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23.9-in 1.2-cu ft 1000 -Watt Microwave Drawer ( Matte Black )

Ratings & Reviews for Cafe 23.9-in 1.2-cu ft 1000 -Watt Microwave Drawer ( Matte Black )

3.5
341
Review
 3.5 out of 5
341 Reviews


63% Recommend this product

Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers are divided on this drawer microwave. Most praise its sleek, stylish appearance and convenient drawer design that saves space and integrates beautifully into kitchen islands. However, nearly one-third report serious safety concerns: dangerous sparking, arcing, and visible bare metal exposure after 18-24 months of light use, with some experiencing failures multiple times. Many note the manufacturer is aware but refuses recalls, offering only discounts on the same model. Additional complaints include non-backlit control panels and loud drawer closure. Despite strong aesthetic appeal, the recurring safety defects and unresolved issues create significant hesitation among many potential buyers.

Customer review summary generated by AI, including incentivized reviews.
341 Customer Reviews

Great features.

Would Recommend

This is a great item. However, the keypads need to light up for better viewing. Lighted keypads would send this product over the top! Everything else about this microwave is wonderful.

August 26, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Major Design Flaw - Needs to be recalled

This is my 2nd Cafe microwave drawer. I bought it when it was new to the market and was thrilled to have this appliance in white, especially matte white. Less than 3 years later in small household with light use, there were sparks flying inside the microwave. Researching repairs I learned it's a common inevitable failure among most units. The interior paint sheds in the back left corner resulting in exposed metal and potential fire hazard. Because of my kitchen design, I had few choices for rep...

August 22, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe_Appliances

We understand that you have already replaced your microwave. We always recommend reaching out to us directly for product assistance so that we can wor...

Cafe_AppliancesAugust 25, 2026

Sparking and Arching on new Cafe Microwave

Would Not Recommend

We have this Cafe microwave oven in our vacation home and we are experiencing the same arching and sparking that others here have mentioned. We chose all GE Cafe upgrades as part of our new construction, all installed around March 2025 when we closed on our condo. We have only occupied and used the Microwave for about 6 months in the last 14 months of ownership. We are very concerned about the fire risk and damage to the unit. We are highly disappointed in the durability of this GE product faili...

August 2, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe

We'd like to help with your microwave. We will be reaching out to you via email. Please respond at your earliest convenience.

CafeAugust 7, 2026

Arching after 24 months

Would Not Recommend

Very disappointed with this microwave drawer for the price we paid. After only 24 months, it started sparking inside. The problem is the wheel on the right side of the drawer — it rubs against the wall of the microwave every time you open and close it. Over time, this wears off the paint and exposes the bare metal underneath, leaving a black mark and causing sparks. Looking at other reviews, this seems to be a common problem and a defect, not just bad luck with my unit. I expected much better qu...

July 27, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe_Appliances

We want to help you with your microwave arcing, we are going to reach out via email to gather more information, please reply at your earliest convenie...

Cafe_AppliancesJuly 30, 2026

Broken after the power went out!

We purchased this microwave a few years ago and after a power outage in my neighborhood when the microwave was turned on, it started sparking and created a hole in the side! Power outages are something many homes have to deal with! I’m very disappointed that this microwave could not handle it

July 26, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Adrian@Cafe

We would like to assist you with this Cafe microwave and gather some additional information from you. An agent will be reaching out to you via email. ...

Adrian@CafeJuly 27, 2026

Horrible-sparks/arching after a 18 months of use

Would Not Recommend

We have had our microwave installed a year and half ago, all appliances changed to GE cafe.This week our microwave started arching and burned a tiny hole in the left rear corner of the microwave (where the wheel rubs). We purchased some cavity repair paint, and a new microwave heat shield, still arching. I see this is such a common problem with this brand and style. Model CWL112P2R1S1

July 19, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe_Appliances

We'd like to review this situation further. We will be reaching out to you via email to gather additional information. Please respond to the email at ...

Cafe_AppliancesJuly 23, 2026

No durability

Please dont invest-lasted less than 3 years and w/1 repair that did not work-really really expensive for lack of durability and quality

July 16, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Adrian@Cafe

Our products are designed with durability in mind, and we use high-quality materials to manufacture our appliances. We would like to assist you with t...

Adrian@CafeJuly 21, 2026

Fire hazard, known issues, no redeeming qualities

Would Not Recommend

Not worth a dime. Avoid at all cost. Like EVERYONE who has used it for more than a year, it's sparking and burning in the back corner where it rubs. Ours started sparking a little after 1 year of use. Fire danger aside, it does a terrible job heating evenly. The center will burn to a crisp and anytime on the outer edge will still be cold. Can't even cook popcorn in it without it burning or you have to stop it after the bag is only half popped. We've honestly come to the conclusion that no micro...

July 12, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Adrian@Cafe

We would like to assist you with this microwave and gather some additional information from you. An agent will be reaching out to you via email. Pleas...

Adrian@CafeJuly 15, 2026

Do not Purchase, safety concern

Would Not Recommend

Do not purchase!!!! Like others, my unit began sparking, causing potential fire issues. Wheels rub off paint inside unit exposing metal. Our unit was deemed not repairable and because we were 6 months outside of warranty, I had to purchase a new unit. (unit was exactly 1.5 years old). When new unit was delivered, open button was not functional so unit was defective and delivery team returned. Now I have a empty space in my island with the little to no help from GE who claims this unit has not be...

July 9, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Adrian@Cafe

We are sorry to hear of your experience with this microwave drawer. We see that you are actively working with our internal team, and we are confident ...

Adrian@CafeJuly 15, 2026

Open and close function does not work

Would Not Recommend

We've only had this microwave installed a little over a year and the open and close functions no longer work. We have to manually pull it open and closed and it does not push and pull easily.

July 9, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Adrian@Cafe

We would like to assist you with this microwave, and we recommend scheduling service with our Bodewell technicians to get this open and close function...

Adrian@CafeJuly 10, 2026

GREAT FEATURES

LOVE THIS MOCROEWAVE, EASY TO OPERATE, GREAT FUNCTIONS AND APPEARANCE. HEATS WELL.

July 2, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe

This microwave features sleek glass touch controls that make it easy to use and clean. We're glad to hear it's serving you well, and we're confident ...

CafeAugust 14, 2026

Great Features

I love the drawer microwave. So convenient , size is perfect.

June 26, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Sparks - electrical concerns!

Would Not Recommend

Originally loved the microwave, loved the concept of having it as a drawer and not taking up counter space, but, just experienced the same issue all the other 1 star reviews are saying. Sparking and causing a major electrical concern. I am beyond disappointed. From the comments it also doesn’t appear it’s being taken seriously, as a major recall defect that it should be.

June 26, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe_Appliances

We want to investigate the situation with your microwave further. An agent will be reaching out via email. Please respond at your earliest convenience...

Cafe_AppliancesJuly 1, 2026

Sparking - Fire Hazard

Would Not Recommend

Purchased August 2024. Just started sparking and am having the same issue as everyone else. Right drawer wheel is black and there is a black stain on the back right wall. This is a major fire hazard. How is there not a recall on this product. For such an expensive product, I would expect more than 2 years usage.

June 25, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe

We'd like to help with your microwave. We will be reaching out to you via email. Please respond at your earliest convenience.

CafeJune 30, 2026

Poor quality from Cafe again!

After 3 years our microwave finish has rubbed off in the back corner where the roller hits it. It is now sparking during use. I expect better quality for this pricey microwave. This is our second cafe appliance and i have had issues with both. I would not recommend. They are poor quality and overpriced.

June 24, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe_Appliances

We would like to review your situation further and have sent you an email requesting additional information to do so. Please respond at your earliest ...

Cafe_AppliancesJune 29, 2026

Run far away from this microwave!

Arcing from back right corner after less than two years of light use. Known issue to Café. there are dozens of reports like this one. Its probably time for a recall or class action suit. I'm also thinking the Consumer Protection Agency will be notified.

June 22, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe_Appliances

We see that you’ve been in contact with a member of our team and they are assisting you with your microwave. Please continue to work with us directly ...

Cafe_AppliancesJune 25, 2026

First Built-in Microwave

Would Recommend

The Cafe' built-in microwave works great. Controls are easy to use. Large capacity and even heating without a turntable.

June 19, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Great features.

Would Recommend

Works well. Heats well. Looks great. Lots of compliments.

June 19, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

FIRE

Would Not Recommend

Just hit the 2 year mark and the sparking in the back left corner has started.

June 17, 2026

From cafeappliances.com

Response from Cafe_Appliances

We see that you're currently in contact with a member of our team. We recommend continuing to work with us directly.

Cafe_AppliancesJune 23, 2026

Poor ergonomics

Would Recommend

Works great but controls would be better facing up some so you don’t have to bend over to read the buttons. Why have 2 buttons for open and close when you only need one. Drawer closes roughly with a big clunk and shakes cabinets.

June 16, 2026

From cafeappliances.com