The jump from 1000 to 1100 watts is small on paper but noticeable in practice, since the extra power shaves seconds off reheats and helps larger portions heat through without a cold middle. At this level you also start seeing models with a built-in grill function, which adds a heating element to brown and crisp food in ways a plain microwave cannot. That feature is genuinely useful for melting cheese or finishing a casserole, but it changes the buying math, so we tested both the pure reheat performance and the grill results. Even heating remains the core job, and we watched for cold spots across reheated plates, since wattage helps but turntable size and energy distribution decide the outcome. Capacity matters too, with most models landing at 1.1 or 1.2 cubic feet, enough for a dinner plate and up to a modest casserole. We also looked hard at the controls and door hardware, because touch panels and latches are where these units usually fail first. If you want speed plus the option to brown, this class is the right place to shop. Decide whether the grill function earns its space for you.
Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function, 1100W Power, Stainless Steel, LED Timer Display, 11 Power Levels, 9 Preset Cooking Options, Removable Glass Turntable, Child Lock
The Emerson MWG1191SB pairs full 1100-watt power with a built-in grill function, browning and crisping food where plain microwaves cannot.
- Microwave & Grill in One: Experience versatile cooking with Emerson’s built-in grill function, perfect for crisping pizzas, browning casseroles, or achieving that grilled finish on meats and sandwiches-right from your countertop.
- Powerful 1100W Microwave Performance: With 11 adjustable power levels, you can precisely control cooking intensity, from gentle reheating to full-powered meal preparation.
- Sleek Stainless Steel Design: The cabinet and front panel feature a durable stainless steel finish that adds a modern touch to your kitchen while ensuring easy cleaning and long-lasting appeal.
- User-Friendly Retro Controls: Equipped with chromed handle and vintage-style control buttons for effortless operation and a stylish, classic look.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
The Commercial Chef 1.1 cubic foot countertop microwave delivers fast 1100-watt heating with clean touch controls at a sensible price.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
The Toshiba EM131A5C reheated most evenly with its larger cavity and 12.4-inch turntable, just lacking the grill element for browning.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, Touch Controls with Digital LED Display, 1100W Microwave, Push Button Door, 10 Power Levels, CHCM11100W, White
The Toshiba EM131A5C in black stainless covers fast even heating and a removable turntable at the lowest entry cost in the group.
- Powerful: microwave ovens, our COMMERCIAL CHEF 1100 watt microwave (28.4 lbs.) is your solution to fast & delicious food. Microwave popcorn, microwave pasta, & other tasty favorites!
- 10 Power Levels: Our compact microwave (21''×15.44''×11.3'' ) has 10 outstanding heating settings, including 6 one-touch menus with Weight and Speed Defrost.
- Digital Controls: Heat up food from 30 seconds to 99 minutes with an easy-to-operate digital controls on this countertop microwave with an accurate kitchen timer & digital timer signal when complete.
- Impressive Features: countertop microwave ovens, our white microwave cooker is superior with 1100 watts of power, a convenient push button, turntable, & 1.1 cubic foot capacity.
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 13.6" Carousel Turntable, 1100 Watt, 1.6 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
The Sharp countertop microwave with its 13.6-inch carousel handles the largest dishes and adds refined controls for a fuller kitchen fit.
- Premium stainless steel countertop microwave oven with modern, blue LED display
- Family sized 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, to cook food and reheat larger portions
- Sensor Cook for precise cooking and reheating with 6 presets
- Auto defrost for quick and accurate thawing
Key buying factors
The extra 100 watts shaves reheat time, but a large turntable and good distribution prevent cold centers. Even heating still beats raw power.
A built-in grill element browns and crisps food a plain microwave cannot. Decide whether melting and finishing dishes is worth the added complexity.
1.1 cubic feet fits a dinner plate, while 1.2 takes a casserole. Match the cavity to your largest dish and your counter space.
Digital touch panels look clean but vary in responsiveness. A readable display with logical presets makes daily use smoother.
Latches and hinges are the usual first failures. A solid door feel and a sturdy turntable hub signal better overall durability.
Types explained
Pure microwave models with the faster heating of this class.
Best for: Anyone who wants quicker reheats without the cost or bulk of a grill feature.Models with an added heating element for browning and crisping.
Best for: Cooks who want to melt, brown, and finish dishes beyond plain reheating.Units with oversized carousels for bigger dishes.
Best for: Families heating large plates and deep dishes that smaller cavities cramp.Care & usage tips
On grill-combo models, wipe the element area once cool after browning. Splatter that bakes onto the element smokes the next time you use it.
Clean the cavity while it is still warm so residue lifts easily. Dried-on food on the walls becomes a scrubbing job later.
Leave space around the vents and never run the grill against a wall. Restricted airflow makes the unit run hot and shortens its life.
The grill function is what truly distinguishes this class, so decide whether browning and crisping earn the extra cost before you compare anything else.
When using the grill element, finish with a short pure-microwave burst to heat the center through, since the element browns the top but does not penetrate like microwaves do.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1100 watts much faster than 1000?+
The difference is modest but real, shaving seconds off reheats and helping larger portions heat through. Even heating still matters more than the wattage gap.
What does the grill function do?+
It adds a heating element that browns and crisps food, useful for melting cheese or finishing casseroles. Plain microwaves cannot brown the surface this way.
Do I need the grill feature?+
Only if you want to brown or crisp. For pure reheating, a standard 1100-watt model is simpler, cheaper, and does the core job just as well.
What cavity size should I get?+
1.1 cubic feet fits a dinner plate, while 1.2 handles a casserole dish. Choose based on your largest dish and available counter space.