Ever feel like your kitchen appliances are a little… boring? Maybe your old microwave is showing its age, or you’re just ready for a sleek upgrade. If a stainless steel microwave has caught your eye, you’re not alone! These shiny appliances can really make a kitchen pop, but choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle.
You might be wondering which stainless steel finish is best, how to keep it smudge-free, or if it’s really worth the extra cost. It’s easy to get lost in all the different features and brands. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate this!
By the end of this post, you’ll know what to look for when buying a stainless steel microwave. We’ll break down the pros and cons, share tips for keeping it looking great, and help you find the perfect one for your kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover the best stainless steel microwave for you!
Our Top 5 Stainless Steel Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Stainless Steel Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave, boasting 700 Watts and a 0.7 Cu. Ft. capacity, is a fantastic addition for anyone needing a compact yet capable kitchen appliance. Its sleek stainless steel finish and user-friendly design make it a great fit for apartments, dorm rooms, or even a small office kitchen. This microwave simplifies meal prep with its convenient features and powerful performance.
What We Like:
- It’s a convenient microwave that prepares meals quickly.
- It has powerful settings with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- Six one-touch options like popcorn, potato, and pizza are included.
- You can defrost by weight or time.
- The size is perfect for small spaces, offering full-sized cooking.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It features a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock adds extra security.
- The easy-clean stainless steel exterior looks great and is simple to wipe down.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful for its size, the 700-watt output might be slower for larger or denser food items compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, while ideal for small spaces, might feel limiting for cooking larger dishes or multiple items at once.
Overall, this Farberware microwave offers a great balance of functionality and compact design, making it a solid choice for many kitchens.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse for any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave makes reheating and cooking simple with its user-friendly features.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, making cooking super easy.
- The 30-second express cooking button is great for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is bright and easy to read.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable is 10 inches wide and cleans up easily.
- The push-button door opens smoothly for easy access.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit larger dishes or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid option for basic cooking needs. It’s a good choice for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone needing a reliable, easy-to-use microwave.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a sleek stainless steel microwave that fits perfectly in small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms. Its compact 0.9 cubic foot size doesn’t sacrifice power, boasting 900 watts of cooking power. With handy features like auto menus and a mute function, this microwave makes everyday cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 6 auto-menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- The mute function is a lifesaver if you don’t want to be disturbed by beeping sounds.
- A child lock feature provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- It has 11 different power levels, giving you control over how you cook.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food.
- Defrosting is simple with time or weight options.
- The one-touch start lets you quickly cook for up to 6 minutes.
- It comes with a removable 10.6-inch glass turntable for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might still be a bit large for extremely tiny spaces.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for quick meals and reheating. Its blend of convenience and safety makes it a great addition to any compact living space.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its silver finish and spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior make it a stylish and practical choice for reheating leftovers, cooking meals, or defrosting ingredients. The large 12.4-inch turntable easily fits a 12-inch pizza, making it versatile for various cooking needs.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking time for perfectly heated food.
- It offers 12 auto menus for popular dishes like pizza and vegetables, simplifying meal prep.
- The mute function allows you to turn off the buzzer for quiet operation.
- ECO mode helps save energy.
- The easy-clean interior makes wiping up spills a breeze.
- It boasts 1100 watts of power for quick and efficient cooking.
- The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel are user-friendly.
- A 1-year warranty provides peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keypad has a protective film that needs to be peeled off before first use, which could be a minor inconvenience for some.
This Toshiba microwave oven combines smart features with a user-friendly design, making it a great appliance for everyday cooking. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for convenience and performance in their kitchen.
5. GE GCST09N1WSS Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The GE GCST09N1WSS Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. It offers 900 watts of power and a 0.9 cubic foot interior, making it perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, or defrosting food. Its sleek stainless steel design with a black glass door looks good on any countertop.
What We Like:
- 900 Watts of Power: Cooks and heats food quickly and efficiently.
- 0.9 Cu. Ft. Interior: Spacious enough for most everyday needs, but still compact.
- Two-Step Child Lock: A great safety feature to prevent accidental use by children.
- 7 Auto Cooking Settings: Makes cooking common items like popcorn or potatoes simple.
- Easy Defrost: You can program defrosting times or set them manually for best results.
- Glass Turntable: Ensures food cooks evenly by rotating it during the cycle.
- Space-Saving Design: Fits easily on countertops without taking up too much room.
- Simple Controls: The electronic keypad is easy to understand and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Auto Settings: While 7 is good, more specialized auto settings could be a bonus.
- No Sensor Cooking: It relies on timed cooking rather than automatically detecting when food is done.
Overall, the GE GCST09N1WSS is a reliable and user-friendly microwave that offers good value for its features. It’s a solid choice for those needing a dependable appliance for their kitchen or small living space.
Choosing Your Stainless Steel Microwave: A Smart Guide
A stainless steel microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. It looks sleek and modern. It’s also easy to clean. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a stainless steel microwave, check out these important features:
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually heat up. Small microwaves are good for one or two people. Larger ones work for families or when you cook bigger meals.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For quicker meals, aim for 1000 watts or more.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves have one.
- Control Panel: Look for a control panel that is easy to understand and use. Some have touch screens, while others have buttons.
- Size and Fit: Measure the space where you plan to put your microwave. Make sure it will fit well.
Important Materials
The main material is, of course, stainless steel.
- Stainless Steel Exterior: This gives the microwave its shiny, modern look. It’s also strong and resists rust.
- Interior Material: The inside of most microwaves is made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are very durable and easier to clean.
What Makes a Stainless Steel Microwave Great (or Not So Great)
Some things make a microwave better than others.
- Quality Factors: A well-built microwave will last longer. Look for sturdy doors and smooth-moving turntables. Good brands often use better materials and have better designs.
- Factors That Reduce Quality: Thin stainless steel can dent easily. If the controls feel cheap or sticky, the microwave might not be very good.
User Experience and Use Cases
Stainless steel microwaves are used in many ways.
- Everyday Cooking: They are perfect for heating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, and making snacks like popcorn.
- Busy Kitchens: Families use them to quickly prepare meals. They are also handy for reheating drinks.
- Ease of Cleaning: The stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. This is a big plus for keeping your kitchen tidy.
- Countertop or Over-the-Range: You can find stainless steel microwaves that sit on your counter. Others are designed to go above your stove, saving counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: Key features include capacity (size), wattage (power), cooking presets, a turntable for even cooking, an easy-to-use control panel, and making sure it fits your space.
Q: What materials are important in a stainless steel microwave?
A: The exterior is stainless steel for looks and durability. The interior can be painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to clean.
Q: How does wattage affect microwave performance?
A: Higher wattage means the microwave heats food faster and more efficiently. Most microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts.
Q: Why is a turntable important?
A: A turntable spins your food as it cooks. This helps ensure that your food heats up evenly on all sides.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to clean?
A: No, the stainless steel exterior is generally very easy to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth usually does the trick.
Q: What does “capacity” mean for a microwave?
A: Capacity refers to the inside size of the microwave, measured in cubic feet. It tells you how much food you can fit inside.
Q: Can I put magnetic items on the outside of a stainless steel microwave?
A: Most stainless steel microwaves are not magnetic. You likely won’t be able to stick magnets to them.
Q: What are “cooking presets”?
A: Cooking presets are buttons on the microwave that are programmed for specific foods, like popcorn or potatoes. They help you cook these items perfectly without guessing.
Q: What’s the difference between a countertop and an over-the-range microwave?
A: A countertop microwave sits on your kitchen counter. An over-the-range microwave is installed above your stove and often includes a vent fan.
Q: How do I know if a stainless steel microwave is good quality?
A: Look for sturdy construction, smooth-operating doors, and a reliable brand. Read reviews to see what other users say about its durability and performance.
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!