8 Best Stainless Steel Countertop Microwaves of 2026

This SHARP stainless steel microwave delivers a masterclass in sensor-driven precision, making it a standout for users who demand consistency without the guesswork. With 1100 watts of power and a 1.6 cubic foot capacity, it strikes a smart balance between countertop footprint and family-friendly usability. Its Smart Sensor technology with six presets—including popcorn, beverage, and reheat—automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on moisture levels, eliminating the dreaded “cold center” in leftovers. For households tired of overcooked edges and frozen middles, this model offers a game-changing leap in reheating accuracy.

In real-world testing, the SHARP excels at reheating dense foods like lasagna and chicken casseroles with minimal stirring, thanks to its responsive humidity detection. The removable 13.6-inch turntable makes cleaning a breeze and allows taller dishes to fit when removed—though rotation is essential for even cooking. While it handles standard family meals with ease, it struggles slightly with very large platters due to the turntable’s size constraints. At full power, the magnetron delivers steady output, but lacks the burst intensity needed for rapid boiling compared to higher-wattage models. Still, for everyday reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking, it’s remarkably reliable.

Positioned between budget units and premium multi-function ovens, the SHARP is a direct competitor to the Farberware 1.3 cu.ft model, offering more advanced sensors and greater capacity. It doesn’t match the sheer volume of the 2.2 cu.ft Toshiba or GE models, but it’s more precise than basic push-button microwaves. Ideal for small to medium households prioritizing consistent sensor cooking over massive capacity, this microwave blends smart tech with practical design. Compared to similarly sized models, it delivers better automation than the Farberware, though it lacks inverter tech found in higher-end Toshidas.

Don’t let its compact size fool you—this BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 punches well above its weight as the most wallet-smart stainless steel microwave for singles, students, or minimalist kitchens. With 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, it’s engineered for efficiency, not extravagance. The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages make it idiot-proof for dorm rooms or office breakrooms, while the push-button door release adds a touch of modern convenience rarely seen at this price. If your needs are simple and space is tight, this model erases the pain of clunky, overcomplicated microwaves.

During testing, the EM720CB7 proved reliable for quick reheat jobs—coffee, oatmeal, frozen burritos—all within 2–3 minutes. The 10 power levels allow modest control, though the lower settings lack fine-tuning for delicate tasks like softening butter. The 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking for small dishes, but larger plates get clipped at the edges. Notably, it struggles with dense or thick foods (like a whole baked potato) due to the lower wattage, often requiring manual rotation. The LED display is bright and legible, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind in shared spaces.

When stacked against the Farberware 1.3 cu.ft model, this BLACK+DECKER is smaller and less powerful but nearly half the price. It’s not built for families or heavy use, but for a solo apartment dweller or college student, it’s a no-brainer. It lacks sensor cooking or inverter tech, but that’s expected at this tier. Compared to other compact microwaves, it offers better button layout and a more modern aesthetic than most. For those who want barebones functionality with a clean stainless finish, this is the most affordable entry point without sacrificing reliability.

Step into the kitchen powerhouse zone with the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS)—a colossal 2.2 cubic foot microwave that redefines what countertop cooking can do. Boasting 1200 watts of power and a massive 16.5-inch turntable, it swallows 16-inch pizzas, whole chickens, and casserole dishes whole, making it a hero for large families and meal preppers. Its smart humidity sensor with six auto menus—bacon, oatmeal, chicken pieces—delivers restaurant-level consistency by adjusting cooking time on the fly. For anyone tired of juggling multiple appliances, this microwave is a one-stop solution for volume and intelligence.

In real-world use, the sensor heating shines when reheating dense leftovers like pot roast or mac and cheese, preserving moisture without sogginess. The position memory turntable remembers where it stopped, reducing the “thunk” noise when restarting—small but satisfying. The ECO mode cuts standby power, a rare green feature in microwaves, and the mute function is perfect for late-night snacks without waking the house. However, its sheer size demands significant counter space, and the control panel, while intuitive, can feel cluttered with options. At full power, it boils water fast, but the magnetron isn’t as responsive as inverter models during low-power tasks.

Compared to the GE 2.0 cu.ft model, the Toshiba offers larger capacity and more smart menus, though both share similar wattage and sensor tech. It outguns the SHARP in size and versatility but lacks the inverter precision of the higher-end Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT. For families of four or more, this is the ultimate blend of space, power, and automation. While pricier than entry-level models, it delivers far more value per cubic inch than compact units—making it a top-tier pick for those who cook big and cook often.

The GE 2.0 cu.ft microwave is a quiet giant—packing 1200 watts and a spacious interior into a footprint that won’t dominate your countertop. Designed for large families in compact kitchens, it combines sensor cooking with weight-based defrosting, giving users precise control over everything from frozen steaks to reheated soups. The 8 auto settings—including baked potatoes and frozen dinners—work in tandem with the glass turntable to deliver evenly cooked meals, while the two-step child lock adds crucial safety for homes with curious kids. If you need family-scale performance without the bulk, this is a compelling sweet spot.

In daily use, the sensor cooking adapts well to moisture-rich foods like rice and stews, reducing the need for manual stirring. The weight defrost function is a standout—enter the weight, and the microwave calculates thaw time automatically, preventing partial cooking. However, it occasionally underestimates dense meats, requiring manual intervention. The express cook buttons are responsive, and the kitchen timer and alarm add convenience. While it handles large dishes better than most 1.6 cu.ft models, the turntable can still limit vertical space for tall containers.

Stacked against the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS), the GE offers slightly less capacity (2.0 vs 2.2 cu.ft) but a more streamlined design and easier interface. It lacks ECO mode and mute function but matches the Toshiba in wattage and sensor smarts. For apartment dwellers or smaller homes needing family-sized meals, this GE model delivers efficient power in a balanced form. Compared to the Toshiba, it’s less feature-rich but more user-friendly—ideal for those who want smart cooking without complexity.

Meet the Swiss Army knife of microwaves—the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 1.0 cu.ft convection oven with air fry, broil, and microwave functions all in one compact stainless shell. With 1050 watts of microwave power and convection heating, it’s designed to replace multiple appliances, especially in small kitchens, dorms, or RVs. The air fry mode delivers crispy fries and chicken wings without a separate air fryer, while the built-in broiler adds browning power rare in microwaves. For anyone craving crispy, golden results from a single countertop unit, this is a game-changer.

In testing, the air fry function produced perfectly crisp french fries in 18 minutes with minimal oil, outperforming many standalone air fryers in texture. The convection bake evenly roasted vegetables and small pizzas, while the broil mode gave steaks a satisfying sear. The preset controls for fries and nuggets make it beginner-friendly. However, the small capacity limits family use, and multi-stage cooking requires careful timing. The glass turntable rotates during microwave use only, not during convection, which can lead to uneven browning if not rotated manually.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS), this GE model sacrifices capacity for versatility—it can’t fit a whole chicken, but it can air fry one. It’s the clear choice over the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, which lacks any cooking modes beyond microwave. For cooks who want oven-like results in tight spaces, this is the most functional all-in-one microwave available. While it doesn’t match the sheer volume of large models, it blows them away in culinary flexibility, making it the ultimate multi-function champion.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a precision engineering marvel, powered by inverter technology that delivers continuous energy output instead of pulsing, resulting in perfectly even heating and defrosting. With 1250 watts of power and a 1.6 cu.ft capacity, it’s built for users who hate cold spots and overcooked edges. The smart sensor with six auto menus—pizza, vegetables, beverages—adapts cooking in real time, while the removable 13.6-inch turntable simplifies cleaning and accommodates taller dishes. For anyone who’s ever zapped a burrito only to find lava-hot edges and a frozen core, this microwave is the definitive fix.

In real-world tests, the inverter tech shone during low-power tasks: melting chocolate, softening ice cream, and defrosting ground beef all happened smoothly and uniformly. The sensor reheated pizza without drying out the crust, a rare win. However, the black stainless steel finish shows fingerprints aggressively, and the control panel’s protective film must be removed—a quirk some may miss. At full power, it boils water quickly, but the exterior runs warmer than competitors.

Compared to the SHARP 1.6 cu.ft model, this Toshiba offers superior heating consistency thanks to inverter tech, while both share similar capacity and sensor features. It’s more precise than the Farberware 1.3 cu.ft, though slightly pricier. For cooks who value even results over raw size, this is the best-in-class for precision. While it doesn’t match the volume of 2.2 cu.ft models, it delivers better texture control than any non-inverter microwave, making it the top pick for culinary accuracy.

The Farberware 1.3 cu.ft microwave is the Goldilocks of mid-size budget models—not too big, not too small, but just right for small families or office kitchens. With 1000 watts of power and a 1.3 cubic foot capacity, it bridges the gap between compact and full-size models, offering full cooking functionality in a space-saving design. The six one-touch presets—popcorn, pizza, potato—make daily use effortless, while defrost by weight or time adds practicality. For those upgrading from a dated microwave but not ready to splurge, this model delivers solid performance without the premium price.

In testing, it reheated meals evenly for its class, though dense foods required a mid-cycle stir. The easy-clean interior resists stains, and the LED display is bright and responsive. The child safety lock is a thoughtful addition for homes with kids. However, the 10 power levels lack granularity, and the sensor cooking isn’t as adaptive as in SHARP or Toshiba models. It fits neatly on most countertops, but the turntable can feel limiting for wide dishes.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, this Farberware offers more power and space at a moderate price increase. It doesn’t have the smarts of the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS), but it’s far more capable than basic models. For couples or small households wanting reliability and simplicity, this is a smart mid-tier upgrade. While it lacks inverter tech or massive capacity, it outperforms cheaper models in consistency and build, making it the best budget mid-size contender.

The Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) isn’t just a microwave—it’s a kitchen cornerstone for large families who demand precision, power, and space in one sleek stainless package. With 1200 watts, a cavernous 2.2 cu.ft interior, and inverter technology, it delivers even cooking from edge to center, eliminating the cold spots that plague conventional microwaves. The built-in humidity sensor with six auto menus adapts in real time, while the 16.5-inch removable turntable accommodates full-size casserole dishes and 16-inch pizzas. For households that cook in bulk and reheat often, this is the undisputed king of performance and reliability.

In real-world use, the inverter tech made a dramatic difference—reheating a full lasagna tray resulted in uniform heat distribution, no stirring needed. The sensor cook aced beverages and oatmeal, adjusting power seamlessly. The 10 power levels offer fine control for everything from simmering sauces to boiling water. However, its large footprint demands serious counter space, and the two-step child lock can be fiddly for quick access. The exterior stays cool, but the unit is heavy and hard to move.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS), this model shares the same capacity and wattage but adds inverter technology, making it vastly superior in heating consistency. It outclasses the GE 2.0 cu.ft model in both smarts and evenness. For large families or serious home cooks, this is the best overall microwave available. While it’s the most expensive in the lineup, it delivers unmatched value through precision, size, and durability, making every other model feel like a compromise.