WE've had this oven/microwave for 4 months now and absolutely love it. We got it so that we could have a second oven without doing a major renovation. So far it's worked well as a microwave and great as an oven. I'll assess them seperatly.
--AS a microwave, it's a little slower cooking than others we have had, but heats evenly, has a turntable, and rack. We really love the dial control...kind of like an ipod, simple and efficient.
--As an 2nd oven it is perfect for us and we actually use it frequently as the primary oven because 1) It heats up faster and cooks faster 2) It is more energy efficient with a smaller space to heat adn 3) it vents outside so it doesn't heat up the house in the summer at all.
As for the price, it is expensive, but was a much cheaper way to get a second oven for us and we are very happy with it.
After reading the mixed reviews for this oven, the only unfavorable ones complained that if the oven light needed to be replaced, the unit had to be taken down from the wall. Well we purchased one anyway because to save $175 or more, I would have no problem taking it down myself to change the light bulb; it's not that hard.
We installed it, and wouldn't you know it, ...it stopped working after one successful test. We phoned the GE appliance department, also easy to do on-line, and they were here the next morning.
The repairman opened the oven by removing the grill from across the top. Two half-inch screws hold it in place from the top edge. He was then able to open the front control panel so he could adjust a misaligned door switch. He did not have to take the oven down from the cabinet.
Here is the revelation: the halogen light-bulb, in question, is located behind the grill right beneath the opening where the charcoal filter would be mounted, if you used one. Anyone with a Philips screwdriver can take these two screws out and save himself or herself a $175 service call.
The repairman suggested that we leave the screws out to make it easier next time. The grill fits snuggly without the screws.
When our new kitchen is finished, we will give it a hard test, like cooking with the microwave and the convection oven combined. For now, we are giving it five stars because it appears that this is an excellent product and the repair service is terrific.
This review will be revised if any of this proves to be untrue later in time.
GE Profile Spacemaker Series : JVM1790SK 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Stee
Buy GE Profile Spacemaker Series : JVM1790SK 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven - Stainless Stee Now
The features on the microwave are great. However, after 2.5 years the Magnetron (which actually warms the food became damaged). Spent about $250 on labor to repair it (part comes w/ 5 yr warranty). However, 2yrs later the magnetron blew out again. Spent $100 for tech guy to come out, and it would be another ~ $250, at which point it didn't make sense and figured I'd just buy a new one. Also, my cleaning person broke the turntable and it's $110 to replace!!! However, the features on this microwave are great, and now that I'm shopping for a new one, I'm hoping to find one w/ similar options, like the night lite, reminder beep when food is done, add 30 secs option during cook time. The popcorn preset button gives me perfect popcorn everytime! If you get a GE, do yourself a favor and get the extended warranty.
Read Best Reviews of GE Profile Spacemaker Series : JVM1790SK 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven - Stainless Stee Here
We bought this w/ other GE Profile products (Dishwasher & Refrigerator) from PC Richards and I'm very glad we did.
We just did a full renovation and my contrator said this installed very easily and the venting was a breeze; straight up and then over 8 Ft.
It's constantly in use w/ two kids around. The dial knob makes it very easy to pick a cook time and temperature. Just turn and press. Convection bake works great for the hamburgers and meatloafs we usually have and it beats heating up the kitchen w/ the stove.
The micro-express button works in 30 second increments and if you need more time you just keep pressing it or spin the dial.
The popcorn preset button is a little short to pop them all but definitely not a deal breaker.
I would certainly recommend this product.
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Overall, the microwave works fine like any micro should, no real complaints there. However, we have had this micro for a little over a year. The inside light burned out as well as the task light that lights up the stovetop below. I searched for the replacement lightbulbs locally at home depot, and several other stores, no luck. I searched online, found the correct lightbulbs. Ordered 4 lights, 2 spare for when they burn out again. I went to install them. The bottom task light was a breeze, done in a few minutes. I opened the inside of the micro and could not find anywhere to access the light, nor could I see where it was even at?
Now reading the reviews here, that you need to remove the entire micro from the wall, have a technician install a lightbulb? to the tune of $200? That is insane! What an incredibly terrible design!! Geez, the inside light is not that big of a deal, I for sure am not going through the work of taking it down and paying a technician to install a freaking lightbulb. What was GE thinking when they came up with this LAME design?
I have to give this 1 star.
This is the 2nd time I've been invited to write a review of this purchase ... long story, but I can sum it up ( again ) in 4 words: GREAT ITEM, HORRIBLE SELLER.
