There have been a couple of threads discussing MW's and how there are really only a few MW manufacturers, and the other brands (what you mentioned, DCS, Dacor, Viking, KitchenAid) are simply re-badges of those manufacturers (mostly Sharp and Panasonic). So if you buy DCS or Dacor or Viking, you will be paying a significant upcharge for those names, but for the same machine that could cost you several hundred dollars less if you bought it as a Sharp or Panasonic. Here is a recent thread: Thread about Convection MW's Thread about MW'S

I, too, have a stainless microwave. I clean with just soap and water, after the dishes, in the normal process of wiping down the counters, stove,etc. For extra shine I go over my stainless appliances with a little mineral oil on a cloth.

The other option is to just get over it. :) A kitchen is a workroom. Most people prefer to choose best in class from many different manufacturers to ensure their work room works efficiently. No manufacture makes best in class in each category, so if you choose the best functioning DW, you will probably end up with a different brand range and a different brand fridge anyway. As long as everything IS stainless, it's fine. And, there are plenty of people who even mix stainless and non stainless successfully. Anyone who comes in your home and turns their nose up at coordinating stainless appliances that do not necessarily match needs to be thrown out of your home.

Since a kitchen is rather expensive, I would get it the way I really like it, even if it costs a bit more at first. So you might want to determine how you feel about the stainless steel. Is it really something you do not like? Then get the white one and spend that 1K extra. On the other hand you might be able to make it work for you with some stainless steel accents elsewhere in the kitchen? Maybe some bowls, a vase, and/or a stainless steel faucet? Or go for drawers that do need handles and get some sleek stainless steel ones? If you somehow do like the stainless steel, you could also try to sell the white appliances, if you feel you have too many of those then. After only three years you might still get a decent amount for them. How long are you planning to live there? Will the new kitchen help sell the place for a good price later on? Saving a bit now, might cost a lot in pleasure and/or return later on. Hope this helps.