Imagine a kitchen where reheating leftovers is quick, popcorn pops perfectly every time, and defrosting frozen meals takes mere minutes. Sounds pretty good, right? For many of us, a microwave oven is the unsung hero of our kitchens, a trusty appliance that saves us time and effort. But when it comes to choosing a 1.1 cubic foot model, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want something that fits your space, cooks evenly, and doesn’t break the bank, but where do you even start?
Navigating the world of 1.1 Cu Ft microwave ovens can feel like a puzzle. You’re bombarded with different brands, features, and price points, and it’s easy to feel lost. Are you worried about getting a microwave that’s too small for your family’s needs, or one that takes up too much counter space? Perhaps you’re wondering which features are actually useful and which are just fancy extras. We get it – finding the perfect fit for your kitchen and your budget is a common challenge.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what makes a great 1.1 Cu Ft microwave oven. We’ll break down the essential features to look for, highlight popular and reliable models, and offer tips to help you avoid common pitfalls. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave confusion and hello to a perfectly chosen appliance that will make your kitchen life easier.
Our Top 5 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 8.7/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 Cu. Ft. is a fantastic kitchen helper for anyone needing quick and easy meal prep. It’s designed to be super convenient, offering powerful cooking in a compact size. This microwave is a perfect fit for smaller kitchens in apartments or dorm rooms, making it easy to heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, or cook your favorite meals in a flash.
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of power, which means it heats food quickly.
- It offers ten different power levels and multi-stage cooking for custom meals.
- Six one-touch options like popcorn, potato, and pizza make cooking simple.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, saving you effort.
- The 1.1 cu. ft. size is great for small spaces but still cooks like a bigger oven.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean, which is a huge plus.
- A clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra security in households with kids.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small spaces, some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The one-touch buttons are convenient, but a few more options could be useful for varied cooking needs.
This Farberware microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance that simplifies cooking. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a powerful and convenient microwave for their home or dorm.
2. Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Farberware FMWO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for any kitchen. It makes heating up leftovers or cooking simple meals a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design looks good on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful, with 1000 watts of cooking power.
- It has lots of useful settings, like six one-touch options for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, which is super convenient.
- The 1.1 cubic foot size is great for smaller kitchens or offices.
- It’s easy to clean inside and out.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- Quick start buttons let you cook for 1 to 6 minutes instantly.
- You can also add 30 seconds to the cooking time with just one touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for most tasks, some might find the 1.1 cu. ft. size a bit small for very large dishes.
This Farberware microwave offers a fantastic blend of power and convenience for your daily cooking needs. It’s a reliable choice that simplifies meal preparation.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a powerful 1000-watt microwave with a generous 1.1 cubic foot capacity, meaning it can handle everything from reheating leftovers to cooking full meals. The sleek black and stainless steel design looks modern and stylish. Plus, it’s designed with families in mind, featuring a child safety lock to keep little hands out.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen vegetables, making cooking quick and easy.
- The 10 power settings and 30-second express cooking option give you a lot of control over how your food is heated.
- The large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use, even for beginners.
- The push-button door release is convenient and provides easy access.
- The removable 12.4-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The child safety lock adds an extra layer of security for households with children.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cooking presets are helpful, some users might prefer more specific options for various dishes.
- The input power is 1600W, which is higher than some other microwaves, so it’s good to be aware of your kitchen’s electrical capacity.
This microwave offers a good balance of features and performance for its price. It’s a reliable choice for everyday cooking needs.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a sleek, black appliance that brings convenience to your kitchen. Its 1.1 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts of power handle everyday cooking tasks with ease. With 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, this microwave makes reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or cooking vegetables simple and fast. Plus, thoughtful features like a child safety lock and a mute button add extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- 10 power levels let you control the heat from low for melting butter to high for fast cooking.
- Digital controls and a +30 seconds button make setting time and power easy.
- Memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- Child safety lock keeps little hands out and prevents accidental door openings.
- Mute button lets you turn off beeps for quiet operation.
- Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or bulk meal prep.
- While the presets are convenient, some users might prefer more customizable cooking options beyond the standard settings.
This Chefman microwave offers a great balance of power, features, and safety for any modern kitchen. It’s a reliable choice for quick meals and everyday heating needs.
5. GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE GCST11X1WSS Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or apartment. Its sleek stainless steel design fits well on most countertops. This microwave offers 950 watts of power and a 1.1 cu. ft. interior, giving you plenty of space and cooking power for your meals. It also comes with helpful features like auto cooking settings and a child lock.
What We Like:
- The TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK is a great safety feature for families with young children.
- It has a SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR but a SPACIOUS INTERIOR, perfect for smaller kitchens.
- The CONVENIENT CONTROLS are easy to understand and use, with helpful alarms and a timer.
- WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST makes it simple to thaw frozen foods perfectly.
- EASY SET UP means you can start using it right away on any countertop.
- It includes 6 Auto Cooking Settings for quick meal preparation.
- The glass turntable ensures even cooking for all your food.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers good space, some larger dishes might be a tight fit.
- The 39-inch power cord might be a bit short for some kitchen layouts.
This GE microwave is a practical and user-friendly appliance. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable microwave for everyday use.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Oven
A 1.1 cubic foot microwave oven is a great size for many kitchens. It’s big enough to heat up leftovers and cook small meals, but it won’t take up too much counter space. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a 1.1 cu ft microwave, several features make a big difference.
Power Levels
Microwaves have different power levels, measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with at least 900 watts. This lets you cook and heat food quickly.
Cooking Presets
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. They set the time and power for you.
Turntable
A turntable is a glass plate that spins. It helps food cook evenly. Most 1.1 cu ft microwaves have a turntable. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
Child Lock
This safety feature stops kids from accidentally turning on the microwave. It’s a good idea if you have young children at home.
Interior Light
An interior light lets you see your food as it cooks. This helps you avoid burning or overcooking. Some lights are brighter than others.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
Exterior Casing
Most microwave exteriors are made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often less expensive. Choose what fits your kitchen’s style and your budget.
Interior Coating
The inside of the microwave is usually coated with enamel or a ceramic material. Enamel is common and easy to wipe clean. Ceramic is often more scratch-resistant and can be a bit easier to clean.
Glass Door
The door has a glass window so you can see inside. This glass is usually tempered, meaning it’s strong. The window should be clear and not distorted.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it worse.
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy and break easily.
Ease of Cleaning
A microwave that is easy to clean saves you time and effort. Look for smooth interior surfaces and a removable turntable. Some models have special easy-clean coatings.
Noise Level
Some microwaves are louder than others. If you are sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how loud the microwave is when it runs.
Energy Efficiency
While not always a major factor for microwaves, some models are more energy-efficient. This can save a little on your electricity bill over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice.
For Small Families or Singles
A 1.1 cu ft microwave is perfect for heating individual meals or side dishes. It’s great for busy individuals or couples who don’t cook large meals often.
For Defrosting
Most microwaves have a defrost setting. This is very useful for thawing frozen meats or vegetables quickly. A good defrost function is a quality feature.
For Quick Snacks
Need to warm up some soup or make popcorn in a hurry? This size microwave is ideal for these quick tasks. It heats things up fast.
For Dorm Rooms or Offices
This size is compact and fits well in smaller spaces. It’s a convenient appliance for students in dorms or for break rooms in offices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a 1.1 cu ft microwave?
A: For a 1.1 cu ft microwave, a wattage of 900 watts or higher is generally recommended for efficient cooking and heating.
Q: Do all 1.1 cu ft microwaves have a turntable?
A: Most 1.1 cu ft microwaves come with a turntable to ensure even cooking. It’s a standard feature for this size.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves harder to clean than plastic ones?
A: Stainless steel microwaves can show fingerprints more easily, but they are generally easy to wipe clean. Plastic exteriors are also easy to maintain.
Q: What does “cu ft” mean in microwave size?
A: “Cu ft” stands for cubic feet. It measures the internal volume or space inside the microwave oven.
Q: Can I fit a 9×13 inch baking dish in a 1.1 cu ft microwave?
A: A 9×13 inch baking dish is often too large for a 1.1 cu ft microwave. You should check the interior dimensions before purchasing if you plan to use specific dish sizes.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can clean the inside by placing a bowl of water with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice inside. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then let it sit for another 5 minutes. The steam will loosen food particles, making them easy to wipe away.
Q: Are microwaves with more presets better?
A: Microwaves with more presets can be more convenient, especially if you frequently cook the foods they are designed for. However, you can always manually set the time and power for any food.
Q: How long do 1.1 cu ft microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care and regular cleaning, a 1.1 cu ft microwave oven can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.
Q: Is a child lock feature necessary?
A: A child lock feature is highly recommended if you have young children. It prevents accidental operation and ensures safety.
Q: What is the difference between a countertop and a built-in microwave?
A: A countertop microwave sits on your counter. A built-in microwave is installed into cabinetry, often with a trim kit, for a more integrated look.
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!