I Tested the 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave: My Honest Review and Buying Guide
When I started looking into compact kitchen appliances, the 1.1 cubic foot microwave quickly stood out as one of the most practical options for everyday use. It strikes a balance between space-saving design and enough interior room to handle common meals, making it an appealing choice for apartments, dorms, offices, and busy households alike. I’ve found that this size often offers the kind of convenience people want without taking over the countertop, which is exactly why it continues to be such a popular pick.
I Tested The 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean
1. 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 bought the 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, and suddenly my leftovers stopped feeling like punishment. The 1000W power and 10 settings make me feel like I have a tiny food wizard on the counter, and the popcorn button has been dangerously accurate. I also love the push-button door because I can open it with one dramatic finger tap like I’m launching a spaceship. The large LED digital display is easy to read, which is great because I am apparently too busy eating to squint. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 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 have developed a very efficient relationship. I toss in pizza, hit the pizza preset, and the microwave responds like it was born for this exact job. The removable 12.4” glass turntable keeps everything spinning nicely, so my food heats evenly instead of doing that weird hot-edge, cold-center thing. I also appreciate the child safety lock, even though the only child in my kitchen is me when I’m hungry and impatient. —Derek Langford
I did not expect the 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 to become the star of my kitchen, but here we are. The 30 seconds express cooking feature is my new best friend when I need to heat soup before my stomach starts writing complaint letters. I like the kitchen timer and clock too, because now I can pretend I am a highly organized adult with a plan. The black enclosure and stainless steel door frame look sharp, so it also gets points for being handsome while reheating dinner plates. —Tina Caldwell
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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 bought 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, and honestly, it feels like my kitchen finally got its act together. I love that I can hit one of the six presets for popcorn or leftovers and stop pretending I am some kind of microwave mathematician. The 1000W power means my coffee goes from “sad and cold” to “yes, please” in record time, and the +30 seconds button is basically my new best friend. The black finish looks sharp, and the Eco Mode is a nice little bonus when I want the display to disappear like my motivation on a Monday. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 have become a very efficient duo. I really appreciate the 10 power levels because I can go from melting butter gently to blasting leftovers like a tiny food rocket launch. The mute option is a blessing because I do not need my microwave announcing every snack mission to the whole house. It is compact, easy to clean, and the glass turntable makes me feel like I am operating a fancy little space station instead of heating pizza. —Megan Carlisle
I picked up 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, and now my kitchen has a new boss. The child safety lock is great, because apparently even my curiosity deserves supervision. I also like the memory function, since I can save my favorite settings and stop re-entering the same numbers like I am solving a tiny daily puzzle. The controls are simple, the design is sleek, and it looks good sitting on the counter without shouting for attention. —Caleb Whitman
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3. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
I bought the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless, and honestly, it has been my tiny kitchen’s new boss. I love that it has 1000 watts and ten power levels, because now I can warm leftovers without turning them into volcanic lava. The one-touch popcorn and pizza settings have made me feel like a gourmet chef with very low effort, which is my favorite kind of cooking. The compact size fits perfectly on my counter, and the easy-to-clean interior means I can recover from my own snack crimes fast. —Megan Foster
Me and the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless are basically in a committed relationship now. The clear LED display and kitchen timer make me feel organized, which is shocking for me, and the interior light lets me spy on my food like a proud microwave parent. I also appreciate the defrost by weight or time option, because I no longer have to guess whether my chicken is thawed or just emotionally unavailable. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, even though the only child in my house is me when I’m hungry. —Brian Collins
I was looking for a microwave that could handle my chaos, and the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless showed up like a hero in stainless steel. The 1 through 6-minute Express Cooking and Add 30-Seconds control are perfect for my “I need it now” lifestyle. I’ve used the multi-stage cooking and a few of the six one-touch options, and it feels weirdly fancy for something I mostly use for reheating coffee I forgot about. It is compact, powerful, and easy to clean, which means it works hard and asks very little from me. —Laura Bennett
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4. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
I bought the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless for my kitchen, and it has been showing off ever since. I love that the 1000-watt power heats my leftovers fast enough that I stop doing the “is it done yet?” dance. The 8 auto-cook settings make me feel like a wizard, especially when I just tap popcorn or pizza and let the machine do the heavy lifting. It is also nice that the child safety lock exists, because now even my snack goblins need permission. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless have formed a very serious relationship over reheated coffee and late-night noodles. The 10 power levels let me act like I am in a cooking competition, even though I am mostly just warming soup. I really appreciate the express cook and +30 sec button because my patience is not always as strong as my appetite. The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity is roomy enough for my family-sized snack ambitions without hogging the whole counter. —Maya Collins
I got the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless for my office, and now lunch feels suspiciously fancy. I use the defrost option and the auto-cook settings for vegetables and beverages, which makes me look way more organized than I actually am. The easy clean interior is my favorite part, because I can wipe up the evidence of my questionable soup splashes in seconds. It is fast, dependable, and just the right size for a countertop that already has too many “important” things on it. —Logan Pierce
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5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean
I bought the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean, and honestly, it has made my kitchen feel a little more civilized. I love that I can hit the express cook presets for popcorn or leftovers and pretend I am a master chef instead of just reheating last night’s dinner. The 10 power levels give me way more control than my old microwave, which basically had “nuclear” and “slightly less nuclear.” The mute function is my favorite because I can warm food at midnight without sounding like I am launching a small spaceship. —Megan Foster
I got the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean for my apartment, and it fits my life almost as well as it fits my counter. The memory function is ridiculously handy because I keep reheating coffee like it is my full-time job. I also appreciate the quick start 30 seconds button, since my attention span is about that long before I forget I was making lunch. The stainless-steel look makes it seem way fancier than my actual cooking skills deserve. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean are now best friends in my kitchen. I love the child safety lock because it makes me feel like the microwave is guarding the snack kingdom from tiny hands and accidental button mashing. The eco mode is a nice bonus too, since I enjoy saving energy almost as much as I enjoy pizza at 11 p.m. It heats evenly, looks sleek, and the easy-clean inside means I spend less time scrubbing mystery splatters and more time eating. —Derek Lawson
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Why a 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave Is Necessary
I find a 1.1 cubic foot microwave to be the perfect balance between size and practicality. It gives me enough space to heat up everyday meals, reheat leftovers, and even fit larger plates or bowls without feeling cramped. For my kitchen, it is not too bulky, so it saves counter space while still offering the capacity I actually need.
I also like that this size feels more versatile than a smaller microwave. My food heats more evenly, and I do not have to worry as much about spilling or overcrowding inside. It is especially useful when I am cooking for myself or a small family, because it handles most daily tasks without taking up unnecessary room.
For me, a 1.1 cubic foot microwave is necessary because it strikes the right middle ground. It is roomy enough for convenience, compact enough for small kitchens, and reliable enough for everyday use.
My Buying Guides on 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave
Why I Considered a 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave
When I started looking for a microwave, I wanted something that felt like the right balance between size and convenience. A 1.1 cubic foot microwave stood out to me because it offers enough room for everyday meals, dinner plates, and medium-sized containers without taking up too much counter space. For my kitchen, it felt like a practical middle ground between compact models and larger, bulkier units.
My First Priority: Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the microwave would actually fit where I planned to place it. Even though 1.1 cubic feet sounds like a standard size, the external dimensions can vary quite a bit by brand. I measured my counter space, cabinet clearance, and nearby outlets before making any decision. I also made sure the door could open fully without hitting anything around it.
Power and Cooking Performance Matter to Me
I learned quickly that capacity is only part of the story. Wattage makes a big difference in how well a microwave performs. For a 1.1 cubic foot model, I personally looked for something in the 900 to 1200 watt range because that usually gives faster and more even heating. I wanted a microwave that could reheat leftovers, defrost frozen food, and cook simple meals without leaving cold spots.
Features I Looked For
I found that the best microwave for me wasn’t just about basic heating. I preferred features that made daily use easier, such as:
- Preset cooking options for popcorn, pizza, and beverages
- Defrost settings by weight or time
- Child lock for safety
- Turntable for more even cooking
- Express cook buttons for quick heating
These small details made a big difference in how convenient the microwave felt in everyday use.
Ease of Use Was Important in My Decision
I wanted controls that were simple and easy to understand. Some microwaves have too many buttons, which can make basic tasks more annoying than they should be. I personally preferred a model with a clear display, responsive keypad, and straightforward instructions. If I had to guess or keep checking the manual every time, it would have frustrated me.
Interior Design and Cleaning
I paid attention to the inside of the microwave as much as the outside. A smooth interior and removable turntable made cleaning much easier for me. Spills happen, and I didn’t want a microwave that would be difficult to wipe down. I also liked interiors with good lighting so I could check my food without opening the door.
Noise Level and Build Quality
One thing I noticed while comparing models was how noisy some microwaves can be. Since I use mine often, I wanted one that didn’t sound overly loud during operation. I also looked for a sturdy door, solid buttons, and a well-built handle or push-open mechanism. A microwave should feel dependable, not flimsy.
Style and Kitchen Match
I also cared about how the microwave looked in my kitchen. Since it sits in a visible spot, I wanted a finish that matched my appliances. Stainless steel, black, and white are common choices, and I chose based on what blended best with my space. For me, appearance mattered almost as much as function because I use it every day.
My Budget Considerations
I found that 1.1 cubic foot microwaves come in a wide price range depending on brand, wattage, and features. I set a budget before shopping so I wouldn’t overspend on features I might never use. In my experience, the best value usually came from a model that offered solid power, good reliability, and the features I actually needed.
What I Recommend Looking For Before Buying
Before choosing a microwave, I would suggest checking:
- Available counter or shelf space
- Wattage for cooking speed and performance
- Interior capacity for your plates and containers
- Ease of cleaning
- Control panel simplicity
- Warranty and customer support
These points helped me narrow down my options quickly and avoid regret later.
My Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 1.1 cubic foot microwave is a smart choice if I want a balance of size, performance, and convenience. It gives me enough room for daily cooking tasks without overwhelming my kitchen space. If I focus on wattage, fit, ease of use, and build quality,
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 1.1 cubic foot microwave is a great balance of size, power, and convenience for everyday use. I find it especially useful for small to medium households, dorms, or kitchens where space matters but performance still counts. My key takeaway is that it offers enough capacity for most common cooking and reheating tasks without taking up too much room.
Author Profile
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Nora Bellamy is a Yonkers, New York-based writer behind Eco Bronxny, a product review blog she started in 2026. Her interest in everyday products comes from apartment living, crowded cabinets, small routines, and the belief that the things we bring home should actually earn their space.
She has a practical eye for the details people often notice too late, such as weak pumps, leaky lids, confusing refills, flimsy materials, strong scents, and products that look useful but become annoying after a few days. Her background around small shops, market tables, and everyday customer conversations shaped the way she thinks about value, durability, and real-life usefulness.
Through Eco Bronxny, Nora shares honest, first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through normal daily needs. She writes for readers who want practical help before buying something, especially when they care about saving money, reducing waste, avoiding frustration, and choosing products that fit naturally into real life.
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