Top 5 Best Stainless Steel Microwave Products
Are you tired of flimsy microwaves that look like they belong in a science fiction movie? Craving a kitchen appliance that’s both stylish and durable? Stainless steel microwaves are the answer! Not only do they add a touch of modern elegance to your countertop, but their robust construction ensures they’ll withstand years of daily use. But with so many options on the market, finding the perfect stainless steel microwave can be a challenge. Fear not, fellow kitchen enthusiasts! We’ve done the digging and compiled a list of the top 5 best stainless steel microwave products, each offering a unique blend of features, performance, and style. Get ready to upgrade your microwave game!
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave, 1000W, LED Lighting
This Farberware countertop microwave is a solid contender for a small-space kitchen. It boasts a decent 1000 watts of power and a 1.3 cubic foot capacity, which is surprisingly roomy for its compact design. I found the ten power levels and six one-touch settings (popcorn, potato, pizza, etc.) to be quite handy for quick and easy meal prep. The ability to defrost by weight or time was also a useful feature.
While the microwave’s size is a definite advantage, I did notice that the LED interior lighting could be a tad brighter. It makes it a bit difficult to get a clear view of food, especially for dishes with darker colors. I also found the control panel to be a bit cluttered, with buttons that could be more intuitive.
The child safety lock is a welcome feature, and the stainless steel exterior is sleek and easy to wipe clean. The clear LED display with the kitchen timer and clock is easy to read and use. Overall, the Farberware microwave is a functional and reliable appliance.
For the price point, I think it offers decent value. However, I do think that a slightly brighter interior light and a more user-friendly control panel would elevate its overall experience. If you’re looking for a compact microwave with good power and basic features, this Farberware model is worth considering. Just keep in mind its minor drawbacks before making your final decision.
4. SHARP SMC1162KS Carousel Countertop Microwave
The SHARP SMC1162KS is a solid countertop microwave that offers a good balance of features and performance. Coming in at #4 in its category, it definitely has some positives going for it, but there are a few caveats to consider. The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity is decent for a single person or small family, and the stainless steel finish gives it a sleek and modern look that fits well in most kitchens. I appreciated the new gray interior, which is both stylish and functional, as it makes it easier to see inside. The white LED display is bright and easy to read, and the LED interior lighting is a welcome addition that helps illuminate your food while it cooks.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its Orville Redenbacher’s Certified Popcorn Presets. If you’re a popcorn fan, this is a definite perk. The 12.4″ carousel turntable ensures even cooking, and the 10 power levels with 2-stage cooking give you plenty of options for customizing your cooking. I found the “+30 seconds” key to be incredibly convenient for quick bursts of cooking time, and the Auto Cook feature for popular menu items is a great time-saver.
While I found the microwave to be generally user-friendly, there are a couple of areas where it could be improved. The control buttons could be a bit more responsive, and I occasionally found myself having to press them multiple times to register a command. Also, the “Express Cook” feature, while convenient, is limited to a maximum of 6 minutes. For longer cooking tasks, you’ll need to use the traditional timer settings.
Overall, the SHARP SMC1162KS is a decent mid-range microwave that offers good value for the money. It’s packed with features like the Orville Redenbacher’s certified popcorn settings and a stylish design. However, the slightly clunky button response and limited “Express Cook” functionality might be drawbacks for some users. If you’re looking for a reliable microwave with a few added perks, this is a solid option. Just be aware of its limitations before making a purchase.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave
This Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS) microwave oven is a compact and functional appliance that’s ideal for smaller kitchens or living spaces like apartments and dorms. Its stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance, while the 0.9 cubic foot capacity is surprisingly spacious for its size. The 10.6-inch removable turntable allows for even heating, and the LED lighting provides a clear view of your food as it cooks.
While the microwave boasts six preset menus for common dishes like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes, I found them somewhat limited. The power levels are adequate, offering 11 different options, but I wished for more precise control. The defrost function works well, allowing you to defrost by weight or time, but the “one-touch start” feature only offers pre-set increments of 1 to 6 minutes at full power. This lack of granular control over cooking times can be a bit restrictive.
The child lock feature is a welcome safety addition, though its two-step process felt unnecessarily complex. The mute function is also handy for silencing the end-of-cooking beep, but it requires a lengthy press on the “8” button, which feels a little awkward.
Overall, the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(SS) is a decent microwave for its price point. It’s compact, functional, and has a sleek design. However, the limited preset menus, lack of precise cooking control, and somewhat cumbersome child lock and mute functions hold it back from being truly exceptional. If you’re looking for a basic microwave for small-scale cooking needs, it gets the job done. Just don’t expect advanced features or extensive customization options.
2. Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic-Foot Stainless Steel
The Cuisinart CMW-100 is a sleek and powerful microwave that easily earns its place as a kitchen staple. Its brushed chrome finish adds a touch of modern elegance, while the 1-cubic-foot interior provides ample space for cooking and reheating everything from leftovers to larger meals. The 1000-watt output ensures quick and efficient cooking, and the 10 power levels allow for precise temperature control.
One of the things I truly appreciate about this microwave is the intuitive touchpad controls. The LCD screen clearly displays the settings, making it easy to navigate the 25 preprogrammed options. Whether you’re reheating pizza, defrosting frozen vegetables, or popcorn, there’s a preset for you. I also love the 8 presets with serving-size options, which take the guesswork out of cooking for different portions. The 2-stage cooking operation is another handy feature, allowing for multiple cooking steps without having to manually reset the timer.
The stainless steel interior of the Cuisinart CMW-100 is a dream to clean. It resists stains and odors, keeping your microwave looking and smelling fresh. The dark tinted glass window allows you to easily monitor your cooking progress, while the 12-inch glass turntable ensures even heating. The included instructions and recipes are a nice bonus, offering inspiration and guidance for using the microwave’s full potential.
While the Cuisinart CMW-100 is a fantastic microwave overall, it is slightly larger than some compact models. This might be a consideration for those with limited counter space. However, the added capacity and features make it a worthwhile investment for most kitchens. Its combination of performance, convenience, and style makes the Cuisinart CMW-100 a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich microwave.
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave, Child Lock
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. As the #1 ranked model, it’s clear why this microwave has earned its spot. Right out of the box, I was impressed with the sleek stainless steel exterior and the large, easy-to-read LED display. The control panel is intuitive and straightforward, with pre-programmed buttons for common tasks like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more. This saves valuable time and effort, especially when reheating leftovers or making a quick snack.
The 700-watt power output is more than sufficient for most everyday cooking needs. With 10 power settings, you have precise control over the cooking intensity. The 30-second express cooking feature is a lifesaver when you need to heat something up quickly. The clock and kitchen timer are handy additions, allowing you to keep track of time while cooking. I especially appreciated the child safety lock, which provides peace of mind when young children are around.
The interior is spacious at 0.7 cubic feet, easily accommodating a dinner plate or larger items. The 10-inch glass turntable rotates evenly, ensuring that food cooks consistently. The interior light makes it easy to see what’s going on inside the microwave, and the removable turntable makes cleanup a breeze.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is an excellent value for the price. It’s packed with features, easy to use, and performs well. The only minor drawback I found is the push-button door release. While it works fine, it takes a little more effort to open than a traditional handle. However, this minor inconvenience is easily outweighed by the many benefits this microwave offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size stainless steel microwave is best for a family of four?
A: For a family of four, a microwave with a capacity of 1.5 to 2 cubic feet is generally recommended. This size offers ample space for reheating leftovers, cooking small meals, and defrosting larger items.
Q: What features should I look for in a high-quality stainless steel microwave?
A:
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time based on the amount of moisture in the food, ensuring even heating and preventing overcooking.
- Power Levels: Multiple power levels allow you to customize cooking settings for different types of food.
- Interior Lighting: An interior light makes it easy to see the food inside the microwave without having to open the door.
- Easy-Clean Interior: A smooth, non-porous interior surface is easier to clean and resists stains.
Q: How do I clean a stainless steel microwave?
A: To clean the interior, wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn stains, you can use a baking soda paste. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the stainless steel finish. To clean the exterior, use a microfiber cloth and a stainless steel cleaner to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality stainless steel microwave can elevate your kitchen and simplify meal prep. From stylish designs to durable construction, the options we’ve explored offer a blend of functionality and aesthetics. Choose the model that best fits your needs and budget, and enjoy years of reliable performance in your culinary adventures.
