Small kitchens and busy mornings often make choosing the Best 1.1 cu ft microwave oven feel like a big deal, since you want space and power in one compact unit.
After digging into wattage, control ease, and real review trends from trusted brands, I picked models that heat fast and fit dinner plates without crowding your US countertop.
This guide cuts through the noise so you can pick a practical microwave that works for daily meals and snacks. Check the links below for up-to-date prices and specs.
My Top Picks:
- BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven, 1.1 cu. Ft. – Best Simple Everyday Pick
- Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – Stainless – Best for Quick Reheat Controls
- Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel – Best Quiet Features (Mute + Eco)
- Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven CHCM11100W – Best Budget Power Option
- GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel – Best for Dorms and Apartments
Top 5 Best 1.1 cu ft microwave oven for Cozy Small Kitchens
1. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven, 1.1 cu. Ft.
What I Like
- Fast 1000W heat
- Simple preset keys
- Child lock feels safe
What I Don’t Like
- Door lock can confuse guests
- Mixed long-life reports
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven feels like a solid pick for quick meals. I like the clear keypad and the bright display. I also like the steady turntable because it helps heat food evenly. The 30-second button helps a lot for coffee and leftovers.
In many USA kitchens, counter space feels tight. This size fits well and does not feel bulky. The child safety lock helps, but it can surprise first-time users. Some users mention early failure, so I would keep the receipt. Recommended for renters, dorm rooms, and small homes that want simple controls.
Dimensions: 20.6 x 16.5 x 11.8 in | Power: 1000W | Controls: digital presets | Material: glass, steel
2. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – Stainless
What I Like
- Quick start keys
- Roomy inside
- Easy clean feel
What I Don’t Like
- Loud beeps at times
- Some units arrive dead
For a Best 1.1 cu ft microwave oven pick, this one feels made for daily tasks. I like the 1–6 minute keys because they save time. I also like the add-30 button for fast reheat. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – Stainless includes auto cook and defrost options. It also has a clear LED clock for quick checks.
In a small US kitchen, the 1.1 size still fits a full plate. That makes weeknight reheats easier. I also like the stainless look because it matches many US fridges and dishwashers. The keypad may need a firm press. Some reviews note noise or a bad unit on arrival, so I would test it on day one.
Dimensions: 16.54 x 20.2 x 12.03 in | Power: 1000W output | Controls: auto cook keys | Material: steel body
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel
What I Like
- Mute and eco
- Memory saves time
- Clean, simple pad
What I Don’t Like
- Handle lock learns slowly
- Heat can vary
When I sort a Best 1.1 cu ft microwave oven list, this Chefman stands out for quiet homes. I like the mute key because it helps at night. I also like eco mode because the display can go dark. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave has a memory feature too. That makes a favorite reheat setting easy to repeat.
The 6 auto menus help with popcorn and leftovers. The 10 power levels cover defrost and warm food well. It also fits many US counter spots, like a coffee nook. The handle can confuse guests due to the lock feel. Some reviews mention uneven heat, so I suggest simple testing early.
Dimensions: 15.75 x 20.19 x 12.09 in | Power: 1000W output | Controls: 6 auto menus | Material: stainless steel
4. Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
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What I Like
- Strong 1100W heat
- Big, clear LED
- Easy touch keys
What I Don’t Like
- The door lock feels stiff
- Some stop early
For a Best 1.1 cu ft microwave oven choice on a tight budget, this one makes sense. I like the higher 1100W power since it can cut reheat time for soup, coffee, and left overs. Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven CHCM11100W also keeps things simple with touch controls, 10 power levels, and one-touch menus for common foods. The push button door is quick, and the size still fits a dinner plate.
In many USA homes, this is the kind of microwave that works well for a starter kitchen, rental, or a simple break room. I also like that the controls are easy to read for older family members. The main concern is mixed long-term life, with some reports of failure after a few months. Recommended for small homes and basic daily reheating.
Dimensions: 15.44 x 21 x 11.3 in | Power: 1100W | Controls: touch LED panel | Material: stainless steel
5. GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel
What I Like
- Space smart size
- Easy one-touch cook
- Solid child lock
What I Don’t Like
- Noisy running sound
- The panel is hard to read
If I’m comparing 1.1 cu ft microwave oven options, this GE model feels clean and practical. I like the 1.1 cu ft space because it fits a dinner plate. I also like the compact outside because it suits dorms and apartments. GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven keeps cooking simple with auto cook keys. It also includes instant-on controls and two defrost options.
For many USA kitchens, the 120V setup makes it easy to plug in. The long power cord also helps with shelf placement. The two-step child lock adds safety for kids. Some users find it loud, and some find the keypad hard to read. I suggest checking the panel in your lighting before you commit.
Dimensions: 15.62 x 20.83 x 12 in | Power: 950W | Controls: 6 auto cook | Material: stainless steel
Final Verdict
For the Best 1.1 cu ft microwave oven, I rank the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 as my #1 pick. It gives you strong 1000W heating for daily use. You also get simple preset buttons for quick cooking. On top of that, the smooth turntable helps heat food evenly each time.
My #2 pick is the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven. It works great if you want faster button access. The express minute keys save time right away. The add-30 button also makes quick reheats easy. This makes it a smart choice for leftovers and hot drinks.
If you want other good options, you still have solid choices. Chefman works well in quiet kitchens since it has mute and eco mode. Commercial Chef fits tight budgets but still gives strong power. GE also works well for dorms and small apartments. For the latest prices and full specs, check the description link.
FAQs
Is a 1.1 cu ft microwave big enough for a dinner plate?
Yes, most 1.1 cu ft models fit a full 12-inch plate. This size is perfect for home meals. It balances a compact footprint with plenty of room for daily cooking tasks.
What is the average wattage for the best 1.1 cu ft microwave?
Most top models in this size use 1000 watts. This power level cooks food fast and evenly. It is the ideal strength for reheating leftovers or defrosting frozen snacks quickly.
Does a 1.1 cubic foot microwave save counter space?
These ovens are mid-sized. They save more space than large models but offer more room than tiny ones. They are great for small kitchens, dorms, or apartments with limited space.
Can I bake or brown food in these microwave ovens?
Standard units only reheat or defrost. To brown food, look for a 1.1 cu ft microwave with a grill or convection mode. These extra features add more variety to your meal prep.
Are 1.1 cu ft microwaves easy to clean?
Yes, the best units have glass turntables and smooth liners. You can wipe away spills in seconds. Many brands use special coatings to keep the interior looking new and fresh.
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