The GE Profile 2.0 Cu. Ft. Microwave Oven PEB2060SMSS is a powerful 1,200-watt countertop microwave that offers a laundry list of features. This unit is noticeably larger than many comparable countertop models, but the trade off is an unusually spacious internal cavity, measuring 17 inches wide by 11 inches tall by 19 inches deep, which provides a full 2.0 cubic feet of usable cooking space. The GE PEB2060SMSS can also be converted into a built-in oven with the aid of an optional installation kit.

We loved the roomy interior with its 16-inch glass turntable, which easily accommodates casserole dishes of almost any size or shape. Even rectangular (9x12-inch) glass or ceramic dishes work well in this oven. The oven is designed for larger chores, such as cooking a family-size batch of stew, a large lasagna or even an entire turkey or chicken. We should note that it works equally well with smaller tasks, such as cooking a single baked potato. Using one of 10 power levels, you can obtain the perfect heat setting, whether you are boiling water (level 10), baking a casserole (level 7), defrosting (level 2 or 3) or softening butter (level 1). The instruction booklet provides a few hints as to which setting works best; however, to really take advantage of this powerful machine, you'll want to invest in a decent microwave cookbook.

We put the GE PEB2060SMSS through its paces with some easy (and some not so easy) tasks. It did a superb job with baked potatoes (4-1/2 minutes) chicken cutlets (3-1/2 minutes), frozen pizza (3-1/2 minutes) and defrosting using the automatic cycle. A rest period of several minutes is recommended for some tasks to allow the heat to equalize and cooking to finish. We did notice that this unit was a bit noisier than some of the smaller models. We attributed the slight increase in sound to the unit's extra power and were not too bothered by it.

We loved the touch-control panel and digital display, which not only shows the function in progress, but also provides helpful guidance when using the sensor buttons and also counts down the remaining time. There are six sensor functions (popcorn, beverage, reheat, vegetable, potato and chicken/fish), plus a Defrost Auto/Time button and a Time Cook button that lets you choose a custom setting. Numbers 1-6 on the keypad also activate their equivalent number of minutes instantly, thanks to the Express Cook programming.

With its many functions, the GE Profile 2.0 Cu. Ft. Microwave Oven PEB2060SMSS is a terrific model for anyone who has the room and desires an extra-large capacity in their microwave.


Pros: Extra-large 2.0 cu. ft. capacity, six sensor buttons and six Express Cook buttons
Cons: Requires extra counter space, noisier than smaller units

Warranty
1 year, entire unit, 5 years, magnetron tube