GE 6-Outlet Power Strip Review: Strong Cord, Mixed Fit
A Reddit user summed it up simply: "Love how long the cord is – finally reaches where I need it without tripping over cables." The GE 6-Outlet Power Strip with Extension Cord, Flat Plug, Wall Mount, White earns a strong 8.7/10, with widespread praise for cord length, build quality, and space-saving flat plugs, though there are scattered reports of durability quirks and plug fit issues.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
Best for those who need multiple grounded outlets in hard-to-reach spaces. Worth it for home offices, living rooms, and craft rooms—less ideal for heavy industrial loads or users needing guaranteed high-end surge protection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extra-long cords (up to 15–20 ft) | Some units feel lightweight/cheap |
| Flat plug fits behind furniture | Plug fit can be loose for certain devices |
| Sturdy, thick cable (14-gauge on surge models) | Switch and button issues reported |
| Integrated circuit breaker & surge options | Bulky chargers block adjacent outlets |
| Easy wall mounting | Blue indicator light bothers some |
| Affordable multi-pack options | Limited durability for certain models |
| Trusted GE brand with UL listing | Proposition 65 warning on some |
Claims vs Reality
GE markets the power strip as having “expanded power with a dynamic range and durable PVC insulation”. Digging deeper into user reports, the cord length claims hold up: multiple buyers confirm the longer cords are “perfect for reaching across living rooms” or “ideal for my big dining table when serving hot pot,” according to one Reddit user. The heavy-duty cable mention also checks out—Amazon buyers noted the "thick and sturdy build" on 14-gauge variants.
However, reality shows some gaps. While marketing says the flat plug is “space-saving,” some users found certain bulky adapters still block multiple outlets. One Best Buy reviewer warned, “A bigger charging plug will take up two outlets; this device is made for regular plugs.” And while surge protection is advertised as robust (up to 800–1560 joules), a handful of users on Trustpilot and Fakespot reported concerns about durability—one even said, “Buzzing noise and sparks after 5 months.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Cord length wins across the board. Whether 8, 12, 15, or the rare 20 ft version, long cords are essential for rooms with inconvenient outlets. One verified Amazon buyer stated: “Needed an extension cord to get power from an outlet on the opposite end of my living room without cutting across the room—perfect.” Home office users praise the reach and capacity, with Reddit user bguild noting, “Perfect cord for what I needed—it was ideal for just a few feet of extension but still reliable.”
The flat plug design is another crowd favorite, especially for behind sofas or media stands. “Gone are the days of keeping furniture three inches from the wall,” wrote one ReviewIndex contributor. Wall mount slots get applause from workshop owners and desk setups—attaching the strip to a bench cuts clutter and prevents cable chaos.
Durability is highlighted in heavy-use environments; an Office Depot buyer commented that “heavy-duty cable and circuit breaker give peace of mind during holiday lighting setups.” GE’s UL listing and limited-lifetime replacement policy bolster trust.
Common Complaints
Plug fit and socket tension draw mixed feedback. Some strips allow plugs to “fall right out with the gentlest touch,” according to one Reddit user. Bulky adapters like MacBook chargers can block neighboring outlets. Prop 65 warnings on certain models caused alarm—Best Buy user ladya, a cancer survivor, returned hers for safety concerns, stating it wasn’t disclosed online.
Durability complaints cluster around the on/off switch and internal wiring. Fakespot posts mention “switch button makes hissing noise” and uneven plug ports. Sound interference is rare but reported—one user linked “buzzing noise” to microwave use through the strip.
The bright blue indicator light sparks debate; while some like the night glow, others find it intrusive.
Divisive Features
Value perception is split between “great for the price” and “feels cheap.” Multi-pack deals—two for under $20—earn strong value ratings at Best Buy, but those seeking premium aesthetics or industrial-grade surge filtering might feel underwhelmed. Safety features like twist-to-close outlet covers are loved by parents for dust exclusion, yet seen by others as “not sturdy enough to be child-proof.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot-like feedback and Reddit posts reveal good short-term performance: many report 3–4 months of flawless use, others go beyond a year without issue. Yet a recurring anxiety emerges over potential hazards—comments about sparks, buzzing, and “fried appliances” crop up in smaller numbers but across multiple platforms.
Long-term reliability varies by model. The heavy-duty surge protectors with 14-gauge cords seem to have fewer complaints. GE’s branding and UL listing reassure many, though some switch failures erode complete trust. The consensus: safe for regular household electronics, but treat as a mid-tier device rather than an industrial-grade protector.
Alternatives
Within the data, competitors aren’t deeply detailed, but the Walmart-listed GE Pro 6-Outlet Surge Protector (1560 Joules) stands as an alternative with higher surge protection ratings than the 800-joule base models. It also promises cleaner performance via a built-in filter—potentially better for AV setups.
For those prioritizing USB charging, Fakespot captured comparisons to power strips with integrated USB ports, which can reduce clutter in charging-heavy households.
Price & Value
Price points range widely: from $8.99 for basic taps to $55 for 20 ft surge models with shipping. eBay data shows resale around $8–$44 depending on cord length and condition. Buying tips from community members include grabbing multi-pack deals for holiday lights or resale value, and choosing cord lengths carefully—a Reddit user cautioned: “Wish the cord was longer—measure your space first.”
FAQ
Q: Does the flat plug really save space?
A: Yes, especially behind furniture and in tight wall spaces. Users report being able to push sofas and media stands flush to the wall without bending the cord awkwardly.
Q: Can it handle high-load appliances?
A: For most household electronics, yes. Multiple users ran TVs, gaming consoles, and lamps together. However, it's not designed for heavy industrial loads—stick to 15 amps max.
Q: Are all models surge-protected?
A: No. Some GE 6-outlet products are just power strips without surge protection. Check product specs before purchase; Best Buy listings note when surge protection is absent.
Q: Why do some plugs fall out?
A: Certain units have looser sockets, which may struggle with heavy or older plugs. Community advice is to test fit before committing to a permanent setup.
Q: Is the blue indicator light removable or dimmable?
A: No. It’s built-in to the switch; some users cover it with tape if they find it too bright at night.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a home office worker, crafter, or parent needing multiple outlets far from wall sockets with safe, convenient features like long cords and flat plugs. Avoid if you require industrial-grade durability or guaranteed tight plug fit for unique adapters.
Pro tip from the community: Measure your cord length needs before purchase, and if plugging in bulky chargers, place them at the strip’s ends to avoid blocking other sockets.
