Imagine this: you’re hungry, you’ve got leftovers, and you just want a quick, hot meal. But then you look at your microwave options, and it feels like a maze. Picking the right 1100W microwave can be confusing, right? There are so many brands and features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s where this guide comes in! We know you want a microwave that heats your food perfectly and fast, without being too complicated or too expensive. We want to help you avoid the frustration of buying the wrong one.
By reading on, you’ll discover the key things to look for in an 1100W microwave. We’ll break down what makes a good one and help you find the best fit for your kitchen and your budget. Get ready to make your next microwave choice with confidence!
Our Top 5 1100W Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1100W Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that brings smart cooking to your kitchen. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. This microwave is designed for ease of use and offers a variety of features to make meal preparation simpler.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor cooks your food perfectly by automatically adjusting time and power. No more guessing if your meal is ready!
- It comes with 6 handy preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, saving you time and effort.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks, from melting butter to boiling water.
- The Easy Defrost feature lets you thaw frozen food by weight or time, making meal prep much faster.
- A Mute Mode allows you to turn off the annoying buzzer by holding down the “8” button, which is great for late-night snacks or quiet mornings.
- The 12.4-inch glass turntable is removable, making it easy to clean up spills.
- An ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might wish for more variety in the automatic cooking options.
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some compact microwaves, so measure your counter space carefully.
Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a smart and capable microwave that simplifies cooking with its advanced features and user-friendly design.
2. Farberware 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1100 Watts Power
Rating: 9.5/10
The Farberware 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel is your go-to appliance for fast and easy meal prep. With 1100 watts of power, it cooks food quickly. Its smart sensor technology and pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1100-watt cooking gets meals ready fast.
- Smart Sensor Auto Cook settings make cooking simple with just a press.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking offer great control.
- Six one-touch options, like popcorn and potato, are super convenient.
- Defrost by weight or time is a useful feature.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. size is perfect for smaller kitchens or offices.
- Easy-clean interior and exterior mean quick cleanup.
- Bright LED display with clock and timer helps you stay on track.
- Interior lighting lets you watch your food as it cooks.
- Child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large capacity might be too big for very tiny spaces.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking functions beyond basic settings.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and user-friendly cooking solution. It brings convenience and power to your kitchen countertop.
3. Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function
Rating: 9.2/10
The Emerson MWG1191SB is a fantastic microwave that does more than just heat food. It has a special grill function that lets you get a nice crispy finish on your favorite meals. Imagine making pizzas that are perfectly browned or sandwiches with that delicious grilled taste, all from your kitchen counter! This microwave is designed to be easy to use and looks great too.
What We Like:
- Microwave & Grill in One: You can grill and microwave at the same time. This is great for making crispy pizzas, browning casseroles, or grilling meats and sandwiches.
- Powerful 1100W Microwave Performance: It has 11 power levels. This helps you control how your food cooks, from warming it up gently to cooking meals quickly.
- Sleek Stainless Steel Design: The outside is made of stainless steel. It looks modern in your kitchen and is easy to wipe clean.
- User-Friendly Retro Controls: It has a cool retro look with a chromed handle and vintage-style buttons. Using it is simple and stylish.
- Convenient Cooking Presets & Defrost Options: There are 9 preset cooking options for things like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables. It also has easy defrost settings for time and weight.
- LED Timer Display: The bright LED display makes it easy to see the time and cooking settings.
- Removable Glass Turntable: The glass plate inside can be removed. This makes cleaning up spills super easy.
- Child Lock: This safety feature keeps little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave.
What Could Be Improved:
- The grill function might take a little practice to get perfect results.
- While the retro design is charming, some users might prefer a more modern digital interface for all controls.
The Emerson MWG1191SB is a versatile and stylish addition to any kitchen. Its combination of microwave and grill functions, along with user-friendly features, makes it a great choice for everyday cooking needs.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a sleek silver countertop microwave that makes cooking easy and efficient. With 1.2 cubic feet of space and a 1000-watt power output, it can handle most of your reheating and cooking needs. This microwave features a smart humidity sensor that automatically adjusts cooking times, ensuring your food is perfectly cooked every time. It also has a generous 12.4-inch turntable, which easily fits larger dishes. Plus, its modern design and helpful features make it a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The smart sensor technology is a game-changer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking, so your food never gets overcooked or undercooked.
- It offers 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, making quick meals even easier.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks.
- Defrosting is simple, whether you choose to defrost by weight or by time.
- The one-touch start feature lets you quickly cook for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- The 12.4-inch glass turntable is removable and easy to clean.
- The mute function is a nice touch, so you don’t have to listen to beeps.
- ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, the description mentions “12 Auto Menus” in the title, which can be a bit confusing. It’s good to clarify exactly how many auto menus are included.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves. While it delivers 1000 watts of output, it’s worth noting for energy consumption.
Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a smart and capable microwave that simplifies meal preparation. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment for busy kitchens.
5. 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 cooking power and smart sensor auto cook settings, it makes cooking a breeze. This microwave offers a range of features to simplify your cooking experience, from defrosting to preparing snacks with its one-touch options.
What We Like:
- It packs a punch with 1100 watts of power, cooking food quickly.
- Smart sensor auto cook settings make preparing meals simple.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking give you great control.
- Six one-touch options, like popcorn and pizza, are super handy.
- Defrosting by weight or time saves you time.
- The 1.3 cu. ft. size is perfect for small kitchens or offices.
- It’s easy to clean inside and out.
- The clear LED display with a timer and clock is helpful.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock adds peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior finish might show fingerprints easily.
- Some users might prefer a digital interface for more advanced settings.
This Farberware microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance that fits well into any home or office kitchen. It delivers on its promise of convenience and power.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to a 1100W Microwave
So, you’re in the market for a new microwave, and you’ve seen “1100W” pop up. What does that really mean for your kitchen? This guide will help you understand everything you need to know to pick the best 1100W microwave for your needs.
Why 1100W?
A 1100-watt microwave is a powerhouse. It cooks food faster and more evenly than lower-wattage models. Think of it like this: a faster car gets you to your destination quicker. A higher wattage microwave heats your food faster. This means less waiting and more enjoying your meals.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re browsing for your 1100W microwave, keep these features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Microwaves come in different sizes. A small one is good for one or two people. A larger one is better for families or when you cook bigger dishes. Look for liters or cubic feet to measure capacity.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a rotating glass plate. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to clean. Some large dishes might not fit on smaller turntables.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking. They automatically set the time and power level.
- Defrost Options: This is a must-have. You can defrost food by weight or by time. It helps thaw frozen items quickly and safely.
- Control Panel: Is it easy to use? Some have simple buttons. Others have touch screens. Choose one that feels comfortable for you. Clear labels are important.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature keeps them safe. It prevents them from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it looks.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a great choice. Stainless steel is strong and easy to wipe clean. It resists stains and odors. It also looks sleek and modern.
- Glass Turntable: As mentioned, this is standard. It should be sturdy and fit well. Easy removal for cleaning is key.
- Exterior Casing: Most exteriors are made of durable plastic or painted metal. Stainless steel exteriors are also common and look very high-end.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should feel responsive. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food all the way through. Hot spots are annoying. A good 1100W microwave distributes heat well.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for quieter models. Reviews often mention this.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s hard to clean becomes a chore. Non-stick interiors and removable turntables help a lot.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters.
- Quick Meals: For busy individuals or families, a 1100W microwave is a lifesaver. You can reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or make a quick snack in no time.
- Defrosting: Forgot to take meat out of the freezer? No problem. The defrost function saves the day.
- Baking and Cooking: While not a replacement for an oven, some microwaves can bake cookies or cook vegetables. Preset functions make this easier.
- Popcorn Lover: If you eat a lot of popcorn, a dedicated popcorn button is very convenient.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about 1100W microwaves:
Q: Is 1100W too powerful for everyday use?
A: No, 1100W is a great power level for fast and efficient cooking. It’s not too powerful for typical reheating or cooking tasks.
Q: How long does food take to cook in an 1100W microwave compared to a 700W one?
A: Food cooks significantly faster in an 1100W microwave. It can be up to 30-50% faster, depending on the food.
Q: Do I need special cookware for an 1100W microwave?
A: You generally need microwave-safe cookware, just like with any microwave. Avoid metal unless the manual specifically allows it.
Q: Are 1100W microwaves more expensive?
A: They can sometimes be a bit more expensive due to the higher power components, but the price difference is often small.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my 1100W microwave?
A: You can clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar inside for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an 1100W microwave?
A: A well-maintained 1100W microwave typically lasts between 5 to 10 years.
Q: Can I use the microwave for grilling or air frying?
A: Only if the microwave has specific grill or air fry functions. A standard 1100W microwave does not have these capabilities.
Q: What does “convection” mean on a microwave?
A: Convection microwaves have a fan that circulates hot air, allowing them to bake and roast like a small oven.
Q: Is a larger capacity always better?
A: Not necessarily. A larger capacity microwave takes up more counter space and uses more energy. Choose a size that fits your needs and kitchen.
Q: Where is the best place to put my microwave?
A: It’s best to place it on a stable, level surface with good ventilation. Avoid placing it directly next to a stove or in a confined cabinet without airflow.
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 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!