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A 1.1 cu ft microwave occupies a sweet spot on your countertop — sizable enough for a dinner plate or a bag of popcorn, compact enough to leave room for your coffee maker. The tension buyers feel is real: pick a unit that’s too weak and your leftovers turn rubbery, pick one that’s too feature-heavy and you pay for presets you’ll never touch.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I compare wattage specs, turntable diameters, interior dimensions, and aggregated owner feedback to pinpoint which 1.1 cu ft models actually deliver consistent heating without taking over your kitchen.
After sorting through hundreds of verified reviews and technical sheets, I’ve narrowed the field to the units that justify their spot on your counter. This guide covers the best 1.1 cu ft microwave options for every cooking style and budget tier.
How To Choose The Best 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave
Not every 1.1 cu ft microwave heats the same way. Wattage, interior layout, and control responsiveness separate a workhorse from a frustrating appliance that scorches edges while leaving the center cold.
Wattage and Heating Speed
Most 1.1 cu ft microwaves land between 800W and 1100W. At 800W, you’ll notice slower reheating and longer defrost cycles — adequate for small portions and occasional use. Jump to 1000W or 1100W and your leftovers heat through in about 30% less time, with more even energy distribution across the turntable.
Turntable Diameter and Interior Height
A standard 12.4‑inch turntable fits most dinner plates, but taller items like coffee mugs or pasta bowls need interior clearance above 8 inches. Check the cavity dimensions rather than relying solely on the cu ft number, because a wide, shallow interior can limit what you reheat.
Control Interface and Extra Features
Touch panels look sleek but can become unresponsive over time if the coating wears. Physical buttons with a tactile click tend to last longer. Filters like mute buttons, child locks, and grill elements add genuine utility — just confirm the child lock is a mandatory two‑step press rather than a one‑tap nuisance.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Mid‑Range | Consistent mid‑power reheating | 1000W / 12.4″ turntable | Amazon |
| SHARP 1.1 Cu. Ft. Alexa | Premium | Smart kitchen integration | 1000W / Works with Alexa | Amazon |
| Chefman 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Mid‑Range | User‑friendly presets + mute | 1000W / 10 power levels | Amazon |
| Emerson MWG1191SB | Premium | Built‑in grill functionality | 1100W / Grill + Microwave | Amazon |
| GE Compact 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Premium | Trusted brand reliability | 950W / Weight defrost | Amazon |
| COMMERCIAL CHEF 1.1 Cu Ft | Mid‑Range | Compact footprint + lock | 1000W / Push‑button door | Amazon |
| GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS | Premium | Scan‑to‑cook convenience | 800W / Barcode scanning | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
The Farberware strikes a rare balance: 1000 watts of output power packed into a 1.1 cu ft body that doesn’t hog counter space. The cavity measures 13 inches wide by 8 inches tall, which comfortably accommodates standard dinner plates and medium‑sized casserole dishes without scraping the turntable edge.
Six one‑touch cooking options cover popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, frozen vegetable, and dinner plate — the most common categories for daily reheating. Express cooking controls from 1 to 6 minutes plus an Add 30‑Seconds key make quick adjustments natural. The clear LED display and interior light let you glance rather than crouch.
Long‑term ownership feedback highlights quiet operation and a child lock that can be disabled. A small portion of users note the unit is deeper than expected, so measure your countertop depth before ordering. For the wattage and build consistency, this microwave remains a top‑tier choice for regular kitchen duty.
What works
- 1000W heats leftovers evenly without cold spots
- Clear interior light and readable LED display
- Quiet beep cycle — not jarring when cooking completes
What doesn’t
- Exterior width and depth are larger than some 1.1 cu ft rivals
- No mute option — the completion beep cannot be silenced
2. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven Compatible with Alexa
Sharp brings Alexa integration to a medium‑sized 1.1 cu ft chassis, supporting over 100 voice commands for start, stop, defrost, and preset cooking. The gray interior and white LED display offer a cleaner aesthetic than the typical dark cavity, while the 12.4‑inch Carousel turntable promotes even heating at 1000 watts.
Two‑stage cooking lets you program a defrost cycle followed immediately by a cook cycle — useful for frozen lasagna or casseroles. The mute buzzer option earned consistent praise from owners who dislike beeping appliances. Popcorn presets are Orville Redenbacher’s certified, so the timing and power profile match that brand’s kernels.
Some users find the child lock inconvenient because it engages automatically and requires a specific sequence to disable. Once disabled, the microwave operates normally. Considering the Alexa compatibility and solid build, this unit appeals to smart‑home buyers who want hands‑free reheating.
What works
- Alexa integration for voice‑controlled cooking
- Two‑stage cooking with defrost then cook
- Mute buzzer option keeps the kitchen quiet
What doesn’t
- Child lock is mandatory and not easy to bypass
- Higher price tier for smart capabilities
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Chefman’s 1.1 cu ft entry focuses on the daily friction points that bother microwave owners: noise and safety. The dedicated mute button silences all beeps with one press — a rare feature in this size class. The child safety lock engages through the handle by pulling upward, preventing accidental door opening without adding a complicated key sequence.
Ten power levels range from a gentle low for melting butter up to full 1000W speed for rapid cooking. Three cooking presets target popcorn, beverages, and leftovers, while the +30 seconds button allows quick time extensions during heating. The stainless exterior resists fingerprints and wipes clean easily.
A few buyers mentioned the controls require reading the manual because the button layout differs from standard designs. The unit also weighs nearly 31 pounds, so expect a solid build but limited portability. For families who want a quiet, safe microwave with straightforward presets, the Chefman delivers.
What works
- One‑press mute button silences all beeps
- Handle‑based child lock is intuitive to use
- Dishwasher‑safe glass turntable for easy cleaning
What doesn’t
- Button labeling requires reading the manual first
- Heavy at 31 pounds — not for frequent relocation
4. Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill
The Emerson MWG1191SB stands apart from standard microwaves by adding a halogen grill element that crisps pizza edges, browns casserole tops, and gives sandwiches a grilled finish. The 1100W microwave section handles regular reheating, while the grill mode — with three combo power levels — toggles between microwave radiation and grill heat.
Nine preset cooking options cater to frozen pizza, vegetables, beverages, popcorn, potato, and meat, plus time‑ and weight‑based defrost. The retro‑style chrome handle and vintage control buttons give the stainless steel cabinet a distinct look that fits mid‑century or modern kitchens alike.
Reports of condensation buildup and a door latch that stops working after 12–16 months appear in a small percentage of reviews, suggesting the grill cavity may trap moisture. The door pull requires a firm tug that can scoot the microwave forward on smooth counters. If you want a microwave that also broils, the Emerson delivers that dual‑function versatility.
What works
- Integrated grill for browning and crisping food
- 1100W provides fast, powerful microwave heating
- Nine presets cover a wide variety of frozen meals
What doesn’t
- Door opening can pull the unit forward on the counter
- Condensation buildup inside cavity reported by some owners
5. GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
GE’s compact 1.1 cu ft microwave delivers 950 watts with a two‑step child lock that requires holding two buttons simultaneously — a deliberate safety design that prevents unintended activation. The exterior measures just 12 inches high, making it one of the shorter 1.1 cu ft models for fitting under low cabinets.
Six auto cook settings include beverage, defrost, pizza, popcorn, reheat, and potato. Weight‑ and time‑based defrost options let you thaw by entering the food’s weight, and the oven automatically sets the optimal power level and duration. A cooking complete alarm alerts you when your food is ready.
Some owners note the stainless steel front attracts fingerprints quickly and requires regular cleaning. A few also mention the keypad is hard to read in dim light because the buttons lack backlighting. Despite those ergonomic details, the reliability reputation of GE makes this a strong choice for dorm rooms, apartments, or anyone who prioritizes brand consistency.
What works
- Two‑step child lock offers real safety without nuisance
- Short 12‑inch height fits under most cabinets
- Weight defrost sets power level automatically
What doesn’t
- Stainless front shows fingerprints easily
- Keypad lacks backlighting for low‑light visibility
6. COMMERCIAL CHEF 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave
The COMMERCIAL CHEF microwave offers 1000 watts and a push‑button door lock in a compact stainless steel frame. Ten power levels and six pre‑set menus cover the basics: popcorn, beverage, frozen dinner, potato, pizza, and reheat. The defrost function can operate by time or weight, giving flexibility for different frozen items.
During hands‑on use, the mirror‑finish front panel hides the button labels until the microwave is powered on — a design choice that some owners find confusing. Touchpad buttons have been reported to peel after about a year of regular use, though the microwave continues to function. The interior measures adequately for standard plates but feels restrictive for larger casserole dishes.
At its price point, this microwave works well for basic reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen or office break room. The lack of backlighting on controls can be frustrating in dim kitchens, and the mirror finish demands frequent wiping. For the wattage per dollar, it’s a functional entry‑level pick.
What works
- 1000W at an entry‑level price point
- Push‑button door lock adds child safety
- Defrost by time or weight covers both use cases
What doesn’t
- Mirror finish hides buttons until unit is on
- Touchpad labels may peel after extended use
7. GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
The GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS redefines convenience with Scan‑to‑Cook technology — you hold the barcode of a frozen meal up to the microwave, and it automatically sets the correct power level and cook time. WiFi connectivity allows control via smartphone or voice assistant, including the ability to adjust timing and monitor cooking progress remotely.
At 800 watts, this is the lowest wattage unit in the lineup, but the sensor cooking feature compensates by automatically adjusting cook duration based on the food’s internal humidity. The 1.1 cu ft capacity is paired with a stainless steel interior that resists odors and stains. The unit can be built into a cabinet with a trim kit (sold separately) or mounted under a cabinet with an optional kit.
Owners who purchased a previous generation 10 years ago report similar build quality and quieter operation. The mandatory child lock can be tricky to disable on first use. For buyers who prioritize smart functionality and integration over raw heating speed, the GE Profile offers a polished, forward‑looking experience.
What works
- Scan‑to‑Cook sets perfect timing for frozen meals
- WiFi remote control via smartphone or voice assistant
- Sensor cooking adjusts power for even results
What doesn’t
- 800W is slower than mid‑range 1000W units
- Child lock setup process can be confusing initially
Hardware & Specs Guide
Wattage and Cooking Power
Wattage directly dictates how fast food heats. 800W models require longer cook times but often include sensor systems that adjust automatically. 1000W is the sweet spot for balanced speed and even energy distribution. 1100W offers the fastest heating but can lead to overcooked edges if the turntable doesn’t rotate smoothly.
Turntable Diameter
A standard 12.4‑inch glass turntable fits most dinner plates up to 10 inches wide. Smaller turntables (around 10 inches) can limit the size of plates you reheat. Always match the turntable size to your largest dish before purchasing — especially if you frequently reheat casserole dishes or large bowls.
Interior Material and Dimensions
Stainless steel interiors resist odors and stains better than painted enamel cavities. Measure the interior height — 8 inches or more is ideal for coffee mugs, soup bowls, and tall containers. Width and depth also matter: a cavity that’s too narrow can force you to scrape plates against the sides when turning.
Control Interface and Usability
Touch panels are easy to clean but can suffer from label wear after months of use. Physical buttons with a tactile click offer longer durability and more reliable feedback. Backlit keypads improve visibility in low-light conditions — a detail often overlooked until you’re reheating a late‑night snack in the dark.
FAQ
Is 1000W enough for a 1.1 cu ft microwave?
Can a 1.1 cu ft microwave fit a standard dinner plate?
How do I disable the child lock on a 1.1 cu ft microwave?
What does the grill function add to a microwave?
Does a higher wattage microwave use more electricity?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most kitchens, the best 1.1 cu ft microwave is the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave because it pairs 1000W output with straightforward presets and a proven track record across thousands of reviews. If you want voice control and smart‑home integration, grab the SHARP Alexa‑compatible model. And for dual‑function versatility — microwave plus real grill browning — nothing beats the Emerson MWG1191SB.