Microwaves are flooding the markets, and if you’re looking to buy one, I’m glad you’ve stumbled onto my review of the best 1100 watt microwave models. There are many things that people overlook when searching for one, and the most obvious choices are oftentimes not that great by the long run.
Since the entirety of the microwave industry is fairly huge, I’ve decided to focus on the smaller 1.1-kw models; they sport just about enough wattage strength and don’t take up too much space, so I find that they’re a bit more suitable for households than their stronger counterparts.
If you’re the kind of person that wants to know what they’re buying and precisely how much value there is in a certain product, I humbly think you are going to find my reviews of the best 1100 watt microwave models, as well as the buying guide, as helpful. Without any further ado, let’s see what the market has to offer:
Best 1100 Watt Microwaves Listed
1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave
Highlighted Features:
- Dimensions: 20.5 inches by 17.1 inches by 12.8 inches
- Weight: 34.6 pounds
- 10 programmable power settings
- Kitchen timer & clock
- Digital display
Quick overview:
Let’s open up with Toshiba’s EM131A5C BS, which is a highly versatile mid-range microwave from one of the biggest brands in the industry. It’s packed with a variety of convenience features, yet it’s still exceptionally easy to use.
As far as size is of concern, Toshiba’s EM131A5C BS offers a spacious interior with a decently small footprint; it shouldn’t take up too much of your counter space. One of the things I really liked about it is the fact that it’s supplied with a set of anti-skid supports that heavily reinforce its stability.
Its turntable is made of high-quality glass, and generally speaking, the entire construction is fairly robust. Speaking of which, Toshiba’s EM131A5C BS is made of high quality black stainless-steel that is virtually impervious to scratches, bumps, and dings.
Some of the most notable features that this microwave is supplied with include the programmable kitchen timer, a clock, ten power settings, and a neat little digital display. If you are not completely sure which power setting you should use in a particular situation, there are several preset built-in modes as well.
The integrated presets include frozen pizza, frozen entrée, potato, rice, veggie, custom cook, and soften/melt. Additionally, there are two custom banks (defrost and cook) that you can configure however you see fit.
In terms of price, Toshiba’s EM131A5C BS is pretty much a snatch; not only does it offer superior performance in comparison to similarly priced models, but it also offers unrivaled levels of versatility and convenience.
There are a couple of things that leave some room for improvement, though; the clock is just slightly off, and you may experience random power glitches when you use it at the highest-level settings. Be it as it may, it still offers remarkable value for the cash.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3Hrss7X” ][i2pros]One of the sturdiest 1,100-watt microwaves on the market
Spacious interior
Remarkable easy to clean and use
Multiple programmable modes and two custom presets
Big digital display[/i2pros]
[i2cons]
Potential power-related problems when used at the strongest settings
Clock is slightly inaccurate[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Emerson MWG 9115 SB Griller Microwave Oven
Highlighted Features:
- Dimensions: 17.3 inches by 13.2 inches by 10.2 inches
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Countertop design
- Stainless steel construction
- Programmable timer
- LED display
- Eleven power levels and nine preset modes
Quick overview:
Emerson’s MWG 9115SB is my personal favorite in the ‘budget microwave’ category. In truth, it’s just a tad more expensive when compared to an average entry-level countertop oven, but its performance is leagues above similarly priced models, which is the main reason why it’s earned such a high position in this review.
First and foremost, this microwave is built from exceptionally durable stainless-steel materials, and it’s arguably the most robust model in the lower-tier price point categories. As far as size is of concern, it’s fairly small and about average in terms of weight.
Versatility-wise, this microwave sports eleven power levels and nine presets, including popcorn, potato, frozen veggies, dinner plate, frozen pizza, and a number of meat-related dishes. In comparison to Toshiba’s model, it’s slightly better-rounded.
One of the most exquisite features of the Emerson’s MWG 9115SB is its programmable timer; basically, you’ll be able to set it in the range of anything between 15 seconds and 99 minutes & 99 seconds. It is far superior to microwaves that feature clocks with unwieldy functions (such as, for example, the fact that you can only adjust it in increments of 15-30 seconds).
The only thing I didn’t particularly like about Emerson’s MWG 9115SB is its grill function. Basically, it doesn’t really differ from most cooking modes if you don’t use specific dishes with it (ceramic, generally speaking).
Although it’s far from perfect, I daresay that Emerson’s MWG 9115SB is definitely one of the finest affordable 1,100-watt microwaves that the current market has to offer and I highly recommend it to anyone who may be on a cash-strapped budget and to whoever may be looking for the best small 1100 watt microwave.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3kJihlw” ][i2pros]
Fairly cheap
Excellent clock function
Eleven power levels
Nine built-in modes
Relatively portable[/i2pros][i2cons]
Glitchy ‘grill’ function
No stabilizers[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Magic Chef MCM 1611 ST 1100W Microwave Oven
Highlighted Features:
- Dimensions: 19.2 inches by 21.8 inches by 12.8 inches
- Weight: 36.8 pounds
- Stainless-steel construction
- Eleven power levels
- Automatic cooking settings
- Six pre-configured cooking menus
- Glass turntable
Quick overview:
Magic Chef’s MCM 1611-ST is my runner-up pick for multiple reasons. First of all, there are hardly many models within its price range that are sturdier; secondly, its digital display is absolutely phenomenal in terms of visibility and size; thirdly, MCM 1611-ST packs a myriad of programmable settings and features, including a smart kitchen timer and automatic cooking menus.
Let’s start with its construction. MCM 1611-ST is made of robust stainless steel and features a heavily reinforced steel handle. It’s just a bit heavier than average, although it’s fairly small overall. Even though it doesn’t feature leg supports, it’s quite stable.
This microwave also sports the integrated child safety-lock, which makes it an excellent choice for fresh parents, as well as for seasoned moms and dads.
Personally, I liked its aesthetics as much as I adored how sturdy its construction is. As I mentioned a second ago, it’s just a tad heavier in comparison to an average 1,100-watt microwave, but that’s luckily its only drawback.
Overall, I really liked how simple MCM 1611-ST is. Not only is it easy to use, but it’s also remarkably easy to clean too. After all, stainless-steel comprises the bulk of its construction, and it’s one of the least demanding materials as far as maintenance is at stake.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3wNNmt2″ ][i2pros]
Quality glass turntable
Six pre-configured modes
Robust stainless steel construction
Reinforced handle
Spacious interior[/i2pros][i2cons]Slightly heavier when compared to an average 1,100-watt microwave[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Danby DMW 14SA 1BDB 1,100 Watts Countertop Microwave
Highlighted Features:
- Dimensions: 17.01 inches by 20.43 inches by 12.36 inches
- Weight: 36.4 pounds
- Painted steel construction
- Twelve pre-configured modes
- Kitchen timer
- LCD display
Quick overview:
If I’ve narrowed the focus of my review down to budget 1,100-watt microwaves, Danby’s DMW 14SA1BDB would’ve been my runner-up choice. This is an excellent, robust microwave model that offers much while demanding very little in terms of price and maintenance.
It’s equipped with twelve preset modes, a convenient little kitchen timer, and a big, brightly lit LCD display.
What makes this model stand out from the rest is the fact that it’s petite in size. It’s about average as far as weight is of concern, but its space-saver design atop its attractive price tag are the main reasons why I’ve decided to include it on the list.
Aesthetic-wise, Danby’s DMW 14SA1BDB looks absolutely gorgeous. The painted steel design is not only attractive, but it’s also fairly durable, which I would argue matters a bit more than the former.
From a completely subjective standpoint, Danby’s DMW 14SA1BDB may not be as versatile as some of the models we’ve seen so far. It features more presets and modes when compared to the Magic Chef’s MCM, but most of them are fairly similar.
Speaking of programmable modes and buttons, that’s the area where I feel Danby’s DMW 14SA1BDB could be improved a bit. Namely, the buttons are very small, so it’s pretty easy to hit a mode you didn’t want to use by accident.
Overall, Danby’s DMW 14SA1BDB is a remarkable, affordable 1,100-watt microwave that I warmly recommend to people who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a quality model.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3qF4m3t” ][i2pros]Decently affordable
Beautiful design
Sturdier than most similarly priced models
Very easy to use and clean
Takes up minimal counter space[/i2pros]
[i2cons]Small buttons
Relatively limited versatility[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Panasonic NN-SD67LS Countertop Microwave Oven
Highlighted Features:
- Dimensions: 21.22 inches by 17.44 inches by 11.81 inches
- Weight: 35.30 pounds
- Stainless steel construction
- Sensor technology
- Automatic cooking modes
- Countertop design
Quick overview:
The main criteria I abide by when testing microwaves include sturdiness, well-roundedness, practicality, and price. After careful consideration of each of those aspects, I’ve concluded that Panasonic’s NN-SD67LS ‘Genius’ excels in not some, but all of them. Obviously, it’s my favorite choice among the six models included on the ‘best 1100 watt microwave reviews’.
Panasonic’s Genius is superior to most similarly priced models in terms of sturdiness; it’s made of exceptional-quality stainless-steel, and it’s nearly a pound lighter than an average model. Moreover, it packs a tiny footprint and is pretty rewarding in terms of storage and counter space.
Some of the most unique features it comes supplied with include the Genius Sensor, which essentially keeps track of how well-prepared the food inside is and adjusts the levels automatically for the best possible outcome.
Furthermore, it rocks ten configurable smart modes (such as automatic defrost, sensor cook, reheat, and such), and a variety of selectable power levels. It’s also outfitted with a highly accurate clock and a decently versatile timer function.
Finally, the ‘keep warm’ feature is what ultimately bought me. I’ve seen it in numerous microwaves (budget, boutique, and otherwise), although only a handful of brands nailed it right. Genius’s ‘keep warm’ function is absolutely impeccable, and a huge time-saver for families that require a bit of time to gather around a table.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3Cmg31d” ][i2pros]Exceptional durability
Patented Sensor technology
Numerous selectable modes and presets
Smallish footprint
Space-saver design[/i2pros][i2cons]
Lighting works exclusively when the microwave is working
Slightly more expensive than average[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Dacor DMW2420S Distinctive Series Countertop Miecrowave
Highlighted Features:
- Dimensions: 19.13 inches by 24 inches by 13.38 inches
- Weight: 19.96 pounds
- Stainless steel construction
- Kitchen timer
- Clock
- Twelve pre-configured modes
- LCD display
Quick overview:
Let’s wrap it up with Dacor’s DMW2420S microwave model from the heavily acclaimed Distinctive Series. Truth be told, the DMW2420S is distinctively better than most boutique microwaves – it’s much sturdier, unequivocally more versatile, and much stronger than average. However, it also costs top dollar, so if cash is not too much of an issue to you, I warmly recommend checking it out.
Dacor’s microwave is made of thoroughly refined stainless-steel materials; it was certainly built to last, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say it will be able to endure decades of use given proper maintenance.
Speaking of which, DMW2420S was designed in such a way that it’s exceptionally easy to clean. Using it should also be a breeze, as all of its preset modes were grouped in a logical order (sensor cooking, frozen foods, and menu options).
Another feature it’s supplied with that I really liked is the set of stabilizer legs; no matter what power level you set it to, it will remain firm and stable. Obviously, its only drawback is that it costs quite a bit, but it actually is substantially more versatile than most mid-range models.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3ciBWny” ][i2pros]Superior stability
Almost unparalleled durability
Perfect for both commercial and domestic use
Well-designed display
Unique sensors[/i2pros][i2cons]Very expensive[/i2cons][/i2pc]
What to look for in an 1100 Watt Microwave?
Great microwaves are fairly easy to find, but the best ones require a bit of luck and a certain degree of expertise. While I can’t help improve your luck in any way, I can certainly help you gain insight in regard to the things that make the best 1100 watt microwaves better than other models. While you are browsing, pay a bit more attention to the following aspects:
Build quality
The construction of a quality 1,100-watt microwave is either flimsy or sturdy; there has seldom been middle ground among the models I’ve tested. My personal recommendation would be to go for models made of stainless-steel; not only is it sturdy, but it’s also exceptionally easy to clean.
Size and weight
Most 1,100-watt microwave models are relatively small. A petite footprint will ultimately save you a portion of your counter space, but instead of thinking along the lines of room, consider how big (or small) the interior of the microwave is.
Weight should also be taken into account for practical purposes; heavier models are also harder to clean while lightweight microwaves are generally compact. They’re even perfect for travels and shouldn’t present you with too many problems should you decide to move out at some point.
Features
Each brand supplies their microwaves with different features; while it may not be possible to list them all, it may be worth your while to acquaint yourself with some of the most popular ones. For example, the vast majority of 1,100-watt microwaves are supplied with a kitchen timer or a clock.
Most microwaves sport selectable power levels, and the versatility of a particular model is largely determined by the ‘quantity’ of such functions. For instance, Toshiba’s EM131A5C-BS sports ten power settings while Magic Chef MCM 1611 ST offers only six.
Some of the finest microwaves also rock ‘smart’ features – automatic modes and sensors that are there to correct some of the parameters you may have set wrong.
Another important feature to consider is the turntable – the platter that rotates the dish. Generally, this is one of the most overlooked features, but it’s equally important as any other. You should not concern yourself with how the platter looks; rather make sure that it’s durable and easy to clean.
Price
Microwaves that sport 1,100 watts of strength are available at relatively similar prices. However, some models are much cheaper (such as Emerson’s MWG 9115 SB) while some are much more expensive (such as Dacor’s DMW2420S) than average.
The price often dictates quality, such is the case here. The more you are willing to spend, the more versatile and feature-packed the model you will end up with (and vice versa).
Frequently Asked Questions
By now you should have a clear picture regarding the things that make some of the best microwaves stick out from the rest. However, in case you still have some doubts and questions, let me shed some light on a bit more obvious issues:
Is an 1100 Watt Microwave good?
Essentially, different situations call for microwaves of different strengths. Students who rarely cook and rely on defrosted food packs (while struggling with space at the same time) could find the most value in smaller 500-watt microwaves.
Home chefs who cook for their families wouldn’t really be satisfied with tiny microwaves and would gladly welcome the faster, slightly bigger 1,000-watt models. Lastly, fast-food joints that need to prepare tons of food on the fly typically use commercial-grade models that are bigger, faster, and obviously more expensive.
In my humble opinion, 1,100-watt microwaves are great and have numerous practical uses. Such models won’t rack up your electricity bill too much, they’re just barely bigger than 500-watt microwaves, and they’re equally great when it comes to defrosting, cooking, boiling, and warming up leftover food.
What is the most reliable microwave?
Essentially, the answer to this question is the same as with ‘what are the most reliable microwave brands?’. Bigger companies can lose their reputation and everything they’ve been building in a blink of an eye, so it’s obvious that they perform more thorough tests and quality control.
Now, some people believe statistics, I personally think that you can’t judge the quality of a product by statements of a couple of dozen people. However, if thousands of people agree that a microwave performs as advertised, subjective opinions matter little.
That being said, let me acquaint you with some of the most reputable brands in the industry (in no particular order) – Toshiba, Panasonic, Magic Chef, and Emerson are widely recognized as the most reliable microwave-producing companies.
I’ve deliberately picked some of their flagship models for my review of the best 1100 watt microwave models specifically because they’re more reliable than most similarly priced models.
How do I know the wattage of my microwave?
Each microwave model is different, so it’s basically up to the manufacturer to decide how they want to relay the information regarding their model’s wattage to you.
Every microwave features a sort of a serial number stamp (unless it got removed for whatever reason), so you might want to take a look at it first. The stamp with a serial number often provides hints of valuable information regarding the brand’s name, the identification code of your particular model, and wattage.
The stamp can be anywhere; it’s often located either at the side of the oven’s door or at the back. A bit newer models feature serial plates (that are significantly harder to remove); they essentially offer insight regarding the same type of information, so there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to check the wattage this way.
Alternatively, you should check the box that your microwave model came in. Any sort of documents (warranty, instructions, description of the product) could also contain the information you are looking for.
If you are still puzzled and can’t seem to find any type of info regarding your microwave wattage, I would like to recommend a decently accurate test of sorts that will be able to help you with this issue. Basically, you should try defrosting a cup’s worth of frozen water on the ‘high’ setting (make sure you don’t use the actual ‘defrost’ function) and measure how much time your model needs to boil it.
Microwaves that are up to 500 watts strong need up to four minutes (or more) to boil frozen water; models that pack around 700 watts typically should take around three minutes to do it; microwaves up to 800 watts need about two minutes while microwaves that pack wattage strength beyond 1 KW need less than two minutes.
How many watts does it take to run a small microwave?
Smaller microwaves are typically those that run on less than 500 watts. Countertop models with minimum wattage are common for waring up leftovers, but they’re not particularly great for defrosting and cooking per se.
Moderately powerful microwaves offer wattage strength in the range of 800 to 1,200; they’re perfect for households and are often available at relatively approachable price tags. Commercial-grade ovens sport beyond 1,500 watts; even though they are much faster and nearly twice as strong in comparison to countertop and tiny microwave ovens, they’re much more expensive in turn.
Conclusion
The market houses hundreds, if not thousands of models that are strong and well-rounded enough to be the best 1100 watt microwave’ to a layman; to someone who knows a thing or two about microwaves, there are maybe a handful of candidates for this lofty title.
Before we wrap things up, I would like to say a couple of words about some of the models in this review that I liked a bit more than the rest. In truth, all six microwave models on this list are beyond great from an objective standpoint, but subjectively I found more value in Panasonic’s NN-SD68LS, Magic Chef’s MM1611ST, and Emerson’s MWG9115SB.
The NN-SD67LS ‘Genius’ is in my opinion the best 1100 watt microwave that the current market has to offer. It’s remarkably easy to use due to its highly intuitive design, it’s packed with remarkably versatile features that can cater to any microwaving need (popping popcorns, cooking, defrosting, and such), and more importantly, it cooks evenly and decently fast. I’d warmly suggest that you start your search here.
My runner-up pick is Magic Chef’s MCM 1611-ST. It’s slightly smaller (and arguably a bit more convenient) than Panasonic’s Genius, and they stand on even ground in terms of durability. The main reason why MC’s MCM-1611-ST is slightly inferior is that Genius is just a bit better-rounded.
Finally, if you’re looking for a budget 1100-watt microwave, my vote goes to Emerson’s MWG9115SB. Despite the fact that it’s not in the same league as the Genius and MCM, it offers multiple power levels, even cooking, and a huge variety of highly customizable features and presets.