Up until now they have performed as expected. That was until this week when our GE Cafe microwave went kablooey. (The touchscreen short circuited and no longer works.)
It was a new model, without reviews, when we purchased it but based on other online reviews since, this is a consistent problem with the GE Cafe. We have only had it for 5 years so this is a real bummer - especially since we decided to use GE because we had such good experiences with their Profile line in our last house. If you are appliance shopping, don't make my mistake.
Oh well, I guess we have no choice to shell out for a new one now. Any recommendations?
Oh no! The hubs and I have a GE Cafe Fridge and plan to upgrade the rest of our appliances to the GE Cafe line when we redo our kitchen. I sincerely hope that GE fixes this problem because it's frustrating that such an expensive line would have any type of issues.
ReplyDeletefrom my experience microwaves in general are not made to last anymore.
ReplyDeleteWe had a kitchenaid that went ka-fooey after 5 years - when shopping for a replacement at Best Buy they told us that a microwave only lasts about 5 years anymore... so dumb! We just bought another one (not nearly as expensive as the first one - why waste money on something that will last only 5 years!) - and plan to replace it in 5. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMrgh. We have the same range, probably got it a few months after you got yours so there were reviews of the microwave so we skipped that particular one. Anyway, we love the range however, I feel it prudent to warn you if you have not experienced this phenomenon already, that we have had a few issues with the gas lockout system. With a kid on the way, you're gonna want that. Fortunately, the problem seems to have resolved itself, but when you start using it, make sure to wait until the oven has cooled completely otherwise it kind of makes a grinding noise and takes forever if it works at all. It seems to do okay otherwise. Just an FYI.
ReplyDeleteThis sort of thing drives me crazy. My Sony DVD player just bit the dust after only three years. I get tired of people saying, Oh well, they only last _____ amount of years these days. If I pay good money for something, I want it to work, not just look nice. Grr. Ok, rant over.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, that DVD player going out has me giving the eye to all the other appliances in my house, willing them not to give out on me.
We had a GE countertop microwave that bit the dust this spring. We managed to get 7 years out of it.
ReplyDeleteWe have a GE Profile Advantium 120. It has lasted 3+ years now (purchased by previous home owners). However, I have to say I hate the controls and display. Rather than the standard number pad, they decided to use a big dial, and a series of buttons in a semi-clock formation. This makes it more difficult than necessary to microwave anything for a specific amount of time. I usually end up hitting the 30 second button (labeled "Micro Express"!?) for everything, dozens of times if you need to cook something for several minutes. The alternative is clicking and dialing through several nested menus. The microwave does have convection cooking, some sort of heat lamp, and sensor cooking options, but I've only bothered using them half a dozen times. Every guest who tries to use the microwave is baffled when they try to decide how to start it. In short, I kind of hate it, and in a way I won't be sad if it dies and has to be replaced (except for the expense, of course).
ReplyDeleteWe had the same model when we remodeled our kitchen 5 yrs ago and I agree, that control dial drove us nuts. By the time we figured it all out and actually got to try out the other functions, we had to put the house on the market. Incidentally, the internal light bulb went out on us after only having it a year. GE wanted to charge us parts/labor for a new one because they'd have to take apart the microwave to change the bulb. Somehow I managed to get them to pick up the tab, but it was quite an ordeal. Hopefully you'll have better luck with yours!
DeleteWe had the same model when we remodeled our kitchen 5 yrs ago and I agree, that control dial drove us nuts. By the time we figured it all out and actually got to try out the other functions, we had to put the house on the market. Incidentally, the internal light bulb went out on us after only having it a year. GE wanted to charge us parts/labor for a new one because they'd have to take apart the microwave to change the bulb. Somehow I managed to get them to pick up the tab, but it was quite an ordeal. Hopefully you'll have better luck with yours!
DeleteI forgot that it was 8 years ago and second generation Advantium. Hopefully GE has worked out the kinks by now. Just curious, did the previous homeowners leave the instruction manual with you? Having that really helped us with trying to figure it out. When we sold the house we left all our appliance manuals for the next homeowners, cause we figured they'd get frustrated trying to figure it out. The concept of the oven is a great idea, but in some ways a poor design.
DeleteI had the exact same problem with a different GE Microwave. I did not have mine very long when it happened. I called GE customer service and it was a very quick fix that was under warranty.
ReplyDeleteThey replaced the electrical component behind the pad. I am very careful with cleaning the pad now. The repair man mentioned that you don't want to get the pad too wet when cleaning it.
We are having nothing but problems with our Kitchenaid Architect appliances, too...so avoid those. I think all appliances are crap though. Expensive crap!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a bummer. I have no recommendation, our micro is 12 years old (Sharp Carousel) and it works like a champ. But tell me HOW you get your stainless appliances so pretty?? It's a problem for almost everyone I know!
ReplyDeletestory of my life. i haven't found a line that DOESN'T have one or two pieces that poop out early. but i have found retailers that usually cut me a break when it happens (because i use the same appliance warehouses over and over). have you tried reaching out to ge? i know it's five years old, and it might be a waste of time, but it can't hurt...
ReplyDeleteThe secret is not to buy all appliances from the same brand. Each kind of appliance has a brand that stands out above the rest. Research them individually and just buy them with matching finishes.
ReplyDeleteBuy the service plan when you purchase it. Otherwise buyer beware.
ReplyDeleteHa! I wrote a similar post title this week about my %!&#&! laminate :) We have a Panasonic Genius Inverter microwave which I'm very happy with. The inverter technology puts out more consistent microwaves than traditional 'pulsing' type microwaves which means more evenly cooked food. After 3 years of use, I think it has lived up to that promise.
ReplyDeleteWe still have a cruddy one on the counter...but I always hear good things about Kitchenaid?
ReplyDeleteGood luck. As much as I am ashamed to admit it...each time we have broken our microwaves...we are LOST without it and have to replace them IMMEDIately VS. recently we went over a year without a dishwasher...
I remodeled my kitchen 11 years old with new GE profile appliances (fridge, microwave, and dishwasher). The dishwasher died after 8 years, I've been repairing the water lines in the fridge every year for the last 4 years, the controls on the microwave are going berserk and the handle has broken off 3 times.
ReplyDeleteCall me crazy but I think appliances should just work properly in the first place. I've owned several homes and have never had an appliance die like this. Just a terrible design flaw from GE.
ReplyDeleteOh I couldn't live without a dishwasher. I could go a long time without a microwave but we will eventually have to replace it.
ReplyDeleteWhat?? That is nuts. I would have pulled my hair out.
ReplyDeletewe just bought a new GE microwave (GE profile). We had to buy GE because they were the only one that makes the model that we needed (to fit into the wall with a trim kit). Our house was built in 1995 so I assume the microwave was that old, but the plate stopped spinning a while back and then it stopped heating. I hope this new one lasts a good while because it was a lot more expensive than the regular countertop type microwave
ReplyDeleteI agree. Why should I have to pay to guarantee that their stuff will work like it should and last. My GE washer broke today too.
ReplyDeleteNot an LG. Mine had he same problem. I think they might just not make hem like hey used to...
ReplyDeleteTry a Bosch. When we lived in SF and remodeled our kitchen, the hubs and I went with all Bosch appliances. Loved them. Moved here to MN and the house we purchased has Bosch dishwasher, Dacor cooktop and oven, and Sub-Zero fridge. The microwave is just a small nothing brand behind a cabinet door. (We don't even use it anymore). The only thing that hasn't had a problem is the Bosch dishwasher. The Sub-Zero had a problem with the condenser a month after we bought this money pit. Thankfully, it just fell under the warranty, by a week, I kid you not. I've had good luck with Bosch before so if the hardware/design looks like it will work with your other appliances, go for it.
ReplyDeleteOn a brighter note, I just read your post from a few days ago. CONGRATULATIONS!!! :)
Talk to the appliance guys. If they are good and not just a salesman they'll tell you about how something like 80% of microwaves are the same inside, just sold to each company in which they put a different shell on the outside. I don't remember the exact % but it is very surprising. That being said, your run of the mill microwave is just about the same as the pricy ones. After finding that out we have a Cuisinart one that has done us well.
ReplyDeleteI never have luck with microwaves and can't even count how many I've gone thru. I use it mainly to zap my coffee. They don't make appliances to last anymore and like I stated earlier buying the service is an option because even the best appliances can be lemons.
ReplyDeleteLove my Panasonic Genius Inverter Microwave! Have had it for 8 years without any issues.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about a GE Advantium (240) or perhaps the Bosch speed cooker? I hate to recommend another GE product, but the Advantium gets great reviews on gardenweb, which if I remember correctly, you use to frequent. I ended up with an all GE appliance kitchen during a recent remodel and pray each day that they continue working.
ReplyDeleteKenmore -- 9 years and going strong.
ReplyDeleteI have a Frigidaire Gallery microwave and I love it! It does beep a lot (and loudly) when things are done cooking and it likes to remind you that they're done 30 seconds later by beeping again but that's the only negative thing about it :)
ReplyDeleteAlways buy a Panasonic Microwave. They are worth every penny. Last a long time. I am going on 7 years with my over the stove model.
ReplyDeleteOur first microwave lasted 20 years and I just wanted a new one when we gave the kitchen a facelift and chose a Sharp. It was great for about 4 years but would no longer work because the turntable stopped working. A Maytag replaced the Sharp but the turntable stopped working in less than a year but the rest still works. An appliance salesman told me 2 years ago that 'planned obsolescense' is the way all appliances are made these days. The manufacturers finally realized that they won't make money if they continued to build quality products. Makes sense for their bottom line - but tough on the rest of us. Let us know what you choose.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear this about the GE appliances. I just replaced my old GE microwave and fridge with new GE appliances (as part of a kitchen update, not because they died, and both appliances were original to the house built in 1984.) I was hoping for reliability because I stuck with GE.
ReplyDeleteUh oh I have the entire series as well - the overn/range, fridge, and microwave. Love it so far but have only had it about two years.
ReplyDeleteWe have the same microwave and have had multiple problems. I went to facebook to voice my concerns and was able to have my repairs covered by the corporate office. These are not inexpensive appliances, so it is very frustrating to not have them last. I'd recommend contacting them via facebook (much more helpful than the phone).
ReplyDeleteIt makes me wish that I had done a vent/fan above my range and created a space for a regular microwave if they are going to need to be replaced so often.
We've run into problems with both KitchenAid and LG microhoods.
ReplyDeleteI have a Panasonic and it's worked great for probably 15 years. Maybe longer. I can't even remember. I use it a lot.
ReplyDelete