Ratings & Reviews for Cafe 23.9-in 1.2-cu ft 1000 -Watt Microwave Drawer ( Matte Black )
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.Fantastic microwave performance
Would RecommendThe smooth drawer opening and closing is an easy to use, convenient way to get larger items into and out of the microwave. There are so many options for quick use from popcorn to defrost with great accuracy.
From cafeappliances.com
No backlight
This instrument has No backlight....hard to use for a 71 yr old consumer as I cannot see controls!!
From cafeappliances.com
Gorgeous
The coolest, most beautiful, surprising microwave ever!
From cafeappliances.com
It’s great but smoother closing
It works great! The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is the way it closes. It’ll be great if it has a smoother close.
From cafeappliances.com
Control panel lacks illumination
Overall I like this microwave but the lack of lighting on the control panel is a major design flaw . It is very difficult to see the control you need . Especially if the kitchen lights are low. Very frustrating .
From cafeappliances.com
We are going to pass your comments about the light and control panel over to our product team to review. We're always looking for ways that we can mak... Read More
Double Drawer
Would RecommendLove the 2 drawers because of only 2 person household. Manuel should be provided with all major appliances… not website
From cafeappliances.com
Arcing and Sparking KNOWN ISSUE! Do Not Buy
Would Not RecommendWe remodeled our kitchen and this under counter microwave drawer was our largest investment. Like others, ours is sparking in the same back left bottom. This is clearly a defect and known issue. I’m so disappointed in Cafe. How can this be fixed?
From cafeappliances.com
We'd like to assist you with your microwave sparking. A member of our team will be reaching out to you via email to gather additional information. Ple... Read More
LOVE!
Love the convenience of the drawer in the island. I will never go back to a traditional microwave. Great features and ease of use. My only complaint would be it is not easy to clean if you have splatter, so invest in a cover.
From cafeappliances.com
Review
Very sleek design for undercounter use. Microwave works great.
From cafeappliances.com
We’re happy to hear that you’ve been enjoying the sleek design of your new microwave, and that it’s been working so well. We love the easy-to-use glas... Read More
Great so far
Would Recommend3 weeks in and and I love it. Large. Easy to use. Closes a little loud. But hard to compare against a countertop one we had for 10 years.
From cafeappliances.com
Spark in the back.
It started to spark in the back, I'm scared of using it... I just bought it too...
From cafeappliances.com
We recommend resetting your built-in microwave by disconnecting power from the unit for 2 - 3 minutes and reconnecting power. If this reset does not r... Read More
Perfect space-saving microwave
Would RecommendThe perfect space-saving microwave for heating small plates, reheating leftovers or warming a cup of coffee. It is very easy to install and operate.
From cafeappliances.com
We’re so happy to hear that your microwave was so easy to install, and just as easy to use. We love being able to open the unit with the touch of a bu... Read More
Flawed design, drawer bearing rubs and sparks.
Would Not RecommendSame issue as MANY others listed here. I trusted the GE brand and loved the Cafe line, so we splurged on the drawer microwave and now have the sparking issue in the same back left corner. You can clearly see many other reviews and examples of this, the back left corner has a wear mark where the bearing is rubbing and exposed metal is causing the sparks. This is not from abuse, this is normal open/close operation and started under 1 year, but we didn't think much of it and it stopped for a while,...
From cafeappliances.com
We would like to assist you with this matter and gather some additional information from you. An agent will be reaching out to you via email. Please r... Read More
Beautiful
Just installed cannot wait to use. So far the Cafe appliances are beautiful.
From cafeappliances.com
We are excited that you are loving your new built-in microwave. This is such a beautiful model with many great heating features that we are sure you'l... Read More
GE CAFE DRAWER MICROWAVE ARCING
I had reservations about purchasing a built in drawer microwave; however we've had a GE cafe over the range microwave in the past with no issues. We purchased the microwave and had it installed in March 2023 and unfortunately today (9/7/2024) it started to spark in the interior right back corner. The unit was not improperly used, ie. only used microwave safe dishes and unit was kept clean. Totally disgusted as this was a custom fit and now the product is sparking at 18 months old. We have a...
From cafeappliances.com
We're sorry to hear that you are having issues with the microwave and had to schedule a service appointment. We're confident our service team will be ... Read More
Appliance has not been installed yet.
Appliance has not been installed yet. Kitchen remodeling has not started, so I can not comment on the performance or features of the appliances. However: 1. Only the drawer Microwave CWL112P4R1WS and Wall Chimney Vent Hood CVW73014M1WM included the Owner’s Manuals. The literature package included with the microwave was complete. This was not true for the range, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
From cafeappliances.com
Microwave is zapping after just 2 years!
Would Not RecommendWe built a home and got this “upgraded kitchen” appliances with it. Got a double oven, the gas stove and a tie microwave. We’ve lived in this house for 2 years and the microwave is sparking!!!! Loud zaps! Seems pretty unsafe and crazy that it would not be considered a hazard that GE would want to look into it and replace! Not only is this only 2 years old but we barely use it.
From cafeappliances.com
We'd like to assist you with your microwave oven sparking. One of our team members will contact you via email shortly to gather more details. Kindly r... Read More
Customer Friendly
Would RecommendThis is a well built appliance. All the buttons and available options are easily accessible and the microwave is overall easy to use.
From cafeappliances.com
Built in microwave drawer
Would RecommendThe microwave is great. I just haven't figured out how to do seconds instead of minutes. I love the drawer so much better then over the stove.
From cafeappliances.com
As we continue to make improvements to our appliances, your feedback is extremely important to us. We will pass these comments regarding the control p... Read More