Microwave Arcing and Sparking
glassman09
8/24/2026
We loved our microwave until recently. It has started arcing and sparking in the back corner. We are scared to use it due to being a fire hazard. We spent almost $20,000 on Cafe appliance with our kitchen remodel and I am now a little worried about them all holding up. Hoping that Cafe can get the issue taken care of and replace at no cost. Otherwise, we've loved our appliances!
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Sparky
Extremely Disappointed
8/22/2026
Do not buy this microwave it has a design flaw wherein the interior will start to spark eventually. I have been through three microwaves (2 replacements) in 2 and 1/2 years and GE will not stand behind their high-end Cafe product. They only offered a $75 rebate if I purchase another one... this microwave is a ticking spark bomb. You have been warned!
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Broken after the power went out!
Kathbc
7/26/2026
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
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Do not Purchase, safety concern
defective microwave
7/9/2026
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 been recalled. Appears that many others are experiencing same issue and its a safety issue for potential fires.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Sparks - electrical concerns!
Taja
6/26/2026
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.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Very disappointed in quality!
Chris and Karen
6/3/2026
We are on our second microwave in three years. First one sparks in left hand corner. It was replaced with another one. Less than a year and a half later the replacement is sparking in the right hand corner. Replacement and installation were done by Bodewell. We reported second one sparking, Bodewell tech came out. After talking to his office he informed us that it would be replaced also. I few days later we received an email stating that we would get an e-card (1400.00) to go online and purchase a new one. Also stated in email was if the new one cost more, we would have to pay the difference! Nothing was said about delivery, installation charges, or who would install new microwave! We have an entire kitchen of Cafe appliances that in total cost us roughly $18000.00 that we purchased brand new in 2022 after a home renovation. I wish I had known what a poor product this was. It would have definitely steered us to a different manufacturer. Now I'm concerned about my refrigerator, range, and dishwasher, all Cafe. GE was a product I thought I could depend on, but sadly it isn't.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Lasted less than 2 years
Microwave review
6/2/2026
Just like others have said, the bottom left corner sparks. Clearly defective. Cafe representative was ZERO help. No certified technicians in my area, and there's nothing more they can do. The unit was less than 2 years old when it sparked out. Save you money and go with another model or BRAND!
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Only lasted 2 years
Sara2525
5/22/2026
Microwave only lasted 2 years before the inside paint wore in the far right corner causing arching. Looks to be a design defect - possibly where the drawer rubs.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Mine is Sparking too! DON'T BUY!
homemaker
5/7/2026
Same issue as other people. This thing starts sparking in the bottom left corner. I contacted GE and they said I should troubleshoot any issues. They also said there is no recall on this product. It's less than a year old.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Sparking
ILJ1
4/4/2026
I love this microwave drawer, but it™™s only 2 years old and there is arcing in the back right corner and a line down the floor on the right side. I am afraid to use it and it seems that service with Bodewell is weeks out. I™™ve read so many other reviews tat have had this problem so it seems as though this is a known flaw.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Microwave
Home Upgrade
3/5/2026
Great product. I like the sleek, modern, and high-end aesthetic, featuring easy-to-use controls, excellent reheating capabilities, and a convenient, space-saving drawer design. Users love the matte finishes, though some report that control panels are sensitive to touch, hard to read, and prone to issues like noise or, in rare cases, electrical sparking after some use.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Sparkinh!!!
Catz
3/1/2026
Sparking and electrical issues! My microwave just developed a black burn spot in the back left corner du to the wheels rolling and scratching it. This is unacceptable and a major safety hazard! So disappointing as I have all GE cafe appliances.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Sparks!!!
overpriced18
2/19/2026
Would not buy. Have had to replace 3 times through manufacturer. 1st time for sparking which is common enough that you can find multiple other complaints on this site and others. So common, that it happened to us twice, the first unit and the 3rd unit. A small black spot will appear in the back corner and will only do it when microwaving certain products. For us it was microwave popcorn. Everytime we did, it would light up like 4th of July inside. The 2nd unit we had experienced a failure of the control board which resulted in having to be replaced due to backorder of the part.
Only thing I would say is replacement hasnt been a major issue, as long as the warranty is active. 3rd unit was out of warranty so they gave us a discount and out of pocket cost ~$500, but still alot for a microwave that I have no faith will last more than a year without another issue.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Known SAFETY Hazard--microwave sparks
br2026
1/28/2026
Purchased this Cafe Microwave in Summer 2023. It recently started SPARKING in the back left corner as it appears this is a manufacturing defect with the drawer wheel rubbing paint off (and a COMMON issue according to reviews). It's also a SAFETY concern. I provided this information and photos to customer support and the Bodewell (GE Appliances "premium" brand of support) representative provided a boilerplate response of "I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing trouble with your appliance. Unfortunately, the warranty has expired and would no longer cover any manufacturing defects. I sincerely apologize. We'd be happy to offer you a discount towards appliances and parts in our Loyalty Store shall you decide to replace the appliance."
Once again, this is a common issue that can easily be found in the many reviews on the GE Appliances website for the Cafe Microwave. The fact that this defect is so prolific is a reason I would expect a replacement microwave™"this is a clear design and/or manufacturing flaw as well a SAFETY issue!
I expect a lot more from what is advertised as a premium brand microwave. Why would I buy another $1500+ replacement myself that is likely to have the same issue in 2 years or less?!
I am hoping for a more favorable response from customer support and will update my review if anything changes! But for now, this is a complete failure of customer service and the company is missing an opportunity to elevate their brand by doing the right thing and resolving a known defect.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
takes patience and tenacity
ColSBradley
1/7/2026
this is the second defective unit in a row. the melt butter setting will ruin the unit. dont use that setting.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
After 18 months, my microwave is sparking!
JaredO
1/3/2026
Like many reviews, my unit started sparking in the back right corner due to the wheel rubbing off the interior coating. I™™ve had this unit for 18 months, so the warranty has expired and I™™m forced to buy a new microwave. I™™ve never had any issues with GE appliances until this. Help!
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Great Features
MoMa
12/28/2025
Nice size and controls are intuitive. Heats things evenly and quickly
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Major design flaw
Dissatisfied1234
12/25/2025
Microwave is quiet and seems to work well after having GE service come down and fix a problem that was preventing the door from shutting all the way which prevented the microwave from turning on.
To me, the big problem is a major (in my opinion) design flaw in that the control panel is fixed in place facing outward. There is no way to flip the screen into an upfacing position. Being that the microwave is installed in my island™™s cabinetry so it™™s at a lower level, I have to bend or kneel in order to see and use the controls. I™™ve seen the microwaves that allow the control panel to flip up so you VPI a use the controls standing up. Yes, some people place the cabinet high in their upper cabinets so this wouldn™™t matter. But if the control panal was made to lie flat or flip up it could be used in either scenario comfortably
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Microwave
Pull out
12/23/2025
great product and outstanding performance. Cooks' food to perfection.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Defective and Terrible
Disappointedx10
10/3/2025
Our microwave failed within 3 months. It started arc-ing badly and was deemed unrepairable. Completely unacceptable for such an expensive and new appliance. Stay away from these at all costs. When it was working it was, at best, "fine."
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Love all the options,
Bpope
9/28/2025
Love this microwave oven drawer! wasn't sure at first, i've always had swing out doors/! but i love how this one works in my space,
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
WORST PRODUCTS EVER
WORST PRODUCTS
9/3/2025
WORST PRODUCTS EVER..... WE BOUGHT AN ENTIRE APPLIANCE PACKAGE AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES... WE ARE NOW ON OUR 2ND RANGE, MULTIPLE DISHWASHER REPAIRS AND NOW MICROWAVE IS SPARKING AND IS A FIRE HAZARD. DO NOT PURCHASE THESE PRODUCTS. PRODUCTS ARE ONLY 14 MONTHS OLD
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Fire Hazard - DO NOT BUY
TX_Customer
8/10/2025
n 2023 we bought over $20k worth of Cafe appliances including this microwave. Everyone has broken within two years. You think you are getting a high end product, it is not made to high end quality. The microwave was the most recent to break (and the only appliance we did not get an extended warranty on). The microwave started sparking and you could smell burning electrical wires. A fire hazard. One GE customer-service representative told us if the repairman confirms that the microwave has failed catastrophically and can't be repaired GE would replace it. The repairman confirmed this, but GE still wants to charge us for a new microwave. Stay away - the company won't even take accountability when the product poses a fire risk - they are preparing the way for a huge class action. Maybe they will take action when someone's home catches fire and their product is responsible.
The photo shows burn marks from the sparking on the top cover that the repairman removed.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Sparks.
The worst
6/29/2025
Sparks just like others have said. Only had this microwave for 3 years. Very disappointed that the company knows this is an issue and is dangerous but is not fixing the problem.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Replacement Microwave
Billy 34
6/6/2025
So far so good. This is a replacement MW. The first one did not work. So off we go
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Sparks
Badd
5/23/2025
Do not recommend. Owned for less than 10 years and now it sparks from inside corner as mentioned by so many other reviews. Expensive microwave to not even last 2 years. Very disappointed.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Fire danger! Do not buy!
Lyndie
4/24/2025
We are having the same problem so many others have been reporting. Back left wheel sparking in the microwave. There is a black mark from it burning the back side of the microwave. This is a definite fire hazard. Surprised there™™s not a lawsuit yet. We™™ve had it 15 months so past warranty of course. This is very frustrating.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Many functions on this microwave.
Gigi1007
4/16/2025
Great ease of use. The sliding drawer prevents slamming of the microwave door. The drawer does not beep when food is done which i love. The size is perfect for us, a dinner plate fits with no problem. 30 second automatic button which can be increased by pressing again for 30 second increments. Power is good with just a warming for first 30 seconds, but 1 minute and food is piping hot.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Could be better
R916
4/7/2025
Did a kitchen remodel and decided to get a drawer microwave for our island. Works as expected, however none of the buttons are back lit so it™™s very difficult to see the buttons with the microwave being at waist level. Also, if you don™™t keep it in lock mode and you™™re standing in front of it, it will open.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Sparking
Rosedos
2/11/2025
Sparking from the back wheels. Manufacturer defect. Looking for someone to contact me back as the number I keep calling does not go through.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Sleek Black Matte Stainless Microwave
Klaf
12/4/2024
Looks great. Just installed so haven™™t used yet but it™™s sleek and feels substantial.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
It™™s great but smoother closing
Michi84
11/15/2024
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.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Arcing and Sparking KNOWN ISSUE! Do Not Buy
SCAngel
10/28/2024
We 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?
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Great features
AMB33
8/27/2024
Much easier to to remove hot products safely from the drawer.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
No lit control panel???
Overpriced
8/8/2024
Expensive unit with no control panel backlighting is unacceptable. We would never have purchased this if we we knew that. So inconvenient to bend over without seeing control panel selections.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Great microwave
Zee01
7/30/2024
I love this microwave - I think a good change would be to put the controls on top of the door so you can see them without bending over.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Defective product but good Customer Service
Island
6/17/2024
Had the microwave less than a year. Since was installed in our vacation home, maybe used 3 times. One day, hear a beeping and the control panel indicated it was shorted out. GE did honor its warranty but since we were out of service area and they could not ship us a replacement, they refunded our money.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Faulty unit
Micowave
5/24/2024
We ordered our appliances over a year ago but because of a bad contractor, our project was stalled. When it was completed in April every appliance worked except the microwave. Something about a faulty display or processor? We asked for a new one but were denied. It™™s been a month and still no working microwave
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
best microwave
mcgargano
5/14/2024
love the unit. very convenient and extremely attractive.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Love this microwave not the control panel
Hitch
5/9/2024
I love the sleek look of the drawer microwave. It works great. The only disappointing thing is the control panel does not light up just the clock
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Very Disappointed in this Appliance
Bob5761
4/22/2024
We're extremely disappointed with the quality of this CAFE microwave. We purchased this on-line directly through GE and had it installed it in March 2023. Just passed the manufacturers 1 year warranty and the microwave now is sparking/arcing in the back corner. Reading other reviews, I see that this is a fairly common problem with this appliance. We're hoping that GE stands behind their products and hopefully it isn't indicative of the quality of our CAFE Stove, Refrigerator and Dishwasher too!
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Sleek
Wild1185
4/16/2024
Absolutely amazing product, but not the controls, hard to see, no lights! For the amount of money you would think it would!
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Consider under-counter features and quirks
txcatmama
3/13/2024
We've been using the microwave about 4 months now. It works great. It has some quirks because it is a below counter drawer that you might want to consider. The control panel is easy to turn on when you brush against it (I guess I need to lose a little tummy). I wish the control panel would light up when you push a button. We purchased the matte black package, and the font is grey. It is hard to read without turning on the main kitchen lights (which is why I have tummy- sneaking snacks). Buy a plate cover. You must kneel on the floor to see splatter on the roof of the microwave. It is better just to not get it dirty.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Great features!
Jas 24
2/14/2024
Love the cafe appliances. They are beautiful and functional. Easy to clean and the handles make them look so elegant. I wish I would have gotten the range to match.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Very nice
HTTC
2/4/2024
This went in remodeled kitchen, it looks and works great and is a very nice addition to the kitchen
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Beautiful Appliances
Kitchen Renovation
12/23/2023
We absolutely love our GE Cafe appliances. They look beautiful in black with our newly renovated kitchen. The only reason I gave a 4 star instead of 5 is because I wish the build-in refrigerator would have been offered in the same matte black finish as my other appliances. They work beautifully and the built-in microwave is awesome!
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Sleek looking microwave
sap4
11/19/2023
Nice looking microwave. The black matte matches our Ilve black matte induction range perfectly. Would have given a 5 star rating if not for 1). No back light on microwave buttons for easier reading and 2). Since this microwave meant to be a built-in, very easy to activate buttons with just a brush of your leg. Not huge issues though and both I was aware of when researching. Would definitely recommend
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Already having problems.
mh829
10/29/2023
We like the microwave, I think it heats really well, BUT after having it installed only a month the drawer is malfunctioning. As soon as it opens it closes again without being prompted to do so. It's under warranty still, but this reflects poorly having an issue so soon.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
No, I do not recommend this product
This is the coolest microwave ever!
Sky Home
7/1/2023
This is our first drawer microwave and we are thrilled with it. It was definitely worth the extra money we paid for it just in terms of how it looks in our kitchen. It also has amazing capacity, cooks like a dream and it™™s a Cafe™™ so it will last.
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Loveit
Green7
4/14/2023
It's so easy to use, the draw is best thing, perfect highth for me
Originally posted on www.cafeappliances.com
Yes, I recommend this product
