GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
- Countertop Microwave Oven
- 0.7 cu ft
- 700 watts
- Touch
- More reviewed than 67%
A good fit if the compact size solves a real space problem, but the recurring 'FOOD' error message reported by multiple owners is worth going in aware of.
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How it ranks among the 85 countertop microwave ovens we track
4.1★ across 586 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
586 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
Modest tracked demand last month.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 85 countertop microwave ovens we track - how the scorecard works · full countertop microwave ovens data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Last refreshed Jun 13, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
GE's 0.7 cu ft, 700-watt compact countertop microwave with 6 auto cooking settings and two-step child lock, built for tight kitchens, dorms and apartments where a full-size microwave won't fit.
Several reviewers specifically shopped for exact depth dimensions to fit under a cabinet or on a narrow shelf, and this model came up as a fit where competitors like Commercial Chef felt cheaper. A recurring software issue shows up in multiple reviews though: an error message reading 'FOOD' appears mid-use and forces the owner to unplug and replug the unit to reset it. More than one buyer also reports the back panel or a top corner running warm even with proper clearance.
- 0.7 cu ft interior, 700 watts
- 6 auto cooking settings
- Two-step child lock
- 39-inch power cord
Who it's for
Fits someone with a genuinely small kitchen who needs specific depth dimensions and basic reheating power. Not the pick for anyone wanting fuss-free electronics, given the repeated 'FOOD' error reports, or for heavier daily cooking that needs more than 700 watts.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Reviewers who prioritized exact depth measurements say it fits where other compact microwaves didn't and call it quiet compared to alternatives. The recurring complaint is the 'FOOD' error appearing during normal use, reported by multiple separate buyers, along with one report of the back corner running warm despite proper clearance.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Fits tight cabinet depths under about 13 inches
- Six auto cook presets for common foods
- Mandatory child lock, deactivatable if not needed
- Multiple reports of a 'FOOD' error requiring a reset
- 700 watts is lower power than full-size microwaves
- Some units run warm on the back panel
Performance notes
At 700 watts, the GCST07N1WSS heats and defrosts more slowly than full-power microwaves, which several reviewers accept as the tradeoff for the smaller footprint. The two-step child lock is on by default and needs to be deactivated on first use, something reviewers flag as easy to miss during setup. A software glitch reported across multiple reviews displays a 'FOOD' message and halts a cook cycle, requiring the unit to be unplugged and replugged to clear it.
Specifications
| Brand | GE |
|---|---|
| Model | GCST07N1WSS |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 21 pounds |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 12.7 × 17.3 × 10.2 inches |
| Turntable Diameter | 10.8 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Capacity | 0.7 cu ft |
| Defrost System Type | Auto Defrost |
| Heating Method | Electric |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Wattage | 700 watts |
| Number of Power Levels | 10 |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Energy Consumption | 700 Watts |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Stainless Steel |
| Inner Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Installation Type | Countertop |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 pound |
| Included Components | Roller Ring, Turntable Tray |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Other details | |
| Control Type | Touch |
| Cooking Program | Beverage, Defrost, Pizza, Popcorn, Reheat |
| Timer Function | Timer Function Available |
| Item Type Name | 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment |
| Additional Features | Child Safety Lock, Control lockout - Helps prevent accidental activation, One Touch Button, Timer, Turntable |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Residential |
Other GE countertop microwave ovens
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in countertop microwave ovens.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE Compact Countertop Microwave OvenThis product | 4.1 / 5 | 586 | 3.6 / 5 |
| COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/OffCOMFEE' | 4.4 / 5 | 28,000 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter…Panasonic | 4.3 / 5 | 8,400 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Nostalgia RMO4BK Retro 0.9 Cubic Foot 800-Watt Countertop Microwave OvenNostalgia | 4.6 / 5 | 1,200 | 4.4 / 5 |
| TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu FtTOSHIBA | 4.4 / 5 | 32,299 | 4.3 / 5 |
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Questions about the GE GCST07N1WSS
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
What does the 'FOOD' error mean on the GE GCST07N1WSS?
Multiple reviewers report this message appearing mid-cycle for no clear reason; unplugging the unit for several minutes and plugging it back in has cleared it for some owners.
How many watts is the GE GCST07N1WSS?
700 watts.
Does the GE GCST07N1WSS have a child lock?
Yes, a two-step child lock is enabled by default and can be turned off if not needed.