8 Best Stainless Steel Interior Microwaves of 2025

The Cuisinart CMW-100 stands out with its all-stainless-steel interior, a rare and premium feature that delivers serious durability and hygiene. Unlike ceramic or painted cavities, this odor-resistant, easy-to-sanitize interior resists stains and cleans up with a simple wipe—ideal for households dealing with frequent splatters or strong-smelling foods. Its 1000-watt power output paired with 25 preprogrammed settings and 10 power levels ensures precise cooking control, making it a strong contender for users who prioritize build quality and long-term reliability over flashy features.

In real-world testing, the CMW-100 handles reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking tasks with consistent results. The 12-inch glass turntable ensures even heat distribution, though larger dishes may feel slightly constrained in the 1-cubic-foot cavity—a minor limitation when compared to bigger models. It performs well across everyday use cases like reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals, but lacks advanced cooking modes like convection or sensor tech. While the two-stage cooking function adds versatility, the absence of inverter technology means it can’t modulate power smoothly, occasionally leading to uneven heating in delicate tasks like melting chocolate.

Positioned as a durable, no-nonsense microwave, the CMW-100 outshines budget models in build integrity but falls short of high-end contenders like the Breville BMO850BSS in smart features and noise reduction. It’s best suited for users who value longevity and hygiene over automation or gourmet cooking functions. While it doesn’t offer the sensor-driven precision of pricier models, its stainless steel construction and reliable performance make it a solid choice for those seeking a clean, professional-grade interior without stepping into premium pricing territory.

The Emerson MWG1191SB brings grill capability to the countertop, making it a standout for users craving crispy, browned results without firing up the oven. Its 1100-watt microwave power combined with a built-in grill function allows for versatile cooking—think golden-brown casseroles, toasted sandwiches, or crisp-skinned chicken. The 1.1 cu. ft. cavity offers ample space, and the removable glass turntable simplifies cleaning, while the retro-style chromed knob controls deliver tactile feedback and a nostalgic aesthetic that’s surprisingly satisfying to use.

During testing, the grill function proved effective for light browning and crisping, though it’s not a full replacement for an air fryer or convection oven. It excels at tasks like reheating pizza to a crisp or giving frozen nuggets a golden finish, but longer cook times are needed compared to dedicated air fryers. The 9 preset options, including popcorn and vegetables, streamline daily use, and the time/weight defrost ensures safe, even thawing. However, the microwave lacks inverter technology, so low-power reheating can result in hot spots or rubbery textures in delicate foods.

When compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, the Emerson trades convection and air fry modes for a simpler, more affordable grill-focused design. It’s ideal for singles or small families wanting more culinary range than a basic microwave offers, without the clutter of multiple appliances. While it doesn’t match the multi-mode versatility of convection models, its grill function and vintage charm offer a compelling balance of performance and style at a fraction of the cost of high-end units.

The SHARP 1.1 cu. ft. microwave strikes a perfect mid-range balance between performance, features, and value, making it a go-to for practical kitchens. It delivers 1000 watts of power through a spacious 1.1 cu. ft. cavity and a 12.4-inch turntable that handles large plates with ease—ideal for family meals or oversized leftovers. The Orville Redenbacher-certified popcorn button is a fun, reliable touch, consistently delivering perfectly popped kernels without burning, while the 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking offer solid control for reheating or multi-step prep.

In daily use, the SHARP shines with intuitive convenience features like the +30 seconds instant start and auto cook presets for common foods, reducing guesswork for busy households. The weight and time defrost functions are accurate and fast, and the express cook button simplifies quick tasks. However, it lacks sensor cooking or inverter technology, so delicate reheating—like steaming fish or warming sauces—can be inconsistent. The turntable rotation is smooth, but the interior lighting could be brighter for monitoring food during longer cycles.

Compared to the Breville BMO850BSS, the SHARP lacks smart sensors and quiet operation but delivers similar core functionality at nearly half the price. It’s best for users who want dependable performance without advanced automation or premium finishes. While it doesn’t offer the precision of inverter tech, its consistent results, large turntable, and user-friendly interface make it a top pick in the mid-tier market—especially for those upgrading from older, smaller models.

The Breville BMO850BSS earns its title as Best Overall with Sensor iQ technology that transforms microwave cooking from guesswork to precision. Its 1250-watt output and 1.2 cu. ft. capacity are backed by 15 smart presets, including Smart Reheat and Smart Defrost, which detect steam and adjust cooking time automatically—delivering restaurant-quality leftovers without dry edges or cold centers. The Power Smoothing Inverter ensures even, gentle heating, making it ideal for delicate tasks like melting butter or reheating lasagna without overcooking.

Real-world testing confirms its superiority in consistency and user experience. Whether defrosting a chicken breast or reheating a slice of pizza, the Breville delivers uniform results thanks to its inverter tech and smart steam detection. The 80% quieter soft-close door and 50% quieter operation make it a pleasure to use in open-plan kitchens or late at night. The shortcuts panel inside the door—featuring melt, soften, and reheat functions—adds thoughtful convenience, though the higher price point reflects its premium positioning.

Against the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS), the Breville trades raw capacity for smarter, quieter, and more refined cooking. It’s perfect for tech-savvy users or small families who value precision and peace over sheer size. While the Toshiba offers more space, the Breville’s superior sensor tech, inverter power, and noise reduction justify its premium status—delivering a restaurant-grade experience in a countertop appliance.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a multi-functional powerhouse, combining microwave, air fry, convection, and broil modes in a compact 1.0 cu. ft. stainless steel design—making it a kitchen Swiss Army knife for small spaces. Its 1050-watt microwave power is enhanced by a dedicated air fry mode that delivers crispy fries and golden chicken wings with minimal oil, while the convection fan and elevated rack ensure even browning for roasts and baked goods. The built-in broiler adds a unique finish, searing meats or caramelizing toppings like a mini oven.

In practice, the air fry and convection modes perform impressively for a combo unit, though they’re slightly slower than standalone appliances. The preset controls for fries and nuggets simplify operation, and the glass turntable promotes even cooking, but the smaller cavity limits large dishes or family-sized meals. It excels in dorms, offices, or secondary kitchens where space is tight but versatility is key. However, the interface can feel cluttered, and achieving perfect results often requires trial and error across modes.

Compared to the Emerson MWG1191SB, the GE offers greater cooking flexibility with air fry and convection, but at a higher price and complexity. It’s ideal for users who want one appliance to replace multiple countertop gadgets without sacrificing counter space. While it doesn’t match the dedicated performance of a full-sized air fryer, its multi-mode capability and compact design make it a smarter long-term investment than single-function microwaves.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the budget champion, delivering essential microwave functionality in a compact 0.7 cu. ft. form perfect for tight spaces or light use. With 700 watts of power, it’s best suited for reheating coffee, defrosting small portions, or cooking single-serve meals—ideal for bachelors, students, or office break rooms. The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages streamline daily tasks, while the push-button door release offers easy access in cramped cabinets.

Performance is predictable for the price: it heats efficiently but struggles with larger or dense foods due to lower wattage and a 10-inch turntable that limits plate size. The 30-second express cook is handy, but the lack of power levels and sensor tech means less control over delicate dishes. It’s no match for 1000-watt models in speed or evenness, and prolonged use may reveal build quality limitations. Still, for those needing a no-frills, space-saving solution, it gets the basics right.

Against the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11, it trades capacity and power for smaller footprint and lower cost. It’s best for users with minimal cooking needs who prioritize affordability and size over performance. While it can’t compete with mid-range microwaves in speed or features, its UL-approved safety and simple operation make it a reliable entry-level pick.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) dominates with massive 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, making it the undisputed choice for families or anyone regularly heating large dishes. Its 1200-watt power and 13.6-inch position-memory turntable handle 13-inch pizzas and big casserole dishes with room to spare—no more awkward plate rotation or overflow. The smart sensor menus automatically adjust cooking time for foods like pizza and vegetables, reducing guesswork and preventing overcooking.

In real use, the position-memory turntable is a game-changer: it returns to the same starting point after each use, making it safer and easier to load and unload heavy dishes. The multi-stage cooking and auto defrost functions add versatility, and the stylish black stainless-steel finish resists fingerprints better than traditional stainless. However, its large size may not fit in compact kitchens, and the lack of inverter technology can lead to uneven reheating at lower power levels.

Versus the Breville BMO850BSS, the Toshiba wins on sheer size and value, but loses on precision and quietness. It’s ideal for households that need family-sized capacity without investing in a wall unit. While it doesn’t offer inverter-grade smoothness, its large cavity, smart sensors, and elegant design make it the best large-format option in the lineup.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 stands as the best value for money, blending 1000 watts of power and a 1.1 cu. ft. cavity at an entry-level price—making it a smart upgrade from basic models. It delivers strong performance for reheating, defrosting, and cooking frozen meals, with 10 power levels and pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza. The 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even cooking, while the push-button door offers smooth, reliable access.

In testing, it outperforms smaller, lower-wattage models with faster, more consistent results. The 30-second express cook and clock/timer functions add convenience, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind. However, it lacks sensor cooking or inverter tech, so delicate reheating tasks may require manual monitoring. The black and stainless-steel design looks modern, but the interior lighting is dim compared to premium units.

When stacked against the EM720CB7, it offers double the capacity and 300 more watts for just slightly more cost—making it a far better long-term investment. It’s perfect for students, young professionals, or small families needing reliable, full-sized performance without overspending. While it doesn’t match the smart features of Breville, its power, size, and price balance make it the most cost-effective 1000-watt option available.