GE JVM3160DFBB 30" Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with 1.6 cu. ft. Capacity in Black

My wife and I are very pleased with this GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Black Over-the-Range Microwave oven. We had it professionally installed and have now used it for two days. Its performance is nothing short of excellent.Having only owned free-standing microwaves, and never previously owning an over-the-range one, we did a fair amount of research, especially on that famous CONSUMER web site which does not allow its name to be used (I'm sure you know the one I mean). There, quite a number of such microwaves were reviewed and this one stood out: it came in second place (with a rating of 79) just behind the first-place model (with a rating of 81) and is the only one recommended as a Best Buy. (That first-place model, sells for $550.00, a good deal more than this one. So do many of the others.)User reviews on that site were fair overall but all of the negative ones were, frankly, somewhat silly in our opinion, and could be ignored. (One person gave it a negative review because it is "only" 1000 watts and she wanted one with 1100 watts. How foolish! Why didn't she read the description before buying? Others complained that the charcoal filter was missing; my unit, purchased from Amazon, had it. Others complained that it is heavy. What do they expect?)The consumer site's own review's only caveat was that this model lacks a sensor to determine when the food is done. It has been our experience that these sensors are not always accurate so the lack of that feature on this model is of no consequence to us (we wouldn't use it even if it had it!) and therefore this omission, in our opinion, is not significant.The two or three hundred dollar savings IS significant though! This model appears to be one of the the least costly microwaves of its type which is made by a reputable manufacturer and that is currently available.This unit cooks at least as well as any we have ever owned (and it makes popcorn better than ANY microwave we have used). Its controls are straightforward; neither my wife nor I have even read the manual yet (though I'll do that today) and we are easily able to use it.I mentioned that ours came with the charcoal filter some complained was missing. We shall not be using that filter as we have tied the unit into our vent system which exhausts the air to the outside. The two small filters which are used in that type of application are easy to install, remove, and reinstall and they can be washed in the dishwasher.As of this writing, Amazon's description states that this model comes with a manufacturer's "Free 10yr Warranty on Major Components."It does not: the warranty is for one (1) year only but at least for that period GE provides both parts and labor. GE microwaves are listed as quite reliable on that aforementioned consumer web site. I trust that Haier, the company which is purchasing GE Appliances, will honor the warranty.Therefore I can wholeheartedly recommend this microwave to you. I think that you'll be as pleased as we are.Thank you for reading this and for considering my opinions.Lawrence H. Bulk+++++ Update: July 25, 2015We have been using this microwave several times a day (as we have always used microwave ovens) and, after more than six months, it is still working as it did when new. Even the direct venting system works extremely well. We continue to recommend this GE microwave oven as highly as possible. We are completely satisfied.+++++ Update: December 4, 2017As of three years now of owning and using this microwave, I can tell you that it's still going strong and functions as it did when it was new. We remain completely satisfied.

Product:As compared to the cheap magic chef that came with my house, this LG model is much quieter and offers more options such as keypad lockout and turntable toggle. It also has a larger cooking bay even though the unit itself is the same size. The door is a little stiff but I imagine it will loosen with time.Comparison to elsewhere:Although Home Depot offers this microwave cheaper (190-200 vs 229 when I bought it) Home Depot will require you to pay for shipping it (even if you want store pick up simply because they don't stock it frequently) to the tune of $60 and if you opt for installation it will run you another $80.Shipping and Instructions:This microwave shipped fast (I actually received it the day after I ordered it due to it being shipped from within my state) with a signature at delivery through UPS. Regardless, two day free shipping for Prime members on a 62lb package is quite the deal in itself. The instruction are very thorough and easy to read for all installation options, which includes venting through the back, through the top, or recirculating. I installed as recirculating for now as I needed a working microwave but didn't have the ducts/vent in place. However, changing the setup will be as easy removing the microwave, flipping the blower motor at the top back of the unit, and reinstalling to the duct work once available.Installation:Mounting bracket is included as well as a large fold-out paper template that shows you where to drill for the power cord and bolts that fasten to the top of the microwave. The mounting bracket itself is all in on piece and once you know the appropriate height you just center and drill in at least four holes, ideally drilling into a stud as many times as possible. Hanging the microwave without serious circus-ry will require two people, both for hanging it to the bracket and for one to hold up the microwave as someone else drills the top front securing bolts. Overall it was a relatively quick installation.

When my 4-year-old installed microwave stopped doing the only thing I needed it to do, I was looking for a less expensive replacement. I went with the black instead of stainless steel, and this model is identified as a "best buy" on consumer reports. It's the exact same model as one that is way more expensive, and the only feature missing is the sensor. Since I have literally never used the sensor option, but am in fact capable of putting in a specific time for cooking, I won't miss that. Also this has a handle rather than a button to push to open the door, and again, I don't care about that. The one feature I do miss is being able to set a timer for the "night light" function to kick in. I think I'll survive. So, this ends up being a slightly less fancy microwave that is about 40% of the cost of it's fancy big brother. Sign me up! It installed well and I've been using it for about a month with no complaints.

Great product for the price!

We were very happy with this product at first. No problems with cooking. Two days after the 1-year warranty expired, my daughter was opening the microwave and the entire handle came off. The plastic pieces connecting it to the door broke in two. I called them and because it was 2 days after warranty, nothing was covered. To replace the handle was $150, 2 connecting pieces would be another $100, and if we wanted someone to come and fix it it was another $99 for service call plus labor costs! So now I have a fairly new microwave that looks awful and can only be opened by holding the bottom of the door and pulling open. Very disappointed!