Ever feel like your microwave is taking forever to heat up your leftovers? You’re not alone! Many of us have stood in the kitchen, tapping our feet, waiting for that lukewarm soup to finally become piping hot. Choosing a microwave can be a real puzzle, especially when you’re looking for that sweet spot of power and efficiency.
That’s where 1100-watt microwave ovens shine. They offer a fantastic balance, heating food faster and more evenly than their lower-wattage counterparts, without being overkill for everyday tasks. But navigating the sea of brands, features, and price tags can still feel overwhelming. What exactly makes one 1100-watt model better than another? We’ll help you figure that out.
By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll understand what makes a 1100-watt microwave a great choice for your kitchen. We’ll break down the key features to look for, explain what those fancy buttons actually do, and highlight some top picks to make your decision a breeze. Get ready to say goodbye to long wait times and hello to perfectly heated meals!
Our Top 5 1100 Watt Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1100 Watt Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of guessing how long to cook your food? The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven takes the guesswork out of meal prep. This stylish black microwave boasts a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza. Its smart humidity sensor and 12 pre-programmed auto menus adjust cooking times for perfect results every time, whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking veggies. Plus, with 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus make cooking simple and accurate.
- It has a large interior that can fit a 12-inch pizza, which is great for families.
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- The easy-clean interior makes cleanup a breeze.
- It looks sleek and modern on any countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel might take a moment to get used to, but it’s easy once you know how.
- Remember to peel off the protective film before your first use.
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience, power, and smart features. It makes cooking and reheating food easier than ever.
2. Emerson MWG1191SB Microwave with Built-in Grill Function
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Emerson MWG1191SB, a microwave that does more than just heat up your leftovers. This stylish stainless steel appliance combines powerful microwave cooking with a handy built-in grill function. Imagine making crispy pizzas or browning your favorite casseroles, all from one countertop appliance. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and your kitchen look great.
What We Like:
- Microwave & Grill in One: This is the coolest feature! You can grill meats and sandwiches, or crisp up pizzas. It’s like having two appliances in one.
- Powerful 1100W Microwave: It cooks food quickly and evenly. With 11 power levels, you have great control over how your food is cooked.
- Sleek Stainless Steel Design: It looks really modern and clean in any kitchen. Plus, stainless steel is easy to wipe down and keep looking new.
- User-Friendly Retro Controls: The classic-looking knobs and handle are easy to use. They give it a nice, vintage charm.
- Convenient Cooking Presets & Defrost: The 9 preset options are super helpful for common foods like popcorn and vegetables. The defrost functions are fast and safe, too.
What Could Be Improved:
- Grill Power: While the grill is a great addition, it might not get as hot as a dedicated grill for some tougher cooking tasks.
- Control Panel Size: Some users might find the retro-style buttons a bit smaller than expected, which could be a minor issue for those with larger hands.
The Emerson MWG1191SB is a versatile and stylish addition to any kitchen. It offers convenience and a touch of retro flair, making everyday cooking a bit more enjoyable.
3. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking for a microwave that’s both powerful and stylish? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts, 1.6 cu ft is a fantastic choice, especially for smaller kitchens. It’s designed to make cooking quick and easy. This microwave is perfect for apartments and dorm rooms because it doesn’t take up too much space but still offers plenty of room inside. Plus, its stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It has 1100 watts of power, which means it heats food quickly.
- The 1.6 cu ft size is great for small spaces but still fits larger dishes.
- It features six one-touch cooking options, like for popcorn and pizza, making it super easy to use.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, which is very convenient.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display that shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- The interior light helps you see your food cooking.
- A child lock feature provides extra safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if the turntable is removable for cleaning.
- It would be helpful to know if there are any specific cleaning instructions for the stainless steel exterior to prevent smudges.
This Farberware microwave offers a great blend of power, convenience, and style. It’s a solid appliance that will make meal prep a breeze.
4. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.1/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its spacious 1.4 cubic feet capacity easily handles family-sized meals, and the powerful 1100 watts ensure quick and efficient cooking. This microwave boasts a sleek black exterior with a modern gray interior, complemented by a bright white LED display and interior lighting, making it easy to see your food as it cooks.
What We Like:
- The generous 1.4 cu. ft. size is great for larger dishes and family meals.
- 1100 watts of power means faster cooking times.
- The 12.4″ carousel turntable provides even cooking for all your food.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook features take the guesswork out of reheating and cooking popular items.
- The convenient “+30 seconds” key and “Express Cook” buttons offer quick start options.
- Melt/Soften and Weight/Time Defrost functions add versatility.
- The new white LED display and interior lighting are a nice modern touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 12.4″ turntable a bit large for smaller kitchens.
- While powerful, the 1100 watts might be overkill for very simple reheating tasks for some.
This SHARP microwave oven offers a great blend of capacity, power, and smart features. It’s a reliable and user-friendly appliance that will make everyday cooking a breeze.
5. Magic Chef Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Magic Chef Countertop Microwave Oven, Small and Compact, 1100 Watt, 1.6 Cu Ft, White is a great appliance for any kitchen. It’s small enough to fit on most countertops but big enough to hold a good amount of food. With 1100 watts of power, it heats up food quickly and efficiently. This microwave is designed for ease of use and will make your daily cooking tasks simpler.
What We Like:
- It’s compact and fits well in small kitchens.
- It has 1100 watts of power for fast cooking.
- The control panel is easy to understand with a digital display.
- Auto cook menus and auto defrost make cooking simple.
- It’s made with a durable stainless steel front and a white cabinet.
- There are 10 power levels to choose from.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- Magic Chef has a long history of making reliable products.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the 1.6 Cu Ft capacity might be too large for some very tiny spaces.
- The dimensions are listed, but checking your specific counter space is always a good idea.
Overall, this Magic Chef microwave offers a good balance of power and convenience for everyday use. It’s a dependable choice that adds value to your kitchen.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your 1100 Watt Microwave Oven Companion
So, you’re in the market for a new microwave oven, and you’ve landed on the 1100-watt category. That’s a great starting point! Microwaves in this power range are like the sweet spot for many kitchens. They cook faster than lower-wattage models but aren’t overkill for everyday tasks. Let’s break down what makes a good 1100-watt microwave and help you find the perfect one.
Why Choose 1100 Watts?
An 1100-watt microwave cooks food more quickly and evenly than lower-wattage models. This means less waiting time for your meals and better results. If you often reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or even bake small items, this power level is a fantastic choice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a turntable that rotates your food. This ensures even heating. Look for one that’s easy to clean.
- Interior Capacity: Think about what you’ll be heating. Do you need to fit a large casserole dish or just a mug? Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. A good general size is around 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet for an 1100-watt model.
- Pre-set Cooking Functions: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can make cooking super simple.
- Defrost Settings: This feature is crucial for thawing frozen foods without cooking them. Look for options that let you defrost by weight or time.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones around, a child lock feature keeps them safe by preventing accidental starts.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. The microwave senses the steam from your food and adjusts cooking time and power automatically. This helps prevent over or undercooking.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: A non-stick interior coating or a simple wipe-down surface makes cleaning a breeze.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it performs.
- Stainless Steel Interior: Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. It also reflects microwaves well, which can help with even cooking.
- Glass Turntable: This is standard and works well. Make sure it’s sturdy and fits securely.
- Exterior Casing: Most microwaves have a painted metal exterior. Stainless steel exteriors are also popular for their sleek look and durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave will feel solid and sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Cheaply made buttons or flimsy parts can be signs of lower quality.
- Even Cooking: This is a big one. A good microwave heats food evenly. You can test this by placing a plate of cookies inside and seeing if they all cook at the same rate.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are noisier than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how loud the fan or turntable is.
- User Interface: Buttons should be easy to read and understand. A confusing control panel can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an 1100-watt microwave is usually straightforward.
- Everyday Reheating: Perfect for warming up last night’s dinner or a cup of soup.
- Cooking Frozen Meals: These microwaves can handle frozen meals quickly and efficiently.
- Snack Preparation: Making popcorn, baking potatoes, or heating up snacks is a breeze.
- Simple Baking: Some models can even handle simple baking tasks like melting butter or chocolate.
An 1100-watt microwave oven is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance. By understanding these key features and factors, you can confidently choose a model that fits your needs and makes your kitchen life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main advantage of an 1100-watt microwave over a lower-wattage model?
A: An 1100-watt microwave cooks food faster and more evenly. This saves you time and leads to better-cooked meals.
Q: How much interior space do I need in an 1100-watt microwave?
A: For most households, an interior capacity of 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet is usually sufficient. Consider what size dishes you typically use.
Q: Are pre-set cooking functions really useful?
A: Yes, pre-set functions can be very useful. They take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn or potatoes by automatically setting the time and power level.
Q: What should I look for in a defrost setting?
A: Look for defrost settings that allow you to defrost by weight or time. Some advanced models also offer specific defrost options for different types of food.
Q: Is a stainless steel interior better than a painted interior?
A: A stainless steel interior is generally more durable and easier to clean than a painted interior. It also reflects microwaves well for more even cooking.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave cooks food evenly?
A: You can test for even cooking by placing a plate of cookies or a microwave-safe dish with several small portions of food inside and checking if they all cook at the same rate.
Q: What is sensor cooking and why is it good?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam and automatically adjust cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking your food.
Q: Is a child lock feature important?
A: A child lock feature is important if you have young children in your home. It prevents them from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Q: Can I bake small items in an 1100-watt microwave?
A: Yes, you can do simple baking tasks like melting butter or chocolate, or even cooking small items like baked potatoes. However, they are not designed for traditional baking like cakes or cookies.
Q: What does “build quality” mean for a microwave?
A: Build quality refers to how well the microwave is made. A good build means sturdy materials, smooth-operating doors, and reliable buttons, indicating a more durable appliance.
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!