The Sharp SMC1162KS is a capable mid-size countertop microwave, 1.1 cu ft cavity, 1000W output, and 10 power levels, at a fair $159.99 price point backed by over 1,200 buyer reviews and a 4.4-star rating. It covers most everyday heating tasks without the bulk of larger 1.5+ cu ft models.
Households that need a step up from compact units without taking up the full countertop real estate of a 1.6 or 2.0 cu ft model. The 20.6-inch width fits most standard kitchen spaces, and 1000W handles a wide range of reheating and defrost tasks efficiently.
Skip if
Cooks who frequently heat full-size dinner plates or large casserole dishes should look at a 1.6 cu ft or larger unit. If you want inverter technology for more even heating of delicate foods, the SMC1162KS does not offer that, it is a conventional 1000W design.
Capacity 1.1 cu ft
Wattage 1000 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 20.6 in
Controls Buttons
Priced 41% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.4/5overall
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 1,200 owner ratings
Value for money3.3/5
$145 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity3.9/5
1,200 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space2.9/5
1.1 cu ft, roomy for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At 1.1 cu ft and 1000W, the Sharp SMC1162KS sits in a sweet spot for solo cooks and small households. The 12.4-inch turntable is practical for most microwave-safe plates, and 10 power levels give enough flexibility to step down for defrosting or gentler reheating without jumping straight to half power. The stainless steel finish and 20.6-inch width suit a standard kitchen counter placement.
The physical footprint is 14.7 x 20.6 x 11.8 inches and 33.1 pounds, not unusually heavy for this class. Button controls keep operation simple and direct without a learning curve. At 1000W, cook times are middle of the road: faster than 700-800W budget units but short of the quicker cycling you get from 1200W models. For reheating soups, leftovers, and frozen meals, that output level is plenty.
With a 4.4-star rating across 1,200 reviews and 12 units purchased last month, there is a reasonable signal of consistent performance. Sharp has a long track record in microwave design, which adds confidence behind the spec sheet. The price of $159.99 is competitive for this capacity and wattage combination.
Pros
1000W output handles everyday reheating and defrost tasks reliably
12.4-inch turntable fits most standard microwave-safe plates
10 power levels provide meaningful control flexibility
4.4-star rating across 1,200+ reviews suggests consistent satisfaction
Competitively priced at $159.99 for the 1.1 cu ft / 1000W spec
Cons
No inverter technology, standard on/off cycling, not true continuous power
1.1 cu ft cavity limits space for larger dishes or family-size containers
33.1 lb weight makes repositioning less convenient
Specifications
Capacity
1.1 cu ft
Wattage
1000 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
20.6 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Stainless Steel
Turntable
12.4 in
Dimensions
14.7 X 20.6 X 11.8 In
Weight
33.1 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Smart
Not Smart Home Compatible
Performance notes
1000W is the practical standard for household microwaving, adequate for reheating a bowl of soup in under 2 minutes, defrosting a chicken breast with the stepped power levels, or warming a plate of leftovers evenly with the turntable. The 12.4-inch turntable accommodates most standard plates. Button controls allow direct time and power entry. Not rated for convection or sensor cooking.
What buyers say
With 1,200 reviews at 4.4 stars, the Sharp SMC1162KS has a strong positive signal. That rating places it above average for the mid-size countertop microwave category. Buyers appear satisfied with its day-to-day performance relative to the price. The relatively modest 12-unit monthly purchase volume suggests it is not a top-volume seller, but the review depth provides credible confidence in the product.
1000W can handle basic microwave cooking tasks, steaming vegetables, making microwave rice, or cooking fish fillets, with reasonable cook times. It is not as fast as a 1200W unit, but for most microwave-appropriate recipes it performs adequately. For very dense frozen items, expect slightly longer times than 1200W or 1500W competitors.
How does the Sharp SMC1162KS compare to budget 1.1 cu ft models?
Sharp's SMC1162KS is priced higher than entry-level 1.1 cu ft units and justifies that gap with a stronger review base and consistent power delivery. Budget alternatives in this size often use fewer power levels (5-6) versus the SMC1162KS's 10, which limits defrost and reheat precision.
Does this model fit inside a standard microwave cabinet cutout?
At 14.7 inches tall and 20.6 inches wide, it fits many countertop microwave shelf openings, but you should confirm your specific cabinet dimensions before ordering. The 11.8-inch depth is standard for a 1.1 cu ft unit. Always add clearance per the manufacturer's ventilation requirements.
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