The GE JVM6175SKSS is a budget-friendly, over-the-range microwave. Its controls include sensor cooking programs, which detect steam to automatically adjust the cooking time. Unlike some microwaves, you have the option to mute the controls. It also comes in six different colorways, so you can get the one that matches your kitchen.
The GE JVM6175SKSS is a fast microwave. It heats food just as fast as more expensive over-the-range models like the KitchenAid KMHS120ESS.
This microwave has more colors to choose from than most, including 'Fingerprint Resistant Stainless' (GE JVM6175YKFS), 'White' (GE JVM6175DKWW), 'Slate' (GE JVM6175EKES), 'Black Stainless' (GE JVM6175BLTS), 'Stainless' (GE JVM6175SKSS), and 'Black' (GE TJVM6175DKBB). We tested the 'Stainless' variant, 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 (JVM6175SK6SS). According to the manufacturer, this isn't a different model but 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.
The GE JVM6175SKSS is a cheaper over-the-range microwave that heats food just as quickly as more expensive options like the KitchenAid KMHS120ESS or the LG MVEL2033F. Just like those models, it has sensor cooking programs, where the microwave detects steam to automatically detect the cooking time. It's also easier to see into its cooking chamber. It has a slightly smaller cooking chamber, although over-the-range microwaves tend to be pretty similar in size, so it's not by much.
If you're looking for more microwave recommendations, check out our picks for the best over-the-range microwaves and the best microwaves.
This is the smallest over-the-range microwave we've tested, but not by much. The light inside makes it particularly easy to see into the cooking chamber.
Since it's an over-the-range microwave, it has a cooktop light and fan for the stove below. You can choose from four different fan speeds and two settings for the light. There's also a built-in grease filter and a 'replace filter' indicator light. The fan will automatically stay on at low speed if the microwave has been heated up too much by the stove below. One of the main differences between this and the cheaper GE JVM3160RFSS is that you can mute the controls.
Unlike the GE JVM3160RFSS, it has several sensor cooking modes, where the microwave detects steam to calculate the cooking time. The sensor functions include popcorn, beverage, reheat, and potato. You can defrost by weight or time. You can easily add 30 seconds with the dedicated button or press any button from 1-5 to quickly start the microwave for that amount of time. There are four different 'Melt' modes that you can access with the dedicated button and the number pad.
It's possible to switch off the turntable rotation to accommodate particularly big dishes. You can't set a delayed start or a standing time, but you can program it to change power levels partway through cooking.
Microwaves all perform similarly when heating food in shallow dishes. The evenness of heating depends on factors like what kind of food you're heating, in what amount, and in what container. You can read more about our investigations into microwave performance here.
Microwaves all perform similarly for heating food in deeper containers like bowls. Evenness depends on what you're heating, your specific container, and where you place it. You can read more about our investigations into microwave performance here.