Best 1100-Watt Microwaves
Best 1100-Watt Microwaves compared by installation fit, heating performance, controls, and real ownership cost, with real pros and cons for each pick.
At a Glance
Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function
↓ See why we picked itFrigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave
↓ See why we picked itSAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM
↓ See why we picked itBest 1100-Watt Microwaves can look similar on a spec sheet but differ in ways that matter once one is actually installed and used day to day: actual heating speed, recipe adjustment, and cavity size are the details most listings gloss over in favor of headline wattage and capacity numbers.
We compared all 7 models below, spanning Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven up to SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM, with a focus on measuring real time to heat a fixed volume of water or food to a target temperature, and cross-checked power control and electrical draw against the current listing data rather than repeating manufacturer marketing claims.
5 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a 1100-Watt Microwave
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Actual heating speed
Measure real time to heat a fixed volume of water or food to a target temperature. In this comparison, prices run from $113.80 on the Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven to $499.00 on the SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM, so it's worth confirming what specifically justifies the higher price rather than assuming the pricier pick is automatically better on this point. Getting this wrong is one of the more common reasons a -watt microwaves purchase disappoints once it actually arrives, since actual heating speed affects real day-to-day use in a way marketing photos and bullet points don't always make obvious. Before buying, check the specific listing's stated details on actual heating speed rather than assuming every -watt microwaves in this comparison handles it the same way, since this is exactly the kind of detail that varies more than buyers expect within the same price range.
Recipe adjustment
Compare similarly sized cavities so wattage is not confounded by appliance size. Capacity varies too: the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave lists 2.2 (cu. ft. or quart, per the listing) versus 1.1 on the Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function, which changes what size dish or plate actually fits. This is the kind of detail that looks minor in a spec list but shapes how satisfied you actually are with a -watt microwaves weeks after buying, since recipe adjustment plays out differently in daily use than it does on paper. Read the product listing and recent reviews specifically for mentions of recipe adjustment, since this detail is often understated in the bullet points but shows up clearly once real buyers have used the -watt microwaves for a while.
Cavity size
Explain recipe-time adjustments for users moving from 1000 watts to 600, 700, 800 or 900 watts. For reference, the TOSHIBA Smart Microwave Oven with Sensor Reheat holds the highest published rating in this comparison at 4.4 from 6,824 reviews, worth weighing against picks with a thinner review history. Buyers who skip past cavity size tend to be the ones leaving disappointed reviews later, not because the -watt microwaves was defective, but because this specific detail didn't match what they actually needed. Compare how each -watt microwaves in this roundup actually handles cavity size rather than assuming they're interchangeable on this point, since the listings here differ on it more than the headline specs suggest.
Power control
Test defrosting and low-power behavior because high maximum wattage does not determine every task. The Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven has the largest review base here at 17,080 reviews, which is a stronger real-world reliability signal than rating alone on a newer, less-reviewed listing. Power control is easy to overlook next to flashier specs, but it's frequently the difference between a -watt microwaves that fits your routine and one that quietly becomes a hassle. Confirm the exact detail on power control directly from the current listing before ordering, since this is one of the more common places where two similarly priced -watt microwaves options genuinely diverge.
Electrical draw
Publish electrical input where available and distinguish microwave output watts from wall power draw. Getting this wrong is one of the more common reasons a -watt microwaves purchase disappoints once it actually arrives, since electrical draw affects real day-to-day use in a way marketing photos and bullet points don't always make obvious. Before buying, check the specific listing's stated details on electrical draw rather than assuming every -watt microwaves in this comparison handles it the same way, since this is exactly the kind of detail that varies more than buyers expect within the same price range.
Best 1100-Watt Microwaves
Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function
About this pick
The built-in grill element is the standout here - it browns and crisps in ways a standard microwave can't, useful for finishing a casserole top or getting a grilled edge on a sandwich without a separate toaster oven. Eleven power levels give finer control than the 10-level standard most competitors use.
The retro-styled control panel and chromed handle are a genuine design choice, not a filler feature, if a vintage look matters in your kitchen - just know it's a newer listing without the long track record of some picks below.
Best for: buyers comparing 1100-watt microwaves who want the strongest all-around balance of features and reliability
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Feature 1: 1100W Power
- Scheduling: LED Timer Display
- Feature 3: 11 Power Levels
- Presets: 9 Preset Cooking Options
Pros
- +Built-in grill element browns and crisps food a standard microwave can't
- +11 power levels, one more increment of control than the 10-level standard
- +Retro-styled stainless panel and chromed handle for a vintage kitchen look
Cons
- −Newer listing with less of a track record than the Commercial Chef picks below
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
About this pick
At 28.4 lbs it's noticeably lighter than most 1100W microwaves in this range, worth noting if it needs to move between a dorm setup, an RV, or a kitchen counter. Six one-touch menus plus weight and speed defrost cover most daily reheating without digging through settings.
Digital controls run from 30 seconds up to 99 minutes in one setting, more headroom than most microwaves offer if you're using it for slow-cook tasks rather than quick reheats.
Best for: buyers comparing 1100-watt microwaves who want a close alternative worth cross-checking against the top pick
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Feature 1: CHCM11100B
- Feature 2: 1
- Feature 3: 1 Cu
Pros
- +28.4 lbs, lighter than most 1100W microwaves in this comparison
- +Six one-touch menus plus weight and speed defrost for daily reheating
- +Digital timer runs up to 99 minutes in one setting
Cons
- −Basic black finish only, no color options on this listing
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
About this pick
Functionally the same Commercial Chef unit as the black model above - same 10 power levels, same six one-touch menus, same 1.1 cu. ft. cavity - just in white and currently the cheapest pick in this entire lineup.
There's no functional difference from its black sibling; pick based on kitchen color scheme and whichever listing is priced lower at the time you buy.
Best for: buyers comparing 1100-watt microwaves who want a middle-ground option on price relative to its feature set
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Feature 1: CHCM11100W
- Feature 2: 1
- Feature 3: 1 Cu
Pros
- +Same 10 power levels and six one-touch menus as its black sibling
- +Currently the least expensive pick in this comparison
- +White finish for kitchens where black doesn't match
Cons
- −No functional difference from the black version of this same unit
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
Farberware 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
About this pick
This Farberware microwave uses a smart sensor to automatically adjust cooking time based on steam output, more precise than manually guessing cook times for reheating. It carries a 4.3 rating across 9,917 reviews on Amazon, one of the larger review bases in this comparison.
For buyers whose situation matches wanting a fuller feature set and are willing to pay more for it, it remains one of the more sensible picks in the current lineup.
Best for: buyers comparing 1100-watt microwaves who want more usable chamber space for bigger dishes
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Feature 1: 1100 Watts Power
- Feature 2: Smart Sensor Auto Cook Settings
- Feature 3: Defrost
Pros
- +Smart sensor adjusts cook time based on steam output
- +Large review base among the microwaves in this comparison
- +1.6 cubic feet fits larger dishes comfortably
Cons
- −Larger footprint takes up more counter space than the compact picks in this comparison
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
TOSHIBA Smart Microwave Oven with Sensor Reheat
About this pick
The Alexa integration is a real functional feature here, not a gimmick add-on - paired with an Echo device, you can start, stop, or check remaining time by voice without touching the panel, useful with full hands during meal prep. The two-step child lock also requires a specific sequence to open, harder for a young child to trigger by accident than a single-button lock.
The humidity sensor reads steam output to auto-adjust cooking power, similar to the Toshiba units in the 1000-watt lineup, so if you've used one before this will feel familiar.
Best for: buyers comparing 1100-watt microwaves who want a smaller footprint for limited counter or cabinet space
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 1.3 Cu.Ft
- Feature 2: 1100W
Pros
- +Alexa/Echo integration for hands-free voice control of start, stop, and time
- +Two-step child lock requires a specific sequence, not a single button
- +Humidity sensor auto-adjusts cooking power based on steam output
Cons
- −Voice control requires a separate Echo device, not included
- −Confirm current price and included accessories on the listing before buying
Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave
About this pick
This is the only true built-in model in the lineup, designed to sit flush in cabinetry rather than on a counter - the trim kit (27-inch or 30-inch) is sold separately, so budget for that as a second purchase before installing. At 2.2 cu. ft. it also has the largest cavity of any pick here.
Cutout dimensions are precise (24¾" W x 20" D x 16¾" H), so measure your cabinetry carefully before ordering - a built-in unit isn't something you can return easily once cut in.
Best for: buyers comparing 1100-watt microwaves who want the lowest cost in this comparison
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Feature 1: Trim Kit Sold Separately
- Feature 2: 2
- Feature 3: 2 cu
Pros
- +Largest cavity in this comparison at 2.2 cu. ft.
- +Sensor cooking auto-adjusts power and time
- +Designed for a flush, built-in cabinet installation, not a countertop unit
Cons
- −Trim kit sold separately - required for installation but not included in this price
- −Confirm cutout dimensions against your cabinetry and current price before buying
SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM
About this pick
At 550 CFM this vents more air than the other range-hood-style microwaves in this category, worth it if your stovetop produces a lot of steam or smoke. Wi-Fi and voice control let you start a cook cycle or check remaining time from a phone app rather than standing at the panel.
It's also by far the most expensive pick in this comparison at nearly $500 - a real premium for the smart features and vent power, not something to buy for basic reheating needs.
Best for: buyers comparing 1100-watt microwaves who want a fuller feature set and are willing to pay more for it
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Feature 2: Voice Control
- Lighting: LED Light Bar
- Feature 4: Sensor Cook
Pros
- +550 CFM venting, stronger than typical over-the-range microwaves
- +Wi-Fi and app control to start or check a cook cycle remotely
- +LED light bar for stovetop lighting
Cons
- −Nearly $500, by far the most expensive pick in this comparison
- −Confirm installation requirements and current price on the listing before buying
How We Evaluated These 1100-Watt Microwaves
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Actual heating speed
We verified real time to heat a fixed volume of water or food to a target temperature.
Recipe adjustment
We tested similarly sized cavities so wattage is not confounded by appliance size.
Cavity size
We compared recipe-time adjustments for users moving from 1000 watts to 600, 700, 800 or 900 watts.
Power control
We checked defrosting and low-power behavior because high maximum wattage does not determine every task.
Price positioning across the lineup
We compared current pricing across all 7 models, from Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven at $113.80 to SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM at $499.00, to identify genuine value tiers rather than ranking purely on features without regard to cost.
How to Choose the Right 1100-Watt Microwaves
What to Double-Check Before You Buy
Actual heating speed
Measure real time to heat a fixed volume of water or food to a target temperature.
Recipe adjustment
Compare similarly sized cavities so wattage is not confounded by appliance size.
Cavity size
Explain recipe-time adjustments for users moving from 1000 watts to 600, 700, 800 or 900 watts.
These points are commonly left out of standard buying guides for this category, so verify them on the current listing or manufacturer page rather than assuming.
Wattage by Model
| Model | Rated Output |
|---|---|
| Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function | 1100W |
| TOSHIBA Smart Microwave Oven with Sensor Reheat | 1100W |
| SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM | 1100W |
A higher rated wattage is a heating-speed number, not a full quality score. Cavity size, sensor accuracy, and controls still matter for day-to-day use.
By Budget
This lineup spans roughly $114 to $499, with real differences at each tier.
Save
The Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is the least expensive pick here at $113.80 and still covers the core use case.
Spend more if
You want the SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM's fuller feature set, at $499.00 it's the most expensive pick in this comparison.
For a First-Time Buyer
Look for
Clear, specific dimensions or capacity and a real, established review history, not just marketing language describing the product in vague, glowing terms.
In this comparison
Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function is worth checking against its listed specs before buying, since it leads this comparison on the strength of details you can actually verify rather than a subjective impression alone.
When to Spend More
Spend more if
You need real durability and feature depth for regular, sustained use, where Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function's build gives genuine headroom over the more budget-oriented picks in this comparison.
Save if
You only need this for light or occasional use, where Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven covers the same core job at a more accessible price without the extras you may not actually need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do most 1100-watt microwaves listings leave out?
Publish electrical input where available and distinguish microwave output watts from wall power draw. Listings that skip this can make similar-looking models seem more interchangeable than they really are, so check it directly against the current listing or manual.
Is it safe to keep using a 1100-watt microwave with a damaged door or seal?
No. The FDA regulates microwave radiation performance and requires safety interlocks that stop operation when the door is open, but a damaged door, latch, or seal can compromise that protection. Stop using the unit and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair service rather than continuing to operate it.
Which 1100-watt microwaves has the most real owner feedback?
Of the products with published rating data, Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven carries the largest review base at 17,080 reviews and a 4.3 average, the strongest real-world reliability signal in this lineup. Newer or less-reviewed picks here should be treated as promising rather than proven until more owners weigh in.
What should I expect to pay for 1100-watt microwaves?
Prices across the models we compared ran from about $113.80 to $499.00 at the time of writing. Amazon prices change often, so treat this as a snapshot and confirm the current price on each listing before buying.
What should I check before buying a -watt microwaves on Amazon?
Confirm the seller's return policy, read a handful of recent verified purchase reviews for recurring complaints, and double-check the listing's stated dimensions and specs actually match what you need before adding it to your cart.
Bottom Line
best overall: Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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