Best Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Ovens of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Stainless steel countertop microwave ovens are a popular choice for homeowners and chefs alike. These sleek and modern appliances offer a range of features, from defrosting and reheating to cooking entire meals. With their durable construction and easy-to-clean surfaces, stainless steel microwaves are a practical and stylish addition to any kitchen. Some models even include advanced options like sensor cooking and convection heating. Whether you're a busy parent, a culinary enthusiast, or simply looking for a convenient way to prepare meals, a stainless steel countertop microwave oven is a versatile and reliable choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven Cover #TOP 1
GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor Cover #TOP 2
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Farberware Classic Microwave Oven Cover #TOP 3
Farberware Classic Microwave Oven
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Ovens

#TOP 1

GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven

GE
GCST11X1WSS
Stainless Steel
GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven Cover
GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven, 950-watt 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Child-Lock Technology 1.1 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel

The GE Microwave Oven is designed with your convenience in mind. It features a two-step child lock, ensuring young ones can’t accidentally operate the microwave, giving you peace of mind. With its space-saving design and 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, you can enjoy efficient cooking without cluttering your countertop. The straightforward one-touch controls simplify meal preparation, while the weight and time defrost function automatically adjusts the settings for optimal results. This means you can easily defrost food without worrying about timing or power levels, making cooking more convenient for you.

What We Like
Child lock for safety
Compact yet spacious design
Easy one-touch controls
Automatic defrost settings

Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor

NN-SN686S
1.2 cft
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor Cover
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a powerful appliance that has a lot of features for your convenience. It has a compact design that makes it perfect for small kitchens. With its Inverter Technology, it delivers consistent and evenly prepared food without overcooking, and the Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost technology speeds up defrosting time. The built-in automatic Genius Sensor adjusts power and time based on different foods, and the Keep Warm feature keeps soups, gravies, or desserts warm and fresh until ready to serve. Lastly, it has a child safety lock feature for added security.

What We Like
Compact and space-saving design
Consistent and evenly prepared food without overcooking
Built-in automatic Genius Sensor for easy cooking
Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost for faster defrosting
Child safety lock feature for added security

Farberware Classic Microwave Oven

Farberware
Stainless Steel
0.7 Cu. Ft.
Farberware Classic Microwave Oven Cover
Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock - Perfect for Apartments and Dorms - Easy Clean Stainless Steel

The Farberware Classic Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful 700-Watt microwave that offers quick and easy meal preparation with 1-6 min. Express cooking and plus 30 sec. Button. It has 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking and 6 one-touch cooking programs, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. The LED display with kitchen timer and clock and the easy-view interior LED lighting make cooking easy and convenient. It also features a stylish Brushed Stainless-Steel front and handle and child safety lock function for added security.

What We Like
Compact and powerful 700-Watt microwave
10 power levels with multi-stage cooking and 6 one-touch cooking programs
LED display with kitchen timer and clock, and easy-view interior LED lighting
#TOP 4

BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Microwave Oven

EM036AB14
Stainless Steel
1.4 Cu.ft
BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Microwave Oven Cover
BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 1.4 Cu.ft

The BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Microwave Oven features pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate. With 1000 Watts and 10 power settings, it also comes with a clock, kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking, large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable, and push-button door release for easy access. The microwave measures 20.4” x 16.9” x 12.4” and the internal dimensions are 13.82” x 15.98” x 9.80”.

What We Like
Easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons
Large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel
Child safety lock and push-button door release for easy access
#TOP 5

Toshiba Stainless Steel Microwave Oven with Eco Mode & Child Lock

EM925A5A-SS
Silver
0.9 Cu Ft/900W
Toshiba Stainless Steel Microwave Oven with Eco Mode & Child Lock Cover
TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu Ft With 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & ECO Mode, Child Lock, LED Lighting, Stainless Steel

The Toshiba EM925A5A-SS is a stylish and compact 0.9 cubic feet microwave oven that is perfect for your apartment kitchen, vacation home, office, or dorm. It features 6 pre-programmed menus, easy defrosting by weight/time, express cook buttons, memory function, and 10 power levels. The microwave oven also has a bright LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, and easy-to-grip door handle. With energy-saving ECO mode, mute button, clock, kitchen timer, and child safety lock, the Toshiba EM925A5A-SS is a perfect kitchen essential for your daily use.

What We Like
Easy defrosting by weight and time
Energy-saving ECO mode
Child safety lock

Farberware Countertop Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft.

FMWO11AHTBKB
Stainless
1.1 cu. ft.
Farberware Countertop Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft. Cover
Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft - Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock - Perfect for Apartments and Dorms - Easy Clean Stainless Steel

The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1.1 Cu. Ft. is a 1000-Watt compact microwave oven with LED lighting, Child lock, and Easy Clean Interior. It offers 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking and 6 one-touch cooking programs. The stylish stainless-steel front and handle give it an elegant look, and the interior LED lighting lets you keep an eye on cooking. It is perfect for residential use and is ideal for small spaces.

What We Like
1000-Watt output power
6 one-touch cooking programs
LED display with kitchen timer and clock
Stylish stainless-steel front and handle
Child safety lock function
#TOP 7

Sharp SMC1162KS Countertop Microwave

SMC1162KS
Stainless Steel
1.1 CuFt
Sharp SMC1162KS Countertop Microwave Cover
SHARP SMC1162KS Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel Turntable, Orville Redenbacher's Certified, Cubic Feet Countertop Microwave, 1.1 CuFt, Stainless Steel

The Sharp Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance with a medium-sized 1.1 cu. ft. capacity and 1000 watts of power. Its stylish design includes a gray interior and a white LED display, making it a modern addition to your countertop. You’ll appreciate the convenience of Orville Redenbacher's certified popcorn presets, ensuring perfectly popped popcorn every time. The 12.4" carousel turntable promotes even cooking, helping you achieve consistent results with your meals. With 10 power levels and a two-stage cooking option, you can easily customize your cooking experience to suit different dishes.

What We Like
Compact design
Even cooking with turntable
Popcorn presets
Customizable power levels
#TOP 8

Sharp SMC0761KS Countertop Microwave

SMC0761KS
Stainless Steel
0.7 CuFt
Sharp SMC0761KS Countertop Microwave Cover
SHARP SMC0761KS Oven Countertop Microwave, 0.7 CuFt, Stainless Steel

The Sharp Countertop Microwave is a compact appliance with a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 700 watts of power, perfect for quick cooking. Its stylish design features a gray interior and a white LED display, making it visually appealing in any kitchen. You’ll appreciate the 10-inch carousel turntable that ensures even cooking, while the 10 power levels offer flexibility for various recipes. The convenient "+30 seconds" button allows you to start cooking instantly, saving you time when you need it most.

What We Like
Compact size
Even cooking
Instant start feature
Stylish design
#TOP 9

Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Countertop Microwave

ML-EM62P(SS)
Stainless Steel
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Countertop Microwave Cover
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5" Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Countertop Microwave is a large capacity countertop microwave with a 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity and 1200W power. It features an intuitive humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus, Auto-Defrost Function, One pound/ auto defrost, energy-saving eco mode, sound on/off function, speedy cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, indoor light, clock and kitchen time. Customers have praised its large capacity, intuitive humidity sensor, 6 Auto Menus, Auto-Defrost Function, and easy to use features. However, some customers have found the functions to be too complicated and the control pad not illuminated.

What We Like
Large capacity
Intuitive humidity sensor
6 Auto Menus
Auto-Defrost Function
Easy to use
#TOP 10

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven

RJ55-SS-11
Stainless Steel
1.1 Cu. Ft
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven Cover
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean

The Chefman Microwave is a sleek and modern countertop microwave oven that will instantly upgrade your kitchen space. With 6 express cook presets, including popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers, you can easily prepare your favorite meals with the touch of a button. The 1000 watts of power and 10 power levels allow you to heat, defrost, and cook a variety of foods. The convenient memory function allows you to save frequently used settings for quick and easy cooking. Plus, the mute function enables quieter cooking, perfect for apartments or dorms. With its energy-efficient eco mode and child safety lock, the Chefman Microwave offers both convenience and peace of mind.

What We Like
6 express cook presets
Convenient memory function
Mute function for quieter cooking
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are stainless steel microwaves better?

Stainless steel microwave ovens cook food faster than ceramic enamel models. The metal walls reflect electromagnetic waves at a higher rate, leading to faster microwave cooking. In addition, stainless steel allows for a more dense microwave distribution.

2. Which brand of microwave is the most reliable?

Microwaves from Breville, Hamilton Beach, Insignia, LG, Proctor-Silex, and Signature Kitchen Suite stand out as the most reliable brands; all six brands earn an Excellent rating.

3. What is a standard size countertop microwave?

Countertop microwave dimensions usually include the following: Capacity is often from around 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet. Widths can range from about 21 to 24 inches. Height is usually around 13 inches.

4. Are stainless steel microwaves safe?

No, it is not safe to microwave any stainless steel utensil because most metals are not microwave-safe. Stainless steel usually reflects the microwaves instead of absorbing them, and this results in sparks and may become a potential fire hazard.

Editor's Notes

During our stainless steel countertop microwave oven research, we found 16 stainless steel countertop microwave oven products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 424,005 customer reviews through our big data system to write the stainless steel countertop microwave ovens list. We found that most customers choose stainless steel countertop microwave ovens with an average price of $135.68.

The stainless steel countertop microwave ovens are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of stainless steel countertop microwave ovens, including GE, Panasonic, Farberware, BLACK+DECKER, TOSHIBA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.