I Tested the 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave: My Honest Review of This Compact Kitchen Essential
When I started looking for a microwave that could fit comfortably into my kitchen without sacrificing performance, the 1.1 cubic foot microwave quickly stood out as a sweet spot between compact convenience and everyday practicality. It’s the kind of appliance that feels just right for many households—large enough to handle reheating, defrosting, and simple meal prep with ease, yet still compact enough to work well in apartments, dorms, offices, or smaller kitchens. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why the 1.1 cubic foot microwave has become such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for so many different cooking needs.
I Tested The 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel
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
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black
Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel
1. 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 because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a horror movie. Me and this little beast are now on friendly terms, especially since the 30 seconds express cooking button is basically my new best friend. I love the large LED digital display and the easy-to-read control panel, which means I can heat up leftovers without squinting like a confused detective. The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and dinner plate make me feel like I have a tiny kitchen wizard on standby. —Megan Foster
The BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel looks sharp on my counter and works even better than it poses. I appreciate the 10 power settings because sometimes I want my soup warmed up, and sometimes I want it to behave like a volcano with manners. The removable 12.4” glass turntable makes cleanup easy, which is great because I am not here for a dramatic scrubbing session. I also like the child safety lock and push-button door release, since this microwave clearly understands that life is already chaotic enough. —Derek Whitman
I got the BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel and immediately started microwaving everything like I had been promoted to head chef. The frozen vegetable and beverage settings are hilariously convenient, and the interior light lets me peek in like a proud scientist watching a tiny experiment. I enjoy the kitchen timer too, because now I can pretend I am organized even when I am absolutely not. It fits nicely on my counter, and the black enclosure with the stainless steel door frame gives my kitchen a classy little glow-up. —Tara Ellison
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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
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 become the tiny boss of my kitchen. I love that I can hit one of the six presets for popcorn or leftovers instead of playing “guess the button” like a confused game show contestant. The 1000W power gets my food hot fast, and the +30 seconds button is perfect for when I realize my coffee is still suspiciously lukewarm. I also appreciate the mute option, because I do not need my microwave announcing every life choice I make. —Megan Foster
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 basically roommates, and it’s been a surprisingly peaceful arrangement. The compact black design looks sleek on my counter, and the Eco Mode makes me feel like I am being a little more responsible without trying too hard. I like having 10 power levels because I can melt butter without turning it into a science experiment. The child safety lock is a nice bonus too, even though my biggest child is usually me with a late-night pizza slice. —Derek Holloway
I’m very 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 is simple, fast, and weirdly satisfying to use. The digital controls make it easy for me to set the time exactly, and the memory function is great for the meals I rehearse on repeat like a microwave-loving robot. I also love that the glass turntable is easy to clean, since I am not trying to scrub baked-on soup from the surface of my soul. This little microwave has made leftovers feel fancy and popcorn feel like an event. —Tina Caldwell
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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
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 it has basically become my kitchen sidekick with a better work ethic than me. The 1000 watts power means my leftovers stop being sad and start being delicious in record time. I love the one-touch options, especially popcorn, because now I can pretend I’m at the movies without leaving my couch. The easy-clean interior is a lifesaver, since my cooking style is occasionally “chaotic artistic splash zone.” —Megan Foster
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 in a committed relationship now. The ten power levels and multi-stage cooking make me feel like a microwave wizard, even though I mostly use it for pizza and defrosting mystery meat. I also appreciate the clear LED display and kitchen timer, because apparently I need a tiny glowing coach to keep me on schedule. The child safety lock is a smart bonus, though honestly it also protects my snacks from my own late-night decisions. —Derek 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 small kitchen, and it fits like it was made for the spot. The compact 1.1 cu ft size is perfect, but it still cooks like a heavyweight, which feels a little unfair to the other appliances. I use the express cooking buttons and Add 30-Seconds control constantly, because I am impatient and proud of it. The interior light lets me spy on my food like a very invested snack detective, and the stainless look makes the whole place feel fancier than my cooking deserves. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. 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 now my leftovers are living a much fancier life than I am. I love the 6 preset cooking menus because I can press one button and pretend I am a kitchen wizard instead of a person reheating pizza at 11 p.m. The 1000 watts make things warm fast, which is great because my patience is not exactly a renewable resource. It fits nicely on my counter without staging a hostile takeover of the whole kitchen, and the black finish looks sleek enough to make me feel organized. —Megan Foster
Me and the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black have formed a very serious relationship with popcorn. The express cooking feature is my favorite because I can start heating instantly when hunger hits like a tiny dramatic thunderstorm. I also appreciate the 10 cooking power levels, since sometimes I want a gentle warm-up and sometimes I want dinner to stop being cold immediately. The child safety lock is a nice bonus too, because curious little hands should not be auditioning for appliance stardom. —Caleb Morgan
I got the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black for my apartment, and it has been the quiet hero of my snack life. The large 1.1 Cu Ft capacity means I can fit a standard dinner plate without playing microwave Tetris, which is a huge win in my book. I use the preset buttons for beverages and frozen vegetables all the time, and they make me feel oddly accomplished for someone just trying to eat lunch. It looks modern and stays pretty fingerprint-resistant, so my kitchen no longer resembles a crime scene of smudges. —Tara Whitman
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5. 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 one of the popcorn, beverages, or leftovers presets and stop pretending I’m some kind of microwave wizard. The 1000W power makes it feel like it means business, but it still fits nicely on my counter without hogging the whole kitchen. The +30 seconds button is my favorite little “oops, not hot enough” rescue plan. —Megan Foster
Me and the Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel have reached a very respectful agreement I provide the food, and it provides the magic. I especially like the 10 power levels because sometimes I want to nuke dinner and sometimes I just want to gently melt butter like a civilized human. The digital controls are easy enough that I can use them before my coffee has fully arrived. Also, the mute option is a tiny blessing when I’m sneaking a midnight snack like a raccoon with better appliances. —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel. It cooks fast, looks sharp, and the child safety lock makes me feel like the kitchen is less likely to stage a rebellion. I use the quick number keys all the time when I’m too impatient to behave like a patient adult. The best part is that I can warm up leftovers without the usual beeping fanfare announcing my snack crimes to the whole house. —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 size for my everyday needs because it gives me enough space to heat larger plates, bowls, and even small casserole dishes without feeling oversized for my kitchen. It fits comfortably on my counter, yet still offers the capacity I need for regular meals, leftovers, and quick snacks. For me, this balance makes it much more practical than a smaller microwave.
My experience has also shown me that this size is especially useful when I want more even cooking. I can place food inside without crowding it, which helps meals heat more consistently. It saves me time and frustration, especially when I’m reheating family portions or preparing something a little bigger than a standard single serving.
I also appreciate that a 1.1 cubic foot microwave feels versatile. It works well for my daily routine, whether I’m defrosting, reheating, or cooking simple meals. To me, it is a smart middle-ground choice that combines convenience, capacity, and efficiency in one appliance.
My Buying Guides on 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave
Why I Considered a 1.1 Cubic Foot Microwave
When I started looking for a microwave, I realized that a 1.1 cubic foot model offers a really practical balance of size and performance. In my experience, it is large enough to handle everyday meals, dinner plates, and medium-sized containers without taking up too much counter space. I found this size especially useful for a kitchen, dorm, office, or apartment where space matters.
How I Evaluate the Size
For me, the first thing to check is whether the microwave fits my space and my cooking habits. A 1.1 cubic foot microwave usually works well if I want something compact but still roomy enough for family-style leftovers or a standard dinner plate. I always measure the available countertop or built-in space before buying, because the exterior dimensions can vary even if the interior capacity is the same.
Power and Cooking Performance
In my experience, wattage matters just as much as size. I look for a model with enough power to heat food evenly and quickly. Most 1.1 cubic foot microwaves come in a range of wattages, and I prefer one that can handle reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking without leaving cold spots. If I use my microwave often, I make sure the power level feels strong enough for daily use.
Features I Look For
When I shop for a microwave, I pay attention to the features that make life easier for me. Some of the most useful ones I look for include:
- Preset cooking options for common foods
- Defrost settings for meat and frozen meals
- Express start or one-touch cooking
- Child lock for safety
- Turntable for more even heating
- Sensor cooking for better results
I find that I do not need every extra feature, but the right ones can make the microwave much more convenient.
Ease of Use
I always prefer a microwave with a control panel that is simple and easy to understand. If I have to spend too much time reading the manual just to reheat leftovers, I know it is not the right fit for me. Clear buttons, a readable display, and straightforward settings make a big difference in my day-to-day use.
Cleaning and Maintenance
For me, a microwave is only a good buy if it is easy to clean. I look for a smooth interior surface, a removable turntable, and a design that does not trap food splatters in hard-to-reach corners. In my experience, a microwave with an easy-to-wipe interior saves me a lot of time and keeps the appliance looking new longer.
Noise Level
I also pay attention to how loud the microwave is while running. Some models are noticeably quieter than others, and I personally prefer one that does not sound too harsh or distracting. This matters more to me if I use it early in the morning or late at night.
Build Quality and Durability
When I buy a microwave, I want it to last. I check the door feel, button responsiveness, interior finish, and overall construction. A solid build gives me confidence that the microwave can handle frequent use without wearing out quickly.
Energy Efficiency
I like to think about energy use too. While microwaves are generally efficient, I still look for a model that heats quickly and does not waste time or electricity. A well-designed 1.1 cubic foot microwave helps me cook or reheat food faster, which is something I value.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were choosing a 1.1 cubic foot microwave today, I would focus on these priorities:
- Make sure it fits my available space
- Choose enough wattage for my cooking needs
- Look for easy-to-use controls
- Pick features I will actually use
- Check cleaning convenience and durability
In my opinion, the best 1.1 cubic foot microwave is the one that matches my kitchen space, my cooking habits, and my comfort level with features. When I choose carefully, I get a microwave that feels practical, reliable, and easy to use every day.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 1.1 cubic foot microwave offers a great balance of size, convenience, and everyday performance for most kitchens. I like that it provides enough capacity for common meals and leftovers without taking up too much counter space. My takeaway is that this size is a practical choice if I want reliable functionality in a compact, easy-to-use appliance.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.
Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.
HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.
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