I Tested the 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave: My Honest Review of This Compact Kitchen Essential

AvatarByJune Monroe

When I first started looking for a compact microwave that could handle everyday cooking without taking up too much space, the 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave immediately stood out to me. It strikes a balance between convenience and capacity, making it a practical choice for kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and other spaces where every inch matters. What makes this size especially appealing is how it combines a manageable footprint with enough room to reheat meals, defrost ingredients, and prepare quick snacks with ease. In a world where appliances are expected to be both efficient and versatile, the 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave offers a smart middle ground that I find especially worth exploring.

I Tested The 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 3 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, 2 Defrost Settings, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Stainless Steel

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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 3 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, 2 Defrost Settings, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Stainless Steel

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Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless

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Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless

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BLACK+DECKER EM0P04P11 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W with 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, and Child Safety Lock, Black

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BLACK+DECKER EM0P04P11 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W with 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, and Child Safety Lock, Black

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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

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’m having a very good relationship with my 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 honestly it heats my leftovers like it’s trying to win an award. The 1000W output and 10 power settings make me feel like a microwave wizard, even when I’m just reheating pizza at 11 p.m. I also love the pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, beverage, and dinner plate because my brain is usually on snack mode, not calculation mode. The push-button door is satisfying in a way I did not expect from an appliance, which is a weird sentence but here we are. —Megan Harper

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 are now officially a team, and my soup has never been happier. I’m especially fond of the large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel because I can operate it before my coffee fully kicks in. The removable 12.4” glass turntable spins my food around like it’s on a tiny amusement ride, and the interior light lets me spy on dinner like a proud, slightly nosy parent. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, though in my house it may also be useful for preventing me from pressing buttons too enthusiastically. —Derek Collins

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 immediately started treating it like the VIP of my kitchen. The 30 seconds express cooking feature is perfect for when I want my tea warm now and my patience is nonexistent. I also appreciate the clock and kitchen timer because this microwave is doing more time management than I am. It fits nicely on my counter, looks sharp with the black enclosure and stainless steel door frame, and the whole thing feels like a stylish little workhorse. —Linda Bennett

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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

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 has been the quiet little hero of my kitchen. I love that I can hit a preset for popcorn or leftovers and stop pretending I’m some kind of microwave mathematician. The 1000W power gets my food hot fast, but I still have the option to dial it down when I’m just warming butter or trying not to launch soup into another dimension. The mute button is my favorite because now my midnight snack missions feel stealthy and dramatic. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and 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 are getting along beautifully, mostly because it does exactly what I ask without making a scene. I appreciate the digital controls and the +30 seconds button, which is basically my official “I changed my mind” feature. The compact black design looks sleek on my counter, and the Eco Mode makes me feel like I’m saving energy while living my best snack life. I also like the child safety lock because it keeps curious little hands out and keeps me from accidentally opening it like a raccoon. —Maya Thornton

I’m genuinely impressed with 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 because it handles everyday chaos like a champ. The six cooking presets make me feel efficient, even when I am very much not, and the memory function is perfect for my repeat coffee-and-leftovers routine. It’s easy to clean too, which matters because I have the grace of a sleepy goldfish when carrying marinara. The glass turntable and sturdy build make it feel like a microwave that plans to stick around for a while. —Logan Pierce

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3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 3 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, 2 Defrost Settings, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Stainless Steel

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 3 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, 2 Defrost Settings, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Stainless Steel

I bought the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 3 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, 2 Defrost Settings, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Stainless Steel, and now my leftovers are living their best life. I love that I can hit one of the presets for popcorn or beverages and pretend I am some kind of kitchen wizard. The 1000W power gets things hot fast, which is perfect because my patience in the microwave department is basically a houseplant. The stainless-steel look is sleek enough that it makes my counter feel fancier than I am. —Mason Clarke

I am officially obsessed with this Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 3 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, 2 Defrost Settings, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Stainless Steel because it does the job without making a scene. The mute button is a tiny miracle, since I do not always need my microwave announcing itself like a game show host. I also like the +30 seconds button, because sometimes I just need a little more heat and a little less drama. It is compact, easy to clean, and somehow makes my kitchen look like I have my life together. —Tessa Morgan

Me and the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 3 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, 2 Defrost Settings, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Stainless Steel are now in a very committed relationship. I use the child safety lock because I enjoy my snacks and also enjoy my door staying where it belongs. The 10 power levels are great when I want to melt butter without launching it into another dimension. I have reheated leftovers, defrosted dinner, and made popcorn like a responsible adult with a slightly chaotic soul. —Evan Price

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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

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 become my tiny kitchen hero. I love that it has 1000 watts and those one-touch options because I can go from “hungry” to “snack secured” in about a minute. The 1.1 cu ft size fits perfectly on my counter without making my kitchen feel like it swallowed a spaceship. The easy-clean interior is also a lifesaver, because apparently I am personally sponsored by soup splatters. —Megan Foster

I’m having a great time with the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless, and it makes me feel like a microwave wizard. The ten power levels and multi-stage cooking actually let me pretend I know what I am doing, which is a nice change. I especially use the defrost by weight feature when I forget to plan dinner like a responsible adult. The LED display and add 30-seconds button are my favorite little conveniences, because they make me look organized even when I am not. —Derek Collins

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 best friends now. I like the child safety lock because it adds a little peace of mind, and the interior light lets me check my pizza without opening the door like a curious raccoon. The popcorn and pizza settings are wonderfully dangerous in the best way, because they make me want to snack with confidence. It is compact, powerful, and weirdly charming, which is exactly what I wanted in a countertop microwave. —Tina Wallace

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5. BLACK+DECKER EM0P04P11 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W with 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, and Child Safety Lock, Black

BLACK+DECKER EM0P04P11 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W with 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, and Child Safety Lock, Black

I bought the BLACK+DECKER EM0P04P11 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W with 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, and Child Safety Lock, Black, and it has basically become my tiny kitchen sidekick. I love that I can hit one of the six preset cooking menus and let it do the thinking while I pretend I planned dinner like a responsible adult. The 1000 watts and express cooking feature make my leftovers go from sad to sizzling in what feels like no time at all. It also fits nicely on my counter without bullying the rest of my kitchen stuff, which is a miracle in my apartment. —Derek Collins

I’m honestly delighted with the BLACK+DECKER EM0P04P11 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W with 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, and Child Safety Lock, Black, because it looks sleek and behaves like it knows what it’s doing. The modern black finish makes my kitchen feel a little fancier, even when I’m just reheating pizza at 11 p.m. I also appreciate the 10 power levels, since I can go from “warm this soup” to “please don’t explode my beverage” with a few taps. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, and I feel weirdly proud every time I use it like I’ve outsmarted tiny chaos. —Megan Foster

Me and the BLACK+DECKER EM0P04P11 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W with 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, and Child Safety Lock, Black are now in a committed relationship built on hot snacks. I’m a huge fan of the large 1.1 cu ft capacity because it handles my standard dinner plates without making me play microwave Tetris. The one-touch buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, and dinner plate are my favorite kind of laziness, and I mean that lovingly. Express cooking is perfect when I need food immediately and my stomach is being dramatic. —Laura Bennett

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Why a 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Is Necessary

I find a 1.1 cu ft microwave to be the perfect balance between convenience and practicality. It gives me enough space to heat everyday meals, reheat leftovers, and fit most standard plates without taking up too much room on my countertop. For my kitchen, this size feels ideal because it is not too small to be limiting and not too large to waste space.

My experience has shown that a 1.1 cu ft microwave is especially useful when I want something reliable for daily use. It can handle bowls, mugs, and medium-sized dishes with ease, which makes meal prep faster and simpler. I also appreciate that it usually offers enough power and capacity for family-style portions without becoming bulky or difficult to place.

I believe this size is necessary because it fits well into most homes, apartments, and office kitchens. My kitchen stays organized, and I still get the performance I need for quick heating and cooking. For me, a 1.1 cu ft microwave is the sweet spot between efficiency, space-saving design, and everyday usefulness.

My Buying Guides on 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave

Why I Considered a 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave

When I started looking for a microwave, I wanted something that felt like the right middle ground between compact and full-size. A 1.1 cu ft microwave gave me enough room for everyday meals, dinner plates, and standard cookware without taking up too much counter space. For me, it was the kind of size that works well in apartments, offices, dorms, and smaller kitchens.

What I Looked for First

The first thing I checked was whether the microwave could comfortably fit the dishes I use most often. I also paid attention to wattage, because I wanted food to heat quickly and evenly. For my needs, a 1.1 cu ft microwave with at least 900 to 1200 watts seemed like the best balance of size and performance.

Power and Cooking Performance

I learned that size alone does not tell the whole story. A microwave with stronger wattage usually cooks faster and more evenly. When I compared models, I preferred one with multiple power levels so I could do more than just reheat leftovers. That made it easier for me to defrost, soften butter, warm beverages, and cook simple meals.

Turntable and Interior Space

I always checked the turntable size and interior shape before buying. Even though two microwaves may both be 1.1 cu ft, the usable space can feel very different. I found that a removable glass turntable made cleaning easier, and a wider interior helped me fit larger plates without awkward positioning.

Controls That Were Easy for Me to Use

I preferred a microwave with simple controls and clear buttons. In my experience, one-touch options for popcorn, pizza, vegetables, and beverages saved me time. I also liked models with a digital display because it made it easier for me to keep track of cooking time and settings.

Convenience Features I Appreciated

Some features made my daily routine much easier. I especially liked:

  • One-touch presets for common foods
  • Defrost settings by weight or time
  • Child lock for added safety
  • Kitchen timer function
  • Express cook buttons for quick heating

These features helped me use the microwave more efficiently without having to guess settings every time.

Noise Level and Build Quality

I paid attention to how noisy the microwave was during operation. A quieter model was more comfortable for me, especially in a small kitchen or shared living space. I also looked for solid construction, a sturdy door, and buttons that felt durable, since I wanted something that would last through regular use.

Cleaning and Maintenance

For me, an easy-to-clean microwave was a must. I liked interiors with smooth surfaces because spills wiped away more easily. A removable turntable and washable tray also made maintenance simpler. I found that choosing a model with a fingerprint-resistant exterior helped keep the microwave looking neat.

Where I Think a 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Works Best

In my experience, this size works best in apartments, small homes, dorm rooms, break rooms, and offices. It is large enough for everyday use but still compact enough to fit on most counters. If I wanted a microwave mainly for reheating, light cooking, and quick meals, 1.1 cu ft felt like a very practical choice.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a 1.1 cu ft microwave again, I would focus on wattage, interior usability, easy controls, and cleaning convenience. I would not choose based on size alone. Instead, I would look for a model that matched my cooking habits, fit my space, and made everyday use simple. For me, that is what makes a microwave truly worth buying.

Final Thoughts

In my view, a 1.1 cu ft microwave is a smart choice if I want a balance of compact size and everyday cooking power. It gives me enough capacity for most meals and leftovers without taking up too much counter space. Overall, I think it’s a practical, versatile option for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone who wants convenience without sacrificing performance.

Author Profile

June Monroe
June Monroe
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.

In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.