These two stainless steel over-the-range microwaves sit at opposite ends of the price scale, and the difference in what you get is real. The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS runs $455.99 and adds convection heating to the standard microwave package, while the GE JVM3160RFSS costs just $227.00 and sticks to reliable electric microwave cooking without extras. Both fit a standard 30-inch cabinet cutout and carry solid review track records. The GE has a slight edge in raw capacity at 1.6 cu ft versus the BLACK+DECKER's 1.5 cu ft, but the BLACK+DECKER counters with higher feature depth and a touchscreen interface.
Quick winner
The GE JVM3160RFSS wins for budget-conscious buyers who just need dependable over-the-range microwave performance; the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is the pick for anyone who wants convection baking capability built into one appliance.
Key differences, measured
The GE JVM3160RFSS is 50% cheaper ($227.00 vs $455.99).
The GE JVM3160RFSS is 0.1 cu ft larger (1.6 cu ft vs 1.5 cu ft).
The GE JVM3160RFSS is 100 W higher (1000 W vs 900 W).
The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS has 1 more power levels (10 vs 9).
The GE JVM3160RFSS is 0.1 in wider (30.0 in vs 29.88 in).
The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is priced at $455.99 and backs that up with convection heating, which goes beyond standard microwave cooking to circulate hot air for baking and roasting. It delivers 900 watts of microwave power across 10 power levels, controlled through a touchscreen panel. The cavity measures 1.5 cu ft with a 13.6-inch turntable, and the unit fits a 30-inch-wide installation space. With 22,300 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, it has one of the largest feedback pools in this category, giving shoppers strong signal on real-world reliability.
Buy this if: The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS suits cooks who want convection oven capability without a second appliance taking up counter space. It also fits buyers who prioritize a modern touchscreen interface and have a larger budget to spend on a feature-rich over-the-range unit.
The GE JVM3160RFSS sells for $227.00, making it one of the most accessible over-the-range options from a major appliance brand. It offers 1.6 cu ft of interior space and 1000 watts of electric microwave power, controlled via a touch pad interface. Nine power levels cover everyday tasks from defrosting to full-power reheating. At 40 pounds, it is notably lighter than many competitors, which can simplify installation. Over 1,300 reviews at 4.1 stars show consistent buyer satisfaction for its price tier.
Buy this if: The GE JVM3160RFSS is the right choice for anyone replacing an existing over-the-range microwave on a tight budget and needing a trusted brand name. Its lighter weight and straightforward touch pad controls make it especially practical for renters or first-time buyers who want no-fuss installation and daily use.
Does the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS work as a true convection oven?
Yes, the EC942K6CE-SS is rated for convection heating, which circulates hot air to cook and brown food more evenly than a standard microwave. At 1.5 cu ft it is a compact space, so it works best for smaller baking tasks rather than full sheet pans. It gives you a meaningful extra cooking mode without needing a separate countertop oven.
Is the GE JVM3160RFSS a good replacement for an older over-the-range microwave?
For most standard kitchen setups, yes. The GE JVM3160RFSS fits a 30-inch-wide space and is designed for over-the-range installation, so it slots into the same footprint as most existing OTR units. Its 1.6 cu ft cavity and 1000-watt output are squarely in the mainstream range. The 1,300-plus reviews suggest broad compatibility with typical kitchen remodels and replacements.
Which microwave has higher wattage?
The GE JVM3160RFSS is rated at 1000 watts, while the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS runs at 900 watts for its microwave function. That 100-watt gap is modest in practice, but the GE will heat food slightly faster at equivalent power settings. The BLACK+DECKER adds convection as a separate cooking mode that the GE does not offer.
How do these two units compare on capacity?
The GE JVM3160RFSS offers 1.6 cu ft and the BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS comes in at 1.5 cu ft. The difference is small enough that most casserole dishes and dinner plates fit in either unit. If you regularly microwave large family-size dishes or covered containers, the extra tenth of a cubic foot in the GE gives you a bit more room.
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