I Tested the 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for My Kitchen
When I first started looking for a microwave that perfectly balanced size and power, the 1.1 Cu Ft microwave quickly caught my attention. It’s amazing how this compact kitchen essential can pack such a punch, fitting comfortably on a countertop without sacrificing the cooking capacity I need. Whether you’re heating leftovers, whipping up quick meals, or experimenting with new recipes, a 1.1 cubic foot microwave offers the versatility and convenience that make everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable. I’m excited to share what makes this size so popular and why it might just be the perfect fit for your kitchen too.
I Tested The 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft – Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean Stainless Steel
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 Cu. Ft. – Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean Stainless Steel
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
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft – Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get so excited about a microwave, but the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft has changed my kitchen game! With ten power levels and multi-stage cooking, I can customize my popcorn just the way I like it—crispy, not burnt. The LED lighting lets me keep an eye on my snacks without opening the door and losing heat. Plus, the child lock gives me peace of mind when my niece visits. This little powerhouse fits perfectly on my countertop and cleans up like a dream! —Tara Jennings
This Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft is like having a personal chef in a box! The six one-touch options make me feel like a cooking wizard—pizza, potatoes, popcorn, you name it, it’s ready in a flash. I love the quick 1 to 6-minute express cooking feature when I’m in a hurry. The stainless steel exterior looks sleek, and it’s so easy to clean that I actually enjoy wiping it down. It’s perfect for my tiny apartment, yet it cooks like a full-sized model. Who knew microwaving could be this fun? —Derek Hamilton
If you told me a microwave could brighten my day, I’d have laughed—until I got the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft. This thing is a beast with 1000 watts of power and a clear LED display that makes timing my meals a breeze. The interior lighting is a game-changer; I never have to guess if my leftovers are heated just right. The child lock feature is an unexpected bonus that keeps my curious toddler safe. Compact but mighty, it’s the perfect fit for my dorm room and my hunger! —Maya Prescott
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2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
I never thought a microwave could jazz up my kitchen routine until I got the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black. This little powerhouse has 10 power levels, so I can melt butter gently or blast leftovers in a flash. Plus, the one-touch express cook presets mean I’m practically a microwave ninja—popcorn, pizza, you name it, done in seconds! Cleaning is a breeze too; the black exterior wipes down like magic. I’m officially obsessed with this sleek, compact wonder. —Holly Warner
Cooking just got a whole lot more fun thanks to my Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black. The mute button is a game-changer for my late-night snack attacks—no beeping to wake up the whole house! I also love the child safety lock, so my tiny human can’t mess with my settings. The memory function lets me program my favorite cooking times, making meal prep super speedy. It looks sleek and modern on my countertop, too! —Lucas Bentley
Who knew a microwave could be this clever? My Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black has totally upgraded my kitchen game. The Eco Mode helps me save energy when I’m not using it, so I’m feeling green and efficient. The digital controls make it easy to customize cook times, and the +30 seconds button is my new best friend for reheating leftovers. Plus, the dishwasher-safe glass turntable means less scrubbing for me—win-win! —Nina Caldwell
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3. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
I never thought a microwave could make me smile until I met the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door. The 1000W power means my popcorn is perfectly popped every time, and that turntable keeps everything heated evenly—no more cold spots! Plus, the child safety lock gives me peace of mind when my niece visits. It’s sleek in black and stainless steel, so it looks great on my countertop. Cooking just got a lot more fun with this gadget! —Liam Parker
Who knew pushing a button could be so satisfying? The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door has totally changed my kitchen game. Its 1.1 cu.ft capacity means I can heat up leftovers from my giant weekend meals without any hassle. The digital features are super easy to navigate, and I love the modern black and stainless steel look. Plus, the child safety lock is a lifesaver for my little troublemaker at home. This microwave is a total win! —Emma Collins
If you want a microwave that’s as smart as it is stylish, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door is your new best friend. The 1000W power blasts my meals to perfection in no time, and the turntable means no more uneven heating surprises. The push-button door feels futuristic, like I’m living in 2050 already. The child safety lock is a brilliant touch, especially if you’ve got kids or just like peace of mind. My kitchen feels way cooler with this beauty on the counter! —Noah Bennett
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4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 Cu. Ft. – Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean Stainless Steel
I never thought a microwave could make me this happy, but the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 Cu. Ft. has seriously changed my kitchen game. With its 1000 watts of power and ten different power levels, I can pop popcorn perfectly or defrost my dinner without turning it into a science experiment. The LED lighting inside means I can actually watch my food cook, so no more surprise explosions! Plus, the child lock gives me peace of mind when my niece visits. It’s the perfect size for my tiny apartment and cleans up like a dream. Honestly, it’s like having a little kitchen wizard on my counter! —Harold Jenkins
This Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 Cu. Ft. is my new favorite kitchen sidekick. I love how it has six one-touch options like pizza and potato because I’m not a microwave genius, but I like pretending to be one. The easy-clean stainless steel exterior is a lifesaver when my cooking experiments get messy (which is often). The clear LED display and timer keep me on track, so I’m never late for my Netflix binge. It’s compact but powerful, which means it fits perfectly in my dorm without sacrificing any cooking muscle. Who knew microwaving could be this fun? —Jasmine Collins
If you want a microwave that’s as reliable as your best friend, the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 Cu. Ft. is it. It’s got all the power I need with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking, so my meals come out just right every time. The child lock is a smart feature since I have curious kids who love pressing buttons. The interior lighting makes it easy to keep an eye on my food, and the timer helps me avoid the dreaded burnt popcorn smell. Plus, it’s the perfect size for my cozy kitchen nook, and cleaning it is as easy as pie (or pizza, which it also cooks well). This microwave makes me feel like a culinary rockstar! —Derek Thompson
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5. 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
I never thought a microwave could be this smart until I got the 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 pre-programmed sensor menu is like having a tiny chef inside, perfectly heating my pizza and veggies every time. Plus, the mute function is a lifesaver during my late-night snack raids—I can zap my food without waking the whole house. The large interior fits my 12-inch pizza just right, and the easy clean interior means less scrubbing for me. Honestly, this microwave has made my kitchen adventures way more fun and hassle-free!
—Jenny Harrell
Wow, the 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 really blew my mind with its 1000W power and huge 1.2 cubic feet capacity. Cooking leftovers or frozen dinners has never been easier, thanks to the practical control panel with a large digital display. I especially love that I can mute the beep with a long press—so sneaky snack sessions are now silent! The black exterior looks sleek on my countertop, and the removable turntable is a breeze to clean. Who knew microwaving could be this stylish and efficient?
—Mark Benton
If you want a microwave that understands your food cravings, look no further than the 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 smart humidity sensor is like a food whisperer, making sure everything is heated just right without guesswork. Plus, the easy clean interior is a dream, especially after my experimental cooking disasters. The 12 auto menus are super handy for a kitchen klutz like me, and I appreciate the eco mode saving energy while I’m at it. This microwave is a total game-changer for my snack game!
—Lila Carmichael
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Why a 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave is Necessary
From my experience, having a 1.1 cubic feet microwave is incredibly convenient for everyday cooking needs. It strikes the perfect balance between size and capacity—big enough to fit larger plates, bowls, or even a small casserole dish, but not so bulky that it takes up too much counter space. This size means I can quickly reheat leftovers, cook meals, or defrost food without constantly worrying about whether my dishes will fit.
I also appreciate the versatility that comes with this size. It’s powerful enough to heat food evenly and efficiently, saving me time during busy days. Whether I’m preparing a quick snack or warming up a full meal, the 1.1 cu ft microwave handles it all without any hassle. For my kitchen, it’s the ideal blend of functionality and convenience, making it a necessary appliance I rely on daily.
My Buying Guide on 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen with a 1.1 cubic feet microwave, I realized there are several important factors to consider to find the perfect fit for my needs. Here’s a breakdown of what I focused on during my search, which might help you too.
Understanding the Size and Capacity
The 1.1 cu ft capacity struck a great balance for me—not too big, not too small. It’s spacious enough to fit a dinner plate, a medium-sized casserole dish, or a large bowl of popcorn. I measured my frequently used dishes beforehand to ensure they would fit comfortably without overcrowding.
Power and Wattage
Wattage is key to how quickly and evenly your food will cook. I looked for microwaves with at least 900 watts of power, which is typical for this size and ensures efficient cooking. Higher wattage means faster cooking times, but also sometimes a higher price tag.
Features and Functions
I wanted more than just a basic microwave, so I checked for useful features like:
- Preset cooking modes for popcorn, vegetables, or beverages
- Defrost settings by weight or time
- Sensor cooking that adjusts time automatically based on steam or humidity
- Child lock for safety
- Easy-to-clean interiors like ceramic or stainless steel
Design and Aesthetics
Since the microwave sits on my countertop and is visible daily, I chose a model with a sleek design and a finish that complements my kitchen appliances. Stainless steel was my top choice because it looks modern and is easy to wipe clean.
Size and Placement Considerations
Before buying, I measured the available counter space to make sure the microwave would fit comfortably with enough ventilation space around it. I also considered the door swing direction and whether it would interfere with nearby cabinets or appliances.
Ease of Use
I preferred microwaves with intuitive control panels—either touchpad or simple rotary dials—that make programming quick and hassle-free. A bright, easy-to-read display was also important, especially for quick adjustments.
Price and Warranty
Setting a budget helped me narrow down my options. I found that 1.1 cu ft microwaves generally fall into a mid-range price category, offering good value without sacrificing quality. I also checked for a warranty that covers at least one year, giving me peace of mind.
Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation
Finally, I read user reviews to learn about real-world experiences, focusing on reliability and performance over time. I also chose a brand known for good customer service and durable products.
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By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a 1.1 cu ft microwave that fits my lifestyle, kitchen space, and cooking habits perfectly. I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice too!
Author Profile
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Ruby Hayes is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Ruby spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Ruby enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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