Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack or need to reheat leftovers, but your microwave is just a little too small. You’re constantly playing Tetris with your plates, or worse, you can’t fit in that medium-sized bowl at all. It’s a common kitchen frustration that many of us face, especially when trying to find that perfect middle ground in microwave size.
That’s where the 1.1 cubic foot microwave shines. It’s the sweet spot for many kitchens, offering more space than a compact model but not taking up too much precious counter real estate like a larger one. Yet, navigating the world of 1.1 cubic foot microwaves can still feel overwhelming. So many features, brands, and price points can leave you scratching your head. What makes one a better buy than another? How do you know which one will actually make your life easier?
By reading on, you’ll discover what to look for in a 1.1 cubic foot microwave. We’ll break down the key features that matter, helping you understand the jargon and pinpoint the models that offer the best value and performance for your needs. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave woes and hello to effortless reheating and cooking!
Our Top 5 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a powerful 1000-watt cooking experience in a compact 1.1 cubic foot size. Its sleek black design fits seamlessly into any kitchen, and it comes packed with features to make your meal prep a breeze. From quick popcorn pops to perfectly cooked potatoes, this microwave aims to simplify your daily cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies make cooking simple. Just press a button! You can also set the exact time you need by pressing the number keys.
- Low to High Power: With 10 power levels, you get great control. Melt butter gently or cook food super fast with maximum power.
- Digital Controls: Setting the time and power level is easy. The +30 seconds button is super handy for adding extra cooking time.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts. This means your go-to meals are ready in a flash.
- Safety First: The child safety lock keeps the door from opening by accident. You can also lock the control panel so little hands can’t change settings.
- Mute Option: Turn off annoying beeps with the mute button. This is great for quiet mornings or when the kids are sleeping.
- Modern Design: The black finish looks stylish in any kitchen. Eco Mode helps save energy and turns off the display when not in use.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.
- Trusted Quality: This microwave is cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman, so you can trust its durability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 1.1 cu. ft. capacity is good for many, larger families or those who cook very large dishes might find it a bit small.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and feature-rich countertop appliance. Its blend of power, convenience, and safety makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
2. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 8.7/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 Cu. Ft. is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and powerful microwave for their apartment, dorm, or small kitchen. It offers a generous 1.1 cubic feet of space, which is plenty for most meals, yet it has a compact design. The 1000 watts of power means your food heats up quickly and evenly. Plus, the sleek stainless steel finish not only looks great but is also super easy to clean.
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of power, so it heats food fast.
- You get ten power levels for custom cooking.
- It has six one-touch settings for popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- Defrosting is easy, whether by weight or time.
- The 1.1 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food cooking.
- A child safety lock provides extra security.
- Farberware is a trusted brand for kitchen appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small spaces, larger families might need a bigger microwave.
- Some users might prefer more advanced features like a convection oven.
This Farberware microwave makes meal prep simple and efficient. It’s a smart addition to any compact living space.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a digital microwave oven that makes cooking and reheating food a breeze. Its sleek black and stainless steel design will look great in any kitchen. This microwave offers plenty of power at 1000 watts, so your food heats up quickly. It also has a good-sized interior, 1.1 cubic feet, which can fit most standard dishes.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking your favorite snacks super easy.
- The 10 power settings give you lots of control over how your food cooks.
- A 30-second express cooking button is perfect for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is bright and easy to read, and the control panel is simple to understand.
- The child safety lock gives you peace of mind if you have little ones around.
- The removable 12.4-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave quick and simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the exterior is black, the door frame is stainless steel. Some users might prefer a fully black or fully stainless steel look.
- The dimensions are a bit on the larger side (20.6” x 16.5” x 11.8”), so make sure you have enough counter space.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a powerful and user-friendly microwave that offers convenience and great cooking results.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen best friend! This sleek stainless steel microwave is packed with features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. With 1000 watts of power and 10 different power levels, it can handle everything from defrosting frozen meals to heating up your morning coffee. Plus, its modern design will look great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- The 6 Express Cook presets take the guesswork out of common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the Memory Function for quick reheating.
- The Mute Function lets you silence annoying beeps, perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- Eco Mode helps save energy by turning off the display when not in use.
- The Child Safety Lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
- Multiphase Cooking allows you to set two different cooking cycles for more complex meals.
- The Quick Start +30 button makes it easy to add 30 seconds of cooking time instantly.
- Its stainless steel finish and removable turntable make it both stylish and easy to clean.
- It comes UL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the user manual could be a bit more detailed for some of the advanced functions.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and style. It’s a reliable appliance that simplifies everyday cooking tasks.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave oven that brings smart cooking and convenience to your kitchen. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly. This microwave features a large 12.4-inch turntable and a smart humidity sensor that automatically adjusts cooking for perfect results. It also offers 12 auto menus and 10 power levels, making it versatile for many cooking tasks. Plus, it has a mute function to silence the annoying beeps and an ECO mode to save energy.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically senses the humidity inside and adjusts the cooking time and power. This means your food will be cooked perfectly every time, no more overcooked or undercooked meals.
- It has 12 auto menus, including options for pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat. This makes it super easy to cook your favorite foods with just a few button presses.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control over how your food cooks. This is great for all sorts of tasks, from gently warming leftovers to boiling water quickly.
- The Mute Function is a lifesaver if you don’t want the microwave to beep loudly. You can turn off the buzzer by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features make quick work of frozen foods and simple heating jobs. You can defrost by weight or time, and start cooking at full power for up to 6 minutes with one touch.
- The large 12.4-inch glass turntable fits bigger dishes and rotates smoothly for even heating.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are specifically listed in the features. It would be helpful to know what all 12 are for.
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some other microwaves, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a great blend of smart features and user-friendly operation, making it a solid choice for busy kitchens.
Choosing Your Perfect 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave
Looking for a microwave that’s just the right size? A 1.1 cubic foot microwave is a popular choice for many kitchens. It’s big enough for most common tasks but not so large it takes up too much counter space. This guide helps you find the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features of a 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave
When you shop for a 1.1 cubic foot microwave, some features make a big difference in how well it works and how easy it is to use.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. More wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a spinning plate. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Defrost Settings: This feature lets you thaw frozen foods quickly. Look for options that let you defrost by weight or time.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock keeps the microwave door from opening accidentally.
- Interior Light: A light inside lets you see your food as it cooks.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read displays and simple buttons make using the microwave a breeze.
Important Materials: What Your Microwave is Made Of
The materials used in a microwave affect its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice for the exterior. It looks modern and is strong. Stainless steel is also somewhat resistant to fingerprints.
- Plastic: The interior of many microwaves is made of plastic. Look for BPA-free plastic for safety.
- Glass: The turntable and sometimes the door window are made of glass. Tempered glass is strong and safe.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less ideal.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. Its door should open and close smoothly. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. You won’t have hot spots and cold spots. Poorly designed microwaves might not heat food consistently.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. A quieter model is often preferred, especially in open-plan homes.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean. Stubborn stains can be a pain.
- Durability: A quality microwave should last for several years. Cheaper models might break down sooner.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters. A 1.1 cubic foot size is great for many situations.
- Small Households: It’s perfect for one or two people.
- Apartment Living: It fits well on apartment countertops without taking up too much space.
- Office Breakrooms: It’s a good size for heating up lunches at work.
- Dorm Rooms: Students can use it for quick meals and snacks.
- Simple Tasks: It’s ideal for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or heating up a mug of soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwaves
Q: How powerful should my 1.1 cubic foot microwave be?
A: Aim for at least 900 watts. More wattage means your food cooks faster.
Q: Does a 1.1 cubic foot microwave have enough space for a dinner plate?
A: Yes, most standard dinner plates fit comfortably inside a 1.1 cubic foot microwave. The turntable is usually large enough.
Q: What is the benefit of a turntable in a microwave?
A: A turntable spins your food as it cooks. This helps heat it evenly, so you don’t have cold spots.
Q: Are preset cooking options useful?
A: Yes, preset options take the guesswork out of cooking. They automatically set the time and power for common foods.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave exterior?
A: Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. It also helps resist fingerprints, making it easier to keep clean.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors are easy to wipe down with a damp cloth. You can also heat a bowl of water with lemon slices inside for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage measures how much power the microwave uses. Higher wattage means it cooks food more quickly.
Q: Can a 1.1 cubic foot microwave defrost food?
A: Yes, most 1.1 cubic foot microwaves have defrost settings. Some let you defrost by weight, while others let you set a time.
Q: Should I worry about BPA in my microwave?
A: It’s good to look for microwaves with BPA-free plastic, especially for interior parts that might get hot.
Q: How long should a 1.1 cubic foot microwave last?
A: With good care, a quality 1.1 cubic foot microwave can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years or more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!