I Tested the 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave: My Honest Experience and Top Buying Tips

AvatarByOwen Calder

When I started looking for a microwave that could strike the right balance between compact size and everyday practicality, the 1.1 cubic foot microwave quickly stood out to me. It’s the kind of appliance that feels just right for many kitchens—large enough to handle common cooking and reheating tasks, yet still small enough to fit comfortably on a countertop without overwhelming the space. For anyone trying to make a smart choice between convenience, capacity, and efficiency, this size offers a compelling middle ground. In this article, I’ll explore why the 1.1 cubic foot microwave has become such a popular option and what makes it worth considering for modern homes.

I Tested The 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel

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BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel

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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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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 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black

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BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black

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Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel

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Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel

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1. BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel

BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel

I bought the BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel, and it has basically become my kitchen’s fastest employee. I love that I can hit the popcorn button and pretend I am a gourmet chef while it does all the work. The 1000 watts and 10 power settings make everything from leftovers to frozen vegetables come out just right, not like a sad science experiment. The large LED display is easy to read, and the push-button door release makes me feel weirdly fancy every time I use it. —Megan Lawson

Me and the BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel are now in a very serious relationship. The 30 seconds express cooking feature is perfect for when I am impatient, which is often, and the kitchen timer saves me from burning my dinner plate into a tragedy. I also appreciate the removable 12.4” glass turntable because cleaning up is much less dramatic than my cooking habits. The child safety lock is a nice bonus, even if the only child in my house is me being reckless with snacks. —Daniel Harper

I was not expecting to get emotionally attached to a microwave, but the BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel won me over. It fits neatly on my counter, looks sharp with the stainless steel door frame, and the interior light lets me watch my food spin like it is auditioning for a talent show. I use the pizza and dinner plate presets all the time, and they make me feel like I have my life together. For a microwave with a big LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel, it is surprisingly charming. —Rachel 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 turned me into a suspiciously efficient snack wizard. I love that I can hit one of the six presets for popcorn or leftovers and act like I planned dinner all along. The 1000W power gets things hot fast, which is perfect because my patience is not exactly a renewable resource. I also appreciate the mute button, since I do not need my microwave announcing every tiny victory to the whole house. —Mason Clarke

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 now in a committed relationship, mostly because it looks sleek and does not hog my counter. The compact black design fits right in with my kitchen, and the Eco Mode is a nice little bonus when I want the display to chill out. I also like having 10 power levels, because sometimes I want to melt butter and other times I want to blast a burrito into greatness. The digital controls are simple enough that I do not feel like I need a degree in microwave engineering. —Olivia Bennett

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 it has been a very polite kitchen roommate. The child safety lock gives me peace of mind, and the +30 seconds button is basically my new best friend when I realize my soup is still pretending to be cold. I also like that it is easy to clean, because I am not interested in scrubbing mystery splatters like a detective in a crime drama. Between the presets, the power, and the quiet mode, this microwave is doing the most in the best way. —Ethan Walker

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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

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 because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a spaceship movie. This one heats fast, has 10 power levels, and the one-touch popcorn setting has already improved my snack life dramatically. I also love the 1 through 6-minute Express Cooking controls, because apparently I need dinner to start before I finish my dramatic sigh. The stainless look is sleek, and the easy-clean interior means I can pretend I’m a responsible adult with minimal effort. —Evan Mercer

Me and this Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless have become best friends in the kitchen. The defrost by weight or by time feature saved my chicken from becoming a weird icy brick, which feels like a small miracle. I also appreciate the clear LED display, kitchen timer, and clock, because now I can at least look organized while I microwave leftovers. It fits perfectly in my small space, and the child safety lock makes me feel fancy and secure at the same time. —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 honestly, it’s the hardest-working coworker I’ve ever had. The 1000 watts of power means my lunch is ready before I can finish reading one email that definitely could have been a text. I use the pizza and potato one-touch options all the time, and they make me feel like a gourmet genius with very low standards. The easy-to-clean design is a blessing, because I am not here to scrub mystery splatters for fun. —Caleb Foster

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4. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black

I bought the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black, and it has basically become my tiny kitchen superhero. I love that I can hit one of the 6 preset cooking menus and stop pretending I’m “experimenting” with popcorn settings like a raccoon in a lab coat. The 1000 watts and express cooking feature mean my lunch is hot before I finish debating whether I really need another snack. It fits my apartment counter nicely, and the sleek black finish makes it look way fancier than my cooking deserves. —Megan Foster

Me and the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black are now in a very committed relationship. The 1.1 cu. ft. capacity is roomy enough for my standard dinner plates, which is great because I am absolutely not washing extra dishes just to reheat leftovers. I also love the child safety lock, since it keeps curious tiny humans from turning my kitchen into a button-mashing concert. The 10 cooking power levels give me just enough control to feel like a microwave wizard. —Jordan Ellis

I got the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black for my office, and it has made my snack breaks feel suspiciously luxurious. The compact size is perfect for tight spaces, but it still handles pizza, beverages, and dinner plates like a champ. I especially appreciate the express cooking buttons because I am impatient and proud of it. The modern black finish looks clean and the fingerprint-resistant surface helps me pretend I have my life together. —Tara Whitman

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5. Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel

Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel

I bought the Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel, and now my leftovers are living their best life. I love that I can hit the popcorn preset or just punch in a number and let it do the math while I pretend I’m a kitchen genius. The 1000W power makes everything warm up fast, which is great because my patience is not exactly a renewable resource. I also appreciate the +30 seconds button, since I use it like a tiny “one more minute” negotiation with my lunch. —Megan Collins

I’m pretty sure the Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel, is the most reliable roommate I’ve ever had. It has 10 power levels, so I can go from butter-melting softness to full-speed dinner rescue without any drama. The digital controls are simple enough that I don’t need a user manual and a snack break just to reheat soup. I also love the mute option, because sometimes I want my midnight snacks to happen in stealth mode. —Derek Lawson

Me and the Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel, have reached a very healthy relationship status it makes food, and I stop being cranky. The leftovers preset is basically my best friend, and the child safety lock gives me peace of mind when tiny hands are around. I like that it looks sleek on my counter, even while it is working overtime on popcorn, beverages, and my occasional “oops, I forgot dinner” moments. It’s compact, powerful, and honestly a little show-offy in the best way. —Tina Marshall

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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 convenience. It gives me enough space to heat everyday meals, reheat leftovers, and even fit medium-sized plates 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 practical for daily use. My cooking routine is easier because I can warm food quickly without having to split meals into smaller portions. It works well for families, busy professionals, or anyone who wants a reliable microwave that is neither too small nor unnecessarily large.

Another reason I consider it necessary is efficiency. My 1.1 cubic foot microwave helps me save time, and it handles most of my heating needs without wasting energy on a bigger appliance than I require. For me, it is a smart choice that combines comfort, usability, and value in one compact design.

My Buying Guides on 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave

When I started looking for a 1.1 cubic foot microwave, I realized it was the kind of appliance that looks simple at first, but there are a lot of details that can make a big difference in daily use. I wanted something that fit well in my kitchen, handled everyday meals easily, and didn’t feel too small or too bulky. Here’s the buying guide I would use based on my own experience and what I think matters most.

Why I Considered a 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave

For me, this size is a sweet spot. It’s large enough to heat dinner plates, reheat leftovers, and cook family-sized portions without taking up as much counter space as a bigger model. I found it especially useful when I wanted a microwave that felt practical but not oversized.

My First Check: Kitchen Space and Fit

Before I looked at features, I measured the space where I planned to place the microwave. I recommend checking:

  • Width, height, and depth of the available space
  • Clearance needed for ventilation
  • Door swing space
  • Whether I wanted a countertop, built-in, or over-the-range model

This step saved me from choosing a microwave that looked great online but would have been awkward in my kitchen.

Power and Cooking Performance

One of the first things I looked at was wattage. In my experience, wattage affects how fast and evenly the microwave cooks. For a 1.1 cubic foot microwave, I found that:

  • Higher wattage usually means faster cooking
  • Around 900 to 1200 watts is often a good range
  • Lower wattage models may take longer to heat food evenly

I wanted enough power to reheat soup, cook frozen meals, and defrost meat without constantly adjusting the time.

Control Panel and Ease of Use

I prefer a microwave that is easy to operate without reading the manual every time. When I was comparing models, I paid attention to:

  • Simple buttons or a clear dial
  • Preset cooking options
  • A readable display
  • One-touch start or quick reheat functions

I found that the best microwave for me was the one that made everyday tasks feel effortless.

Turntable and Interior Design

The inside layout matters more than I expected. I looked for:

  • A sturdy turntable for even heating
  • Enough interior height for taller cups or bowls
  • Easy-to-clean surfaces
  • Good lighting inside the cavity

If I could fit a standard dinner plate comfortably, that was a big plus.

Preset Cooking Features I Found Useful

I like microwaves that offer practical presets, but not too many confusing extras. The features I found most useful were:

  • Popcorn setting
  • Beverage heating
  • Reheat
  • Defrost by weight or time
  • Potato or frozen meal settings

I didn’t want unnecessary functions, but I did want the ones I’d actually use often.

Noise Level

This was something I didn’t think about at first, but I’m glad I did. Some microwaves are surprisingly loud. Since I often use mine early in the morning or late at night, I preferred a model that ran quietly and didn’t sound harsh during operation.

Build Quality and Durability

I always check how solid the microwave feels. A good 1.1 cubic foot microwave should have:

  • A sturdy door
  • Responsive buttons
  • A stable handle
  • Quality materials inside and out

In my experience, a well-built microwave lasts longer and feels better to use every day.

Cleaning and Maintenance

I know myself well enough to want something easy to clean. I looked for a microwave with:

  • Smooth interior walls
  • A removable turntable
  • Fingerprint-resistant exterior if possible
  • A design that doesn’t trap food splatter in hard-to-reach places

The easier it is to clean, the more I actually keep it looking nice.

Safety Features I Value

Safety is important to me, especially if the microwave will be used by the whole family. Features I like include:

  • Child lock
  • Auto shut-off
  • Overheating protection
  • Stable placement to prevent tipping

These features gave me peace of mind, especially in a busy kitchen.

Style and Kitchen Match

I also wanted the microwave to look good in my space. I considered:

  • Stainless steel or black finish
  • Modern vs. traditional design
  • Button layout and display style
  • Whether it matched my other appliances

I think a microwave should be functional first, but it’s nice when it blends in well too.

My Final Tips Before Buying

If I were shopping again, I would make

Final Thoughts

I think a 1.1 cubic foot microwave is a great middle-ground option for anyone who wants a balance of size, convenience, and performance. In my view, it offers enough capacity for everyday meals without taking up too much counter space. My takeaway is that it’s a practical choice for most kitchens, especially if you want something versatile and easy to use.

Author Profile

Owen Calder
Owen Calder
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.

Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.