When it comes time to upgrade your kitchen appliances, there is often one argument that arises: do you go with a microwave or an air fryer? Although both are intended to get cooking faster and easier, they have fairly different functions. Microwaves particularly reliable brands such as the general electric spacemaker microwave oven are best at reheating and defrosting, whereas air fryers are best utilized when you need crispy, golden finishes.
Here, we'll dissect the capabilities of each, contrast actual cooking situations, and point out precise models found at Riddle's Appliance LLC so you can make the best possible choice.
How Microwaves and Air Fryers Work
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Microwaves cause electromagnetic waves to make water molecules inside food oscillate, heating things from the inside out. They're quick and ideal for moist foods, reheating, or melting.
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Air Fryers blow hot air at high velocity, providing a crisp finish that approximates frying without employing nearly as much oil. Perfect for snacks, wings, and roasted vegetables.
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Hybrid ovens such as some newer Counter Top Microwave Ovens with convection/air fry settings—combine the two features, but at an added expense.
Where Microwaves Excel
Microwaves are ideal if you:
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Reheat leftovers on a daily basis.
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Often defrost meats, poultry, or frozen vegetables.
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Cook liquid-based meals such as soups or oatmeal.
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Require rapid and uniform results with minimal cleanup.
Real Models from Riddle’s Appliance
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GE Spacemaker Over the Range Microwave Oven – Model: JVM6175SKSS
1.7 cu. ft., 1000 Watts, with 2-speed/300 CFM venting. This ge spacemaker over the range microwave is a hood combo and saves counter space.
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GE Spacemaker Over the Range Microwave Oven – Model: JVM3160DFBB
A reliable 1.6 cu. ft., 1000-Watt model with auto defrost and two-speed venting. Perfect for everyday cooking tasks.
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GE Profile Countertop Microwave Oven – Model: PCHK11S1W
Compact 1.1 cu. ft. Counter Top Microwave Oven with 800 Watts of power and sensor cooking, great for small households or dorms.
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GE Profile Countertop Convection Microwave Oven – Model: PCWK15C1WSS
1.5 cu. ft., 1000 Watts with convection cooking, providing you air fry-style crisping along with microwave ease.
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GE Profile Countertop Microwave Oven – Model: PCST22U1WSS
Large 2.2 cu. ft., 1100 Watts, with sensor cooking technology. An excellent choice if you reheat or cook large family dinners.
Where Air Fryers Excel
Air fryers shine when:
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You prefer crispy textures fries, wings, onion rings, or roasted snacks.
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You're reheating fried food without making it soggy.
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You prefer healthier frying with less oil.
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You prepare food in smaller portions.
Combo Option
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GE Counter Top Microwave with Air Fry & Convection – Model: GCST10A1WSS
This multi-functional appliance merges microwave quickness with air fry crunch. It's ideal if you need both appliances but have space for one only.
Comparing Efficiency and Energy Use
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Microwaves such as the GE Spacemaker JVM6175SKSS run at ~1000 Watts and cook food rapidly, frequently making them more energy-efficient for reheating.
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Countertop air fryer/combo units take longer and need to be preheated, but they conserve energy over heating up a full oven.
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Hybrid microwaves with convection or air fry (such as PCWK15C1WSS, GCST10A1WSS) offer balanced efficiency by addressing both rapid reheating and crisping.
Space and Layout Considerations
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Over the Range Microwave Ovens (JVM6175SKSS, JVM3160DFBB) save counter space and introduce ventilation but do need appropriate installation and clearance.
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Counter Top Microwave Ovens (PCHK11S1W, PCWK15C1WSS, PCST22U1WSS) are portable, simpler to install, and versatile, although they do occupy surface area.
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Combo models such as the GCST10A1WSS allow you to maximize cooking power in compact kitchens without duplicating appliances.
Real-Life Cooking Scenarios
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Busy mornings: Warm oatmeal or coffee in the PCHK11S1W countertop microwave—quick, small, and easy.
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Weeknight dinners: Reheat sides using the JVM6175SKSS Spacemaker over-the-range microwave while ventilating steam from your stove. Crisp vegetables or chicken strips in the GCST10A1WSS combo.
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Snack time: Frozen fries and nuggets taste best in the air fry setting of PCWK15C1WSS, and leftover soup or pizza reheats nicely in the PCST22U1WSS.
Pros and Cons
Microwaves (Spacemaker & Countertop):
✅ Rapid reheating and defrosting
✅ Excellent for liquids and large meals
✅ Venting feature with over-the-range models
❌ Impaired crisping/browning
Air Fryers (or microwave/air fry combos):
✅ Healthier cooking with less oil
✅ Small-batch roasting
❌ Doesn't work well with soups or large reheats
Decision Checklist
Ask yourself:
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Do I primarily reheat and defrost? → Select a microwave (Spacemaker or countertop).
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Do I crave crispy, fried-type foods? → Opt for an air fryer or combo unit.
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Is space a concern? → Add an over the range microwave oven to eliminate counters, or opt for a space-saving countertop model.
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Do I want both? → Look at combo models such as the GCST10A1WSS.
Conclusion
Both microwaves and air fryers have a place in the modern kitchen. When speed, ease of use, and reheating are highest on the list, a ge spacemaker microwave oven such as the JVM6175SKSS or a countertop model like PCST22U1WSS is ideal. When crispy textures are of the utmost importance, use an air fryer or a combo such as the GCST10A1WSS, which incorporates both technologies.
At Riddle's Appliance LLC, we stock the complete line of ge spacemaker microwaves, Counter Top Microwave Ovens, and convenient hybrid models to suit any lifestyle.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Contact Riddle's Appliance LLC now for a one-on-one consultation and expert advice on selecting the ideal microwave or air fryer for your lifestyle.