Imagine this: you’re hungry, you’ve got leftovers, and you just want a quick, hot meal. You reach for your microwave, press a few buttons, and… nothing. Or worse, your food is still cold in the middle. It’s frustrating, right? Finding a microwave that heats your food evenly and quickly can feel like a treasure hunt, especially when you’re looking for a specific power level like 1100 watts.
Choosing an 1100-watt microwave might seem straightforward, but the sheer variety of models out there can be overwhelming. You want something reliable, efficient, and that fits your kitchen. We get it. The worry about spending money on a microwave that doesn’t perform as expected is a real pain point for many.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what makes an 1100-watt microwave a great choice for your home. We’ll break down what to look for, explain some confusing features, and highlight some of the best options available. Get ready to say goodbye to lukewarm meals and hello to perfectly heated food every time!
Our Top 5 Rated 1100 Watt Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated 1100 Watt Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1100 Watts Power
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient appliance for any kitchen or office. Its 1100 watts of power and smart sensor technology make cooking quick and easy. With a spacious 1.6 cu ft capacity, it’s perfect for preparing meals for one or for a family.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast thanks to its 1100 watts of power.
- Smart Sensor Auto Cook settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking offer lots of cooking options.
- Six one-touch settings, like popcorn and potato, make cooking simple.
- Defrost by weight or time is a handy feature.
- The 1.6 cu ft size is great for small spaces but still cooks a lot.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- The LED display, timer, and clock are easy to read.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- Farberware is a trusted brand for making meals that bring people together.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking modes.
- The stainless steel finish can show fingerprints.
This Farberware microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It simplifies meal prep and provides reliable performance for everyday use.
2. Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1100 Watts Power
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven in White Platinum is a powerful and convenient kitchen appliance designed for quick and easy meal preparation. With 1100 watts of power, it heats food fast. It offers a good balance of size and capacity, fitting nicely on countertops while still providing ample space for most dishes. This microwave is a solid choice for busy households looking for efficiency.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very quickly thanks to its 1100 watts of power.
- The Smart Sensor Auto Cook settings take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- Defrosting by weight or time is simple and effective.
- The 1.3 cu. ft. size is great for small kitchens or offices.
- The interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
- A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
- The clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- Farberware is a trusted brand known for quality kitchenware.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has one-touch options, some users might prefer more advanced customization for complex recipes.
- The “White Platinum” color might not match all kitchen decors.
This Farberware microwave offers a great combination of power, convenience, and user-friendly features. It’s a reliable appliance that will simplify your cooking tasks.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave, a kitchen essential that brings convenience and smart technology to your home. This 1100-watt microwave boasts a generous 1.3 cubic feet of space and a 12.4-inch turntable, perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking quick meals. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- Hands-Free Operation: You can control this microwave with your voice using Alexa or through an app, making cooking even easier when your hands are full.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: A built-in humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking power for perfectly heated food every time.
- Mute Function: Easily turn off the beeping sound when your food is ready, so you won’t wake up sleeping family members.
- Child Lock Safety: The two-step child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety to prevent accidental use by little ones.
- Updated Preset Menus: It comes with handy presets for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- ECO Mode: Save energy with the ECO Mode, which reduces standby power consumption.
What Could Be Improved:
- Alexa device not included: You need to purchase an Echo device separately to use the voice control feature.
- Initial setup for smart features might require a bit of learning.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a great blend of smart features and practical cooking functions. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with modern convenience.
4. Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function
Rating: 8.6/10
The Emerson MWG1191SB is a versatile microwave that also has a built-in grill. It’s a great addition to any kitchen. This microwave offers a lot of cooking power and different ways to prepare your food. Its stainless steel finish makes it look good, and it’s easy to clean.
What We Like:
- The grill function lets you crisp up pizzas and brown foods.
- It has a powerful 1100W microwave with 11 power levels for precise cooking.
- The sleek stainless steel design looks modern and is easy to wipe down.
- User-friendly retro controls with a cool chromed handle make it simple to use.
- Nine preset cooking options and defrost functions save you time.
- A child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
- The LED timer display is clear and easy to read.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.1 Cu. Ft. size might be a bit small for very large meals.
- While it has a grill, it won’t replace a full outdoor grill.
This microwave is a smart choice for anyone wanting more than just basic reheating. It brings grilling capabilities right to your countertop, making meal prep easier and more exciting.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.3/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s spacious enough for family meals and powerful enough to cook your food quickly and evenly. This microwave makes meal prep and reheating a breeze with its smart features and large capacity.
What We Like:
- It has a big 1.4 cubic feet of space, perfect for larger dishes and family-sized meals.
- The 1100 watts of power cook food fast and thoroughly.
- A large 12.4-inch turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all around.
- You can choose from 10 power levels and even use 2-stage cooking for more control.
- The “+30 seconds” button is super handy for quick reheating.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook features take the guesswork out of cooking and reheating.
- Defrosting is easy with Weight and Time Defrost options.
- “Express Cook” lets you cook for up to 6 minutes with just one button press.
- The new gray interior and white LED display make it look modern and are easy to see.
- Bright LED interior lighting helps you keep an eye on your food.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might find the sheer number of options a little overwhelming at first.
- The black exterior, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily.
This SHARP microwave is a powerful and user-friendly appliance that simplifies cooking. It’s a great choice for busy households needing a reliable and efficient microwave.
Your Guide to an 1100 Watt Microwave: Power Up Your Kitchen!
An 1100-watt microwave is a great choice for busy kitchens. It heats food faster and more evenly than lower-wattage models. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an 1100-watt microwave, keep these features in mind:
- Power Levels: Most microwaves have different power settings. You’ll want a microwave that lets you adjust the power. This is useful for delicate foods like fish or for slowly melting butter.
- Turntable: A good turntable helps food cook evenly. It spins your food around so all sides get hot. Look for a sturdy turntable that’s easy to clean.
- Pre-set Cooking Functions: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Express Cook Buttons: These buttons let you start cooking for a set amount of time with just one touch. For example, you might have a “30-second” button.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature is important. It prevents accidental starts.
- Interior Light: A light inside the microwave helps you see your food as it cooks. This is handy for checking if something is done.
- Digital Display: A clear digital display makes it easy to see the cooking time and settings.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a premium material. Stainless steel is durable and easy to wipe clean. It also looks very sleek.
- Enamel Coating Interior: This is a common and affordable option. Enamel is easy to clean but can chip over time, especially if you use abrasive cleaners.
- Plastic Interior: Some budget-friendly models have plastic interiors. They are lightweight but can sometimes stain or scratch.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an 1100-watt microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes a dirty microwave. Look for smooth surfaces inside and out. Removable turntables and racks make cleaning much easier.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy. Check reviews to see if a particular model is known for being quiet.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with brands you know and trust. Established brands often have better customer service and warranties.
User Experience and Use Cases
An 1100-watt microwave is perfect for many tasks:
- Quick Meals: Reheating leftovers or making a quick meal takes less time.
- Cooking Frozen Foods: Frozen meals cook faster and more evenly.
- Defrosting: Defrosting meat or other items is efficient.
- Snacks: Making popcorn or heating up a mug cake is a breeze.
This power level is ideal for families, busy professionals, or anyone who wants to save time in the kitchen. It’s a step up from basic models and offers more versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1100 Watt Microwaves
Q: How much faster is an 1100-watt microwave compared to a 700-watt one?
A: An 1100-watt microwave cooks food significantly faster. It can be up to 30-40% quicker than a 700-watt model. This means less waiting time for your meals.
Q: Is an 1100-watt microwave too powerful for small kitchens?
A: No, an 1100-watt microwave is not too powerful for small kitchens. The wattage just tells you how fast it cooks. You can still use it for small tasks. Many 1100-watt models come in compact sizes.
Q: Can I use metal in an 1100-watt microwave?
A: Generally, you should not put metal in any microwave, including an 1100-watt one. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my 1100-watt microwave?
A: To clean, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on high for 5 minutes until it steams up. Let it sit for another 5 minutes. Then, wipe down the inside with a soft cloth.
Q: What is the difference between wattage and capacity?
A: Wattage refers to the cooking power of the microwave. Capacity refers to the size of the microwave’s interior, usually measured in cubic feet. A higher wattage means faster cooking, while a larger capacity means you can fit more food inside.
Q: Do 1100-watt microwaves use more electricity?
A: Yes, 1100-watt microwaves use more electricity when they are actively cooking because they are more powerful. However, since they cook faster, the total electricity used for a single cooking task might be similar or even less than a lower-wattage microwave that cooks for a longer time.
Q: What are some good brands for 1100-watt microwaves?
A: Some popular and reliable brands include Panasonic, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, and GE. Reading reviews for specific models from these brands is always a good idea.
Q: Can I cook more than just reheating with an 1100-watt microwave?
A: Absolutely! An 1100-watt microwave is great for cooking a variety of foods, including vegetables, fish, chicken, and even some baked goods. The higher wattage helps ensure food is cooked through.
Q: How long should food cook in an 1100-watt microwave?
A: Cooking times vary greatly depending on the food and quantity. However, for many items, an 1100-watt microwave will cook them faster than lower-wattage models. Always follow recipe instructions or check for doneness carefully.
Q: Is an 1100-watt microwave worth the extra cost over a 900-watt model?
A: For many users, the difference in cooking speed and efficiency makes an 1100-watt microwave worth the slightly higher cost. If you frequently use your microwave for cooking or reheating larger portions, the time savings can be significant.
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.