft 1000W 300 CFM Hood Vent LED Lighting Auto Defrost

Our old micro died after faithfully serving us for years. We needed a replacement that fit in the existing space. This bad boy slipped right in without a hitch. It lights up, beeps and makes that strange micro noise as advertised. Cooks well too. Read more

After my upstairs neighbors had a pipe leak and I had to get my cabinets repaired, my old microwave that was similar to this one ended up broken. I tried to get as close as possible to the old microwave, and this model matches. However, this newer one has some tweaks my old one didn't, like a display announcement when the vents or lights are on. I could've sworn my old microwave had the bulb in a different spot and only one vent trap instead of two. I've never had a problem with the microwave tripping my circuit breaker, and the prior one lasted six years. If not for the water leak into my cabinets, my guess is it would've lasted longer. The only complaint I can find so far is this one seems to take a really long time with popping popcorn. I have a microwave popcorn popper. It used to take three minutes, and this one takes about four minutes. Not sure what's up with that, but I like everything else, especially that this microwave came with a wall rack that you could drill into the wall so it didn't just "hang" on the bottom of my cabinet. Read more

My previous over-the-range microwave was an LG model that failed 366 days after I bought it. When I read the installation instructions for that brand I realized I was in over my head and hired somebody to install it for me. When I ordered this GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel microwave I wasn't sure if I would need to hire somebody or not. After I received it and read the instructions it was evident that not only were the instructions clear and easy to understand, the "U" shaped mounting bracket made the installation easy compared to the LG model which has just a bottom rail that requires millimeter-precision measuring which is practically impossible considering all walls and cabinets are at least a tiny bit wonky. I had never installed an over-the-range microwave before but with the good GE instructions and included hardware I began this job with confidence. The carton, cardboard, and Styrofoam arrived in showroom condition. Not a puncture, tear, dent, or abrasion to be seen. I was therefore surprised when I removed the microwave and discovered it was actually banged up quite a bit. There were several dents on the edges and the unit was no longer plumb. I tested it out for a few days and it functioned fine, so I decided to install it anyways because the damage was mostly limited to areas that would be covered by the cabinets and the remaining damage would be difficult to spot unless you were looking for it (the front, stainless steel, etc areas were fine). Normally I would have returned it but I had already refused one that was soaked and damaged in shipping and didn't have the patience for a third round. The installation was relatively painless except for the top screws which go into the counter above. Two holes were placed almost underneath the cabinet doors and the third would have gone too close to a cabinet wall to work a screwdriver. Also the screws were very poor quality with very soft heads. Even using a hand screwdriver it was nearly impossible to screw them in without rounding them out. I was only able to install 2 of 3 top screws but it is still very sturdy because the wall rail is what really bears the weight. Because the unit was no longer completely plumb from being banged up (the center bowed up slightly) there is a tiny gap on either side where the top of the microwave meets the top cabinet, but I think I'm the only one who can see it because I know its there. The top screw holes really need to be an inch further back and each an inch closer to center. Our cabinets are kit cabinets from a major manufacturer, installed in millions of homes, so it seemed odd to me the holes on the microwave were seemingly installed in the most difficult possible location for an installation. Although the instructions state that two people are required for installation, I had no problem doing it myself. Mostly because the instructions were so good I was able to minimize my time lifting and setting into the bottom rail. The microwave functions great. Because the keypad isn't illuminated it's impossible to use without overhead lights on, but I knew that before purchasing so no point deductions there. If the unit continues to function properly I will leave this review at 3.5 stars. This is possibly the quietest microwave I've ever owned and the surface light is very bright. The fan moves a lot of air without as much noise as one would expect. If I had another home that needed a microwave, I would buy another one of these but would hope they fix whatever problem causes a banged up microwave to be delivered in a pristine box. And the problem with the overhead screws not fitting a major supplier of cabinetry. One inch back and to the middle with each hole would solve immeasurable problems. Read more

We first got an over the range Samsung microwave years ago. I wasn't happy about having to put holes into the cabinet but we did so anyway. It didn't last 3 years. In fact, that one started making grinding noises after about 1.5 years though still worked for about another year or so, as long as you didn't try to pop popcorn for some reason. The next one was a Frigidaire. I disliked it from the start. Installing the 2nd one meant new holes in my cabinet and once it was up, the beeps were so annoying that everyone in the family commented on them. It would beep like 5 times when something was done, which made everyone scurry to the microwave before the time ran out to avoid the beeping. The beeps were louder than the Samsung. Then, if you left something in the microwave, it beeped another 5 and if you quick opened the door as it started beeping....it still kept beeping anyway. Despite that part, it worked fine....but didn't last 3 years. I was so mad about the holes in the cabinets and the incessant beeps and the fact that these things don't seem to last very long that I went about 3 months with an on the counter microwave determined to never put another in again. But, as my annoyance faded and the counter clutter started to irritate me, we purchased this one. I can't say it was a perfect install, but our previous install bracket was able to be used and I only had to drill 1 new hole as I was able to use one previously drilled holes at install. The best part?? I was able to buy a 5 year protection plan for under $10, the beeping is much quieter, it stops beeping when you open the door and doesn't beep incessantly when you leave something in it. The only thing I have found that I am not 100% satisfied with is the location of the surface light. I usually turn the light on in the AM when the kitchen is dark and finding the light button has been challenging as it's not on the bottom row of buttons. My last 2 had the light in a lower corner so it was easier to find. I am working on it though and figure after a while I will remember the fan is on the bottom corner. Overall, I am so happy with this microwave. I highly recommend it!! Read more