Top 5 Best 1100 Watt Microwaves In 2025
Tired of waiting forever for your food to heat up? Do you dream of perfectly reheated leftovers and quick, easy meal prep? Then it’s time to upgrade your kitchen with a powerful 1100 watt microwave! These culinary workhorses can cook, reheat, and defrost with impressive speed and efficiency. But with so many options out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow foodies! We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 5 best 1100 watt microwaves on the market, helping you find the perfect match for your needs and budget.
5. Toshiba ML-EM45P Smart Sensor Microwave
The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a 1200-watt microwave boasting a spacious 1.6 cubic feet capacity, making it suitable for larger families or those who frequently cook for multiple people. The 13.6-inch rotating turntable ensures even heating, and the “position memory” feature is a thoughtful addition, returning the turntable to its starting position for easier access and reduced risk of spills. The black stainless steel finish adds a touch of modern elegance to any kitchen.
While it delivers on functionality and style, the ML-EM45P(BS) isn’t without its shortcomings. The sensor menus, while a convenient feature, felt somewhat limited in their effectiveness. While it managed to heat basic items like pizza and vegetables adequately, more delicate dishes required manual adjustments for optimal results. The placement of the controls could also be improved for easier access, especially for users with shorter arms.
Setting the microwave up was straightforward, and the included user manual was clear and concise. I appreciate the inclusion of features like auto defrost, fast cook, and a timer, which enhance its versatility in the kitchen. However, I found the sound on/off function a bit tricky to navigate, requiring a longer press than I anticipated.
Overall, the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a solid performer, offering ample capacity, convenient features, and a sleek design. However, its somewhat limited sensor menu and minor control placement issues prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you’re looking for a reliable microwave with a large capacity at a reasonable price, it’s worth considering. Just be prepared to potentially adjust settings manually for optimal results with more delicate foods.
4. Panasonic NN-SU66LS Genius Sensor Cook Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SU66LS is a solidly performing microwave that occupies a decent spot in the mid-range market. It boasts a respectable 1.3 cubic foot interior, which is ample for reheating leftovers or cooking small meals. The 1100W power output ensures decent cooking speeds, though it’s not the most powerful microwave out there. The stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to your countertop, and the compact dimensions (11.8”H x 21.2”W x 17.4”D) make it a suitable choice for smaller kitchens.
One of the standout features of this Panasonic microwave is its “Genius Sensor” technology. This Japanese-engineered system aims to automatically adjust cooking times and power levels based on the type and amount of food you’re heating. While it generally works well, I did find that it occasionally overcooked certain items, particularly vegetables. The 7 preset smart cooking options, including options for potatoes, frozen pizza, and casseroles, are a nice touch and can be convenient for everyday cooking.
The Auto Defrost function is also reliable and efficiently thaws frozen foods without compromising their texture. The Keep Warm setting is a welcome addition, perfect for keeping your dishes at a consistent temperature whenever you need a moment to finalize other aspects of your meal. I particularly appreciated the three power level options for popcorn, ensuring a perfect pop every time.
However, despite its many positive features, the Panasonic NN-SU66LS does have some drawbacks. The control panel, while functional, isn’t the most intuitive to navigate. It lacks a digital display, which can make it a bit harder to precisely control cooking times and power levels. Additionally, the turntable is relatively small at 12.4 inches, which might be limiting if you frequently cook larger dishes. Considering its price point, I was hoping for a more robust and user-friendly interface. Overall, the Panasonic NN-SU66LS is a decent microwave that delivers reliable performance and some smart features, but its limitations might make other options more appealing depending on your individual needs and preferences.
3. Farberware FM11BKA Compact 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave
The Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a solid performer in its size category, offering a decent balance of features and affordability. It boasts 1100 Watts of power, which is sufficient for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, and even cooking simple meals. The 1.1 Cu. Ft. capacity is generous for a countertop microwave, allowing you to fit a decent-sized plate or even a small casserole dish.
While the FM11BKA has some convenient features like express cooking buttons (1-6 minutes plus 30 seconds), a memory function for storing your preferred settings, and six one-touch cooking programs for common items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, it lacks some more advanced functionalities found in pricier models. The multi-stage cooking feature is a nice touch, allowing you to program different cooking times and power levels, but the user interface can be a bit clunky.
The LED display is clear and easy to read, and the interior LED lighting provides a good view of your food as it cooks. However, I found the overall design to be somewhat basic. The black finish and handle look sleek enough, but the controls feel a bit flimsy and dated. The child safety lock function is important for families with young children, but it’s a basic feature that’s standard on most microwaves these days.
For the price, the Farberware FM11BKA is a decent option for those who need a compact microwave with decent power and basic features. However, if you’re looking for more advanced functionalities or a more stylish design, you might want to consider spending a bit more on a higher-end model.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave, Child Lock
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed microwave at a reasonable price. Right out of the box, I was impressed with the sleek black and stainless steel design. It looks modern and fits well in any kitchen. Setting it up was a breeze, and the controls are intuitive and easy to use.
This microwave boasts 1000 watts of power and 10 power settings, giving you plenty of control over your cooking. I found the pre-programmed buttons for common items like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables to be incredibly convenient. They took the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures, and the results were consistently good. The 30-second express cooking feature is also handy for quickly reheating leftovers or melting butter. The large LED display is bright and easy to read, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind.
One of the things I particularly liked about this microwave is the spacious 1.1 cubic foot interior. It easily accommodated large plates and even a 9-inch pizza. The turntable rotates smoothly and evenly, ensuring that your food cooks consistently. The interior light is bright enough to see what’s cooking without having to open the door.
While I found this microwave to be excellent overall, the push-button door release could be a bit more responsive at times. However, this is a minor quibble and doesn’t detract significantly from the overall user experience. For the price, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 offers excellent value for money and is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich microwave.
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS 1.2 Cu Ft Smart Humidity Sensor
The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. As the top-rated option, it delivers on both performance and convenience. Right out of the box, I was impressed by its sleek silver design and spacious interior. The 1.2 cubic feet capacity easily accommodates a 12-inch pizza, making it perfect for larger families or entertaining. The 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even heating throughout, and the 1100-watt power output cooks food quickly and efficiently.
One of the standout features of this microwave is the pre-programmed sensor menu. It takes the guesswork out of heating common foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. Simply select the desired food type, and the microwave automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results. This feature is a huge time-saver and ensures perfectly heated meals every time. The 10 power settings provide flexibility for different cooking needs, and the defrost function by time and weight is incredibly convenient.
The control panel is intuitive and easy to use, with a large digital display and clearly labeled buttons. The one-touch start for multiple food presets makes it a breeze to prepare quick snacks or meals. I particularly appreciate the mute function, which allows you to silence the buzzer if you need to.
Overall, the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is a fantastic microwave oven that offers exceptional value for money. Its combination of power, features, and ease of use makes it a worthwhile investment for any kitchen. While the initial setup might require peeling off a protective film on the control panel, it’s a minor detail compared to the overall user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What features should I look for in a 1100-watt microwave?
A: When choosing a 1100-watt microwave, consider these features:
- Size and Capacity: Measure your available space and determine the appropriate size (interior volume) based on your cooking needs.
- Power Level: 1100 watts offers excellent cooking power for most tasks.
- Cooking Functions: Look for features like sensor cooking, pre-set programs, and defrost options to simplify cooking.
- Turntable Size: A larger turntable allows for even heating of larger dishes.
- Control Panel: Choose between digital or mechanical controls based on your preference.
- Additional Features: Consider extras like a child safety lock, interior lighting, and a timer.
Q: How long does it typically take to heat up food in a 1100-watt microwave?
A: Heating time in a 1100-watt microwave varies significantly depending on the type and quantity of food. Generally, expect to heat up leftovers or small portions in 1-3 minutes, while larger dishes or frozen meals might take 5-10 minutes or more.
Q: Are 1100-watt microwaves energy-efficient?
A: Microwaves are generally considered energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens. A 1100-watt model is relatively powerful, but its energy consumption depends on how often you use it and the length of cooking cycles. Look for models with energy-saving features like sensor cooking to optimize energy use.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect 1100 watt microwave can seem daunting, but with features like sensor cooking, inverter technology, and spacious interiors, you can find a model that fits your needs and elevates your kitchen.
By considering factors like capacity, power level, and additional features, you can confidently select a microwave that will make cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable.