GE JVM3160RFSS Microwave Oven Review
A modern kitchen should include all the necessary kitchen appliances with great functionality and useful features that save time and energy rather than luxurious devices that eat up a lot of space and money. We look for appliances that will be perfect for coping up with our busy lives. This increasing demand has made the industry manufacture the best devices that incorporate handy features and do away with the need for another machine. Like an OTR microwave!
An OTR or Over-the-range microwave is an amalgamation of a microwave oven and a venting hood. This 2-in-1 device is designed to serve two purposes, eradicating the need for a dedicated venting hood to save more valuable space in our kitchens. So, it is appropriate for smaller kitchens, which have a limited counter space.
GE JVM3160RFSS is an appropriate OTR microwave for most of the kitchens with moderate venting requirements. Although, it should be noted that like all OTR microwaves, the venting capabilities of this unit can’t be compared to that of a powerful under-cabinet range hood. This GE JMV3160RFSS Microwave Review will focus on a detailed analysis of this microwave, including vital information from its design, material, size, capacity, controls to ventilation, features, price, and warranty. The remarkable specifications of this microwave for its price have convinced to even include it in our list of the best over-the-range microwaves across all budget segments.
GE JVM3160RFSS Microwave Oven Review
| Dimensions | 16 1/2″ H x 29 7/8″ W x 15 1/4″ D |
| Weight | 61. 9 pounds |
| Installation | Over the Range |
| Capacity | 1.6 Cu. ft. |
| Sensor Cooking | No |
| Power Levels | 10 |
| Control | Electronic Touch |
| Convection | No |
| Core Features | Auto and time defrost, Turntable on/off, Child Lock |
| Filtration | Charcoal Filtration |
| Fan Speed (CFM) | 300 |
| Speed Settings | 2 |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Wattage | 1000 Watts |
Pros
- Comes with convenient cooking controls.
- Features cooktop lighting for better visibility.
- Powerful 300 CFM fan with two-speed settings.
- The child lock option ensures extra safety.
- 1000 watts microwave with 10 power levels.
- Includes a removable charcoal filter.
- Durable and stylish stainless-steel design.
Cons
- Produces noise at high speed.
- No convection and sensor cooking option is included.
1. Design
GE JVM3160RFSS is made of durable premium grade stainless steel, which ensures the long-lasting performance of this microwave. The stylish and impressive design of this OTR microwave would match with most of the kitchen decors. The size of this microwave makes it perfect for smaller kitchens. The dimensions of this model is 16 1/2 H × 29 7/8 W × 15 1/4 D.
The stainless-steel handle is located on the left side, beside which you can find the convenient cooking controls that offer you the choice to defrost and cook times, reheat, turntable on or off options, and many more. A wide digital energy-efficient display is placed just above the control panel for quick and easy readings. GE JVM3160RFSS also features interior lights for the utmost convenience. The underside of the microwave shows venting inlet and work surface lights which lack in the built-in counterparts. These additional features are what make it best suited for under-cabinet installation so that the underside has ample clearance. In any case, you must never use an OTR microwave on a counter. It would result in overheating of the appliance.
2. Size
Size is one of the major concerns of customers who are looking for an Over-the-Range microwave to buy. OTR microwaves are great space-saving devices that save valuable cooktop areas so that you can have more surface for cooking, chopping, and cutting, or placing other important machines. These types of microwaves should be installed over the existing kitchen oven or range. That’s why the dimensions of the OTR microwave should match with the range to contribute to better ventilation for your kitchen. The dimensions of GE JVM3160RFSS are 16 1/2 × 29 7/8 × 15 1/4 inches which is perfect for most of the kitchens, be it a small kitchen, a medium-sized one or even a large kitchen.
GE JVM3160RFSS comes with a great capacity of 1.6 cu. ft. which is justifiably quite large compared to the size of the microwave. Plus, the turntable diameter is 13 1/2 inches, which provides optimal results.
3. Wattage
Wattage is probably the most vital aspect one has to keep in mind before buying any type of microwave. However, it gets overlooked by customers often. If you buy a microwave with less than 700 watts, the cooking time will expand to spread the heat evenly in the cooking area. So, a 1000 watts microwave is always the best option to go for to have the utmost satisfaction with quick and easy cooking.
That’s why the GE JVM3160RFSS model features a powerful magnetron that produces a peak output of 1000 watts, enabling it to cook foods in a shorter time compared to those with less wattage. Also, it features 10 power levels so you can cook a variety of foods requiring different cooking timings and wattage.
4. Controls
We always look for microwaves which give satisfactory results while taking minimum time to operate. Let’s be honest; none of us want to go through the long tiring process of giving direction to devices. But that problem will not even occur with GE JVM3160RFSS because this OTR microwave features electronic convenient cooking controls with a super responsive touchpad which are designed to save time and energy.
The control panel features a wide LED display to have easy readings for extra convenience. The convenient cooking controls include some vital cooking shortcuts to cook popcorn or beverages. Other important features like auto and time defrost, vent fan, turntable on or off, and surface lights can be selected through the control panel.
5. Venting System
An OTR microwave can be a great alternative to a range hood. Dedicated venting hoods require much more money and space than an Over-the-Range microwave. But, in order to provide the same results as a dedicated venting hood does, the particular OTR microwave has to have a highly efficient venting fan with multiple speed settings, which will effectively remove all the smoke and odor from the kitchen.
GE JVM3160RFSS is powered with a 300 CFM venting fan, which provides effective results in eliminating the smoke and unpleasant odors that are produced while cooking. With 2 fan speed settings, this model also effectively removes all the airborne particles from the kitchen to give you a healthy cooking atmosphere. For the sake of comparison, you could call it at par with standard downdraft cooktops that are rated at 300 CFM of peak venting output. The LG LMV2031ST placed in a comparable price range has a higher CFM rating of 400, that might better suit to large, open kitchens.
This OTR microwave features charcoal filtration, which captures all the oil and grease from your kitchen. The charcoal filters are replaceable so you can change them when they need to be removed.
6. Extra Features
GE JVM3160RFSS OTR microwave includes many useful features that save time. These features are –
- Auto and Time Defrost: Auto and Time Defrost feature allows this microwave to automatically detect the food and start the defrost process and turn off when it’s over.
- Interior Cavity Lights: GE JVM3160RFSS comes with interior cavity lights for customers to keep an eye on the food while the microwave is operating. Cavity lights further aid in cleaning of the microwave in instances of spillovers.
- Turntable On/Off: This feature allows you to turn on or off the turntable whenever needed.
- Removable Charcoal Filters: You can easily remove the charcoal filters and replace them with new ones when they are expired
- Child Lock: This safety feature makes GE JBM3160RFSS one of the best OTR microwaves. Child Safety Lock makes sure that the kids don’t accidentally burn themselves by opening the microwave out of curiosity.
7. Warranty
Whenever you are going to invest in a kitchen device, do not neglect the warranty period as this will be your savior later on. When you are using a kitchen appliance regularly, some rare dysfunctions may occur due to unintended carelessness. And sometimes, you can even get a device that has a unit defect. But these rare unit defects can’t be detected before using the product. So, you have to spend more money in order to have a technician visit to repair the damage if you don’t have any warranty.
But, GE JVM3160RFSS comes with 1 year of warranty on parts and labors. It also has 10 years of warranty on Magnetron. This warranty assures you to have completely free and at-home services if some uncanny dysfunctions take place within the above-mentioned time.
Verdict – is the GE JVM3160RFSS A Good Buy?
There is no doubt that GE JVM3160RFSS is one of the best OTR microwaves available in the market. This model is perfect for the customer who has a minimum budget but wants a high-quality Over-the-Range microwave. GE JVM3160RFSS provides optimal results with some of the best useful features and highly efficient 300 CFM ventilation. The strong and effective venting system of this model can be easily compared to a dedicated range hood. This 1000 watts OTR microwave comes with 10 power levels, which allow you to have the perfect settings for any food. So, leave behind all the hesitation and go for this budget-friendly and supreme quality Over-the-Range microwave oven.
On the downside, the microwave lacks the convection feature that you may find in higher-end alternatives like the GE Advantium OTR microwaves. It would however be impractical to expect it in this price range. Overall, the GE JVM3160RFSS review concludes that the microwave is a fair package for its price.
