The GE GCST16S1WSS delivers a practical 1.6 cu ft interior, 1150W output, and 10 power levels in a stainless steel package at $185, a strong value proposition for a large-family countertop microwave from a trusted brand. With 354 reviews at 4.1 stars, it has a legitimate track record to back up the specs.
Families or households that regularly microwave full-size dishes and need room for larger containers. The 13.63-inch turntable and 21.75-inch width balance capacity with counter practicality, and stainless steel suits most kitchen finishes.
Skip if
Skip if you are outfitting a compact kitchen with limited counter space, at 21.75 inches wide and 17.75 inches deep, it is a large footprint. Also skip if you need a more powerful unit; 1150W is capable but lower than some competitors at this size.
Capacity 1.6 cu ft
Heating Electric
Wattage 1150 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 21.75 in
Priced 32% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.6 cu ft - larger than 83% of the 84 models we track
Wattage of 1150 W - higher than 60% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.1/5overall
Owner rating4.1/5
4.1 average across 354 owner ratings
Value for money4.0/5
$116 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity3.1/5
354 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space4.4/5
1.6 cu ft, roomy 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
GE's GCST16S1WSS sits at a useful spot in the mid-to-large countertop microwave segment. The 1.6 cu ft interior handles casserole dishes, large soup bowls, and family-size portions without issue. At 1150W it is not the fastest model in this size range, but 10 power levels give you enough control to defrost, simmer, and reheat without overcooking.
The 13.63-inch turntable is on the larger side for countertop models under $200, which helps heat food more evenly by rotating through the full cooking zone. The stainless steel finish and standard button controls keep things practical rather than flashy. GE's brand reputation and service network are genuine advantages for buyers who prioritize long-term support.
At $185 with 354 verified reviews, this is one of the more grounded purchases in the large countertop microwave segment. The 4.1-star average reflects solid everyday satisfaction without being the highest-rated unit in the category.
Pros
1.6 cu ft cavity handles large family portions and full-size dishes
10 power levels allow precise control from defrost to full power
13.63-inch turntable is generously sized for even heating
Competitive $185 price for this capacity from a major brand
354 reviews at 4.1 stars provides a meaningful reliability signal
Cons
1150W is slightly lower than some competitors in the 1.6 cu ft range
21.75-inch width requires significant counter space
No convection or advanced cooking modes
Specifications
Capacity
1.6 cu ft
Heating
Electric
Wattage
1150 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
21.75 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Stainless Steel
Turntable
13.63 in
Dimensions
17.75 X 21.75 X 12.87 In
Weight
39.0 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Performance notes
1150W across a 1.6 cu ft cavity is functional for all standard microwave tasks, reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking. The 10 power levels let you step down incrementally for gentle defrosting or melting butter without the burnt-spot risk that comes from full-power blasts. The 13.63-inch turntable ensures most standard plates rotate fully without catching on the interior walls. Button controls are tactile and direct, which many cooks prefer over touchscreen interfaces that require the surface to be dry and clean to register accurately.
What buyers say
With 354 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, buyer reception to the GCST16S1WSS is solidly positive without being exceptional. The score suggests the unit reliably handles everyday microwave duties and meets expectations for the price, with a minority of buyers experiencing issues consistent with normal variation in large-run appliances.
Yes, for everyday household use. Reheating and defrosting work fine at 1150W. If you want faster cooking times or have a habit of running the microwave on dense items like frozen meats, a 1200 to 1250W model would heat slightly faster, but the difference in daily use is modest.
How does the GE GCST16S1WSS compare to smaller 1.1 or 1.2 cu ft models?
The main advantage is interior room: a 1.6 cu ft cavity fits larger plates, taller containers, and bigger food items without angling or squeezing. The tradeoff is a wider physical footprint on your counter. If you regularly heat full casserole dishes or large bowls, the extra space is practical.
Is the stainless steel finish durable on this model?
GE uses standard appliance-grade stainless on countertop microwaves, which holds up well to normal use. The exterior will show fingerprints over time, a dry microfiber cloth handles cleaning easily. The finish is not brushed to the same depth as premium ranges or dishwashers, which is typical at this price point.
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