When my last microwave died,( it was over 10 years old) and it was a GE, I decided to stay with a good product.  My prior microwave had a shelf... this one does not.  But to be honest, I rarely used the shelf.   The only thing I miss is the timer setting for the surface light.   I used it as a nite lite ....on at dusk off at dawn.  This new unit doesn't give me the option.