The GE Cafe Series Spacemaker Microwave Oven CVM2072 is a sophisticated over-the-range microwave with advanced features. It has all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a microwave in a price range of more than $600. It offers a roomy 2.0-cubic-foot capacity, 1,100 watts of cooking power and a lighted touch screen control panel, with numerous options to cook, reheat or defrost foods and beverages quickly and easily. A dual distribution system circulates microwave energy from two points -- the top and side -- for extremely efficient heating.

This model comes with a 14.25-inch glass turntable and two wire racks, which can be used for multi-level reheating or oversize casserole dishes that won't fit on the round turntable. We were impressed with GE's EasyGuide menu system, which basically walks you through the function selection process step-by-step. A 3x3.5-inch blue backlit screen displays the options in easy-to-understand terminology. You simply touch the desired function and then move through additional options, as needed, to activate. Some options, such as Express/30 SEC, begin immediately. Others ask you to specify a food, select the power level or set the cooking time. None take more than a few simple touches of your fingertip.

The Cook function includes both manual (timed) cooking and automatic (sensor) cooking. We appreciated the flexibility of the timed cooking, which offers 10 variable power levels, ranging between 10 percent (low) and 100 percent (high) power. The lower levels are well suited to gentler cooking of delicate foods, slow cooking, simmering or softening butter.

We particularly liked the sensor cooking functions, which save time and take the guesswork out of microwave cooking. The CVM2072 provides pre-programmed settings for many commonly prepared foods, such as popcorn, potatoes, chicken pieces, fresh or frozen vegetables, ground meat, fish, rice and an assortment of beverages. As these foods cook, the sensor monitors the humidity level in the oven and adjusts cooking time accordingly. We tested the Sensor function with several food items and were impressed not only by the uniform results we achieved, but also by the speed at which the unit completed its tasks. Baked potatoes, in particular, emerged soft and steam-filled throughout. Our only complaint was that the skin was a bit shriveled and soft as well as the interior -- since the microwave simply can't achieve the crispy exterior an oven can.

Without a doubt, the greatest benefit this oven offers is convenience. There are several one-touch options for quick defrosting of 1-pound of meat, poultry or fish; Express Cook times in 30 second or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6-minute intervals; and effortless microwave popcorn. Two of the more unique functions are the Soften and Melt choices. The Soften feature is perfect for preparing butter or cream cheese for mixing or for softening frozen ice cream for serving. The Melt feature lets you melt foods such as butter, chocolate or cheese for immediate serving or use in recipe preparation. The Reheat and Defrost functions, which can be used in either sensor or timed modes, performed exceptionally well with most tasks. Again, the only limitation is the unit's lack of crisping when reheating pizza, for instance.

Other interesting features not often found on basic units are the Delay Timer and Reminder functions. Delay Timer lets you preset the microwave to begin its cooking or defrosting cycle up to 24 hours ahead of time. This feature proves handy if you have a certain time you'd like foods to be ready and won't be home to start the cycle. The reminder feature can be used like an alarm clock, producing a signal at the specified time. This unit also has a clock and countdown timer.

We noticed that the GE Cafe CVM2072 cooked foods much faster than a conventional oven. Turkey breast cooks at a rate of 5 to 9 minutes per pound compared to the usual 15 minute/pound oven time, and a whole 3-pound chicken can be ready in as little as 20 minutes. Other features include an automatic fan, which activates to protect the microwave if too much heat is generated from the cooktop below; a 4-speed exhaust fan with boost for high-speed venting; a surface light; and a child lockout safety feature.

The GE Cafe is an exceptional machine with a host of advanced options. From its customizable settings to its many built-in convenience features, this unit is sure to impress.


Pros: Roomy 2.0 cu. ft. interior, digital control panel and display screen, dual distribution, EasyGuide menu system walks you through functions step by step
Cons: Crisping won't match conventional oven results when reheating foods

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor (limited); 5 years, magnetron tube (limited)