The GE GCST20S1WSS is a strong choice for large households that need maximum countertop capacity: 2.0 cu ft interior, 1200W output, a 16-inch turntable, and 10 power levels at $249. With 497 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, it has the buyer track record to support the specs.
Large households or anyone who regularly reheats casseroles, soups in big bowls, or family-size platters. The 16-inch turntable and 24.09-inch width accommodate items that simply do not fit in 1.2 or 1.4 cu ft models.
Skip if
Skip if your counter space is limited, at 24.09 inches wide and 19.4 inches deep, this is a large appliance footprint. Also skip for a single person or couple where a 2.0 cu ft cavity will go mostly unused.
Capacity 2.0 cu ft
Heating Electric
Wattage 1200 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 24.09 in
Capacity of 2.0 cu ft - larger than 89% of the 84 models we track
Wattage of 1200 W - higher than 61% of the 84 models we track
Width of 24.09 in - wider than 90% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.2/5overall
Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 497 owner ratings
Value for money3.7/5
$124 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity3.3/5
497 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space4.7/5
2.0 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
At 2.0 cu ft, the GCST20S1WSS is one of the larger full-size countertop models GE offers. The combination of 1200W output and a 16-inch turntable produces fast, even heating across a broad cooking surface, useful for large plates and containers that smaller microwaves struggle to heat evenly due to turntable size limitations.
The 10 power levels cover the full range of microwave tasks, from low-power butter melting and careful defrosting to full-speed reheating. Standard button controls are straightforward and respond reliably under kitchen conditions, no concerns about touchscreen accuracy with wet hands. The stainless steel exterior is easy to clean and coordinates with most kitchen appliances.
With 497 reviews at 4.2 stars, the GCST20S1WSS has a meaningful track record. At $249, it occupies a reasonable price point for this category, less expensive than smaller premium-brand models while offering a genuinely large cavity with GE's brand reliability behind it.
Pros
2.0 cu ft cavity, large enough for full-size casserole dishes and big platters
1200W output delivers fast, capable heating for the interior size
16-inch turntable is one of the larger diameters in the countertop category
10 power levels handle everything from delicate defrost to full-power cooking
497 reviews at 4.2 stars gives solid purchase confidence
Cons
24.09-inch width demands significant counter space
Heavier at 48 lbs, more effort to move or reposition
No convection or advanced cooking features
Specifications
Capacity
2.0 cu ft
Heating
Electric
Wattage
1200 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
24.09 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Stainless Steel
Turntable
16.0 in
Dimensions
19.4 X 24.09 X 13.75 In
Weight
48.0 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Performance notes
1200W in a 2.0 cu ft cavity is well-matched: enough power to heat a large volume quickly without underperforming on bigger loads. The 16-inch turntable rotates most standard and oversized dinner plates through the full heating zone, reducing the hot-spot risk common when a large plate overhangs a smaller turntable. Ten power levels provide genuine precision, useful not just for defrost but for tasks like softening cream cheese or reheating bread gently. Button controls are practical in a kitchen where hands may not always be clean and dry.
What buyers say
Nearly 500 reviews at 4.2 stars indicates consistent buyer satisfaction for everyday microwave performance. The score reflects a large household staple that works as expected, fast reheating, reliable controls, with a minority experiencing durability or performance concerns typical of any high-volume appliance line.
The turntable is 16 inches in diameter. This is larger than the 12 to 13-inch turntables found in most 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft models, which makes it genuinely useful for rotating large dinner plates and wider containers through the heating zone without them hanging over the edge of the turntable.
Is 2.0 cu ft significantly bigger than 1.6 cu ft in practice?
Yes, noticeably so. Going from 1.6 to 2.0 cu ft adds about 25% more interior volume. The more practical difference is the wider cavity and larger turntable, which means a wider range of cookware and dishes fit comfortably. For a single person, the extra space goes unused; for a family of four or more, it earns its footprint.
How does the GE GCST20S1WSS compare to the smaller GCST16S1WSS?
The GCST20S1WSS gives you more interior room (2.0 vs 1.6 cu ft), a larger turntable (16 vs 13.63 in), and 1200W vs 1150W output for $64 more. If you regularly use large dishes, that upgrade is worthwhile. If most of your cooking involves single-serve portions, the 1.6 cu ft model is a better fit.
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