A low-watt microwave can seriously jeopardize your possibilities of elevating your cooking to new levels. To solve the problem, you’ll have to go with the best 1100-watt microwave.
In-between low-wattage microwaves and potent 1500-watt units, the 1100-watt microwave provides the perfect balance in terms of cooking power and time. Not only will it allow you to cook faster compared to an 800-watt unit, but you won’t risk overcooking your food.
Finding the best model isn’t always easy, though. That’s why I scoured the market and found the most promising 1100-watt microwaves. Check them out below.
Why an 1100 Watt Microwave?
Sometimes, going for the best microwave under 1100 watts isn’t a good idea. Low power could make your food come out mushy, tasteless, and boring. The microwave oven may not be the protagonist of your kitchen, but it’s the best supporting actor, and more power means better results.
Another problem that a higher power solves is the famous hot spots. Low-power microwaves (in the 700-800-watt range) are too weak to heat food evenly. Whether you’re defrosting, cooking, or reheating food, your dinner may come out overcooked in some parts and still frozen or undone in others.
Now, you may think that 1000-watt microwaves are more powerful than 800-watt ones. So, why an 1100-watt microwave?
Easy. You need an 1100-watt microwave because in the microwave oven world, each extra watt of power matters, reducing the cooking time and improving the results.
What is the difference between 1000 and 1100-watt microwaves?
Technically, the difference between a 1000 and an 1100-watt microwave is 100 watts. You may believe it doesn’t matter, but it does.
Every extra watt in your microwave will give it more power and efficiency. But it’s not only about the power. It’s the execution, as any good cook knows.
Taking on a practical example, a 1000-watt microwave takes about 10 minutes to defrost and cook a pizza. If you upgrade to an 1100-watt microwave this 2022, you can reduce the cooking time to about eight minutes, and your pizza will be crispier in all the right places.
Advantages and disadvantages of 1100-watt microwaves
Pros
- Cooks faster and more efficiently
- Higher temperature gives you more cooking options
- Generally higher capacity compared to lower-wattage models
- More pre-programmed cooking options and power levels
- Affordable compared to higher-power models
Cons
- It could be harder to learn how to use it efficiently
- Higher electricity usage
What bells and whistles matter for an 1100-watt microwave?
Microwaves in this category come with numerous bells and whistles. Some of the most important include:
Power levels
As explained above, most 1100-watt microwaves have excellent cooking power. Various power levels, generally ten or more, also allow you to cook food to perfection.
Pre-programmed cooking settings
Most microwave ovens in this category come with at least six pre-programmed cooking settings that use a cinch.
Convection cooking
Not all 1100-watt microwaves boast convection cooking, but those that do make excellent choices for a tiny kitchen or RV.
Self-cleaning
Higher-tech microwaves in this range feature self-cleaning options that make it easier to remove grease and grime from your appliance.
What can you cook in an 1100-watt microwave?
Depending on the type of microwave oven you buy, you can cook anything from simple to elaborate meals.
Most 1100-watt microwaves feature smart sensor cooking settings that allow you to defrost and cook meals without worrying about setting the right time and power. These ovens calculate the cooking time and power automatically based on how much vapor comes out of your food, preventing overcooking.
You can also use your oven to make hot drinks, cook casseroles, reheat leftovers, or make pizza and popcorn.
Best 1100-Watt Microwaves
1. Panasonic NNSG676W 1100 Watt 1.3 Cu.Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
This countertop microwave impresses with a large capacity and a 12.4-inch diameter turntable. It’s an excellent choice for small to mid-sized families who most need a microwave to defrost and reheat foods.
Nevertheless, you can still make good use of seven pre-programmed cooking settings and ten power levels for perfectly-cooked meals every time – also thanks to the inverter technology.
Why I love it
Capacity
The 1.3 cubic feet capacity is an excellent choice for most households. This oven can hold up to 35.2 pounds and fits dishes up to 12 inches in diameter.
Ease of use
Like all Panasonic NN models, this microwave has an intuitive control panel that makes it easy to operate. One-touch buttons give you peace of mind when you’re in a hurry.
Design
This microwave oven has a sleek design that fits in modern and vintage-style kitchens alike. The white finish and minimalist control panel enhance its aesthetics.
What could be better
Moisture sensor
The sensor cook sometimes fails to detect the amount of vapor coming out of your food, resulting in an incorrect adjustment of the power level and cooking time. You may want to keep an eye on your food regardless of the selected option.
Heating efficiency
Hot spots are a common occurrence; that’s why you should stir the food mid-cycle to ensure even cooking.
2. Sharp R-1214 1100-Watt Over-the-Counter Microwave
With a compact exterior but large interior, this microwave is a great choice for larger families. It has a capacity of two cubic feet and ten power levels. Another highlight is the over-the-counter installation.
You won’t have to worry about counter space or sacrifice any space in your kitchen cabinets. Just keep in mind that this isn’t an over-the-range microwave – it has no fans and can’t absorb odors, vapors, and fumes.
Why I love it
Keep Warm function
Large enough to hold meals for a large party, and with the Keep Warm Plus function, this microwave oven allows you to keep your food warm for up to half an hour. The defrosting function is also far more effective than usual, allowing you to set times and power levels specific to various types of food.
Control panel
Designed with ease of use in mind, this microwave oven has a control panel placed at the bottom of the unit rather than on the side. This allows for easier operation, placing the button within easy reach and the display at eye level.
Instant action keys
Aren’t you tired of losing time when making selections? The instant action keys on the keypad allow you to activate the sensor cooking for various foods in the blink of an eye. I also like that the options include one-touch settings for heating up to six cups of water – ideal for when you want to make tea or cook pasta.
What could be better
Fogging
A poor design of the vents could cause the oven to overheat if you don’t leave enough clearance at the back during installation. When this happens, too much vapor inside the oven could fog the glass door, preventing you from keeping an eye on your food.
Installation
Although the microwave oven comes with installation instructions, mounting it over the counter can be tedious. Moreover, the unit doesn’t come with all the installation hardware.
3. Magic Chef MCM1611W 1100W 1.6 cu. ft. Oven
Magic Chef’s countertop microwaves impress at first glance, and this model is no different.
It is a compact microwave compared to other microwaves on this list, but it’s perfect for small kitchens, single professionals, and couples living in tinier apartments. It also comes cheap – just what you need if you’re on a budget.
Why I love it
Performance
With a 1.6 cubic feet capacity and auto-cook menus, this microwave is undeniably designed to make your life easier. It has no special bells and whistles, but sometimes all you need is a cheap microwave oven that does its job.
Power levels
With 11 different power levels, this microwave presents a lot of opportunities if you want a product that allows you to cook a variety of foods.
Compact size
Made of stainless steel and boasting a countertop installation, this microwave uses pure white to present a design perfect for most kitchens, not only for its color but because, at 12.8 inches across, it can fit in any place you need.
What could be better
Door issues
Sometimes the door can be difficult to close. The hinges are not of the best quality and break easily. Using rectangular dishes is also not an option with this unit because the door could pop open as the turntable tries to spin the tray.
Overheating
Because of its compact exterior compared to its capacity, the unit can overheat easily. For this reason, this unit is more suitable for those who most need it for its defrosting and reheating capabilities rather than full-meal cooking.
4. Farberware FMO11AHTBKB smallest 1100-watt microwave
Made of brushed stainless steel, this microwave oven from Farberware Professional is the last to make it to our list. Ten power levels and seven cooking programs make it an excellent choice, even for beginners.
The appearance is sleek and modern, but the unit also suits a traditional kitchen. The large interior is easy to clean, and a sticker with instructions and cooking options inside the unit makes it even easier to use.
Why I love it
Easy cooking
Whatever you want to cook, rest assured that this unit makes it super easy. In addition to the seven cooking programs, you can also choose from three defrost options, four melting settings, and three softening choices.
Convenient defrosting
This microwave oven allows you to defrost by time or weight; these settings make it easy to thaw your foods to perfection.
Multi-stage heating
We all know how sensor cooking works, but this microwave oven takes sensor cooking to the next level. The multi-stage heating adjusts the cooking time and powers mid-cycle for more flavorful cooking with minimum risks of burning your food.
What could be better
Interior light
The LED inside the oven is not bright enough. You may have to struggle to see the food without opening the door.
Glitches
The microwave possibly has some firmware issues that could cause the keypad to block now and then. You can solve the issue by unplugging the appliance for 20-30 seconds, but doing so each time it glitches can be tedious.
Best 1100-watt microwaves comparison table
| Panasonic NNSG676W | Sharp R-1214 | MagicChef MCM1611W | Farberware FMO11AHTBKB | |
| Capacity | 1.3 cu. ft. | 2.0 cu. ft. | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1.2 cu. ft. |
| Max power | 1,100 watts | 1,100 watts | 1,100 watts | 1,100 watts |
| Power levels | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| Cooking programs | 7 | 11 | 6 | 7 |
| Installation | Countertop | Over the counter | Countertop | Countertop |
| Price | $$$ | $$$$ | $$ | $ |
How to clean an 1100-watt microwave oven?
Cleaning is not the most pleasant of chores, but nobody said that being a cook was glamorous. Luckily, cleaning an 1100-watt microwave is easy.
You’ll need
- One damp, clean sponge
- A microwave-safe bowl
- 2 cups of water
- Dishwashing soap
- Microfiber cloth
Procedure
The first thing I have to do is to take the sponge and clean the microwave of all the crumbs and solid leftovers. Next, take the microwave-safe bowl, add two cups of water, and heat for 3 minutes. The steam produced by the water will soften the grease and grime, making them easier to remove.
If your microwave is very dirty, you can use white vinegar instead of water. You should always use white vinegar if you want to remove odors.
Next, take out the turntable and wash it with dishwashing soap. Most microwave turntables are not dishwasher-friendly, so you should clean the dish by hand. Lastly, wipe dry the microwave with a microfiber cloth. That’s it.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, having a good microwave in your kitchen is key to effortless cooking. I hope this guide can help you find the best 1100-watt microwave for you.
