General Electric's microwave ovens are generally among the best on the market and the JE1590 is no exception. Beautifully designed with a quality build, this convection microwave oven performs as well as it looks.

An ideal solution for kitchens in need of an extra space, this model combines a microwave and oven in one unit and unlike many hybrid appliances, handles both functions quite well.

Microwaving in the JE1590 is a snap. In addition to traditional cook-by-time, this model features an incredibly accurate sensor. This sensor is so precise that it can set ideal cooking times and power levels regardless of food quantity. You'll get perfectly prepared foods, time after time, without the overcooking and undercooking that commonly affects pre-programmed settings.

Baking and roasting in small quantities are ideal tasks for this oven. Simply use conventional recipe temperatures and bake in the convection mode. Even better, opt to combine convection heat and microwave energy to shave cooking time by 1/2 to 1/3, while getting results that are indistinguishable from traditional oven cooking. In fact, the quality of convection-microwave cooked foods is often superior to dishes prepared in a regular oven. Bread loaves and cakes, small chickens and even a rib roast turned out beautifully for us.

The only potential drawback to this model is cleaning. When used for roasting meats, a considerable amount of grease is likely to end up on the walls of the oven. Since the model is not self-cleaning, some serious spraying and wiping may be required to get it back to its shiny surface.

In spite of this drawback, our opinion is that the wiping isn't that difficult and that the benefits of an additional oven generally outweigh the somewhat messier cleaning job. Just be forewarned, cleaning this oven is a bit more work than cleaning a regular microwave.

Although the JE1590 can be used on the countertop, it is much more commonly built-in, either by itself or over a 27- or 30-inch wall oven. Be sure to select one of the optional trim kits if you intend to use one of these installations.

A well-designed model and an excellent performer, we highly recommend GE's JE1590 in white, black, bisque or stainless steel.


Pros: Makes an excellent second oven, can be used in combination mode to speed cooking while achieving brown and crisp food surface
Cons: Cleaning this type of microwave is a bigger job than cleaning a traditional model

Warranty
1 year