An 1100-watt microwave does not always heat food faster than a lower-powered model. Cavity size, sensor controls, and power distribution can matter just as much, especially when reheating uneven foods or cooking larger portions.
That makes the search for the best countertop Microwaves 1100 watts less straightforward than the number on the box suggests. The comparison ahead includes compact, family-size, sensor-equipped, and grill-style models, so keep reading to see which specifications deserve attention.
Key Takeaways
- Choose at least 1.1 cubic feet for standard dinner plates, while larger families may prefer 1.4 to 1.6 cubic feet.
- Compare wattage and power levels together, since flexible settings help prevent overcooked edges and cold centers.
- Prioritize sensor cooking if you often reheat leftovers, because automatic timing can adjust to moisture and portion size.
- Check the turntable diameter and interior dimensions to confirm that your everyday plates and bowls will fit.
- Select a child safety lock and easy-clean interior if the microwave will serve a busy family kitchen.
| Sensor Cooking Favorite |  |
Farberware Countertop Microwave, 1100W | Smart sensor cooking | Spacious 1.6-cubic-foot interior | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Everyday Black Basic |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1000W Black | Practical 1.2-cubic-foot size | Simple black finish | Suitable for daily reheating | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Kitchen Classic |  |
Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1000W Stainless | Stainless appliance finish | Moderate countertop footprint | Useful everyday capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact White Workhorse |  |
Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Space-conscious 1.1-cubic-foot size | Classic white finish | Countertop-friendly design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High-Power Sensor Choice |  |
Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave, 1200W | Highest listed power | Smart sensor cooking | Spacious 1.6-cubic-foot capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Grill Function Specialist |  |
Emerson Countertop Microwave, 1100W Grill | Built-in grill function | Eleven power levels | Removable glass turntable | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mid-Size Black Performer |  |
Sharp Countertop Microwave, 1100W Black | Balanced 1.4-cubic-foot size | Full 1100-watt output | Understated black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact White Essential |  |
Farberware Countertop Microwave, 1000W White | Auto cook settings | Easy-clean design | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Spacious Stainless Option |  |
Sharp Countertop Microwave, 1100W Stainless | Roomy 1.6-cubic-foot capacity | Full 1100-watt power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Simple Black Space Saver |  |
Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Compact countertop footprint | Practical black finish | Useful smaller capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Farberware Countertop Microwave, 1100W
For family kitchens and busy meal routines, this Farberware model offers a roomy 1.6-cubic-foot capacity with 1100 watts of power. Smart sensor cooking helps adjust preparation settings for select foods, while defrost functions cover everyday frozen meals and ingredients.
The child safety lock adds useful household control, and the easy-clean design can simplify routine maintenance. Its larger interior may require more counter space than compact models, so measure the available area first.
- Brand:Farberware
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Power:1100 watts
- Finish:Stainless
- Features:Sensor cook, defrost, child lock
- Additional Feature:Smart sensor auto cook
- Additional Feature:Easy-clean interior
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1000W Black
Choose this Toshiba model for a straightforward black countertop microwave with a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity. Its 1000-watt output suits common reheating, cooking, and defrosting tasks without taking up the footprint of a larger family-size unit.
The clean exterior fits many kitchen setups, and the moderate capacity works well for apartments, offices, and smaller households. Since it is rated at 1000 watts rather than 1100, cooking may take slightly longer than with higher-powered options.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Power:1000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact household capacity
- Additional Feature:Everyday reheating power
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Toshiba Countertop Microwave, 1000W Stainless
This stainless Toshiba gives you the same 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and 1000-watt power as its black counterpart, with a finish that pairs easily with stainless kitchen appliances. It is a sensible fit for everyday reheating, cooking, and defrosting in moderately sized spaces.
The smaller interior can help conserve counter space while still accommodating routine meals and containers. Its 1000-watt rating is below the 1100-watt target for this roundup, so you may need to allow a little extra cooking time for some foods.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Power:1000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop configuration
- Additional Feature:Standard household capacity
- Additional Feature:Reheating and cooking use
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Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Commercial Chef keeps the format simple with a 1.1-cubic-foot interior and a classic white finish. That size makes sense for smaller kitchens, break rooms, dorm rooms, and other spaces where a full-size microwave would feel excessive.
Its compact format should be easier to place on a crowded counter, while the countertop design avoids installation requirements. The listing does not provide enough detail to confirm specific cooking presets, sensor functions, or power output, so shoppers seeking advanced controls should review the full specification sheet.
- Brand:Commercial Chef
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Finish:White
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop format
- Additional Feature:Suitable for smaller spaces
- Additional Feature:CHCM11100W model
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Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave, 1200W
If faster countertop cooking is high on your list, this Toshiba brings 1200 watts of power, the highest rating in this group, along with a generous 1.6-cubic-foot capacity. Its smart sensor feature is designed to help guide automatic cooking for compatible foods, reducing the need to choose every setting manually.
The combination suits larger households and anyone who regularly reheats substantial portions. That larger body can take up meaningful counter space, and the 1200-watt output may call for careful attention to cooking times in recipes written for lower-powered microwaves.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Power:1200 watts
- Features:Smart sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Automatic sensor adjustments
- Additional Feature:Large countertop interior
- Additional Feature:High-power cooking output
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Emerson Countertop Microwave, 1100W Grill
Emerson adds more cooking flexibility with a built-in grill function alongside 1100 watts of microwave power. The 1.1-cubic-foot capacity is a practical middle ground for everyday portions, while 11 power levels provide finer control than a single high-power setting.
You also get nine preset cooking options, an LED timer display, a removable glass turntable, and a child lock. The smaller capacity may limit larger dishes, and grill-oriented cooking usually involves more cleanup than standard reheating.
- Brand:Emerson
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Power:1100 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Features:Grill, child lock, LED timer
- Additional Feature:Nine preset cooking options
- Additional Feature:Removable glass turntable
- Additional Feature:Eleven power levels
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Sharp Countertop Microwave, 1100W Black
Sharp offers a balanced 1.4-cubic-foot capacity with 1100 watts of power, giving you more interior room than compact 1.1-cubic-foot models without moving into the largest size class. The black finish keeps the appearance understated and easy to coordinate with many appliances.
This model fits households that want useful capacity for regular meals and leftovers, but do not need a 1.6-cubic-foot interior. The available listing information does not identify sensor cooking, preset programs, or safety features, so check the manufacturer details if those controls matter to your purchase.
- Brand:Sharp
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.4 cubic feet
- Power:1100 watts
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Countertop configuration
- Additional Feature:Mid-size cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:SMC1461KB model
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Farberware Countertop Microwave, 1000W White
This Farberware model is a practical pick for smaller spaces, combining a 1.1-cubic-foot capacity with a white platinum finish. Auto cook settings and defrost functions cover the basics, while the 1000-watt output works well for routine meals and reheating.
The child safety lock adds a useful household safeguard, and the easy-clean design supports less fussy maintenance. Its smaller cavity will not suit every large dish, and the 1000-watt rating falls below the 1100-watt power level highlighted by this roundup.
- Brand:Farberware
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Power:1000 watts
- Finish:White platinum
- Features:Auto cook, defrost, child lock
- Additional Feature:Automatic cooking settings
- Additional Feature:Defrost function
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
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Sharp Countertop Microwave, 1100W Stainless
With a 1.6-cubic-foot capacity and 1100 watts of power, this Sharp model gives you ample room for family-size portions and larger containers. The stainless finish brings a polished appliance look, while the countertop format keeps placement relatively straightforward.
It is a strong match for kitchens that need more interior space without moving to a higher power rating. The larger cavity may be more microwave than a single-person household needs, and the available listing does not confirm preset programs or sensor controls.
- Brand:Sharp
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Power:1100 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Large cooking cavity
- Additional Feature:Countertop installation
- Additional Feature:SMC1662KS model
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Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Commercial Chef’s black version focuses on a compact 1.1-cubic-foot format, making it suitable for offices, dorms, apartments, and kitchens with limited counter depth. The understated finish is easy to blend into utility spaces, rental kitchens, and break rooms.
Its smaller size can be an advantage when every inch of counter space counts, but the available product information does not list power output or specific cooking features. If you need confirmed 1100-watt performance, presets, or sensor cooking, verify those details before choosing this model.
- Brand:Commercial Chef
- Product Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Finish:Black
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop format
- Additional Feature:Suitable for limited spaces
- Additional Feature:CHCM11100B model
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1,100 watts enough for everyday microwave cooking?
Yes, 1,100 watts is strong cooking power for reheating meals, boiling water, cooking vegetables, and preparing many frozen foods. Food generally heats faster than it would in a 700- or 900-watt model. Follow the package instructions as a starting point, then check food before the full time ends. Stirring and allowing a short standing period can improve temperature consistency.
What size countertop microwave should I buy?
Choose a size that fits both your counter and your cookware. Around 0.9 to 1.1 cubic feet suits basic reheating, while 1.2 cubic feet or more is better for large plates, casserole dishes, and family portions. Measure your largest dish and compare it with the turntable diameter. Also record the available counter depth, including ventilation space, because a microwave that fits the cabinet opening may still extend too far forward.
Do all 1,100-watt microwaves cook at the same speed?
Not exactly. Cooking performance also depends on interior design, turntable movement, sensor programs, power-level control, and how evenly the magnetron distributes energy. Check whether the listed 1,100 watts refers to cooking output. Some specifications emphasize electrical consumption instead, which can make two models with similar wattage labels perform differently.
Are sensor-cooking programs worth paying more for?
Sensor cooking can be worthwhile if you frequently reheat leftovers or cook packaged vegetables. It measures moisture released during heating and adjusts the cooking time, reducing the chance of food becoming dry or overheated. You still need clear manual controls for delicate foods and unusual portions. A microwave with sensor reheat plus adjustable power levels offers a practical balance instead of relying on presets for everything.
Can I plug a countertop microwave into any kitchen outlet?
Use a properly grounded 120-volt outlet that can handle the microwave’s electrical demand. Avoid extension cords and shared outlets with high-draw appliances such as toaster ovens, air fryers, or coffee makers. Check the manual for input wattage, amperage, and clearance requirements before installation. If the plug, cord, or outlet becomes unusually hot, stop using the microwave and have the circuit inspected by a qualified electrician.
