7 Best Countertop Microwaves 1100 Watts 2025

This powerhouse performer redefines what a mid-sized microwave should be—delivering 1,100 watts of cooking precision in a sleek, space-saving design that’s ideal for compact kitchens and busy households. With its 1.7 cubic feet capacity and sensor cooking technology, it effortlessly handles everything from reheating leftovers to defrosting frozen proteins with striking accuracy. The glass turntable ensures even heat distribution, while the intuitive controls—including Instant On and child lock—solve real-world frustrations like accidental starts and unevenly warmed meals.

In real-world testing, the GE shines brightest when multitasking: the auto-cook presets take the guesswork out of daily routines, whether you’re zapping a bowl of oatmeal or crisping up yesterday’s pizza. Its sensor cook function adapts to moisture levels, preventing sogginess or scorching, and the weight-based defrost setting thaws chicken breasts in under 10 minutes without cooking the edges. However, the larger footprint may challenge tighter countertops, and the beeping alarm, while functional, can feel a bit shrill in quiet environments.

Compared to the Farberware and Sharp models, this GE unit strikes a sweet spot between smart features and reliability, outperforming budget options without venturing into premium pricing. It’s perfect for families, remote workers, or college students who demand consistent results and safety features without complexity. While it lacks Alexa integration like the Toshiba smart model, it delivers better sensor accuracy and more usable space than most 1.4 cu. ft. rivals.

Step into modern convenience with the SHARP 1.4 cu. ft. microwave, a refined workhorse that blends elegant aesthetics with dependable performance. Boasting 1,100 watts of power and a removable 12.4-inch carousel turntable, it delivers uniform heating across plates and bowls, making it a reliable pick for small households and minimalist kitchens. The standout here is the new LED interior lighting and white display, which elevate the user experience with crisp visibility and a clean visual appeal—ideal for dimly lit dorms or night-time snack runs.

During daily use, the +30 seconds express key proves invaluable for quick top-offs, while the Melt/Soften function handles butter or chocolate with surprising finesse. The sensor cook and auto menu options simplify common tasks like reheating soup or popping popcorn, though they’re slightly less responsive than GE’s or Farberware’s implementations. On tougher jobs—like reheating dense casseroles—it sometimes underperforms at the center, requiring manual rotation. Still, the 10 power levels and two-stage cooking offer solid control for more advanced users.

When stacked against the Emerson or Toshiba models, this Sharp unit lands as a balanced mid-tier contender—more polished than budget picks but not as feature-rich as high-end units. It’s best suited for singles, couples, or students who value clean design and consistent basics over smart tech or grilling functions. While it doesn’t offer the capacity of the 1.6 cu. ft. Farberware, it matches its wattage in a more compact, stylish package.

Don’t let its compact size fool you—the Emerson MWG1191SB is a culinary chameleon, uniquely combining 1,100 watts of microwave power with a built-in grill function to deliver textures most microwaves can’t touch. This dual-mode capability lets you crisp the top of a mac and cheese bake or brown a grilled cheese sandwich, bridging the gap between reheating and actual cooking. With 11 power levels and 9 presets, including popcorn, pizza, and veggies, it’s a game-changer for budget-conscious cooks who want more from their countertop appliance.

In practice, the grill function works best in combo mode, where microwave energy speeds up cooking while the grill element adds color and crunch—ideal for frozen meals that usually turn rubbery. The removable glass turntable makes cleanup simple, and the retro-style dials offer satisfying tactile feedback. However, the 1.1 cu. ft. interior limits plate size, making it a tight fit for dinner plates, and the grill requires longer cook times than expected, demanding patience rather than speed.

Compared to the Sharp or Farberware models, this Emerson unit trades space for versatility, outshining them in cooking potential despite lower capacity. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or bachelors who crave crispy results without a toaster oven. While it lacks sensor cooking, it delivers more culinary flexibility than similarly priced microwaves.

For those who regularly cook for families or meal prep in bulk, the SHARP 1.6 cu. ft. microwave stands tall as a spacious, high-performance leader in the countertop category. Its massive 13.6-inch turntable and 1.6 cubic feet capacity accommodate full dinner plates and large casserole dishes with ease—something most 1.4 cu. ft. models struggle with. Backed by 1,100 watts and sensor cook technology, it balances power and precision, adjusting cooking cycles based on moisture to prevent dryness or sogginess.

Real-world testing reveals strong performance on reheating family-sized portions, where the sensor presets for popcorn and beverages deliver near-perfect results with zero input. The blue LED display and stainless steel finish lend a premium feel, and the one-touch cook functions streamline daily use. However, the lack of multi-stage cooking is a notable omission for advanced users, and the sensor defrost, while fast, can occasionally over-thaw delicate items like fish.

Against the Farberware and GE models, this Sharp unit wins on sheer capacity and fit for larger households, though it’s pricier than both. It’s ideal for families of four or more, home chefs, or entertainers who need roomy interiors without sacrificing speed. While it doesn’t offer Alexa compatibility like the Toshiba, it excels in core functionality and build quality.

The Farberware 1.6 cu. ft. microwave is a quiet achiever—delivering spacious cooking, smart sensors, and exceptional value in a no-frills stainless steel shell. With 1,100 watts and a roomy 1.6 cubic feet interior, it handles large plates and meal prep containers with ease, making it a top pick for families and home cooks who hate transferring food to smaller dishes. Its smart sensor auto-cook settings respond dynamically to humidity, automatically adjusting time and power to avoid overcooked lasagna or icy centers.

In daily use, the six one-touch presets (popcorn, pizza, potato) are fast and reliable, and the defrost-by-weight function thaws ground beef evenly in under 8 minutes. The interior lighting and LED display make monitoring easy, and the easy-clean coating resists splatters and wipes clean in seconds. However, it lacks the grill function of the Emerson or voice control of the Toshiba, and the turntable noise can be slightly louder than competitors during extended cycles.

Compared to the SHARP 1.6 cu. ft. model, this Farberware offers similar capacity at a lower price, though with a less premium display and fewer aesthetic flourishes. It’s perfect for budget-focused buyers who still want sensor tech and full-sized cooking. While it doesn’t have Alexa integration, it delivers better value than similarly sized premium models.

Enter the future of kitchen convenience with the TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS)—a tech-forward microwave that brings voice control, smart sensors, and app integration to the countertop. With 1,100 watts and a built-in humidity sensor, it automatically adjusts cooking cycles for perfect reheating, eliminating the guesswork behind soggy leftovers. But the real magic lies in its Alexa compatibility and remote control support, allowing hands-free starts and real-time monitoring—a dream for multitasking parents or accessibility users.

In real-life testing, the sensor reheat function adapts beautifully to different food types, from rice to pasta, while the mute button silences beeps instantly, a small but life-changing feature for late-night snacking. The ECO mode reduces standby power, appealing to eco-conscious users, and the 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking. However, the 1.3 cu. ft. capacity feels snug for large dishes, and the app interface, while functional, has a slight learning curve.

Against the Farberware or GE models, this Toshiba stands out for smart connectivity, though it sacrifices some space and simplicity. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users, smart homes, or those with mobility challenges who value automation and quiet operation. While it doesn’t have a grill like the Emerson, it offers far more intelligent features than any other 1100W model here.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a cleanability champion, engineered for users who hate scrubbing stubborn stains and splatters. Despite operating at 1,000 watts (slightly below the 1100W standard), its smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus deliver impressively consistent results, especially for reheating and defrosting. The easy-clean interior features a special coating that resists grime and wipes clean in seconds, a huge win for messy kitchens or frequent users. Add in mute function and ECO mode, and you’ve got a microwave that’s as considerate as it is practical.

In performance tests, it handled daily reheats and frozen meals with reliability, though the lower wattage meant slightly longer cook times compared to 1100W models—about 15–20 seconds more for a cup of coffee. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, and the one-touch start is perfect for routine tasks. However, the 1.2 cu. ft. size limits plate compatibility, and the power deficit shows when cooking dense foods like baked potatoes.

Compared to the Emerson or Farberware, this Toshiba trades power and space for cleaning ease and energy efficiency, making it ideal for college students, seniors, or minimalist kitchens. While it doesn’t match the wattage of the others, it excels in maintenance and quiet daily operation.