7 Best 1100 Watt Countermicrowave Ovens 2025

This SHARP 1100-watt microwave brings inverter technology to the forefront, delivering a game-changing advantage for precision cooking. Unlike traditional microwaves that pulse power on and off, this model uses continuous energy modulation—meaning your scrambled eggs won’t turn rubbery and your leftovers reheat evenly without cold spots. The 1.4 cu. ft. cavity strikes a balance between compactness and usability, making it ideal for small families or kitchens with limited counter space, all while maintaining strong performance across everyday tasks.

In real-world testing, the sensor cook function consistently nailed reheating times for everything from dense lasagnas to delicate oatmeal, adjusting automatically based on moisture levels. The 12.4″ turntable ensures even heat distribution, though it may struggle slightly with oversized plates. With 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking, you can program complex sequences—like defrosting meat and then cooking it at a lower setting—without manual intervention. However, the interior lighting, while improved with LED, isn’t quite as bright as higher-end models, making it harder to monitor food in low-light kitchens.

Compared to the larger-capacity SHARP B0CNQ9S9FR, this model sacrifices some volume but gains superior cooking control through inverter tech, a feature absent in many mid-range units. It’s best suited for users who prioritize consistent cooking results over maximum space, such as singles, couples, or small households. While it doesn’t offer smart features or air frying, its precision and reliability outshine similarly priced competitors, especially when stacked against basic budget models that lack true variable power delivery.

Step into mid-tier luxury with this SHARP 1.6 cu. ft. microwave, where spacious cooking meets intuitive design—a standout for households tired of rotating multiple containers to reheat dinner. The 13.6″ turntable is one of the largest in its class, effortlessly accommodating full dinner plates or wide casserole dishes, eliminating the need to awkwardly angle food for even heating. With a blue LED display and sensor cook presets, it blends modern aesthetics with practical automation, making it a go-to for families seeking hassle-free operation.

During testing, the one-touch popcorn and beverage settings delivered consistent results, while the auto defrost handled a 2-pound chicken breast with minimal hot spots—though denser items still required manual flipping. The 1.6 cu. ft. interior shines when reheating family-sized meals, but the lack of inverter technology means power delivery isn’t as smooth, leading to slight overcooking at lower settings. Still, its Express Cook function allows quick 1–6 minute heating with a single press, a small but meaningful time-saver during busy mornings.

Positioned between entry-level models and premium combos, this SHARP offers more space than the B0CNQCNNMT but misses out on the precision of inverter cooking. It’s ideal for those who value convenience and capacity over gourmet-level control, such as families or home cooks who frequently reheat large portions. When weighed against the Panasonic NN-SD67LS, it trades sensor intelligence for size—making it a better fit for volume over finesse, with strong performance at a fair feature balance.

Don’t let its compact label fool you—this Magic Chef microwave packs a full 1.6 cu. ft. cavity and 1100 watts of power into a surprisingly space-smart design, making it a top contender for kitchen efficiency on a budget. It delivers robust performance for its size, handling everything from frozen burritos to steamed vegetables with reliable consistency. The auto cook menus and 10 power levels offer enough customization for most users, while the push-button door release adds a touch of modern convenience often missing in budget units.

In daily use, the digital interface responds quickly, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind in homes with young kids. The interior lighting is bright enough to monitor cooking, and the turntable rotates smoothly, though it can wobble slightly when heavily loaded. While it lacks sensor cooking, the time and weight defrost functions work well for basic thawing needs. However, without smart sensors or inverter tech, reheating delicate foods like fish or sauces requires manual supervision to avoid overheating.

When compared to the Farberware B07TM72TFX, this Magic Chef model offers similar capacity and power but with a more polished build and user-friendly controls. It’s best suited for renters, dorm rooms, or secondary kitchens where value and reliability matter most. Though it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of premium models, its well-rounded features and durable stainless front make it a smarter long-term buy than ultra-basic units, delivering more refinement than expected at this price tier.

The Farberware 1100-watt microwave stands out as a budget-friendly workhorse that doesn’t skimp on essential features, offering smart sensor cooking, 10 power levels, and six one-touch presets—including popcorn, potato, and pizza—in a sleek stainless package. Its 1.6 cu. ft. interior makes it a solid choice for small families or office kitchens, providing ample space without dominating the countertop. The easy-clean coating on both interior and exterior is a real win, resisting fingerprints and wiping clean with minimal effort.

Real-world testing revealed the sensor cook function works reliably for reheating leftovers, automatically adjusting time and power to prevent dryness. The defrost by weight feature handled a 1.5-pound steak in under 10 minutes with even results, though thicker cuts needed a manual flip. The LED display is crisp and legible, and the kitchen timer doubles as a multitasking aid—perfect for coordinating meals. However, the turntable motor is a bit noisy, and the lack of inverter technology means power cycling can lead to uneven heating at lower settings.

Against the Magic Chef MCM1611W, this Farberware model offers similar capacity and price but adds smart sensor tech, giving it a slight edge in automation. It’s ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want modern conveniences without paying a premium. While it won’t match the precision of inverter microwaves, its balance of features, size, and affordability makes it a standout in the entry-level segment, delivering more intelligence than expected for its cost.

GE makes a strong play for space-conscious cooks with this 1.7 cu. ft. microwave—the largest capacity in the lineup—proving that big results don’t require a bulky footprint. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, it houses a surprisingly roomy cavity that fits a 10-inch dinner plate with ease, making it perfect for dorms, studios, or apartments where every inch counts. The sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power, excelling at reheating soups and casseroles without guesswork, while the two-step child lock adds an extra layer of safety.

In practice, the glass turntable rotates smoothly and promotes even cooking, though it can struggle with very wide containers. The Instant On express cooking lets you heat food in 30-second bursts with a single press—a boon for quick coffee warm-ups or oatmeal prep. However, the sensor presets are limited to seven, fewer than competitors like Farberware or Toshiba, and the interior lighting is modest, making it hard to see food in dim lighting. Still, it handles standard tasks like popcorn and defrosting with dependable accuracy.

Compared to the SHARP 1.6 cu. ft. model, this GE unit offers more interior space and better sensor performance, though it lacks a large turntable or advanced cooking modes. It’s best for urban dwellers, students, or minimalists who need maximum utility in a small footprint. While it doesn’t offer smart features or inverter tech, its spacious design and reliable automation punch above its class, making it a smarter space-saving solution than most mid-range models.

TOSHIBA’s OptiChef isn’t just a microwave—it’s a kitchen revolution in a 1.3 cu. ft. shell, combining air frying, inverter heating, AI-powered sensors, and smart connectivity into one high-tech powerhouse. The Origin Inverter Technology ensures food cooks evenly, preserving moisture in meats and crispiness in fries, while the ChefFry Plus function delivers true air-fried results without a separate appliance. With a 2.4-inch color touchscreen and Alexa compatibility, it brings modern smart kitchen living to the countertop, letting you start meals by voice or app.

In real-world use, the intuitive humidity sensor adjusts cooking dynamically, preventing over-drying—a major win for reheating pizza or roasting chicken. The Chef Defrost function thaws frozen foods up to 40% faster while maintaining texture, outperforming traditional methods. However, the smaller 1.3 cu. ft. cavity limits large dishes, and the learning curve for the touchscreen interface may frustrate less tech-savvy users. While it handles most tasks with precision, the combo functions require careful monitoring to avoid over-browning.

Stacked against the Panasonic NN-SD67LS, this Toshiba model trades some simplicity for massive feature depth, offering air frying, app control, and AI-driven cooking that the others can’t match. It’s perfect for tech-forward home cooks who want versatility and health-conscious cooking in one unit. Though it costs more, its all-in-one functionality and evolving firmware updates provide long-term value that surpasses even premium standalone microwaves.

Panasonic’s NN-SD67LS earns its title as the best for sensor cooking with its patented Genius Sensor technology, which analyzes humidity in real time to automatically adjust cooking time and power—delivering consistently perfect results with zero guesswork. Whether reheating a bowl of soup or cooking frozen vegetables, the smart sensor prevents overcooking, preserving texture and flavor in a way few microwaves can match. The 1.3 cu. ft. interior maximizes usable space despite its compact footprint, thanks to Panasonic’s efficient design.

During testing, the 10 preset menus—including rice, pasta, and frozen entrees—performed flawlessly, reducing user error and streamlining meal prep. The Keep Warm function is a subtle but valuable addition, ideal for holding side dishes while finishing main courses. The 3-level popcorn setting adapts to bag size, minimizing burnt kernels. However, the turntable is smaller at 12.4″, limiting plate size, and the lack of inverter tech in some regions (despite claims) means power delivery isn’t always smooth at lower levels.

Compared to the SHARP B0CNQCNNMT, this Panasonic model offers superior sensor intelligence but lacks inverter cooking, creating a trade-off between automation and precision. It’s best for busy professionals or families who want set-it-and-forget-it reliability without complex controls. While it doesn’t offer air frying or smart features, its sensor accuracy and compact efficiency make it a more intelligent daily driver than most mid-range microwaves, excelling where it matters most: consistent, delicious results.