GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Countertop Microwave Oven
- 1.6 cu ft
- 1150 watts
- Touch
- More reviewed than 57%
A straightforward countertop microwave that reviewers rate well for daily reheating and sensor cooking, with a minority reporting a sticky door and one calling the interior light dim.
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How it ranks among the 85 countertop microwave ovens we track
4.1★ across 354 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
354 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
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
A 1150-watt, 1.6 cubic foot countertop microwave with 8 auto cook settings, sensor reheating and weight/time defrost. Includes a two-step child lock that can be turned off.
Reviewers generally rated it well for everyday reheating, with the sensor cook function singled out as effective and the child lock praised specifically because it can be disabled for households without young kids. A couple of complaints stand out: one reviewer found the number of preset functions overwhelming compared with a simple manual dial, and a few mentioned it runs loud, particularly the door closing. One buyer bought it as a direct replacement for an older GE model and noted the current version has a metal front panel where the old one was plastic.
- 1150 watts, 1.6 cubic foot interior
- 8 auto cook settings with sensor adjustment
- Two-step child lock, deactivatable
- Weight and time defrost modes
Who it's for
Fits anyone replacing a basic countertop microwave who wants sensor reheat and a few preset cook options in a compact footprint. Less suited to someone who wants only manual time-and-power dialing with no extra buttons to navigate.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Most reviewers rated the sensor reheat function reliable and liked being able to turn off the child lock, with one noting the current model has a metal front panel compared with an older plastic version. A minority reported the door sticking and needing repeated pushes to open, one called the interior light dim, and one found the number of preset functions harder to use than a simple manual dial.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Sensor cook function reheats reliably, per reviewers
- Child lock can be turned off, not forced on
- Push-button door opening, no handle to pull
- Runs loud, especially the door closing, per several reviewers
- One reviewer's door stuck, needing repeated pushes
- Interior light described as dim by one reviewer
Performance notes
The sensor cooking mode adjusts time and power automatically based on the food, which most reviewers found reliable for everyday reheating and cooking. Weight and time defrost options calculate defrost settings once you enter the food's weight. The two-step child lock is on by default but can be deactivated, which multiple reviewers called out as a specific plus over microwaves that lock the feature on.
Specifications
| Brand | GE |
|---|---|
| Model | GCST16S1WSS |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 39 pounds |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 17.8 × 21.7 × 12.9 inches |
| Turntable Diameter | 13.6 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Capacity | 1.6 cu ft |
| Defrost System Type | Defrost |
| Heating Method | Electric |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Wattage | 1150 watts |
| Number of Power Levels | 10 |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Energy Consumption | 1150 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 |
| Included Components | Turntable |
| Other details | |
| Control Type | Touch |
| Number of Programs | 10 |
| Cooking Program | Beverage, Defrost, Pizza, Popcorn, Reheat |
| Timer Function | Timer Function Available |
| Item Type Name | GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt Capacity, 1.6 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, White |
| Additional Features | Child Safety Lock, Defrost, Shortcut Keys, 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 Countertop Microwave OvenThis product | 4.1 / 5 | 354 | 4.0 / 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 GCST16S1WSS
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Can the child lock on the GE GCST16S1WSS be turned off?
Yes, it is on by default as a two-step lock but can be deactivated if not needed.
How loud is this microwave?
Several reviewers described it as running loud, including the door closing, though it heats and reheats reliably.
Does it open with a handle or a button?
It opens with a push button rather than a pull handle.