6 Best Stainless Steel Microwave Ovens of 2025

This game-changing all-in-one powerhouse redefines what a compact microwave can do. With 1,050 watts of cooking power, true convection baking, and a built-in air fry mode, it delivers results that rival full-sized ovens—without hogging counter space. The inclusion of a broil function and crisper pan means you can sear, roast, and crisp foods like chicken skin or frozen fries with actual browning, solving the #1 microwave pain point: soggy textures. For anyone tired of underwhelming reheats or juggling multiple appliances, this is a kitchen revolution in stainless steel.

In real-world testing, the air fry mode consistently produced golden, crispy wings in under 25 minutes, while the convection setting baked a small loaf of bread with even rise and crust. The 1.0 cu ft cavity handles dinner plates and 9×9 pans but struggles with larger casserole dishes. The glass turntable ensures even rotation, though the crisper pan limits space during air frying. It excels at multitasking—reheating leftovers while crisping the top—but don’t expect it to replace a full oven for holiday meals. One caveat: the broil function works well but requires close monitoring to avoid burning.

Compared to basic models like the SHARP or BLACK+DECKER, this GE unit is in a different league—a tech-packed powerhouse versus simple reheaters. It’s ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or anyone wanting oven-quality results without preheating. While the Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT offers more space, it lacks air frying and broiling. If you value versatility over sheer size, this GE microwave delivers more cooking modes, better browning, and smarter functionality in a compact footprint.

This precision-engineered workhorse sets a new benchmark for smart, consistent cooking in large households. Equipped with Inverter technology and a smart humidity sensor, it eliminates guesswork by adjusting power in real time—delivering perfectly reheated lasagna without dry edges or cold spots. The 1200-watt output and 2.2 cu ft capacity make it ideal for families, effortlessly handling 16-inch pizzas or full meal preps. If your biggest frustration is unevenly cooked food or overcooked leftovers, this Toshiba is engineered to end those battles once and for all.

During daily use, the 6 sensor cook presets—from beverages to frozen dinners—performed flawlessly, requiring zero input beyond pressing a button. The 16.5-inch turntable ensures even rotation, even with bulky dishes, and the inverter tech shines during defrosting, gently thawing chicken breasts without cooking the edges. It handles high-volume cooking with ease, though the interior lighting could be brighter for checking doneness. While it lacks air frying or convection, its core microwave performance is unmatched in consistency and intelligence.

When stacked against the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS), this model offers identical capacity and power but with newer sensor enhancements and a more responsive interface. It outperforms the SHARP and Farberware in evenness and automation, making it the clear choice for tech-savvy families who want set-and-forget reliability. While the GE GCST10A1WSS offers more cooking modes, this Toshiba wins on pure microwave excellence, larger capacity, and smarter cooking intelligence—making it the most well-rounded performer in the lineup.

This precision-focused performer earns its title with laser-sharp evenness and reliability in everyday cooking. The 12.4-inch removable carousel turntable ensures food rotates smoothly and completely, eliminating dead zones where cold spots typically hide. With 1000 watts of power and Orville Redenbacher’s certified popcorn preset, it delivers consistent, theater-quality results—perfect for users tired of half-popped bags or unevenly heated meals. If uniform cooking and simplicity are your top priorities, this SHARP is a quiet champion of consistency.

In testing, the +30 seconds express key and auto cook menus made reheating coffee or cooking oatmeal effortless. The 1.1 cu ft cavity fits standard dinner plates and medium bowls, handling most single to small-family needs. The 10 power levels allow fine-tuned control, and two-stage cooking lets you defrost then cook automatically—ideal for busy mornings. However, it lacks sensor tech or inverter power, so results aren’t quite as adaptive as the Toshiba models. It’s a no-frills, dependable operator that excels at basics but won’t impress with smart features.

Compared to the Farberware and BLACK+DECKER, this SHARP offers larger capacity and better turntable performance, making it a step up in cooking quality. While it doesn’t match the Toshiba’s intelligence or the GE’s versatility, it strikes a sweet spot between size, power, and price. It’s the ideal pick for students, singles, or secondary kitchens where reliable, even cooking without complexity is the goal. Against the Farberware, it delivers better turntable design and proven popcorn performance, making it the go-to for consistency over automation.

This family-sized titan is built for high-volume, hassle-free cooking with features that make daily use a breeze. The 2.2 cu ft cavity effortlessly fits whole chickens or 16-inch pizzas, solving the space crunch in large households. Its smart humidity sensor and 6 auto menus—including bacon and oatmeal—deliver consistent, hands-off results, while the position memory turntable remembers where it stopped, preventing annoying re-rotation. For families who need reliable, large-capacity performance without constant supervision, this Toshiba is a kitchen MVP.

Real-world use confirms its superior defrosting and reheating accuracy, especially with the auto-defrost by weight function—thawing a pound of ground beef evenly in under 5 minutes. The ECO mode and mute option add thoughtful touches for energy savings and quiet nights. The 16.5-inch turntable rotates smoothly, though the sheer size means it needs ample clearance. While it lacks inverter tech, the 1200-watt power ensures strong, fast heating, though not quite as even as the ML4-EM22PAIT. It’s a slightly older design, but still packs serious utility.

Next to the ML4-EM22PAIT, this model offers similar capacity and core features but with fewer sensor refinements and no inverter tech, making it a value-focused alternative. Compared to the GE, it lacks air frying but wins on sheer space and family readiness. It’s best suited for households of four or more who prioritize size, simplicity, and smart presets over gourmet cooking modes. While not the most advanced, it delivers larger capacity, solid automation, and proven reliability—making it the top pick for big families over tech tinkerers.

This ultra-compact essential proves that small can still be smart—delivering reliable performance for tight budgets and tighter spaces. At just 0.7 cu ft and 700 watts, it’s ideal for dorm rooms, offices, or minimalist kitchens where counter space is precious. Despite its size, it includes pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages, making it ridiculously easy to use—perfect for students or anyone who just wants hot coffee without fiddling with settings. If your goal is basic reheating without bells and whistles, this BLACK+DECKER is a no-brainer starter microwave.

In practice, it handles single servings and small meals with speed and simplicity. The 30-second express cook is a game-changer for quick tasks, and the push-button door release adds a touch of modern convenience. The 10-inch turntable ensures decent rotation, though the small cavity limits plate size. It struggles with dense foods like thick stews, requiring manual stirring due to lower wattage. The LED display is bright and clear, but power options are limited—fine for basics, but not for precise cooking.

Against the Farberware and SHARP, this model is smaller and less powerful, but also the most affordable. It doesn’t compete with the Toshiba or GE on features, but it’s not meant to. It’s the best choice for those who need a microwave for occasional use or space-constrained setups. While the Farberware offers more power and space, this BLACK+DECKER wins on compactness, ease of use, and budget-friendliness—making it the ultimate entry-level pick for minimalists and first-time buyers.

This value-packed performer delivers premium features at a mid-range price, making it a standout for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on essentials. With 1000 watts, smart sensor cooking, and a 1.2 cu ft cavity, it balances power, space, and automation better than most in its class. The six one-touch presets—including popcorn and pizza—respond accurately, and defrost-by-weight takes the guesswork out of thawing. For anyone seeking a full-featured microwave without overspending, this Farberware is a smart, no-gimmicks solution.

In daily use, the sensor cook settings consistently delivered perfectly reheated meals, avoiding the mushiness that plagues lower-end models. The interior lighting and clear LED display make monitoring easy, and the easy-clean coating resists splatters—ideal for messy kitchens. The multi-stage cooking lets you defrost then cook automatically, a rare perk at this price. While it lacks inverter tech, the 10 power levels offer solid control. It’s not as large as the Toshiba, but fits most dinner plates and medium dishes comfortably.

Compared to the SHARP, it offers smarter automation and better presets, while beating the BLACK+DECKER in power and capacity. It doesn’t match the GE’s versatility or the Toshiba’s size, but it delivers the best mix of features and affordability. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or office kitchens where reliability and ease matter most. Against the SHARP, it offers better sensor tech and more presets, making it the clear winner for value and daily usability.