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GE JES1145SHSS Microwave Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Jul 10, 2024 at 10:13 am

The GE JES1145SHSS is a medium-sized, budget-friendly microwave. It has simple controls with the usual functions, like express cook, which allows you to start it at the push of a button, defrost mode, and a 'Popcorn' button. However, it lacks a steam sensor for more automatic microwaving, and you can't mute the controls.

Our Verdict

7.6 Power

The GE JES1145SHSS is a 950-watt microwave that can heat food quite quickly, but many 1000-watt microwaves, like the Sharp SMC1162HS, are much faster.

Pros
  • Heats food quite quickly.
Cons
  • No steam sensor.
  • No mute option.

Performance Usages

  • 7.6 Power
  1. Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

This microwave comes in Black (JES1145DMBB), Stainless Steel (JES1145SHSS), and White (JES1145DLWW). We tested it in 'Stainless Steel,' and you can see the label here.

You might notice that the model number on the label has an extra digit (JES1145SH1SS). This isn't a different model, but an extra number that indicates when the unit was made, according to the manufacturer.

If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Microwaves

The GE JES1145SHSS is a budget-friendly microwave. It's a good option if you want to save money but need something a bit bigger than cheaper options like the GE JES1072SHSS. However, it has only 950 watts of power and won't heat food as quickly as some microwaves, like the Sharp SMC1162HS, which is another affordable, medium-sized microwave that also has a mute function.

If you're still looking for a microwave, check out the best microwaves and the best over-the-range microwaves.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Body
Installation
Countertop
Height 12.0" (30.5 cm)
Width 20.3" (51.5 cm)
Depth Without Handle
15.6" (39.7 cm)
Depth With Handle
N/A
Power Cord Length 3.54 ft (1.08 m)
Design
Cooking Chamber
Advertised Chamber Volume
1.1 cu. ft.
Turntable Diameter
12.4" (31.5 cm)
Chamber Height
8.8" (22.3 cm)
Chamber Width
14.0" (35.5 cm)
Chamber Depth
14.5" (36.8 cm)
Measured Chamber Volume
1.0 cu. ft. (0.03 m³)

It's a medium-sized microwave. The light inside isn't very bright, so it's not that easy to see into the cooking chamber while it's running.

Design
Controls And Functions
Door Release
Button
Cooking Sensor
No
Popcorn Button
Yes
Defrost Button
Yes
Add Time Button
Yes
Kitchen Timer
Yes
Mute Sounds Button
No
Lock Controls Button
Yes

This microwave has simple controls. You can quickly start a one- to six-minute cycle with the numbered buttons. There are also some programs for specific foods like 'Popcorn,' 'Dinner plate,' and 'Beverage,' which can be adjusted depending on how much food or drink you're heating. However, it lacks a steam sensor that could help make cooking more automatic. There's also no way to mute the controls.

Design
In The Box

  • Turntable
  • Turntable roller
  • User manual

Performance
7.6
Performance
Power
Inverter Technology
No
Advertised Microwave Output Power
950 W
Tested Heating Rate At 100% Power
641 W
Performance
Shallow Dish Heating Uniformity
Area Of Underheated Dinner Plate
0%
Grayscale Range Dinner Plate
31
Area Of Underheated Turntable
0%
Grayscale Range Turntable
31

Microwaves all heat food in shallow dishes quite similarly. Heating evenness depends on factors like what kind of food you're microwaving, how much of it, and in what container. If you're interested in knowing more about microwave performance, check out our investigation here.

Performance
Deep Dish Heating Uniformity
Min. Food Temperature (100% Power)
82 °F (28 °C)
Food Temperature Range (100% Power)
119 °F (66 °C)
Min. Food Temperature (50% Power)
77 °F (25 °C)
Food Temperature Range (50% Power)
123 °F (68 °C)

You won't notice a difference between how different microwaves perform when evenly heating food in deeper dishes. Evenness depends on what you're heating, not what microwave you use. You can read more about our investigation into microwave performance here.