Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
If you want a microwave that fits a full dinner plate without taking over your counter, a 1.1 cu ft (cubic foot, a measure of the inside space) model is the size most people end up happy with. The Toshiba with Smart Sensor is the one that does it best. This guide covers nine countertop microwaves in that size class. It explains what wattage (cooking power) and sensor labels really mean for your leftovers. It points you to the model that matches how you actually cook.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
One honest note before we start: these picks are matched loosely to the 1.1 cu ft size you searched. A few are a hair over or under that exact figure. The nearest same-type size and wattage does the same job on your counter. Below you will find the picks that best balance interior room, cooking power, and everyday convenience for a 1.1 cu ft microwave oven.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Oven
The biggest surprise for first-time buyers is that the cubic-foot number describes the inside of the box, not the outside. A 1.1 cu ft microwave holds a standard dinner plate with room to spare. Yet the cabinet around it is often narrower and shallower than the bulky 1990s machine it replaces. That is exactly why this size has become the default for apartments, dorms, and small kitchens.
Wattage decides how long you wait
Wattage is the raw cooking power, and it is the number that decides whether your leftovers are hot in ninety seconds or three minutes. The picks here run from 950 watts up to 1100 watts, and every one of them will get the job done — a higher-wattage unit simply cuts the waiting. If you mostly reheat coffee and leftovers, the difference is minor. If you cook full meals from cold, the extra power is worth having.
Sensor cooking versus preset menus
Sensor cooking uses a built-in humidity or steam sensor to guess when food is done, so you press one button and walk away. Preset menus are simpler: you tap a labeled key for popcorn, potato, or pizza and the machine runs a fixed program. Sensors handle messy, unpredictable foods better; presets are faster to learn. Both are useful, and neither is a substitute for the other.
Door design, child locks, and the little annoyances
The door is the part you touch hundreds of times, and it is where owner opinions diverge most. Some models use a push-button release, others a pull handle. Several ship with a child lock (a safety feature that stops the microwave from running) that doubles as an accidental lock you have to defeat every time. Before you buy, decide if you want a lock you can disable quickly or one that stays on by default. It is the single feature owners mention most often after a month of use.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Power | Presets | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toshiba 1.1 Cu.Ft with Smart Sensor★ Best Overall | Best overall for most kitchens | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 13 menus | Amazon |
| Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft Stainless SteelBest Value | Small kitchens and dorms | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 3 presets | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu.Ft 1000WSimplest Controls | Simple everyday reheating | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 6 menus | Amazon |
| Frigidaire 1.1 Cu Ft 1000-Watt | Matching stainless kitchens | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 6 options | Amazon |
| Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop | Long-haul reliability | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 6 one-touch | Amazon |
| Commercial Chef CHCM11100B | Fast, simple high power | 1.1 cu ft | 1100W | 6 one-touch | Amazon |
| Emerson MWG1191SB Grill Microwave | Grill and crisp functions | 1.1 cu ft | 1100W | 9 presets | Amazon |
| Kenmore 1.1 Cu Ft Stainless Steel | Compact counters, familiar brand | 1.1 cu ft | 1000W | 6 menus | Amazon |
| GE 950 Watt 1.1 Cu. Ft. | Families who want GE controls | 1.1 cu ft | 950W | 6 settings | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W
Our pick — 4.5★ from 450+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The sensor that reads your leftovers so you do not have to babysit the timer
If you want one microwave that covers every job without a learning curve, this Toshiba is the pick. Sensors inside measure the steam coming off your food and shut the cook cycle down when it is done — so tamales, burritos, and a bowl of oatmeal all come out evenly hot without you guessing a time. That sensor setup is the reason it leads this list, and the 13 preset menus backing it up give you one-touch options for snacks, beverages, and dishes you cook on repeat.
What sets the Toshiba apart from the BLACK+DECKER above all is the preset library — 13 menus against the BLACK+DECKER’s 6, more than double the one-touch options. The 1000 watts of output power and 1600 watts of input power put it in the fast-reheating tier. You also get ten power levels, defrost by weight or by time, a mute mode for silencing the beeps, and a memory function that saves a dish setting so you can call it back later. The 12.4-inch glass turntable handles a standard dinner plate, and the black stainless finish reads modern without looking flashy.
The trade-off to know about is durability. Size, function, and value are what owners rave about most, but a minority report issues after a few months of use — enough that the long-haul reliability is not something to assume. A recurring annoyance is the touch pad itself: owners describe the buttons as needing firm presses and the sensor labels as less than obvious (the pasta setting in particular). One buyer of a 1995 Samsung replacement sized the trade honestly: “Cooking area same size, smaller exterior.” Another owner flagged noise from floor contact until a dish towel went under the feet.
If those caveats are acceptable, the sensor cooking is the reason to pick this over every other 1.1 cu ft pick here. It is the only model in this lineup that reads your food instead of just running a clock, and that alone earns the top spot.
What earns it the top spot
- Smart sensor cooking adjusts time to the food instead of a preset clock — no babysitting needed for messy dishes.
- 13 preset menus, more than double the BLACK+DECKER’s count, cover a wider range of snacks and dishes.
- 1000W output and 1600W input power put it in the fast tier for reheating leftovers.
- Mute mode and a memory function that saves dish settings — rare conveniences at this size and price tier.
What to keep in mind
- A minority of buyers report durability issues after a few months — this is a “buy it for now” model, not a 30-year keeper.
- Touch controls want a firm press, and the sensor labels are less self-explanatory than the panel suggests.
- It runs quieter than most but can buzz on uneven tile without a pad underneath.
Reach for this if: you want sensor-cooking convenience and the widest snack coverage, and you are okay replacing it down the road.
Look elsewhere if: you need the long-life reputation of a brand that keeps running for a decade — in that case the Farberware below is the safer long-haul bet.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave, 1.1 Cu Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel
Big interior, tight footprint, with a child lock built into the door handle itself
For dorm rooms, tiny kitchens, and counters where every inch is already claimed, this Chefman is the smallest-footprint way to get a 1.1 cu ft interior. It measures 14.47″D x 20.1″W x 11.99″H — and that footprint is genuinely tighter than the BLACK+DECKER’s 14.8″D x 20.6″W x 11.8″H. On a cramped counter that width difference is the one that decides whether you can still open a cabinet door next to it.
What makes the Chefman pleasant to use day to day is the simplicity. Three one-touch presets handle popcorn, beverages, and leftovers, and if you want a quick two-minute reheat you just tap the number keys. There is a +30 seconds button for adding time mid-cycle and 10 power levels including a low setting for melting butter. The child lock lives on the handle — you pull upward on the top edge to open — which keeps the door from popping open by accident. The glass turntable is dishwasher-safe, and the mute option silences the beeps, which matters when you are reheating at 6 a.m.
The trade-off to plan around is noise. Some owners find it quiet; others call it extremely noisy when the fan is running. Heating performance draws mixed feedback too — a few owners mention it runs on the slow side, though the owners who mostly reheat leftovers and coffee describe it as even and dependable. What owners consistently praise is raw performance in its size class, followed by functionality. As one owner described the compact trade: the machine takes a minute where a bigger one takes thirty seconds, and the size savings are the reward.
Where it wins: the plate fits. Buyers count a 10-inch dinner plate as comfortably inside, and the smaller exterior means fewer countertop compromises around it. The stainless exterior also pulls its weight in appearance, which owners regularly call out.
Where it asks patience: running noise is the recurring point of disagreement, and children or pets who like to slam doors will test the handle-lock design. Neither is a dealbreaker for most kitchens — just check that the pitch is one you can live with.
Suits: dorm-room and small-apartment cooks who care more about interior room than feature count.
Skip if: you want sensor cooking or an extensive preset library — this one keeps the panel deliberately lean.
3. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Child Safety, Black
Express buttons that start heating the moment you tap, no dial-dancing involved
For anyone who wants a microwave to do exactly one thing — heat food fast, with no menu scrolling — this BLACK+DECKER is the no-fuss pick. Six one-touch menus cover the everyday jobs: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate. The express cooking shortcut starts the unit instantly, and the 1000 watts output with 10 power levels handles everything from a quick reheat to longer cooks without drama.
The BLACK+DECKER footprint is the same class as the Toshiba at 14.8″D x 20.6″W x 11.8″H. Where it stands apart is the front panel: a black finish with a fingerprint-resistant surface that keeps smudges off, which is a genuine benefit in a busy kitchen. The child safety lock activates by holding the cancel button for 5 seconds — simple to set and simple to disengage when you do not need it. That convenience matters because owners in similar appliances often find locks harder to turn off than they are to turn on.
What owners appreciate most here is the cooking outcome: fast, even heating, quiet operation, and a footprint small enough for a countertop without giving up use of the space. The recurring caveat is the door lock — some customers note it is easy to disable, others find the process inconvenient until they get used to it. Interior visibility through the door window is also fairly limited, so you will not be able to stare at your food during the cook. Neither point changes the daily performance, but they are the things to expect.
Pick this if: you want express-start convenience and one-touch buttons for a handful of standard foods, with zero learning curve.
Not for you if: you want to watch your food through the door or you prefer a lock you can leave permanently off.
4. FRIGIDAIRE Stainless Steel Microwave Oven, Multi Function, Programmable, 1.1 Cu Ft 1000-Watt
A stainless finish that matches the rest of your appliances without the price of the flagship
If the rest of your kitchen is stainless and you want a microwave that blends in, this Frigidaire is the closest match on the list. The finish is easy to wipe down, and the 10 power levels plus 6 pre-programmed options for pizza, popcorn, French fries, wings/nuggets, and more cover the snacking rotation without any menu memorization.
On the practical side, the removable glass turntable lifts straight out for cleaning — a small feature that adds up when something splatters. Defrost settings are also built in for meat, poultry, and fish, and the child safety lock prevents young children from opening the door during or after a cook. The touch-button surface handles both clock and timer, and the interior enamel lining wipes down clean.
The honest caveat here is door behavior. The door has been reported to stick occasionally — sometimes on arrival because the parental lock is engaged and you have to press Stop to open it. Most owners find it settles into a working rhythm after the first use or two, and the manual walks you through it, but a small subset found the sticking persistent enough to return theirs. That is a real risk to be aware of, not a reason to skip this pick. When the door behaves, owners describe it as powerful for its size and quiet in use.
Best fit: buyers who want their microwave to disappear into a stainless kitchen and who value easy cleaning.
One caution: the door lock needs a patient first few days — read the manual before plugging in so you are not surprised by it.
Worth it for: kitchens already styled in stainless, where appearance and easy-clean surfaces matter as much as cooking.
Pass if: you want the simplest possible door — the latch is known to need a firm hand early on.
5. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, 1000 Watts, Stainless
The one that keeps showing up in kitchens years after the box is gone
When longevity matters more than features, this Farberware is the pick — and the owner history supports it. Multiple Farberware reviewers point out seven-plus years of service, one nearly ten before the interior light failed. For an appliance in this size class, that is a genuinely durable track record, and it is the reason this model sits in the top five despite the field being crowded with newer options.
The spec list is comprehensive: 1000 watts output, 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking, six one-touch options (popcorn, potato, pizza, and others), and defrost by weight or by time. Express cooking buttons run from one to six minutes, and there is an Add 30-Seconds control for extending a cycle. The clear LED display doubles as a kitchen timer and clock, and interior lighting lets you watch progress through the door. The child safety lock is available when you need it. The stainless steel finish matches most kitchen counters.
The two honest catches are noise and the door’s auto-lock behavior. Running noise is the most-discussed downside among owners — it is louder than many older units, so if your kitchen sits next to a sleeping area, that matters. The door also ships with an auto-lock that surprises new owners until they learn the open up sequence — a minor wrinkle that fades with habit. Keypad wear is another long-term consideration: One Farberware owner reported specific buttons failing after about two years and eight months, so heavy daily presses are the wear point.. None of these undermine the value — it is a well-made everyday unit that just happens to be on the louder side.
The case for it: proven long service, complete preset library, and a straightforward panel that even first-time microwave owners pick up in a day.
What to accept: louder operation than most picks here, plus a door-lock quirk you will have to learn. Neither is a flaw — they are just the personality of this model.
Built for: buyers who want a reliable daily driver and don’t mind a little extra noise to get it.
Consider another if: you need an almost-silent machine or you want a door with no learning curve at all.
6. Commercial Chef 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, CHCM11100B, Black
The 1100-watt workhorse for anyone who is tired of waiting on leftovers
If raw heating speed is the priority, the Commercial Chef pushes 1100 watts of power into a 1.1 cu ft box. That is the strongest wattage figure in this lineup alongside the Emerson. That extra output means popcorn, pasta, and reheated plates all finish faster than they would in a 950W or 1000W unit. The 10 heating settings include 6 one-touch menus with weight and speed defrost (settings that automatically adjust time based on food weight). The digital controls handle anything from 30 seconds to 99 minutes. An accurate kitchen timer signals when your food is done.
Where this model shines for the busy cook is the straightforward operation. Owners describe it as simple enough that even elderly users find it intuitive — no learning curve, no layered menus. The push-button door has no handle to grab, which keeps the profile clean. Cleaning is easy thanks to a smooth black interior, and it fits large plates comfortably. A 10-inch dishwasher-safe glass plate sits on the turntable. The stainless accents give the black body a less utilitarian look than the price tier would suggest.
One design note: because it is on the light side, the whole unit can slide a bit when you open the door with force. Owners flag this as an adjustment, not a fault — a rubber foot pad or a non-slip mat underneath handles it. Longevity is the other open question; shoppers say the interior is easy to keep clean, and routine care (wiping condensation after use, leaving the door cracked) is the difference between a longer and shorter lifespan. Commercial Chef owners using it daily for two-plus years still report it works as intended.
Reasons owners keep recommending it
- 1100 watts output is the highest in this group — leftovers and popcorn come out hot faster than the 950W and 1000W picks here.
- Digital panel goes from 30 seconds up to 99 minutes at the touch of a button, no menu layers to navigate.
- Simple enough for first-time microwave owners, including the elderly users owners point to in their write-ups.
- 10 power levels plus 6 one-touch menus cover the everyday rotation without decision fatigue.
Small print worth noting
- Light enough that the chassis can slide on the counter when you pull the door hard — a non-slip pad under it settles that.
- Push-button door takes a firm press; owners describe the feel as sturdy but deliberate.
- No under-cabinet mounting kit at this size, so it is countertop-only.
Choose this if: speed is the metric you care about and you want the simplest possible control panel to get there.
Skip if: you want extras like sensor cooking or mute modes — the Commercial Chef keeps its feature list lean on purpose.
7. Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Built-In Grill Function, 1100W Power, Stainless Steel
The only pick here that grills — crisping pizza, browning casseroles, and searing sandwiches
This Emerson is the outlier on the list because it does something the other eight do not: it grills. A built-in grill function on top of the 1100W microwave power lets you crisp the top of a pizza, brown the surface of a casserole, or give a sandwich a toasted finish without turning on your oven. The stainless steel cabinet and front panel handle the look, and the retro chrome handle with vintage-style buttons gives it a personality the other models lack. It is the pick for someone who wants to cook food in a microwave, not just reheat it.
The feature set is generous: 11 power levels give you fine control over intensity, 9 preset options cover popcorn, pizza, vegetables, meat, and beverages, and time and weight defrost modes handle thawing. Three combo power levels mix microwave and grill output in one cycle. The removable glass turntable cleans easily, and the child lock keeps little hands from opening the door after a hot cook. For a dorm or first apartment, the microwave-plus-grill combination replaces two countertop appliances.
The honest trade here is durability and value perception. Owners clearly love the appearance — it draws the most positive attention of any aspect. The size gets similar praise as genuinely roomy. Where opinions divide is over the build and the price-to-perceived-quality ratio. Some buyers call it a solid basic unit. Others find it does not feel like it matches its tier. The child lock also gets flagged as fussy by some owners. Because the grill element sits exposed at the top, an owner has noted that spatter can drip from it after grilling. Wiping the interior after a grill cycle is worth the habit. None of that undercuts the grill feature itself, which is what makes this pick unique.
The winning idea: grilling in a countertop microwave is a real convenience, and the Emerson is the only model on this list that does it.
The trade to accept: exposed top elements and a plastic-heavy feel on some panels mean the machine rewards a wipe-down after each grill use — that upkeep is not optional if you want the appearance to hold.
Reach for it if: you want a stove-alternative for browning and crisping without paying for a full-size toaster oven.
Leave it if: you only want simple reheating — the grill feature is what justifies this one, and skipping it means paying for what you do not use.
8. Kenmore Countertop Microwave, 6 Auto-Preset Menus, Child Lock, Defrost & Express Cooking, 1.1 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
The tightest counter footprint for a full-plate interior, in a familiar brand finish
If you are working with a narrow strip of counter between the sink and the fridge, the Kenmore may be the fit that clicks. At 21.02″ W x 15.43″ D x 11.14″ H, this is among the most compact exteriors in the group. It still holds 1.1 cu ft inside with a 12.4-inch removable glass turntable (the rotating plate that spins your food) that handles a full dinner plate. The stainless steel finish and clean lines make it feel like a step up from its tier.
Day-to-day use is straightforward: 6 preset cooking menus cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, beverage, and reheat. Express cooking shortcuts from 30 seconds to 1 to 6 minutes skip the manual time entry. Defrost works by time or by weight, and the control panel includes both a clock and a kitchen timer. The child lock is available when you want it — though its open up sequence takes some getting used to, and owners have noted that every cook requires a quick extra button press. The 1000 watts output handles everyday reheating, and the interior light helps you see progress through the door.
The honest note on this pick is durability variance. Most owners describe it as well-made and easy to use, but A small share of Kenmore buyers report the door latch breaking after several months, forcing a return rather than a repair.. That minority is real — but it is a minority. Owners also occasionally mention the interior feels a touch smaller than they pictured, though the exterior measurements match the listing. For most kitchens, this is a solid everyday unit from a brand with a long appliance pedigree; the anecdotal latch failures are the ones to research before you commit.
Perfect for: tight counters where the brand-match and space efficiency outweigh long-term durability guarantees.
Look past it if: you need absolute confidence in the door mechanism over years of use — the Farberware above has the stronger service record.
9. GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 950 Watt, 1.1 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel
A family-friendly GE with a bundled pasta cooker and the brand name to match
For households that trust a name they already have on the range and the fridge, this GE is the pick. It runs on 950 watts, the lowest output on the list. That means longer cycles than the 1000W and 1100W machines here. But owners describe the day-to-day performance as dependable. The digital keypad with 6 convenience cook settings plus one-touch express controls keeps the operation simple. A pasta cooker is bundled in, which is a small bonus that suits beginner kitchens.
The child lock is a real selling point for households with grandchildren or shared spaces — it drops in easily for family use and disables just as easily when not needed. Manual and auto defrost modes adjust both time and power so frozen foods thaw evenly without overcooking the edges. The stainless steel interior wipes down without much fuss, and the exterior keeps a low profile on the counter. Installation has specific clearance requirements: 3 inches on each side and above, 1 inch at the rear, and nothing blocking the bottom for airflow.
Two things to plan around. The door closes with a louder clack than most — owners describe it as a solid shut, but it is more audible than the quieter picks here, which matters if the kitchen is near a sleeping area. And the wattage ceiling of 950 means a reheat that takes 30 seconds on the Commercial Chef might take closer to a minute here. Neither is a quality issue; it is the trade you make for the brand familiarity and the stripped-down control panel. Long-term GE owners still report it running fine.
Right if: you want a GE kitchen, a simple keypad, and the child lock for a household with visiting grandchildren.
Wrong if: you need the fastest heat on the counter — the lower 950W output is the honest limit.
Understanding the Specs
What “1.1 cu ft” really measures
Capacity describes interior cooking space, not the footprint of the appliance. A 1.1 cu ft microwave typically holds a standard 10-inch to 12-inch dinner plate without blocking the turntable. That is what makes this size the crossover point between “just reheats a mug” and “actually cooks a meal.” Check the exterior dimensions separately. Some 1.1 cu ft models measure 20.1 inches wide, others 21.02. On a tight counter that difference matters. Turntable diameter tells you the largest plate that can spin freely. So a 12.4-inch turntable is a better plate-fitting indicator than the cubic-foot number alone.
What wattage and presets actually do for you
Wattage is the cooking power, and it directly decides how long food takes. A 950W unit will reheat more slowly than a 1000W or 1100W machine, and on the same dish the wait can add up over a year of daily use. Preset menus are different — they set a fixed time and power combination for common foods like popcorn, potato, or pizza, and typically save you three or four button presses per cook. Sensor cooking goes a step further by reading the food as it heats and turning the cycle off when it is done. If you reheat a variable mix of dishes, sensors generally save you the most hassle. If you cook the same items on repeat, presets are quicker.
FAQ
Will a 1.1 cu ft microwave fit a standard dinner plate?
What is the difference between 1000W and 1100W in a countertop microwave?
How does sensor cooking work in the Toshiba?
What is the difference between preset menus and auto cook settings?
Does a 1.1 cu ft microwave have a child lock I can disable?
Will a 1.1 cu ft microwave fit under a kitchen cabinet?
Is a built-in grill worth the extra on the Emerson?
How long does a countertop microwave at this size typically last?
Do I need to worry about countertop clearance for a 1.1 cu ft microwave?
Is 1000W enough for reheating leftovers or should I look at higher wattage?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most kitchens, the 1.1 cu ft microwave oven winner is the Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor because its sensor cooking reads your food and shuts off when it is done. It is the only pick here that removes the guesswork entirely. If you want the strongest long-service record, grab the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave and accept the louder hum as the trade for years of dependable service. And for browning, crisping, and grill-finish cooking in one countertop box, the Emerson MWG1191SB Grill Microwave is the one to reach for.
Whichever direction you go, decide first whether sensor cooking, long service life, or grill capability matters most — those three priorities split this list cleanly. The nine picks here all hold 1.1 cu ft interiors, all fit a standard dinner plate, and all run at 950W or higher, so you are picking between conveniences rather than between deals and duds.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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