Stainless steel has an aura around it. it gives off a certain aesthetic and clean appeal that no other color or material does.
If you are someone who loves the looks of the silvery stainless steel and if this material is the theme of your kitchen interior decore, then the best stainless steel microwaves reviewed here will tickle your fancy.
It should be noted that by the term “stainless steel” most refer to the color and texture instead of the material itself. Many appliances are made of stainless steel anyways, but they may not have the silvery and pristine finishing.
Here we will review stainless steel microwave ovens from different price ranges. We will review option that are affordable as well as premium.
We have chosen the products here based on the customer reviews, their overall value as well as on their feature set.
Top 3 Stainless Steel Microwaves
4.9/5
[Best Overall]
This microwave oven is a midsize model that is rather affordable, is high powered and has a decent set of features for your culinary needs.
It has an interior capacity of 1.2 CU FT and a turntable diameter of about 12.4 inches. As such, it should be able to handle the largest dinner plates or about a medium sized pizza.
4.8/5
[Best for the Money]
This budget and an economical stainless steel microwave oven does feature cooking presets, child lock, multi-stage cooking that is essential for defrosting as well as a fairly large turntable with a diameter of about 12.5 inches.
4.7/5
[Best Convection Microwave]
A convection microwave oven basically combines the functionality of a microwave oven with that of a regular oven.
Therefore, it features both microwave cooking as well as heating elements like a regular range oven does.This allows the oven to bake as well as grill.
List of Best Stainless Steel Microwaves in 2023
We find the following stainless steel microwave ovens to stand out with with their unique aspects.
- Toshiba EM131A5C-SS – 1.2 CU FT – Recommended and Popular Option
- Farberware FMO11AHTBKB – 1.1 CF FT – Economical Mid Range Option
- Toshiba EC042A5C-BS – 1.5 CF FT – Convection Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SD945S – 2.2 CU FT – Extra Large Stainless Steel Microwave Oven with Inverter
- BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 – 0.7 CU FT – Small Stainless Steel Microwave
Best Stainless Steel Microwaves Reviews
1. Toshiba EM131A5C-SS – 1.2 CU FT – Recommended and Popular Option
This is an excellent midsize 1100 water microwave oven for an average kitchen.
This is the most favorite option for an average family. The first thing you will notice about Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is that this is stupendously popular and rightly so.
This microwave oven is a midsize model that is rather affordable, is high powered and has a decent set of features for your culinary needs.
This oven has an interior capacity of 1.2 CU FT and a turntable diameter of about 12.4 inches. As such, it should be able to handle the largest dinner plates or about a medium sized pizza.
The best thing about this size is that it is dead in the middle. It wouldn’t occupy much counterspace and at the same time would ensure that an average sized family is well catered to.
Unlike other economical models, this oven does feature smart sensor for humidity as well as temperature. This allows the oven to automatically adjust the power level as well as timer depending upon the preset that you choose.
This unit is not only attractive and classy on the kitchen countertop, but it's also quiet and powerful enough to cook food quickly and efficiently. In fact, it can even cook a baked potato in half the time of a 900-watt microwave.
Although there may be a slight smell when it's new, this is nothing to worry about and it will eventually disappear. With its awesome size, there are no complaints about this fantastic appliance.
All in all, if you are looking for the most staple option, then this is the best stainless steel microwave oven with a midsize configuration.
Also Read: Best 11oo watt microwave ovens
2. Farberware FMO11AHTBKB – 1.1 CF FT – Economical Mid Range Option
A budget and an economical stainless steel microwave oven with a fair amount of interior capacity.
Next up we have an ultra budget model. This stainless steel microwave is as simple as a midsize option gets.
It features a 1.1 CU FT capacity and has a power rating of 1000 Watt. This is a minimal oven.
There is literally nothing extraordinary about it except of the fact that you are getting a midsize oven for the price of small one.
It does feature cooking presets, child lock, multi-stage cooking that is essential for defrosting as well as a fairly large turntable with a diameter of about 12.5 inches.
If you're on a tight budget and in need of a reliable microwave, this stainless steel option might be just what you're looking for. It cooks food evenly and effectively, and it's priced competitively with other similar models.
Not only that, but it also has a sleek and attractive appearance that will fit well in any modern kitchen. While it may not be the quietest option out there, it still performs well and is easy to purchase and quickly receive.
Overall, this stainless steel microwave is a great choice for anyone in search of an affordable and efficient appliance.
Also Read: Best 1000 Watt Microwave Ovens
3. Toshiba EC042A5C-BS – 1.5 CF FT – Convection Microwave
A fairly large convection microwave oven that combines regular microwave with convection heating element which can be used for grilling and baking.
Toshiba EC042A5C-BS is an exceptional and a rare appliance as it is a 2-in-1 device. Why? This is a convection microwave oven.
A convection microwave oven basically combines the functionality of a microwave oven with that of a regular oven. Therefore, it features both microwave cooking as well as heating elements like a regular range oven does.
This allows the oven to bake as well as grill. A normal microwave oven does not have the capacity to back or grill as it heats food from inside out. A convection oven can heat from the outside in.
Therefore, whether you want bake cakes or want to achieve the crispy texture on your roasted chicken, you would be able to do so with this.
Besides that, this is a also a fairly large model. It has a capacity of 1.5 CU FT. This is almost touching the large size category. Therefore, you should be able to prepare complex recipes as well as cook family sized dinners easily.
All this makes this essentially a multi-cooking device. The oven has auto-menu for 13 common food items that include grilled and baked items. The cooking is handled by the Built-in sensors that automatically adjust the temperature and the time.
If you're looking for a stainless steel microwave oven that offers both convection baking and a large size, we think this is the best option available. Not only does it defrost and microwave like a typical microwave, but it also bakes and roasts, making it faster than a stovetop.
The result is food that's super soft and fully defrosted, yet not overcooked. However, I love its ability to make pizza hot and soft, and the convenience of using parchment paper for easy cleaning.
Overall, I will recommend this microwave oven for anyone who values convection baking and a large capacity. It should also be noted that this is not a cheap appliance. It does cost a bit of a premium.
4. Panasonic NN-SD945S – 2.2 CU FT – Extra Large Stainless Steel Microwave Oven with Inverter
An extra large microwave oven featuring a very high power rating of 1250W and an inverter technology.
There is a list of reasons that makes this an exceptional oven and fit for a serious home-chef.
Firstly, it belong to the extra large size category with an interior capacity of 2.2 CU FT and a turntable diameter of 15 inches. This is larger than a large pizza to give you an idea.
This can fit almost anything that you can think to cook at home. From large dinner plates to whole turkey, this should be able to accommodate them all.
Furthermore, this is a high powered appliance. With it 1250 watt power rating, this microwave oven is among the most powerful models for home use.
A high powered microwave oven means your food will be cooked and reheated fast and with a better consistency.
Other than huge size and the high power rating, one feature that perhaps makes this highly distinct from the rest is the inverter technology.
An inverter technology replaces the large and bulky transformer in a microwave oven.
A transformer is normally responsible for delivering and maintaining a certain power level. It does so by periodically turning the mangetron assembly (device that produce microwave heat) on and off. This results in uneven cooking as the heat goes up and down.
An inverter microwave fixes that issue with an inverter circuit. This deliver the exact amount of power as needed without periodically turning the magnetron assembly on/off.
This results in consistent heat across the food which in turn reduces the instances of over-cooked or under-cooked patches.
With its high power and inverter circuit, this multi-cooking device is a versatile addition to any kitchen. Equipped with presets for 19 different food items, including rice, stew, ground meat, and quinoa, this microwave offers a range of cooking options.
Beyond its functionality, the microwave is also aesthetically pleasing, with a powerful yet quiet performance, easy-to-clean interior, and sturdy construction.
Overall, this well-made microwave is highly recommended for anyone in search of a reliable and efficient cooking tool. In short, if you are looking for a large, powerful and an advanced option and you are ready to pay a high price, then this is the best stainless steel microwave in our opinion.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 – 0.7 CU FT – Small Stainless Steel Microwave
A compact, lightweight and a low powered microwave oven for those with limited needs.
Lastly, we have a highly affordable, compact and small stainless steel microwave oven with a low power rating.
This is as basic a microwave oven can get. It has a capacity of mere 0.7 CU FT, has power rating of about 700 watt and has a price tag that is much lower than the models we saw above.
It has a turntable diameter of 10″ which is sufficient to handle a small pizza.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is catered to three kinds of people.
Firstly it caters to those who have a very limited need for a microwave oven. Students in dorm rooms, office spaces for reheating lunch and a cup of coffee or just your good old garage would find the use of an oven like this.
Secondly, if you have a small kitchen, or if your kitchen space has a very limited counterspace, or if your have a small nook or a corner in your kitchen that you want to occupy with something useful, then this may appeal to you.
Thirdly, this is simply for those who have a limited budget to spend on various home appliances.
It should be noted, however, that due to its low power, you should not be surprised if it takes longer to reheat or to cook your food.
The oven does have standard controls such as 6 cooking presets, 10 power level settings, and child lock settings. Other than that, it is a fairly basic device that works well and complements other appliances.
However, I personally recommend this brand for anyone in need of a new microwave oven due to its dependability and user-friendliness. It functions very well and is the perfect size for most households.
Overall, the unit works as it should and is a reliable addition to any kitchen. All in all, if you came here looking for small and a compact option, then this is the best stainless steel microwave oven in our opinion.
What Kind of Microwave Ovens You Can Find with Stainless Steel?
There is a quite range of options available to you in this category.
Multiple Sizes
For starters, you can find stainless steel microwaves featured in sizes ranging from small to extra large.
A small microwave has an interior capacity of less than or equal to 1.0 CU FT. A midsize microwave oven has an interior capacity of 1.1-1.6 CU FT. A large microwave oven has an interior capacity of 1.7-2.0 CU FT and finally, an extra large microwave oven has an interior capacity of more than 2.0 CU FT.
Fortunately, you can find all sorts of interior capacities here. The size you choose would depend upon your needs and budget.
Small sized microwave ovens are great for limited use or for uses in dorm room, office spaces etc. Larger ovens are used either for a regular sized family or for commercial applications.
Also Read: Best Midsize Countertop Microwave Ovens
Different Types
Over the range microwave double as a range hood as well.
You can find stainless steel microwaves in all major types of microwave oven.
This includes, countertop, over-the-range, as well as built-in.
The countertop models are the one you will mostly be familiar with. The size range here is vast.
Over-the-Range microwave ovens, on the other hand, are a bit pricey, need expert installation, and are typically larger. You cannot find small or medium size over-the-range microwave ovens.
Built-in microwave ovens can either fit inside a custom cabinet or a wall. Countertop microwave installed inside walls or cabinets require a trim kit (frame), which can also be found in stainless steel material.
Different Technologies
Inverter ovens ditch the transformer for an inverter circuit that provides smooth and consistent heat. Source: Panasonic
Whether you are looking for a regular microwave oven, a convection microwave oven or a model that feature the inverter technology, you can find them all in the stainless steel material.
Final Words
In this article, we looked at some of the best stainless steel microwaves. Whether it is hygiene factor or just the gorgeous looks you are after, stainless steel microwave ovens can be found in different size and price ranges.
These ovens are generally more durable and long lasting as compared to cheaper powder-coated models.
FAQs:
1. Are stainless steel interior microwaves better?
One of the best investments you can make for your kitchen is a microwave with stainless steel interior. It is longer, but the washing up of the microwave oven also saves time and strain. The microwave does not absorb any odor and aroma in the food with the interior of stainless steel.
2. Is it OK to put stainless steel in the microwave?
No, it is not safe to put stainless steel in the microwave. While stainless steel is a durable and popular material for cookware, it should not be used in the microwave. The high levels of electricity running through the microwave can cause stainless steel to heat up quickly and unevenly. This can lead to dangerous sparks and even fires.
3. Which is better ceramic or stainless steel microwave?
Ceramic microwaves are better than stainless steel microwaves. Stainless steel microwaves can cause food to taste metallic, whereas ceramic microwaves do not. Ceramic microwaves are also easier to clean than stainless steel microwaves.
4. Is rust in a microwave bad?
A rusted microwave shouldn't be used. You wouldn't eat a rusty food can because it's hazardous. Rust outside the microwave is not a problem unless it goes to the internal part, which causes damage to the microwave, which allows the radiation to escape the device.
5. What happens if you microwave nothing?
When you put something in the microwave, it starts heating up. The microwaves cause the water molecules in the food to vibrate quickly. This makes the food heat up.
If you put nothing in the microwave, the microwaves will just bounce around inside the oven. They won't cause anything to heat up.