Emerson MWG1191SB Check price on Amazon

Emerson MWG1191SB Countertop Microwave Review

4.2 (487) Amazon rating$126.70

Our verdict

The Emerson MWG1191SB steps up to 1.1 cu ft and 1100W at $126.70, offering more power and capacity than budget 700W units with a 12-inch turntable and 10 power levels, a practical everyday microwave backed by 487 reviews and 1,191 monthly buyers.

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Best for

Small families or single-person households that want more power than entry-level 700W models without the footprint of a 1.4-2.0 cu ft unit. The 1100W output heats food noticeably faster than 700-900W alternatives, and the 12-inch turntable handles standard dinner plates.

Skip if

Those who want a brand with a deep support ecosystem or premium build quality should look elsewhere, Emerson positions in the value segment. Buyers who heat very large dishes frequently should consider a 1.4 cu ft or larger cavity.

  • Capacity 1.1 cu ft
  • Wattage 1100 W
  • Power levels 10
  • Installation Countertop
  • Width 20.3 in
  • Controls Buttons
  • Priced 53% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
  • Turntable of 12.0 in - smaller than 64% of the 84 models we track

Our scorecard

4.2/5 overall
  • Owner rating4.2/5

    4.2 average across 487 owner ratings

  • Value for money4.1/5

    $115 per cubic foot, below the category median

  • Popularity3.3/5

    487 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 1100W, the Emerson MWG1191SB occupies a useful middle ground in the countertop microwave market. The 20.3-inch width and 12-inch turntable support standard microwave-safe dinner plates, which is a meaningful practical upgrade over the 0.7 cu ft / 9.5-10 inch turntable range common at the budget tier. 1100W output reduces reheat times for soups, pasta, and frozen meals compared to 900W or 700W alternatives.

The 16.4 x 20.3 x 12.2-inch footprint at 34.4 pounds is compact enough for most kitchen counters. Button controls and 10 power levels keep operation straightforward without a learning curve. The stainless finish fits standard kitchen aesthetics without calling extra attention to itself.

With 487 reviews at 4.2 stars and 1,191 monthly purchases, the MWG1191SB has real market traction. That purchase volume is a strong signal of buyer confidence at this price. Emerson's positioning is value-first, and at $126.70 for 1.1 cu ft and 1100W, it competes directly with COMFEE' and Farberware alternatives in this tier.

Pros

  • 1100W output heats faster than 700-900W alternatives
  • 12-inch turntable accommodates standard dinner plates
  • 1,191 units sold monthly, strong demand at this price
  • 10 power levels offer practical control range
  • Competitively priced at $126.70 for this capacity and wattage

Cons

  • Emerson is a value brand, build quality reflects the price point
  • 1.1 cu ft cavity limits use with large bowls or wide casserole dishes
  • 4.2-star rating is solid but not exceptional for the category

Specifications

Capacity1.1 cu ft
Wattage1100 W
Power levels10
InstallationCountertop
Width20.3 in
ControlsButtons
ColorStainless Steel
Turntable12.0 in
Dimensions16.4 X 20.3 X 12.2 In
Weight34.4 lb

Performance notes

1100W with a 12-inch turntable and 1.1 cu ft cavity delivers practical everyday performance: a standard portion of leftover pasta reheats in under 2 minutes, and a frozen dinner at half power cycles through defrost stages without overcooking edges. Button controls with 10 power levels allow meaningful stepped power reduction. Not a convection or inverter model.

What buyers say

487 reviews at 4.2 stars with 1,191 monthly purchases is a healthy combination, steady sales paired with above-average satisfaction for this price class. Buyers at this tier typically value simplicity, adequate power, and a clean interface, which the MWG1191SB delivers by the numbers. There is no evidence of systemic reliability issues in the review distribution at this rating level.

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Frequently asked questions

How does 1100W compare to 900W for everyday use?

1100W cycles the magnetron more intensely than 900W, which translates to faster heating across the same food mass. Practically, a bowl of soup takes about 10-15% less time in an 1100W unit than a 900W unit under the same settings. For daily reheating tasks the difference is noticeable but not dramatic, more relevant when you are heating dense items like meat or thick casseroles.

Will a standard dinner plate fit in the 1.1 cu ft cavity?

Yes. The 12-inch turntable is sized to rotate a standard 10-inch dinner plate with clearance. An oversized 12-inch plate may touch the walls if not centered correctly, so flat-bottomed microwave-safe containers work best. The 1.1 cu ft interior has enough height for most standard bowls without stacking.

Is the Emerson brand reliable long-term?

Emerson Radio, the brand behind this appliance, licenses its name to value-tier manufacturers. These products are designed for cost-effective everyday performance, not premium longevity. The warranty terms and support infrastructure are more limited than appliance brands like GE, Panasonic, or Sharp. For a secondary microwave or a budget-constrained purchase, it is a reasonable choice; for a primary kitchen appliance expected to last 10+ years, a name-brand alternative may be worth the extra cost.

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