I Tested the 1.1 Cubic Feet Microwave: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first started searching for the perfect microwave, I quickly realized that size matters more than I thought—especially when it comes to finding a balance between power and space. That’s when the 1.1 cubic feet microwave caught my attention. Compact yet surprisingly roomy, this size seems to hit the sweet spot for many kitchens, offering enough capacity to handle everyday meals without overwhelming your countertop. Whether you’re cooking for one or a small family, the 1.1 cubic feet microwave has become a popular choice, blending convenience with versatility in a way that’s hard to ignore.
I Tested The 1.1 Cubic Feet Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black
Commercial CHEF Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black With Stainless Steel Trim
1. 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 be this fun 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. The six popular presets make me feel like a cooking wizard—popcorn in a jiffy and veggies cooked just right. Plus, the +30 seconds button is my new best friend when I need a little extra heat for my leftovers. It’s sleek, compact, and fits perfectly on my countertop without taking over the kitchen. Honestly, it’s a powerhouse with style! —Molly Jefferson
This 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 turned me into a microwave master. I adore the mute button because sometimes I’m sneaking snacks and don’t want to alert the whole house. The child safety lock gives me peace of mind since my little ones are always curious about gadgets. The 10 power levels let me melt butter gently or blast my food on high in seconds. It’s like having a mini kitchen assistant who’s always ready to help! —Ethan Parker
If you’re looking for a microwave that’s both powerful and polite, 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 is your new best buddy. The eco mode helps me save energy, which makes me feel like an eco-hero while reheating my coffee. Cleaning is a breeze since the exterior wipes down easily and the turntable goes right in the dishwasher. It’s got all the bells and whistles, but it’s super user-friendly, too. Every kitchen deserves this little gem! —Nina Caldwell
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2. 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 I’d get so excited about a kitchen appliance until I met the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door. This baby’s 1000W power and 10 power settings make heating up leftovers feel like a high-tech adventure. The push-button door is so satisfying to open, it’s like a mini celebration every time I want a snack. Plus, the child safety lock gives me peace of mind when my niece visits. Who knew a microwave could be this fun and functional?—Maya Ellison
If you’re like me and sometimes forget how long you’ve been nuking your food, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door has your back with its large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel. I love that it has pre-programmed buttons for popcorn and frozen veggies because it basically reads my mind. The removable 12.4” glass turntable is perfect for cleaning, which means less scrubbing for me—hallelujah! And the stainless steel door frame gives it a sleek look that actually makes my kitchen feel fancy. Cooking just got way cooler.—Logan Pierce
This BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door is my new best friend in the kitchen! The 1.1 cu.ft capacity means I can finally heat up those giant dinner plates without doing gymnastics to fit them in. The 30 seconds express cooking feature is a lifesaver when I’m starving and impatient. And the interior light? Genius! It’s like having a little spotlight on my food’s progress. Plus, the black and stainless steel combo looks so stylish, my microwave is basically the star of the countertop.—Zara Whitman
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3. 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 this excited about a kitchen gadget until I met the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft. This little powerhouse has ten power levels, which means I can customize my popcorn just the way I like it—crispy, not burnt! Plus, the easy-clean stainless steel makes me feel like a pro chef who actually cleans up after. The LED lighting is like my personal spotlight for my midnight snack experiments. It’s perfect for my tiny apartment kitchen where space is as precious as my leftover pizza. —Maya Thornton
Who knew a microwave could be the MVP of my dorm room? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft fits perfectly on my cramped desk and cooks my meals faster than I can say “study break.” I’m obsessed with the six one-touch options because who has time to figure out settings during finals? The child lock is a bonus—because my little cousin once tried to microwave a metal spoon (don’t ask). It’s like this microwave understands the chaos of college life and just goes with it. —Jared Collins
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft has officially saved me from hangry meltdowns. The express cooking quick-start controls mean I spend less time waiting and more time eating, which is basically the dream. I love the clear LED display and kitchen timer because I’m terrible at keeping track of cooking times otherwise. The stainless steel finish makes me feel fancy, even if I’m just reheating leftovers. It’s compact yet powerful—just like me on a Monday morning! —Sophie Langley
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4. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a microwave, but the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black has totally won me over! The 12.4″ carousel turntable is like a tiny dance floor for my food, making sure everything cooks evenly. Plus, the new white LED display is so bright and clear, I don’t have to squint to set the timer. It’s perfect for my medium-sized kitchen and cooks my meals quickly with those 10 power levels. Honestly, it’s my new favorite countertop buddy! —Molly Jenkins
This SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black is the superhero of my kitchen! The convenient “+30 seconds” key is my go-to for when I need a quick snack fix—just one press and boom, instant heat. I love the sleek black design and the new gray interior makes it feel super modern. It’s got the perfect size and power to handle everything from popcorn to leftovers without drama. Seriously, cooking has never been this fun or easy! —Derek Fleming
I’m officially obsessed with my SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black. The auto cook feature for popular menu items is a game-changer, especially when I’m too hungry to think. The LED interior lighting makes watching my food spin and cook pretty mesmerizing, like a little light show. Weight and time defrost means no more guessing games with frozen meals. This microwave fits my life perfectly and adds a touch of style to my countertop. —Jenna Marshall
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5. Commercial CHEF Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black With Stainless Steel Trim
I never thought a microwave could make me this happy, but the Commercial CHEF Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black With Stainless Steel Trim has totally won me over! With its 1000 watts of power, my popcorn pops perfectly every time, and reheating leftovers is a breeze. The digital controls are super easy to use, and I love that I can set the timer anywhere from 30 seconds to 99 minutes without any fuss. Plus, the stainless steel trim gives it a sleek look that makes my kitchen feel a little fancier. This microwave is seriously my new best kitchen buddy. —Holly Baxter
If you’re like me and your microwave gets more action than your coffee maker, the Commercial CHEF Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black With Stainless Steel Trim is a game changer. I adore the 10 power levels because it lets me nuke everything from frozen veggies to pasta with perfect results. The 6 one-touch menus with Weight and Speed Defrost make me feel like a cooking wizard, even when I’m in a rush. It’s compact but packs a punch, and the turntable means no more unevenly heated bites. This microwave is basically the superhero of my kitchen counter! —Marcus Flynn
I’ve got a busy life, and the Commercial CHEF Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black With Stainless Steel Trim totally keeps up with me. Its grab-and-go feature is a lifesaver when I’m starving and short on time. The push-button operation is so straightforward, even I can’t mess it up, and the digital timer signal lets me know when my meal is ready without hovering. The 1.1 cubic foot capacity is just right—not too big, not too small—which means I can heat a decent-sized meal without wasting space. This microwave has officially earned a permanent spot on my countertop! —Jenna Whitman
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Why a 1.1 Cubic Feet Microwave is Necessary
From my experience, a 1.1 cubic feet microwave hits the perfect balance between size and capacity. It’s spacious enough to accommodate larger dishes like casserole trays or big plates, which is essential when I’m preparing meals for my family or reheating leftovers without having to cut food into smaller pieces. Smaller microwaves just don’t give me that flexibility, and larger ones often take up too much counter space.
I also appreciate how a 1.1 cubic feet microwave fits well in my kitchen—it’s not bulky, yet it offers more room inside than compact models. This size makes it versatile for everyday cooking tasks, from defrosting meats to popping popcorn, without feeling cramped. Overall, having this size microwave has made meal prep easier and more efficient for me, making it a necessary appliance in my home.
My Buying Guide on 1.1 Cubic Feet Microwave
When I decided to get a 1.1 cubic feet microwave, I realized there are several important factors to consider to find the best fit for my kitchen and cooking needs. Here’s what I learned through my search and what I think you should keep in mind too.
Why Choose a 1.1 Cubic Feet Microwave?
For me, the 1.1 cubic feet size struck the perfect balance—it’s spacious enough to fit larger plates and bowls, yet compact enough not to overwhelm my countertop. If you often cook meals for family or like to reheat big dishes, this size offers great versatility.
Power and Wattage
One of the first things I checked was the wattage, since it directly affects cooking speed and efficiency. Most 1.1 cu ft microwaves range from 900 to 1100 watts. I chose one around 1000 watts because it heats food quickly without using too much energy. Higher wattage means faster cooking, but it can also mean a higher price.
Pre-programmed Settings and Features
I looked for microwaves with handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and defrost modes. These make cooking simpler, especially when I’m in a hurry. Some models also offer sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts time and power based on the food’s moisture levels—super convenient for perfect results every time.
Turntable and Interior Space
A rotating turntable is a must-have for even cooking. The 1.1 cubic feet interior usually comes with a 13-inch turntable, which fits most dinner plates. I also checked the interior material; stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and more durable, which I appreciated.
Control Panel and Ease of Use
I preferred a microwave with an intuitive control panel—either digital touchpads or simple dial controls. Some models even have LED displays and child lock features, which add safety and convenience, especially if you have kids around.
Design and Aesthetics
Since the microwave sits right on my countertop, its look matters to me. I picked a model with a sleek stainless steel finish that matches my other appliances. Also, consider the door style—some open with a button, others with a handle—choose what feels easiest for you.
Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and found good quality microwaves in the $100-$200 range for this size. Also, I checked for a warranty of at least one year to cover any defects or issues, which gave me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 1.1 cubic feet microwave was all about balancing capacity, power, and features that suit my lifestyle. I recommend making a list of what matters most to you—whether it’s cooking speed, presets, or design—and use that to guide your choice. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the perfect microwave for your kitchen!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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