GE GCST07N1WSS Countertop Microwave Review

4.1 (586) Amazon rating$107.99

Our verdict

The GE GCST07N1WSS is a compact 0.7 cu ft, 700W countertop microwave at $107.99, priced at a modest premium over budget-tier 0.7 cu ft models, justified mainly by GE's brand reliability and established service support, not by spec differentiation.

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Best for

Small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office break areas where counter space is tight and a recognizable appliance brand matters. The 17.31-inch width and 10.75-inch turntable fit compact setups, and the stainless steel finish suits visible kitchen placements.

Skip if

Anyone who needs to heat large plates or family portions should skip, 0.7 cu ft with a 10.75-inch turntable is sized for solo meals and small portions only. Budget-focused buyers can find equivalent 0.7 cu ft / 700W specs for $60-$80 from COMFEE', Farberware, or Frigidaire.

  • Capacity 0.7 cu ft
  • Heating Electric
  • Wattage 700 W
  • Power levels 10
  • Installation Countertop
  • Width 17.31 in
  • Priced 60% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
  • Capacity of 0.7 cu ft - smaller than 78% of the 84 models we track
  • Wattage of 700 W - lower than 87% of the 84 models we track

Our scorecard

4.1/5 overall
  • Owner rating4.1/5

    4.1 average across 586 owner ratings

  • Value for money3.2/5

    $154 per cubic foot, below the category median

  • Popularity3.5/5

    586 owner reviews, more than most models here

  • Storage space1.2/5

    0.7 cu ft, compact for this category

The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.

Overview

At 0.7 cu ft and 700W, the GE GCST07N1WSS handles the basics capably: a mug of coffee warms in about 45 seconds, a bowl of soup reheats in 1.5-2 minutes, and a small frozen snack defrosts with the lower power levels. The 10.75-inch turntable is larger than the 9.5-inch found on some compact competitors, accommodating most standard 9-inch microwave-safe plates without the edges hanging over the plate support ring.

Button controls with 10 power levels keep operation direct. The 17.31-inch width is a practical footprint that fits most kitchen counters without displacing other appliances. At 21 pounds, it is one of the lighter options in this category, which matters if placement needs to change periodically.

The 4.1-star average across 586 reviews is slightly lower than peers like the Sharp SMC1162KS (4.4 stars). At $107.99, the premium over $68-$80 budget alternatives buys GE brand continuity, not better specs. For buyers who specifically want a GE appliance or expect to need service support, that premium makes sense.

Pros

  • GE brand with established service network and parts availability
  • Compact 17.31-inch width for tight counter spaces
  • 21 lb weight makes placement and adjustment easy
  • 10 power levels provide useful flexibility for a 700W unit
  • Stainless steel finish suits open-kitchen or visible placements

Cons

  • $107.99 is a premium over competing 0.7 cu ft / 700W models at $60-$80
  • 700W output is the minimum practical power tier
  • 10.75-inch turntable limits useful dish size
  • 4.1-star rating at 586 reviews is below average for category leaders

Specifications

Capacity0.7 cu ft
HeatingElectric
Wattage700 W
Power levels10
InstallationCountertop
Width17.31 in
ControlsButtons
ColorStainless Steel
Turntable10.75 in
Dimensions12.75 X 17.31 X 10.18 In
Weight21.0 lb
Voltage120 Volts

Performance notes

700W output is adequate for single-portion reheating, soups, beverages, leftover rice, and small frozen items. The 10.75-inch turntable handles most 9-inch standard plates. Ten power levels allow defrost and gentle reheat steps without jumping to 50% power directly. Button controls accept direct time and power input. Not rated for convection or sensor cook functions.

What buyers say

586 reviews at 4.1 stars is a moderate positive signal. The 4.1-star average is slightly below the category leaders but acceptable for a compact 700W unit. GE's brand typically generates higher satisfaction scores on larger-capacity models; at this small-capacity tier, most critique points at the value equation given the price versus budget alternatives. Buyers appear generally satisfied with size, footprint, and basic reliability.

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Frequently asked questions

How does the GE GCST07N1WSS compare to the Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ at 0.7 cu ft?

Both are 0.7 cu ft / 10 power level models. The Frigidaire is listed at $69 compared to the GE's $107.99, and carries 2,900 reviews with 733 monthly purchases. On raw specs, the Frigidaire holds its own and delivers much stronger community validation. The GE's advantage is brand continuity for buyers who prefer GE appliances and the associated service network.

Is button control better than touchscreen for a small microwave?

Buttons offer tactile confirmation that a press registered, which some users prefer over a flat touchscreen that provides no physical feedback. Buttons can also be easier to operate with wet hands or while wearing gloves. The tradeoff is that raised buttons can accumulate grease and crumbs over time. For a compact kitchen microwave used daily, both control types are practical, personal preference is the deciding factor.

What is the actual usable interior height of this microwave?

The published exterior dimensions are 12.75 x 17.31 x 10.18 inches, but interior cavity dimensions are not separately published in the available spec data. At 0.7 cu ft total volume, typical interior heights in this class run 7-8 inches, which accommodates most standard mugs and bowls. Tall items like a large mason jar or a full soup mug with a lid may be a tight fit, check the interior height specification on the product listing before ordering if vertical clearance matters.

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