GE Hotpoint RVM1435 Microwave Oven: A Great Microwave?

Author's Rating:

Pros: Works well, out of the way, stylish, multiple power levels, one touch operations

Cons: None that we have found

The Bottom Line: 
A very good microwave that I would recommend to anyone.

Author's Review
When we moved into our new home we realized that we probably should upgrade our microwave from my decade or older model. So, we made our way to the store and decided that we would purchase a brand that we figured we could trust- GE. I have never had any problems and nor has my wife with GE, so we went with what we both trusted.

We have now had this microwave for close to six months and have been very pleased with what it has to offer. As expected, neither of us have had anything close to a problem.

THE SPECIFICS:

* 1.4 cubic feet of capacity
* Weight of 73 pounds
* Dimensions of 15 7/8" x 29 7/8" x 14 5/16"
* 10 power levels
* One touch buttons
* Turntable, defrost, and child lock
* Over the oven type
* Popcorn preset

So, what do we like about this microwave? To begin with, it is an above the oven model and that means more counter space and a more efficiently designed kitchen. The microwave is out of the way, but still offers things that would normally be above the oven, such as a light and fan. Getting it there is not too difficult. There are bars that provide a base and the most difficult aspect is actually lifting the thing in, what is sure to be an awkward manner, to place.

I am a big fan of the one touch controls, as well. Just the touch of a finger will provide a quick reheat, cook, or defrost. This is huge to me. There is no more working numerous different buttons in order to figure out what you are trying to do. Just hit the button and you are on the way. Additionally, there is a child lock option that makes this safe to have around when kids are in the area- an even bigger plus. The bottom line is that I enjoy being able to get things going with just a single touch, but also like the safety of having a child lock feature.

One complaint with my old microwave was that it did not clean up well. That is not a problem with this one. We have had splatter from everything in the past six months and found that they usually clean up with a quick pass from a paper towel and a cleaning fluid. The window also cleans up quickly, easily, and without smudges.

Another complaint I had with my old microwave was that it had one power level and I just assumed that it was always on "high". So, you would have to guess when heating or cooking directions would read "Cook on high for three minutes and medium for two minutes". I always wondered why you had to do this anyway, but you were always left to guess. With the 10 different power levels you do not have to worry about guessing which power level you need to use. Although, I do not know when I will ever see directions telling me to cook at a level of 10% higher than half power.

What we like best about the Hotpoint is that it cooks, defrosts, and reheats like it should. We do not do much cooking, but have never had a problem when we have cooked with it. The defrost option works well and, obviously, is a lot easier than other options. Finally, reheating is simple and usually done in a matter that matches what the instructions require. All three of the above are done equally. In other words, you are not going to put a dish in and find that there is one area that is warm and another that is not. Additionally, you can pile food high and it will get reheated/cooked evenly- a huge upgrade over my previous microwave.

Finally, the Hotpoint is a stylish enough microwave. The one we have is black and I believe they also sell them in white. You end up with box regardless of what you buy, but it is nice to know that what you get is a decent looking box.

One thing to point out if you do purchase this microwave, be careful. What I mean is that we find that dishes- the actual dish- come out a lot hotter than with my older microwave. Now part of this may be due to new bowls and dishes, but just something to keep in mind.

The bottom line is that this is a very good microwave. We have been very pleased with our purchase and expect that to continue. It works well, is easy to use, and conveniently out of the way. I highly recommend the GE Hotpoint RVM1435.