Do you ever feel like your microwave takes forever to heat up your leftovers? You want food hot, and you want it now! Choosing the right 1100 Watt microwave oven can be tricky. Many models promise fast cooking, but which one actually delivers? You worry about spending money on a model that is too slow or doesn’t have the features you need.
An 1100-watt microwave offers a great balance of speed and power for most kitchens. This blog post cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes a 1100W microwave a smart choice. You will learn about essential features, what to look for in performance, and how to find the best value for your money.
By the end of this guide, you will feel confident picking the perfect 1100 Watt companion for your kitchen. Ready to stop waiting and start heating things up quickly? Let’s dive into the details and find your ideal microwave!
Top 1100 Watt Microwave Oven Recommendations
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1100 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.6 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
- Microwave & Grill in One: Experience versatile cooking with Emerson’s built-in grill function, perfect for crisping pizzas, browning casseroles, or achieving that grilled finish on meats and sandwiches—right from your countertop.
- Powerful 1100W Microwave Performance: With 11 adjustable power levels, you can precisely control cooking intensity, from gentle reheating to full-powered meal preparation.
- Sleek Stainless Steel Design: The cabinet and front panel feature a durable stainless steel finish that adds a modern touch to your kitchen while ensuring easy cleaning and long-lasting appeal.
- User-Friendly Retro Controls: Equipped with chromed handle and vintage-style control buttons for effortless operation and a stylish, classic look.
- Convenient Cooking Presets & Defrost Options: Includes 9 pre-programmed settings for everyday favorites like popcorn, pizza, vegetables, and more. Plus, time and weight defrost functions make thawing fast and safe.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1100 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.3 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
- Medium-sized 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, 1000 watts, Stainless
- Orville Redenbacher's Certified Popcorn Presets
- 12.4" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
- Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Auto Cook for popular menu items; Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient "Express Cook" with single press up to 6 mins cooking
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
- Family-sized 1.4 cu. ft. capacity, 1100 watts, Black/White
- New! Gray Interior; New! White LED Display; New! LED Interior Lighting
- 12.4" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
- Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Melt/Soften Function; Sensor Cook for precise cooking and reheating; Auto Cook for popular menu items
- Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient "Express Cook" with single press up to 6 mins cooking
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1100 watts of power and 1.4 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
The 1100 Watt Microwave Oven Buying Guide: Power Up Your Kitchen
An 1100-watt microwave oven offers a great balance of speed and efficiency for most kitchens. This power level heats food quickly without demanding too much electricity. Choosing the right one involves looking at a few key areas. This guide will help you find the perfect model.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for your new microwave, several features make a big difference in how you use it every day.
1. Cooking Power and Presets
- Consistent Heating: Make sure the microwave offers multiple power levels (not just high and low). This lets you gently melt chocolate or quickly reheat leftovers.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a huge time-saver. Sensors detect the steam coming off your food and adjust the cooking time automatically. This stops your food from drying out.
- Pre-Programmed Options: Look for easy buttons for popcorn, pizza, and beverages. These presets take the guesswork out of common tasks.
2. Size and Capacity
Even though the power is 1100W, the size matters. Measure your counter space first. Then, check the interior capacity (usually measured in cubic feet).
- For small apartments, a 0.9 to 1.1 cubic foot model might be enough.
- For families, look for 1.4 cubic feet or larger so you can fit larger dinner plates.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance
Nobody enjoys scrubbing stubborn food splatters. Look for interior finishes that wipe down easily.
- Turntable: A removable glass turntable makes cleaning the floor of the oven simple.
- Interior Coating: Stainless steel or ceramic interiors are often easier to keep clean than basic painted metal.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used determine how long your microwave lasts and how safe it is.
Exterior Casing
Most modern microwaves use painted steel for the outer body. Higher-end models might feature stainless steel panels. Stainless steel looks nicer and resists fingerprints better, but it costs more.
Interior Materials
The inside needs to handle high heat and moisture. High-quality models use durable materials that resist scratching. Cheap plastic interiors can sometimes stain or warp over time when exposed to high heat repeatedly.
Door Safety
Always check the door mechanism. The door must seal tightly to keep the microwave energy inside. Good latches feel sturdy when you close them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand name. Pay attention to these details.
What Improves Quality?
- Inverter Technology: This technology provides a steady stream of lower power, unlike older models that cycle the full 1100W on and off. Inverter technology cooks food more evenly.
- Quiet Operation: Higher-quality fans and motors run much quieter.
- Easy-to-Read Display: Bright, clear LED displays help you track cooking times easily, even from across the kitchen.
What Reduces Quality?
- Flimsy Buttons: If the control panel buttons feel mushy or stick, the interface will frustrate you quickly.
- Short Cords: A very short power cord limits where you can safely place the unit.
- Weak Turntable Motor: If the glass plate wobbles or stops turning midway through cooking, your food will heat unevenly.
User Experience and Use Cases
An 1100W microwave is powerful enough for nearly all home cooking tasks.
Daily Reheating
This power level excels at reheating leftovers. You can heat a plate of pasta in about two minutes, ensuring the center is hot without turning the edges rubbery.
Defrosting
Because it has good power control, you can use the defrost setting effectively. It thaws frozen meat faster than lower-wattage models, reducing the time it sits partially cooked on the counter.
Quick Cooking
Microwave meals, steaming vegetables, or boiling water for tea are all fast processes with an 1100W unit. It saves you significant time during busy weeknights.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 1100 Watt Microwaves
Q: Is 1100 watts fast enough for cooking?
A: Yes, 1100 watts is considered high power for a residential microwave. It cooks most foods much faster than standard 700W or 900W models.
Q: Do 1100W microwaves use a lot more electricity?
A: They draw more power when running at full blast, but because they finish cooking faster, the total energy used over time is often similar to slower models.
Q: What size plate fits inside an 1100W microwave?
A: This depends on the exterior size, not the wattage. Check the turntable diameter; most standard 1100W models accommodate plates up to 12 or 13 inches wide.
Q: Should I choose an inverter or standard 1100W microwave?
A: Inverter models usually provide better, more even cooking at lower power settings, which is ideal for delicate foods like sauces or cheese.
Q: Are 1100W microwaves louder than lower wattage ones?
A: Not necessarily. Noise level depends on the quality of the cooling fan and motor, not just the wattage rating.
Q: Can I use metal cookware in an 1100W microwave?
A: No. You must never put metal inside any microwave oven, regardless of its wattage, as it causes sparking and damage.
Q: What is the difference between a countertop and an over-the-range 1100W model?
A: Countertop models just sit on the counter. Over-the-range models are built into your cabinets above the stove and include ventilation fans.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a powerful microwave?
A: Place a bowl of water mixed with lemon slices inside. Run the microwave on high for 3-5 minutes. The steam loosens grime, making it easy to wipe clean.
Q: Is 1100W suitable for a large family?
A: Yes, if the interior capacity is large (1.5 cubic feet or more). The power ensures large portions heat through evenly.
Q: Where is the best place to put the microwave?
A: Place it on a sturdy, level surface with at least three inches of open space around the sides and back for proper ventilation.

Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!