Tired of a kitchen that looks a little… dull? Imagine a sleek, modern appliance that not only heats your leftovers in a flash but also adds a touch of shine to your countertop. That’s the magic of a stainless steel microwave oven!
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect one can feel like a maze. Do you need a countertop model or one built into your cabinets? What about all those buttons and features? It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to find one that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking needs. You want something that looks good and works great, without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’re going to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes stainless steel microwaves so popular and what to look for when you’re shopping. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a microwave that makes your kitchen both functional and fabulous.
Our Top 5 Stainless Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Stainless Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.9/10
Need a microwave that’s just right for your small kitchen, dorm room, or office? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a fantastic option. It’s compact but still packs a punch with 700 watts of power, making it super easy to heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, or cook a quick meal. Plus, its stainless steel finish looks sleek and is a breeze to wipe clean.
What We Like:
- It’s a powerful 700-watt microwave that heats food fast.
- It has ten different power levels for customized cooking.
- Six one-touch options like popcorn and potato make cooking simple.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces like apartments and dorms.
- The LED lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child lock feature adds extra safety for families.
- It includes a kitchen timer and clock on a clear LED display.
- The easy-clean interior and exterior save you time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slower for larger meals compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- While compact, the 0.7 cu. ft. interior might not fit very large dishes.
This Farberware microwave is a great choice for anyone needing a reliable and convenient appliance for everyday use. It offers essential features in a small package.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and stylish appliance that’s ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave makes heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals super simple.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, making cooking easy.
- You can quickly start cooking with the 30-second express button.
- The large LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is user-friendly.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It’s UL approved for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 0.7 cu.ft, it might be a bit small for larger dishes or families.
- While 700 watts is standard, some users might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a practical and convenient addition to any kitchen. It offers great features for everyday use at a reasonable price.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens is a sleek silver microwave that brings convenience to your kitchen. It boasts a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza. This microwave is designed for everyday use, making reheating leftovers or cooking quick meals a breeze with its smart features.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of heating. It automatically adjusts cooking time for perfect results with popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- It offers 12 auto menus for quick and easy cooking of various dishes.
- The mute function lets you silence the annoying beeps by holding down the “8” button, perfect for late-night snacks without waking anyone.
- A removable 12.4-inch turntable ensures even heating and is easy to clean.
- The microwave has a stylish black exterior and a spacious interior, measuring 20.51 x 17.14 x 12.83 inches.
- It features 10 power settings and 1100 watts of power for versatile cooking.
- The easy-to-read control panel with a large digital display makes operation simple.
- An ECO mode helps save energy.
- The easy-clean interior makes wiping up spills quick and hassle-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keypad has a protective film that needs to be peeled off before use, which might be missed by some users.
- While the microwave is generally well-received, some users might find the initial setup or understanding of all the features takes a little time.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for those seeking a user-friendly appliance with smart features and a good amount of space. It simplifies cooking and reheating, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 8.9/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power in a compact 1.1 cubic foot size, making it a great addition to any apartment, dorm room, or office. Its sleek stainless steel exterior is easy to clean, and the interior features bright LED lighting so you can always see your food. This microwave is designed for convenience and ease of use, with features that make cooking quick and simple.
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of power for fast cooking.
- There are ten power levels and multi-stage cooking for customization.
- Six one-touch cooking options, like popcorn and potato, are super handy.
- You can defrost by weight or time, which saves effort.
- The 1.1 cu ft size is perfect for small spaces but cooks like a big microwave.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior LED lighting lets you check on your food easily.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- Express cooking controls let you start cooking from 1 to 6 minutes instantly.
- The “Add 30 Seconds” button is great for extra cooking time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s good for small spaces, some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It efficiently handles everyday cooking tasks, making meal prep a breeze.
5. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large, powerful countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power mean it can handle big jobs, like cooking a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza. This microwave is designed for busy families and anyone who wants to simplify their kitchen routine.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: It easily fits big items like pizzas and whole chickens, which is great for families.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor helps cook food evenly and keeps it moist, giving you better results.
- Helpful Auto Menus: Six pre-programmed menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like bacon, frozen rolls, and oatmeal.
- Efficient Auto Defrost: It defrosts meat, poultry, and fish properly, making meal prep faster.
- User-Friendly Features: Simple controls include one-pound defrost, an ECO mode to save energy, and a mute option so you can silence the beeps.
- Position Memory Turntable: The 16.5-inch turntable stops at a convenient position, making it easier to remove your food.
- Safety Features: A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Countertop Size: While large capacity is a pro, its size might take up significant counter space in smaller kitchens.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While many features are simple, mastering multi-stage cooking might take a little practice.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great combination of power, capacity, and smart features. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance for more efficient cooking.
Stainless Steel Microwave Ovens: Your Kitchen’s Sleek Upgrade
A stainless steel microwave oven is more than just a way to heat up leftovers. It’s a stylish addition to your kitchen that’s also built to last. These microwaves offer a modern look and can handle everyday cooking tasks with ease. Let’s dive into what makes a stainless steel microwave a great choice and what to consider before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a stainless steel microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually heat or cook. Small microwaves are good for one or two people, while larger ones are better for families or cooking bigger dishes.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking easier and more precise.
- Turntable: A rotating glass plate ensures your food cooks evenly. Most microwaves have this feature.
- Interior Light: This lets you see your food as it cooks, so you know exactly when it’s ready.
- Control Panel: Easy-to-use buttons and a clear display make operating the microwave a breeze. Some have digital touch controls that look very modern.
Important Materials
The name says it all: stainless steel is the star material. Here’s why it’s a good choice:
- Exterior: The outside is usually made of brushed stainless steel. This material resists fingerprints and smudges better than regular stainless steel, keeping your microwave looking clean. It’s also very durable and won’t rust.
- Interior: The inside cavity is often made of painted metal or a special ceramic enamel. These materials are easy to clean and can withstand high heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a stainless steel microwave better or not as good:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The control panel should be responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. You can check reviews to see if a model heats food consistently.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are known to be quiet.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and exterior is much easier to wipe down after use.
User Experience and Use Cases
Stainless steel microwaves are great for many things:
- Quick Meals: Reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, and making popcorn are simple tasks.
- Snack Prep: Melting butter, warming drinks, or toasting bagels are fast and easy.
- Smart Cooking: With preset buttons, you can cook foods like baked potatoes or vegetables without guessing the time and power.
- Modern Kitchens: Their sleek look fits well in contemporary kitchens, adding a touch of elegance.
- Busy Lifestyles: They save time and effort for people who need to prepare food quickly.
Choosing a stainless steel microwave oven is a smart move for both style and function in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is stainless steel hard to clean on a microwave?
A: Most stainless steel microwaves have a special coating that resists fingerprints, making them easier to clean than regular stainless steel. A damp cloth usually does the trick.
Q: Do stainless steel microwaves get hot on the outside?
A: Yes, the exterior can get warm during use, especially near the vents. However, they are designed to be safe to touch.
Q: Can I put metal containers in a stainless steel microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave, even if the microwave is stainless steel. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a stainless steel microwave?
A: With good care, a stainless steel microwave can last for many years, often between 7 to 10 years.
Q: Are there different types of stainless steel finishes?
A: Yes, some have a brushed finish that hides smudges better, while others might be more polished. Brushed finishes are generally preferred for kitchens.
Q: Should I choose a microwave with a convection feature?
A: Convection microwaves can bake and roast, not just microwave. If you want more cooking options, it’s a good feature to consider.
Q: How do I choose the right size microwave?
A: Think about how much space you have and how many people you cook for. Measure your counter space before buying.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves more expensive?
A: They can sometimes be a bit more expensive than plastic models, but the durability and style often make them worth the extra cost.
Q: What wattage is best for a microwave?
A: For efficient cooking, aim for a microwave with at least 900 watts. Higher wattage means faster heating.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my stainless steel microwave?
A: You can use a mild dish soap and water or a mixture of baking soda and water. Wipe it down with a damp cloth afterward.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!