Top 5 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Ovens: Quick Review Guide

Ever feel like your microwave is either too small to fit your dinner or too huge for your counter space? Finding the perfect size can be a real puzzle! The 1.1 cubic foot microwave oven size is a popular choice, but it’s easy to get lost in all the features and brands. You want something that heats up leftovers quickly without taking over your kitchen, right?

This size hits that sweet spot for many households, offering more room than tiny models but staying compact enough for busy lives. However, deciding which 1.1 Cu Ft model is best means looking past the shiny exterior. You worry about power, ease of cleaning, and if it will actually last. Don’t let confusing specs slow down your snack time!

This post cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a great 1.1 Cu Ft microwave. You will learn the key features to look for and avoid buyer’s remorse. Get ready to discover the perfect countertop companion that fits your needs and budget. Let’s dive in and find your ideal match!

Top 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Oven Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
  • CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
  • POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
  • PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
  • ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
  • FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
SaleBestseller No. 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
  • Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Frequency : 60 Hz
  • 1000 Watts Output with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking, Input power: 1600W
  • Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable
  • Push-button door release for easy access
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 20.6” x 16.5” x 11.8”; Color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black
SaleBestseller No. 3
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
  • EXPRESS COOK: 6 presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers take the guesswork out of perfectly cooked food
  • LOW TO HIGH POWER: 1000 watts with 10 power levels to heat, defrost, cook, and more all in one compact microwave oven
  • CONVENIENT MEMORY FUNCTION: Save frequently used settings to heat your meals and beverages quickly
  • MULTIPHASE COOKING: Use two different cooking cycles for one food. Simply program extra power levels and times and then press start
  • COOK QUIETER: Mute option silences beeps and alarms for quieter cooking at home, in the kitchen, apartment, or dorm
Bestseller No. 4
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watt Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
  • CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
  • POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
  • PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
  • ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
  • FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
SaleBestseller No. 5
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
  • Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
  • Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
  • 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
  • 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
  • Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless and Black
  • CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 1000 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
  • POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
  • PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 1.1 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
  • ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
  • FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
SaleBestseller No. 7
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
  • EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
  • LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 1000W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
  • DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
  • MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
  • SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
Bestseller No. 8
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
  • Medium-sized 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, 1000 watts, Stainless
  • Orville Redenbacher's Certified Popcorn Presets
  • 12.4" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
  • Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Auto Cook for popular menu items; Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient "Express Cook" with single press up to 6 mins cooking

The Essential Buying Guide for Your 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Oven

Choosing a new microwave oven can feel like a big task. A 1.1 cubic foot (cu ft) model is a great middle ground. It fits well on most countertops but still offers enough space for family-sized meals. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen needs.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop, look closely at what the microwave can actually do. These features make cooking easier and faster.

  • Wattage Power: This is how fast it cooks. For a 1.1 cu ft size, look for 1000 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster reheating and better defrosting.
  • Inverter Technology: This is a big plus. Standard microwaves blast power on and off. Inverter technology cooks food with steady, even power. This stops edges from burning while the middle stays cold.
  • One-Touch Presets: Simple buttons for popcorn, pizza, or beverages save you time. You don’t have to guess the cooking time.
  • Sensor Cooking: The microwave uses a sensor to detect steam rising from your food. It then adjusts the cooking time automatically. This prevents overcooking.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.

  • Interior Cavity: Most good microwaves use a stainless steel interior. Stainless steel heats up evenly and resists stains better than painted metal.
  • Turntable: Glass turntables are standard and clean up easily. Make sure the glass plate is sturdy and fits the size of the oven well.
  • Exterior Finish: Look for fingerprint-resistant stainless steel or durable plastic housing. This keeps your appliance looking nice even with daily use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all 1.1 cu ft microwaves perform the same. Pay attention to these factors:

Quality Boosters:
  • Quiet Operation: A well-built microwave runs quietly. You won’t hear loud humming while watching TV.
  • Easy-to-Read Display: Bright, clear LED displays help you check the time quickly, even from across the kitchen.
  • Door Latches: Sturdy door mechanisms last longer than flimsy plastic ones.
Quality Reducers:
  • Weak Internal Light: If you cannot see your food cooking clearly, it is harder to monitor.
  • Complicated Controls: Too many confusing buttons lower the quality of the user experience. Simple controls are usually better.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you will actually use this appliance every day.

The 1.1 cu ft size is perfect for couples, small families, or people living in apartments. It easily fits a standard dinner plate or a small casserole dish. If you reheat leftovers often, the sensor reheat function will be your best friend. If you enjoy baking simple items or defrosting larger cuts of meat, the higher wattage (1100W+) will deliver better results.

For busy professionals, the “Add 30 Seconds” button is a lifesaver. It lets you quickly add a little extra time without opening the door and resetting the timer.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 1.1 Cu Ft Microwaves

Q: How much counter space does a 1.1 cu ft microwave usually need?

A: Most models are about 21 to 22 inches wide and 12 to 13 inches tall. Always measure the depth, as they can stick out a bit.

Q: Is 1000 watts enough for this size?

A: Yes, 1000 watts is generally enough for good performance in a 1.1 cu ft oven. Higher wattage just cooks slightly faster.

Q: Are 1.1 cu ft microwaves energy efficient?

A: Newer models are more efficient than older ones. Look for an Energy Star rating if saving electricity is important to you.

Q: What is the difference between sensor cooking and timed cooking?

A: Timed cooking requires you to guess how long food needs. Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out the right time for you.

Q: Can I put metal pans inside?

A: No. Never put metal or aluminum foil in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the oven lining.

Q: How do I clean the inside of the microwave?

A: Heat a bowl of water with a slice of lemon inside for two minutes. The steam loosens grime, making it easy to wipe clean with a cloth.

Q: Do these models come with a handle or a push-button door?

A: Both styles are available. Push-button doors save a little space on the counter, but handles are sometimes sturdier.

Q: Is 1.1 cu ft too small for a family of four?

A: It works well for reheating and quick snacks. For cooking large main dishes, you might prefer a 1.6 cu ft model.

Q: What does “Inverter” technology really do?

A: Inverter technology provides continuous, gentle heat. This cooks food more evenly, especially delicate items like fish or sauces.

Q: Should I get a model with convection heating?

A: Convection adds baking and roasting abilities. If you plan to bake small items, it is great. If you only reheat food, a standard model is cheaper.