The GE JVM3160RFSS is a budget-friendly over-the-range microwave. It's missing some extras like a steam sensor that would allow it to automatically calculate the cook time, and there's no way to mute the controls. That said, like most over-the-range microwaves, it has an adjustable cooktop fan and light and comes with the basic functions you can expect from any microwave, like a defrost mode and quick-start buttons for foods like popcorn.
Our Verdict
The GE JVM3160RFSS is a fast 1000-watt microwave. The much more expensive KitchenAid KMHS120ESS will heat your food only marginally faster.
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Heats food quickly.
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Easy to see into cooking chamber.
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No steam sensor.
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No mute function.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The GE JVM3160RFSS comes in several different colors: 'White' (JVM3160DFWW), 'Black' (JVM3160DFBB), 'Stainless Steel' (JVM3160RFSS), 'Slate' (JVM3160EFES), and 'Bisque' (JVM3160DFCC), which is an off-white or cream color.
We tested the 'Stainless Steel' version, and you can see the label for the unit we tested here.
You might notice that the model number on the label has an extra digit (GE JVM3160RF8SS). According to the manufacturer, this isn't a different model but is an extra number that indicates when the unit was made.
If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Microwaves
Compared to slightly more expensive models, like the LG MVEM1825F and the GE JVM6175SKSS, the GE JVM3160RFSS lacks some extra features, like a steam sensor and a mute controls option. You also have a little less control over the cooktop fan and light since each can only be set to 'high' or 'low,' and you can't program the fan to switch off after a certain amount of time. That said, it heats food nearly as fast as the more expensive over-the-range models we've tested. It's also available in a few different colors to match your kitchen, unlike some other budget-friendly options like the LG LMV1764ST.
If you're still looking for a microwave, check out the best over-the-range microwaves and the best microwaves.
Test Results
The cooking chamber is on the small side compared to other over-the-range models like the KitchenAid KMHS120ESS, but not by a huge amount. The light inside makes it very easy to see inside when the door is closed.
This microwave has straightforward controls. It's missing some features found on the slightly pricier GE JVM6175SKSS, like a mute controls option and a steam sensor. Still, it has the usual defrost and reheat modes, plus some express-cook programs like 'Popcorn' and 'Potato' that start the microwave with one push of a button. You can switch off the turntable rotation, which is helpful when you're heating food in larger dishes. The cooktop fan and light can each be set to either low, high, or off, so they aren't quite as adjustable as the JVM6175SKSS's. It also lacks that model's 'replace filter' indicator, but you are meant to wash the hood filters about once a month and replace the charcoal odor and smoke filter when it gets dirty.
- Mounting plate
- Turntable
- Turntable roller
- Hardware packet (screws, grommet, clamp, and wall anchors)
- Cover plate for ventilation
- Extra grease filters
- User guide and installation guide
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 there is, and what container you're using. If you're interested in knowing more about microwave performance, check out our investigation here.
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.