8 Best Microwaves with Stainless Steel Interiors 2025

This game-changing combo microwave doesn’t just reheat—it grills. The Emerson MWG1191SB brings rare versatility to compact kitchens with its 1100W microwave power and integrated grill function, letting you crisp a pizza top or sear a chicken breast without firing up the oven. With 11 power levels and 9 smart presets, it tackles everything from popcorn to proteins, solving the all-too-common microwave problem of soggy leftovers. If you crave crisp texture and browning in a space-saving design, this model delivers where most microwaves fail.

In real-world testing, the grill function consistently achieved a golden-brown finish on sandwiches and casseroles—something rarely possible in standard models. The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity fits most dinner plates and medium dishes, though larger families may find it limiting. The removable glass turntable makes cleaning easy, and the LED timer display keeps cooking times visible. However, the grill mode requires close monitoring; without it, food can dry out quickly. While it’s not a full convection oven replacement, it punches well above its weight for dorm rooms, small apartments, or minimalist kitchens.

Compared to the SHARP B0CNQ9Y534, this Emerson model offers more cooking versatility despite similar size and power. Where the SHARP excels in reliability, the Emerson wins with grill functionality that transforms reheating into actual cooking. It’s ideal for users who want more than basic microwaving but don’t need a full-sized oven. Priced competitively, it delivers feature-rich performance that outshines simpler models with fewer cooking modes.

When you need a microwave that dominates the counter, the SHARP B0CNQB66MB rises to the occasion. Boasting a massive 2.2 cu. ft. capacity and 1200W inverter technology, it effortlessly handles large casseroles, whole chickens, or multiple dishes at once—perfect for families or meal preppers. The 16.5″ carousel turntable ensures even cooking, while Sensor Cook intelligently adjusts power and time based on moisture levels, eliminating guesswork. If your current microwave forces you to cook in batches, this one solves that frustration with sheer volume and precision.

During testing, the inverter technology proved its worth: reheating lasagna without drying edges, defrosting ground beef evenly, and cooking oatmeal with consistent texture. The white LED display and interior lighting offer a modern, premium look, and the +30 seconds button is a small but brilliant touch for quick boosts. However, the large footprint demands serious counter space, and the control panel, while intuitive, lacks the quiet operation of higher-end models. It struggles slightly with ultra-fine sensor adjustments compared to the Breville BMO850BSS, but for family-sized meals, it’s unmatched in this lineup.

Against the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), this SHARP model offers double the capacity and smoother inverter cooking, though at a larger size and higher cost. It’s the go-to for households of four or more who prioritize space and even cooking over sleek minimalism. While not the quietest or most compact, it delivers reliable, large-scale performance with smart features that justify its placement as the best large-capacity pick.

The SHARP B0CNQ9Y534 is the quiet achiever of basic microwaves—unflashy but utterly dependable. With 1000W power, a 1.1 cu. ft. interior, and a 12.4″ turntable, it handles everyday tasks like reheating coffee, cooking frozen meals, and popping Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn with flawless consistency. It’s the kind of microwave that just works, making it ideal for kitchens where simplicity and reliability trump bells and whistles. For users tired of finicky sensors or complex menus, this model is a refreshing return to fundamentals.

In daily use, the 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking allow for surprisingly nuanced control, letting you defrost then cook with one setup. The +30 seconds button and Express Cook make quick tasks effortless, and the removable turntable simplifies cleanup. However, it lacks advanced features like inverter tech or smart sensors, so reheating delicate foods like fish can result in uneven spots. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, it offers fewer presets but a cleaner, more intuitive interface. It’s best for users who want no-nonsense performance without learning curves.

When stacked against the Emerson MWG1191SB, this SHARP model trades grill capability for greater reliability and ease of use. It won’t brown your pizza, but it will reheat it without fail every time. For offices, dorms, or secondary kitchens, it’s a low-risk, high-reward choice that delivers consistent results without complexity. It’s the appliance equivalent of a trusted tool—not flashy, but always ready.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 strikes a sweet spot between value and functionality, making it a standout in the mid-range microwave market. With 1000W of power, a 1.1 cu. ft. stainless steel interior, and pre-programmed buttons for pizza, popcorn, and beverages, it handles daily tasks with speed and simplicity. The push-button door release is a small luxury that adds convenience, while the child safety lock brings peace of mind—ideal for homes with curious kids. If you want solid performance without overspending, this model delivers.

Real-world testing revealed consistent reheating across soups, leftovers, and frozen meals, thanks to its 10 power settings and 30-second express cook. The large LED display is easy to read, and the removable 12.4” turntable cleans up quickly. However, the black enclosure shows smudges easily, and the beeping is loud—a minor annoyance in quiet homes. Compared to the SHARP B0CNQ9Y534, it offers more presets but slightly less build refinement. It’s best for users who want smart features at a budget price without sacrificing core performance.

Against the Breville BMO850BSS, it lacks sensor IQ and quiet operation, but it nails the essentials at a fraction of the cost. For renters, small kitchens, or budget-conscious buyers, it’s a practical, well-rounded choice that proves you don’t need luxury to get great results. It’s the workhorse of mid-tier microwaves—efficient, functional, and ready to serve.

The Breville BMO850BSS isn’t just a microwave—it’s a precision kitchen partner that redefines what countertop cooking can be. With 1250W of power, Sensor iQ technology, and 15 smart presets, it automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on steam detection, delivering perfectly reheated pizza or flawlessly defrosted chicken without user guesswork. The Power Smoothing Inverter ensures even heating, eliminating cold spots and overcooked edges—a common flaw in standard microwaves. If you’ve ever zapped food into rubbery oblivion, this model fixes that for good.

In real-world use, the Smart Reheat function consistently restored leftovers to near-fresh quality, while Smart Defrost thawed meat evenly without cooking the edges. The 80% quieter soft-close door and mute button make it ideal for late-night use in open-plan homes. The 1.2 cu. ft. capacity fits most dishes, though it’s not the largest. The shortcuts panel inside the door—with settings for softening butter or melting chocolate—is a brilliant touch. It struggles slightly with ultra-large dishes, but for precision and quiet operation, it’s unmatched.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), the Breville offers smarter sensors, quieter performance, and more presets, justifying its premium status. It’s the best overall pick for users who want restaurant-quality results at home and are willing to invest in long-term performance. While it costs more than others, it delivers exceptional value through innovation and refinement.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a multitasking powerhouse that condenses an air fryer, convection oven, and broiler into one compact 1.0 cu. ft. unit. With 1050W microwave power, air fry mode, convection baking, and a built-in broiler, it’s designed for users who want crispy fries, roasted veggies, and seared proteins without preheating a full oven. The elevated rack and crisper pan deliver air-fried crunch with minimal oil, solving the health-versus-taste dilemma. If your kitchen lacks space but you still want versatile cooking, this microwave is a space-saving marvel.

Testing showed excellent air fry results—crispy wings, golden tater tots—with convection mode producing evenly browned casseroles. The broil function added a nice char to meats, though it required careful timing to avoid burning. The compact size fits easily on countertops or in dorms, but the small capacity limits it to 1–2 servings. Sensor cooking is absent, so you’ll rely on presets like Fries and Nuggets. Compared to the Emerson MWG1191SB, it offers more cooking modes but a tighter interior.

Against the Breville BMO850BSS, it trades quiet operation and smart sensors for true multi-functionality. It’s ideal for small households, bachelors, or minimalist kitchens where every appliance must pull double duty. While not as refined as high-end models, it delivers maximum versatility in a compact frame, making it the best multi-function microwave in the lineup.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the affordable essential for tight budgets and tiny spaces. At just 0.7 cu. ft. and 700W power, it’s built for dorm rooms, offices, or RVs where counter space is precious. Despite its size, it includes 10 power levels, a child lock, and presets for popcorn, pizza, and beverages—proving that budget doesn’t mean barebones. The push-button door and 10” turntable make it easy to use and clean, while the compact footprint fits even the smallest kitchens. If you need basic microwaving without overspending, this model gets the job done.

In practice, it reheats small meals and drinks efficiently, though larger or dense foods take longer due to lower wattage. The 30-second express cook is handy for quick tasks, and the LED display remains clear and bright. However, it struggles with even heating on thicker foods, and the interior feels cramped for anything over a bowl. Compared to the SHARP B0CNQ9Y534, it offers less power and space but at a significantly lower cost. It’s best for single users or light cooking needs.

Against the EM031MB11, it sacrifices capacity and wattage for ultra-affordability. It’s not for families or heavy users, but for students or second-home kitchens, it’s a no-frills, reliable solution. It proves that low price doesn’t mean low value when core functions are executed well.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is the sensor cooking specialist, engineered for users who demand precision without oversight. With 1200W power, smart sensor menus, and a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, it automatically adjusts cooking time for pizza, veggies, and more based on humidity—delivering perfectly heated meals every time. The position-memory turntable resets to its original spot, making it safer and easier to remove hot dishes. If you’re tired of overcooked leftovers or guessing times, this microwave removes the guesswork entirely.

In real-world use, the sensor reheat function consistently delivered moist, evenly warmed food, outperforming non-sensor models like the SHARP B0CNQ9Y534. The 13.6″ turntable handles 13-inch pizzas with room to spare, and the black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than standard stainless. However, the control panel beeping is loud, and the initial protective film can confuse first-time users. It lacks inverter tech, so power adjustments aren’t as smooth as the Breville BMO850BSS.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers larger capacity and better sensors but no air fry or convection modes. It’s ideal for families or tech-savvy users who prioritize smart cooking over multi-functionality. With excellent sensor accuracy and mid-range pricing, it delivers top-tier convenience without the premium tag.