Imagine this: you’re hungry, you’ve got leftovers, and you just want a quick, hot meal. But then you look at your microwave. Is it powerful enough? Will it heat your food evenly, or will you end up with a cold center and a scorching hot edge? Choosing the right microwave can feel like a puzzle, especially when you’re looking at watts. That’s where understanding the power of an 1100 Watt Microwave comes in.
Many people get a little lost when they see all the different wattages on microwave boxes. It’s a common worry: will a lower wattage take too long, or will a super high one burn your food? Finding that sweet spot for efficiency and speed is key. This is why we’re diving deep into the world of 1100 Watt Microwaves. They often offer a great balance, heating food faster and more evenly than lower-wattage models without being overwhelmingly powerful.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly why 1100 watts is a great choice for many kitchens. We’ll break down what that number really means for your cooking and help you spot the features that matter most. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave guesswork and hello to perfectly heated meals, every time.
Our Top 5 1100 Watt Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1100 Watt Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking a breeze. Its sleek silver design fits perfectly in any kitchen. This microwave boasts 1000 watts of power, so it heats food quickly and evenly. The smart humidity sensor is a game-changer, automatically adjusting cooking times to prevent your food from getting overcooked or undercooked. With 12 auto menus, you can easily prepare popular dishes with just a few button presses. Plus, the mute function is a nice touch for quiet kitchens, and the ECO mode helps save energy.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It ensures your food is perfectly heated every time.
- It has 6 preset menus for quick and easy meal preparation.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control over your cooking.
- Defrosting is simple, either by weight or by time.
- The one-touch start feature lets you cook food at full power for up to 6 minutes with a single press.
- The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable is large enough for most dishes and easy to clean.
- The Mute Function is great for not disturbing others.
- ECO Mode helps conserve energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus listed in the full product title, the features section only specifies 6 preset menus. This might be confusing for some shoppers.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than the output power of 1000 watts. This means it uses more electricity than it outputs as cooking power.
Overall, this TOSHIBA microwave is a smart and convenient addition to your kitchen. It offers advanced features that simplify cooking and deliver great results.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.5/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens brings smart cooking to your kitchen. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. Its spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior and 12.4-inch turntable fit most dishes. This microwave makes cooking easier with its smart humidity sensor and auto menus.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts time and power for perfectly cooked food. No more dry or undercooked meals!
- It has 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables. This makes quick meals even faster.
- You get 10 different power levels. This gives you lots of control for all your cooking needs, from defrosting to boiling water.
- The Easy Defrost feature lets you thaw food by weight or time. The One-Touch Start button is great for quick heating.
- Mute Mode is a thoughtful feature. You can turn off the buzzer by holding the “8” button for a few seconds. This is perfect for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The interior is easy to clean, saving you time on chores.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, the description also mentions “12 Auto Menus.” This could be clearer.
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen. Its user-friendly features and cooking technology make it a great choice for busy households.
3. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts
Rating: 9.5/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts, 1.6 cu ft – Smart Sensor Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean – Stainless Steel is a handy appliance that makes cooking and reheating food super fast. It’s a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable microwave that doesn’t take up too much space.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 1100 watts, so it heats food quickly.
- It has ten power levels and multi-stage cooking for lots of control.
- Six one-touch options, like for popcorn and pizza, make cooking simple.
- The 1.6 cu ft size is perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms.
- It’s easy to clean inside and out.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The stainless steel finish looks nice in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1.6 cu ft capacity a bit small for very large dishes.
- While it’s easy to clean, deep cleaning might still require some effort.
This Farberware microwave offers a good balance of power, convenience, and size. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking for a dependable and user-friendly countertop oven.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts
Rating: 8.5/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts, 1.3 cu ft in Retro White and Platinum is a fantastic addition to any small kitchen. It offers powerful cooking in a compact size, making it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or even small offices. This microwave is designed for convenience and ease of use, helping you prepare delicious meals quickly.
What We Like:
- It’s a convenient microwave that prepares quick meals.
- It has 1100 watts of power for fast cooking.
- You can customize cooking with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- Six one-touch options, like popcorn and pizza, make cooking simple.
- Defrosting by weight or time is super easy.
- The 1.3 cu ft size is perfect for small spaces.
- It offers full-sized cooking power in a compact design.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a timer and clock.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food cooking.
- A child safety lock adds extra security for families.
- The retro white and platinum design looks stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might desire more advanced smart sensor functions.
- The “smart sensor” feature, while present, might not be as intuitive as on higher-end models.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It balances power and convenience perfectly for everyday needs.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.3/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black offers a generous 1.4 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for families. With a powerful 1100 watts, it cooks food quickly and evenly. This updated model boasts a fresh gray interior, a bright white LED display, and even brighter LED interior lighting, making it easier to see your food as it cooks. The large 12.4-inch carousel turntable ensures consistent results every time, and its many features simplify your cooking and reheating tasks.
What We Like:
- The family-sized 1.4 cu. ft. capacity holds plenty of food for everyone.
- 1100 watts of power cooks meals fast.
- The 12.4″ carousel turntable helps food cook evenly.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook features take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super handy for instant cooking boosts.
- Weight and Time Defrost make thawing quick and accurate.
- The new gray interior and white LED display look modern and clean.
- LED interior lighting makes it easy to check on your food.
- “Express Cook” lets you start cooking with a single touch for up to 6 minutes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some of the advanced settings might take a moment to learn.
- The exterior, while stylish, might show fingerprints easily.
This SHARP microwave is a powerful and user-friendly appliance that makes meal prep a breeze. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen looking for convenience and efficiency.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your 1100 Watt Microwave Companion
Are you looking for a microwave that can heat your food fast and efficiently? An 1100 watt microwave is a great choice! These powerful appliances cook food quicker than lower wattage models. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an 1100 watt microwave, keep these features in mind:
Wattage and Power Levels
- 1100 Watts: This is the main power. It means faster cooking.
- Variable Power Levels: Many microwaves let you adjust the power. This is good for delicate foods like fish or reheating leftovers. You can choose a lower setting to prevent overcooking.
Capacity and Size
- Interior Capacity: Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. A larger capacity holds bigger plates and more food. Think about how many people you cook for. A family might need a larger one. A single person might be fine with a smaller one.
- Countertop Space: Measure the space where you plan to put the microwave. Make sure it fits comfortably and has enough room for ventilation.
Cooking Functions and Presets
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. It senses the steam from your food and adjusts the cooking time. It helps prevent undercooked or overcooked meals.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Defrost Options: You can defrost food by weight or by time. This is much faster than letting food thaw on the counter.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Digital Display and Controls: Look for clear buttons and an easy-to-read screen. Touch controls can be sleek and simple to wipe clean.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures even cooking. Most microwaves have one. Some larger models might have a removable rack instead.
- Interior Light: A light inside helps you see your food as it cooks.
- Easy-Clean Interior: Non-stick interiors make cleaning up spills much easier. Many have a simple wipe-down surface.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and performance.
Exterior and Interior Casing
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel exteriors look modern and are very durable. They resist fingerprints better than some other finishes.
- Plastic: Plastic exteriors are common and often more affordable. They are lighter but can scratch more easily.
- Interior Coating: Most microwaves have a ceramic enamel or a non-stick coating inside. These are easy to clean.
Door and Window
- Tempered Glass Door: A sturdy glass door lets you see inside. It should be well-sealed to keep heat in.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a microwave better or not as good.
What Makes a Microwave Better
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and customer support.
- Build Quality: A solid construction feels more robust. The door should open and close smoothly.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly without hot spots.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
What Can Reduce Quality
- Cheap Materials: Using flimsy plastic can make a microwave feel less durable.
- Poor Heating Element: If the heating element isn’t strong or well-placed, food might not cook properly.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display can be frustrating.
- Short Lifespan: Some microwaves break down sooner than others. Reading reviews can help you avoid these.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave will influence your choice.
Everyday Cooking and Reheating
- Quick Meals: An 1100 watt microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers in minutes. You can also cook frozen meals quickly.
- Busy Mornings: Heat up oatmeal or warm a bagel in a flash.
Specific Cooking Tasks
- Popcorn Lover: Many microwaves have special popcorn buttons that deliver perfectly popped corn.
- Vegetable Steamer: Use the sensor cooking to steam vegetables perfectly.
- Beverage Warmer: Heat up coffee, tea, or hot chocolate without boiling it over.
For Families and Singles
- Families: A larger capacity microwave with multiple presets can handle family-sized meals and busy schedules.
- Singles or Couples: A medium-sized microwave with essential features is usually sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does 1100 watts mean for my microwave?
A: 1100 watts means your microwave heats food very quickly. It’s more powerful than many other microwaves.
Q: Is an 1100 watt microwave better than a 700 watt one?
A: Yes, an 1100 watt microwave cooks food faster. It can also cook more evenly because it has more power.
Q: What is the best size microwave for a small kitchen?
A: For a small kitchen, look for a microwave with a capacity of around 0.7 to 1.1 cubic feet. Measure your counter space first.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have one, and it’s a very useful feature.
Q: What is “sensor cooking”?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food. It helps prevent overcooking.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually wipe the inside with a damp cloth. Some interiors are non-stick, which makes cleaning easier.
Q: Can I cook raw meat in an 1100 watt microwave?
A: Yes, you can cook some raw meats, especially with specific cooking programs. However, always check the meat is cooked through before eating.
Q: How long do 1100 watt microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, an 1100 watt microwave can last 5 to 10 years. Brand and build quality play a big role.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel is durable and looks nice. It’s often easier to keep clean from fingerprints, so many people find it worth it.
Q: What are some common problems with microwaves?
A: Common problems include uneven cooking, doors not sealing properly, or buttons not working. Reading reviews helps avoid these.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!