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GE Spacemaker Microwave Ovens

GE Spacemaker Appliances • Spacemaker Microwave Ovens • Fires • Magnetron Failure • Spacemaker Coffeemaker --- • Other GE Appliances

OK, the advantage of the Spacemaker isn't hard to figure out. It saves space because it mounts in the kitchen cabinet, usually above your stove. The disadvantages? Well, the thing has a habit of starting fires for one thing. Also, those we hear from say it's prone to repeated magnetron failures, as well as all kinds of other service problems, like those below.

Elaine of Alexandria VA (2/8/04):
In Sept 2001 I purchased a 10-month old condo in an upscale and influential area of northern Virginia. In Mar 03 my GE Spacemaker microwave stopped working. I went to the website and contacted customer service. I was told my only option was to have a repairman come out at a minimum cost of $150 plus $100 for parts if the problem is the chip. I asked if there were any recalls or large complaints against this item and was told no. I also looked at the recall list and did not see this microwave listed.

I decided to shop around and purchased another microwave (not GE) for $300 on sale at Home Depot (a great company!). A short time later I mentioned this situation to my neighbor who informed me the same had happened to her just 6 months earlier. She also told me there was an agreement with our community association and GE. The agreement includes paying for the repairs but if the problem is not the chip, I'm stuck to pay for it. So now I have a microwave sitting in my dining room reminding me everyday how GE has failed as a company to provide a quality product...but they are not alone, the story is not over.

Once I started asking around I found 4 other neighbors who are in the same boat...all of our condos are less than 3 years old. So not only is GE a crappy company but so is Ryland the builders of the 10 condo buildings around mine for buying the crap from GE. Do you think they were aware of the problem ahead of time? Considering the very poor workmanship in their buildings (leaks around window, noise problems, insulation problems, and a host of others). I'm sure they were.

John of Plymouth MI (1/14/04):
Purchased GE Spacemaker with new home in June 02. In Aug 03 the turntable stopped working. In Sept 03 the microwave power would cut out while opening and closing door. In December 2003, the microwave did the same thing only died altogether. Called GE service and requested service. The attendant wanted to send someone out for a $70 service call to take a look.

I asked why so much, the microwave only cost $300. If I purchased a $30k car would the dealership ask me to pay $7k to tell me why it won't start? I work in the auto industry and we studied GE's approach to 6 sigma quality standards. This means only 63 out of a million microwaves would fail. I guess I should have purchased a lotto ticket instead of their product!

Since then I pulled it out and dropped it off at an electronic repair shop. The diagnosis was the smart board was fried and turntable motor, and a high limit thermostat all of which would cost more than a new unit! End of story...

Kim of Bexley OH (10/23/03):
We have a GE spacemaker microwave/convection oven which mounts over our range. The unit is less than 2 years old and today the handle came off of the door. The same thing happened to a similar GE unit that we had prior to purchasing our current microwave. Both times when I called GE I was told that I would have to pay for the repair. Since the same thing has happened twice now I am beginning to think that the construction of the door is faulty. GE offered to pay for the part; however they will not pay for the labor as the appliance is past the 1 year warranty.

Jamie of Ft. McCoy FL (11/17/02):
Purchased a new modular home with spacemaker microwave in August of 1999. In Nov. of 2000 the unit would not heat and I called for service. It cost me $178.00 to have the repairman come, it was a default and they paid for the part, however my cost was terrible. Now year 2002 Its November and the same thing has happened. I am furious here at thanksgiving having this problem.

Michael of West Caldwell, NJ, writes:
Purchased a GE spacemakerXL in Oct. 95. Its main "something" board broke and would cost approx. $250 to have fixed.

Purchased another GE SpacemakerXL in '98 and now it has the same problem. These were not the least expensive microwaves to choose from and I would expect them to last much longer. I bought the units because they looked the best. I guess that's all it is -- "a nice looking empty box". I will try never to buy another GE product again.

Larry of San Angelo TX (8/2/02):
I have a GE Spacemaker XL Microwave oven that was purchased in Oct 99. It stopped cooking in May 02, so I took it to an appliance repair shop and found out that it had a defective power supply and the estimated repair cost would be $170.00. The repair shop sent to GE for the part 3 times and 3 times the wrong part was received.The last part received was for a remote control. Each time the part was returned it cost the repair shop $6.00. They finally called me and said that they were giving up on the repair of this microwave because GE could not fill the correct part. I called the GE Costumer Relations and explained the problem and I gave them the repair shop telephone number. Two more times I contacted GE people and explained what was happening. On the last telecon I was told to take the microwave to another place, a TV fix it shop, and have them repair it.

I called this shop to make appointment to bring in the microwave and the man told me that before they would even look at it I would have to pay them $38.00. I didn't like the way this business explained their policy and I refuse to have them do any repairs for me. Just like the other unhappy GE customers, I will think twice before I consider another GE product. The microwave is now sitting in my garage and is worthless to me. I went to Lowe's hardware store and I can buy a similar built in microwave for $178.00...This makes the most sense as GE will do nothing.

Ann of New York, NY (6/10/02):
I went online to schedule an appt. with GE to have my microwave fixed. I entered the serial no. and the model no. of the microwave. The GE repairman came today and told me that I needed to have the "smart board" replaced in my microwave. I asked how much that would cost and he said around $200 for parts and labor. I authorized him to go ahead and fix it. He then tells me that the part of this microwave is "NLA" or no longer available and that I would have to buy a new microwave that would cost me anywhere from $400 - 1200. Of course it would have to be GE because that is the only make that will fit in the space above the GE stove.

He then charged me $70.31 for the service call. I cannot believe that I was not informed prior to this service call that certain parts for this microwave are no longer available. I then could have made an educated decision as to whether or not I wanted to risk having to spend $70 to hear that the microwave could not be repaired. By the way, I live in a condo building with hundreds of apartments and each one has this same microwave. Imagine the amount of money that GE will be able to make by just responding to service calls in this building for microwave repairs.

I called customer service and spoke with several people, including the supervisor Genoa Townsend. All I received were platitudes and responses that were read off of a script. I was offered a $25 certificate to be applied toward any purchase of a GE product. I must say that I will never purchase anything by GE again. My point is that when I take the time to enter the serial and model number, I should have been informed that certain parts for this appliance are NLA and I need to be aware that whether or not GE can fix my appliance, I still have to pay the $70. I believe that GE is taking advantage of consumers by not completely informing us of this particular scenario.

I am out $70.31 for no service whatsoever. I am very frustrated by the 3 diffferent women who spoke with me from customer service at GE. They were rude and incapable of thinking outside of the script they were reading.

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