4 Best GE Over-the-Range Microwaves (October 2026)
The best GE over-the-range microwaves include the GE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave for a first GE over the range unit, the GE Profile 1.2 cu ft Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave for a low cabinet from GE Profile, and the GE 1.8 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave with Recirculating Venting for a bigger GE interior in stainless.
On this page (14 sections)
- How we picked these GE models
- The 4 GE over the range microwaves in detail
- Side by side: size, fan and venting
- GE over the range microwave model numbers
- GE Profile and standard GE: what changes
- Stainless or black for the 1.8 cu ft models
- Filters and parts for GE units
- Lift, install and weight planning
- Questions to ask before you choose a GE
- Who each GE pick suits
- Short cabinet, budget or extra room: a quick guide
- What to confirm with the maker before you order a GE
- Mixing GE with other brands in your kitchen
- Final pick for a GE over the range microwave
The GE 1.6 cu ft is the top GE over the range microwave here, at 40 pounds with a 300 CFM fan and a charcoal filter. GE and GE Profile make several 30-inch over the range models, and the right one depends on cabinet height, fan power and venting.
This roundup ranks four GE 30-inch models by score. We skipped GE's 24-inch unit, since this site focuses on 30-inch openings, and the 24, 30 and 36 inch guide covers that size.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a first GE over the range unitGE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a low cabinet from GE ProfileGE Profile 1.2 cu ft Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
7.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a bigger GE interior in stainlessGE 1.8 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave with Recirculating Venting, Stainless
7.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itGE 1.8 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave with Recirculating Venting, Black
Best for a black finish with a 1.8 cu ft interior
How we picked these GE models
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. For a GE unit, the fit and the venting come first, then the features that make daily use easier.
We checked the interior size, the outside dimensions, the fan rating, the venting type and the weight. We also compared the GE and GE Profile lines on the same measures, so the picks sit on one scale.
The 4 GE over the range microwaves in detail
The GE 1.6 cu ft leads because it's the most practical 30-inch GE in this group, with a light weight and a standard depth. The GE Profile low profile unit is the one to choose for a short cabinet.
GE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
- 300 CFM two-speed fan
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- 12.8-inch removable turntable
- Four convenience cook settings
A standard 30-inch GE unit at 1.6 cu ft, and the lightest GE model in this group. At 40 pounds it's easier to lift into place than the 1.8 cu ft models.
Pros
- 40 pounds, the lightest GE pick here
- 300 CFM fan with a replaceable charcoal filter
- 12.8-inch turntable and ten power levels
Cons
- Holds less than the 1.8 cu ft GE models
- 300 CFM is less than the GE Profile's 400 CFM
The GE 1.6 cu ft is a standard 30-inch unit with a 300 CFM two-speed fan. GE says the replaceable charcoal filter removes fumes and odors from the air released as food cooks.
It measures 29.88 inches wide, 15.56 inches deep and 16.13 inches tall. At 40 pounds it's the lightest GE model in this group, which makes it easier to lift into place.
The 12.8-inch removable turntable and ten power levels cover everyday reheating, and four convenience cook settings help with common tasks. Its 1.6 cu ft interior holds less than the 1.8 cu ft GE models.
GE Profile 1.2 cu ft Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
- Two-speed 400 CFM venting system
- Sensor cooking controls
- Integrated handle
- Low profile body
The low profile pick from GE Profile. It's 10.31 inches tall with a 400 CFM fan, so it suits a cabinet with little room above the cooktop.
Pros
- 400 CFM, the highest fan rating among the GE units here
- Low profile for a short cabinet
- Sensor cooking adjusts time and power
Cons
- 1.2 cu ft is the smallest interior here
- 18.63 inches deep, so check how far it sits in front of the cabinet
The GE Profile 1.2 cu ft is the low profile pick in this GE group. GE Profile says it fits over the range in the same space as a regular undercabinet hood, so it suits a low cabinet.
Its two-speed venting system is rated at 400 CFM, the highest fan rating among the GE units here. Sensor cooking adjusts the time and power for you, which helps with reheating.
It measures 10.31 inches tall but 18.63 inches deep, so check how far it sits in front of the cabinet. It weighs 51 pounds, so plan for two people on delivery day.
The 1.2 cu ft interior is the smallest in this group, so it suits smaller dishes better than large trays.
GE 1.8 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave with Recirculating Venting, Stainless
- Recirculating venting
- 300 CFM two-speed fan
- 12.8-inch removable turntable
- Eight convenience cook settings
The 1.8 cu ft GE in stainless, set up for recirculating venting. It has eight convenience cook settings, twice the four on the 1.6 cu ft model.
Pros
- 1.8 cu ft interior in stainless
- Eight convenience cook settings
- Shallower body than the GE Profile at 15.13 inches
Cons
- 56 pounds, so plan for two people
- Recirculating venting means regular charcoal filter changes
The GE 1.8 cu ft is the larger stainless option in this group. It has recirculating venting, a 300 CFM two-speed fan and a 12.8-inch removable turntable.
It has eight convenience cook settings, twice the four on the 1.6 cu ft model. It measures 29.88 inches wide, 15.13 inches deep and 16.44 inches tall, so it's shallower than the GE Profile.
It runs 900 watts, a little below the 1.6 cu ft model's 1,000 watts. At 56 pounds, it needs two people for the lift, and recirculating venting means the unit uses a charcoal filter rather than an outside duct.
GE 1.8 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave with Recirculating Venting, Black
- Black finish
- Recirculating venting
- 300 CFM two-speed fan
- Eight convenience cook settings
The same 1.8 cu ft recirculating model in black. Choose it if black matches your range or hood, since the finish is the main difference from the stainless version.
Pros
- Black finish for darker kitchens
- Same 1.8 cu ft interior and fan as the stainless model
- Recirculating venting with eight cook settings
Cons
- 56 pounds, so plan for two people
- Black may not match a stainless range or hood
The GE 1.8 cu ft in black matches the stainless model in size, venting and features. It has the same 300 CFM fan, the same 12.8-inch turntable and eight convenience cook settings.
Its dimensions are 29.88 inches wide, 15.13 inches deep and 16.44 inches tall, the same as the stainless version. The finish is the main difference, so choose it if black suits your range or hood.
At 56 pounds it's heavy, so plan two people for delivery. Compare the finish with your cabinets before you choose.
Side by side: size, fan and venting
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (W x D x H) | Vent fan | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless | a first GE over the range unit | 1.6 cu ft | 29.88 x 15.56 x 16.13 in | 300 CFM, two speeds | 8.5 |
| GE Profile 1.2 cu ft Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless | a low cabinet from GE Profile | 1.2 cu ft | 29.88 x 18.63 x 10.31 in | 400 CFM, two speeds | 7.8 |
| GE 1.8 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave with Recirculating Venting, Stainless | a bigger GE interior in stainless | 1.8 cu ft | 29.88 x 15.13 x 16.44 in | 300 CFM, recirculating | 7.5 |
| GE 1.8 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave with Recirculating Venting, Black | a black finish with a 1.8 cu ft interior | 1.8 cu ft | 29.88 x 15.13 x 16.44 in | 300 CFM, recirculating | 7.4 |
The table lines up the interior size, the outside dimensions and the fan rating for each GE model. The GE Profile has the highest fan rating, and the 1.8 cu ft units share one size and venting setup.
GE over the range microwave model numbers
Each GE unit has a model number, and it's the surest way to match a unit to its manual and its parts. The 1.6 cu ft is the JVM3160RFSS, the 1.8 cu ft models are the JNM3184DPBB, and the GE Profile units are the UVM9125STSS and UVM9125DYWW.
Check the number against the manual before you buy filters, brackets or trim. The same brand can sell several sizes under similar names, so the model number is the safer match.
Our JVM3160RFSS review covers the 1.6 cu ft model in more detail.
GE Profile and standard GE: what changes
Standard GE units here are taller, at 16 to 16.5 inches, and they keep a more typical depth. The GE Profile trades height for depth, so it's 10.31 inches tall and 18.63 inches deep.
Choose by the space above the cooktop first. If your cabinet is short, the GE Profile is the only option in this group that fits that height.
The GE Profile's 400 CFM fan is the highest rating in this group, so it also suits buyers who want more fan power in a low profile body. The standard GE units give you more interior room for the same 30-inch width.
Stainless or black for the 1.8 cu ft models
The stainless and black 1.8 cu ft units share a size, venting setup and feature list. The finish is the only real difference between them.
Stainless is a common choice when the range and hood are stainless. Black suits darker cabinets and black appliances, so compare the finish with the rest of the kitchen before you order.
If you want white, our white over-the-range roundup includes the GE Profile low profile model in white.
Filters and parts for GE units
Charcoal filters and grease filters are different parts, and the manual names the right number for each model. The two 1.8 cu ft units are set up for recirculating venting, so their charcoal filter changes are part of the running cost.
Keep the filter number from the manual with the unit's paperwork, so you can reorder the right part. If your unit recirculates, keep a spare filter on hand so a replacement doesn't interrupt your cooking.
The GE charcoal filter guide explains how filters are matched to a model.
Filters for GE over the range microwaves
Replacement filters are sold by part number, and a close match isn't always the right one. Check the number in the manual, then compare the filter's size with the one installed before you buy.
Lift, install and weight planning
The GE 1.6 cu ft weighs 40 pounds, while the 1.8 cu ft models weigh 56 pounds and the GE Profile weighs 51 pounds. Plan on two people for delivery, and leave the mounting to a qualified installer.
A licensed electrician should check the outlet and the circuit before the new unit goes up.
Read the installation planning guide before the unit arrives. The GE mounting bracket guide explains the parts that hold a GE unit in place.
Questions to ask before you choose a GE
Does the cabinet opening measure 30 inches wide, or does it need side trim? A gap on each side changes which parts you need.
How far is the wall behind the cabinet? The GE Profile is deeper than the standard GE units, so the depth can decide the choice.
Which venting setup does your kitchen support? The two 1.8 cu ft units recirculate, while the other models need a check in the manual before you buy.
Are you comfortable with a charcoal filter as part of the plan? If not, look for a unit that can duct outside, and confirm that in the manual first.
Who each GE pick suits
Each of the three choices suits a different kitchen, so start with the one that matches your cabinet.
The GE 1.6 cu ft suits a buyer who wants a standard-depth GE at the lightest weight in the group. It's a practical pick for a smaller household or a first over the range unit.
The GE Profile 1.2 cu ft suits a short cabinet with room in front. Choose it when the cabinet height is the limit, not the interior size.
The 1.8 cu ft models suit a household that needs more room inside. They recirculate, so plan for charcoal filter changes and check the manual for the filter number.
Whichever model you pick, measure the opening before you order, since the fit matters more than any single feature.
Short cabinet, budget or extra room: a quick guide
If the cabinet is short, start with the GE Profile. If the budget is the main concern, start with the GE 1.6 cu ft, and if you need more interior room, look at the 1.8 cu ft models.
Each choice has a trade-off, so weigh the fan, the interior and the weight together. Check the fit first, since a unit that doesn't fit the opening can't be used at all.
What to confirm with the maker before you order a GE
Confirm the venting type, the filter number and the fan rating for your exact model before you order. Those three details decide the parts list and the install steps, so a wrong match costs time.
If a detail isn't clear, check the manual or the maker's support line before you rely on it. A quick check now is cheaper than a return after the unit is mounted.
Mixing GE with other brands in your kitchen
Many kitchens mix brands, and a GE unit can sit beside appliances from other makers. Match the finish first, then the venting path, since those two choices show the most in a finished kitchen.
If you're comparing GE with another brand, the side-by-side guides on this site cover the common matchups. Check the fit for each model, whichever brand you choose, since the opening is the same either way.
Final pick for a GE over the range microwave
The GE 1.6 cu ft is the top GE over the range microwave here, with a 40-pound build and a 300 CFM fan. Choose the GE Profile if your cabinet is short, or one of the 1.8 cu ft models if you want more room inside.
Check the depth, the height and the venting setup before you order any GE unit. The buying guide covers the wider choice of brands and sizes.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a first GE over the range unit
GE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a low cabinet from GE Profile
GE Profile 1.2 cu ft Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
7.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a bigger GE interior in stainless
GE 1.8 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave with Recirculating Venting, Stainless
7.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Which GE over the range microwave is the best value?
The GE 1.6 cu ft is the budget-friendly GE pick here, and it's the lightest GE unit in this group at 40 pounds. The 1.8 cu ft models give you more interior if size matters more than the price tier.
What is the difference between GE and GE Profile?
GE Profile is the line name on the low profile model in this group. It's 10.31 inches tall and rated at 400 CFM, which is higher than the other GE units here.
Do the GE 1.8 cu ft models need a charcoal filter?
They are set up for recirculating venting, so a charcoal filter does that job. GE says its filter removes fumes and odors, and the manual gives the filter number and change schedule.
Is a GE over the range microwave good for a short cabinet?
The GE Profile low profile unit is the best fit for a short cabinet in this group. It's 10.31 inches tall, but 18.63 inches deep, so measure the depth in front of the cabinet before you order.
