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10 Best Stainless Steel Microwaves 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,267
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Features and Functions

Most important from
53747 reviews

Size and Capacity
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make navigation easy, while the spacious interior and smooth rotating turntable ensure even heating.
Wattage
The Toshiba microwave is incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly, eliminating cold spots and overcooked edges.
Features and Functions
The one-touch presets for common tasks like popcorn and reheating save time and enhance convenience.
Control Panel
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make navigation easy, while the spacious interior and smooth rotating turntable ensure even heating.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make navigation easy, while the spacious interior and smooth rotating turntable ensure even heating.
Ventilation
Its quiet operation and the ability to disable the beeping sound make it frustration-free and ideal for households that prefer peace and quiet.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave stands out with its large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, making it suitable for a family-sized kitchen. Its 1100 watts of power ensures efficient cooking and heating, supported by 10 power settings for versatility.

The microwave features a smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus, which simplify cooking popular foods like pizza and veggies. This can be particularly useful for those who prefer convenience in food preparation. The removable 12.4-inch turntable aids in even cooking and is easy to clean, though some may prefer a flatbed design for uniform heating without the need for rotating dishes. The control panel is user-friendly with a large digital display, but the protective film can be a minor inconvenience initially.

The mute function is a thoughtful addition for those who dislike loud beeps. The microwave's stainless steel finish gives it a stylish look that fits modern kitchens, and its ECO mode helps save energy. However, the unit is quite heavy at 34.6 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, while it includes ventilation, it lacks advanced venting options that some higher-end models offer. Despite these minor drawbacks, its functionality, efficient cooking, and ease of use make it a standout product in the countertop microwave category.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,267
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Features and Functions

Most important from
53747 reviews

Size and Capacity
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make navigation easy, while the spacious interior and smooth rotating turntable ensure even heating.
Wattage
The Toshiba microwave is incredibly powerful and heats food quickly and evenly, eliminating cold spots and overcooked edges.
Features and Functions
The one-touch presets for common tasks like popcorn and reheating save time and enhance convenience.
Control Panel
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make navigation easy, while the spacious interior and smooth rotating turntable ensure even heating.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
User-friendly controls and a clear digital display make navigation easy, while the spacious interior and smooth rotating turntable ensure even heating.
Ventilation
Its quiet operation and the ability to disable the beeping sound make it frustration-free and ideal for households that prefer peace and quiet.
#2

Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.3 Cu. Ft. - Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock - Perfect for Apartments and Dorms - Easy Clean Stainless Steel

Rating
10.0
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Features and Functions

Most important from
7408 reviews

Size and Capacity
Offers a good interior size that fits well for typical plates and small dishes, balancing spaciousness with compactness.
Wattage
Delivers efficient heating with 1000 watts of power, making meal preparation quick and convenient.
Features and Functions
Includes practical safety features such as a child lock, adding peace of mind for families with young children.
Control Panel
Features simple and intuitive controls, making it easy to use, especially in limited spaces like offices or dorms.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
The glass tray may wobble slightly but remains stable enough for everyday use.
Ventilation
Moisture can accumulate inside after heating liquids, so wiping dry afterward helps maintain cleanliness and prevents rust.

The Farberware Countertop Microwave offers a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, moderately sized microwave. Its 1.3 cubic feet capacity is roomy enough for most typical plates or small casserole dishes, yet compact enough to fit comfortably in apartments or dorm rooms where space is limited. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food efficiently, making meal prep quick and convenient. The microwave features ten power levels and multi-stage cooking options, along with six one-touch presets like popcorn and pizza, which helps users easily customize their cooking without fuss.

The clear LED display and interior lighting make it easy to monitor cooking progress, while the child lock adds a layer of safety — a useful feature for families. Being stainless steel, the microwave has a modern look and the easy-clean interior and exterior are practical for everyday use.

This Farberware microwave is well-suited for users looking for a dependable, easy-to-use appliance with good power and size for small to medium cooking needs but may miss some premium features found in higher-end models.

Rating
10.0
Size and Capacity
Wattage
Features and Functions

Most important from
7408 reviews

Size and Capacity
Offers a good interior size that fits well for typical plates and small dishes, balancing spaciousness with compactness.
Wattage
Delivers efficient heating with 1000 watts of power, making meal preparation quick and convenient.
Features and Functions
Includes practical safety features such as a child lock, adding peace of mind for families with young children.
Control Panel
Features simple and intuitive controls, making it easy to use, especially in limited spaces like offices or dorms.
Turntable vs. Flatbed
The glass tray may wobble slightly but remains stable enough for everyday use.
Ventilation
Moisture can accumulate inside after heating liquids, so wiping dry afterward helps maintain cleanliness and prevents rust.

Buying Guide for the Best Stainless Steel Microwaves

Choosing the right stainless steel microwave can significantly enhance your kitchen experience. Microwaves are essential appliances for quick heating, defrosting, and even cooking meals. When selecting a microwave, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs and fits well in your kitchen space. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Size and CapacityThe size and capacity of a microwave are crucial because they determine how much food you can cook at once and how much space the microwave will take up in your kitchen. Capacity is usually measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves (0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet) are suitable for individuals or small families and for reheating small meals. Medium-sized microwaves (1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet) are versatile and can handle larger dishes, making them ideal for most households. Large microwaves (1.6 cubic feet and above) are perfect for big families or those who frequently cook large meals. Choose a size that fits your cooking needs and available kitchen space.
WattageWattage indicates the power of the microwave, which affects how quickly and evenly it can cook food. Microwaves typically range from 600 to 1200 watts. Lower wattage microwaves (600-800 watts) are slower and may not cook food as evenly, but they are often more affordable and suitable for basic tasks like reheating. Mid-range wattage microwaves (900-1000 watts) offer a good balance of speed and efficiency, making them suitable for most cooking tasks. High wattage microwaves (1100 watts and above) cook food quickly and evenly, ideal for those who use their microwave frequently for cooking meals. Consider your cooking habits to determine the right wattage for you.
Features and FunctionsModern microwaves come with a variety of features and functions that can make cooking more convenient. Common features include preset cooking programs, defrost settings, and sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food's moisture levels. Advanced features might include convection cooking, grilling, and steam cooking. If you primarily use your microwave for simple tasks, basic features will suffice. However, if you enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods, look for a microwave with more advanced features.
Control PanelThe control panel is the interface you use to operate the microwave. It can be digital or mechanical. Digital control panels offer more precise control and often include touchpads and LED displays, making them easier to use and read. Mechanical control panels, with dials and buttons, are typically simpler and more durable. If you prefer a modern look and advanced functionality, a digital control panel is a good choice. For those who value simplicity and durability, a mechanical control panel might be more suitable.
Turntable vs. FlatbedMicrowaves can come with either a turntable or a flatbed design. A turntable rotates the food to ensure even cooking, which is common in most microwaves. Flatbed microwaves use advanced technology to distribute microwaves evenly without the need for a rotating plate, providing more usable space inside. Turntable microwaves are generally more affordable and effective for most cooking tasks. Flatbed microwaves offer more flexibility and are easier to clean, making them ideal for those who frequently cook larger or irregularly shaped dishes.
VentilationVentilation is important if you plan to install your microwave over a range or in a built-in cabinet. Microwaves with built-in ventilation systems can help remove smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen. There are two main types: recirculating and external venting. Recirculating vents filter the air and release it back into the kitchen, suitable for most installations. External venting systems expel air outside, which is more effective but requires proper ductwork. Choose a ventilation type based on your kitchen setup and cooking habits.

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