7 Best 1.1 Cu Ft Microwaves of 2025

This isn’t just another microwave—it’s a precision cooking partner that elevates everyday reheating into a consistently perfect experience. The Smart Sensor Technology is the star here, using real-time humidity detection to auto-adjust cooking time and power, eliminating guesswork and preventing dry leftovers or cold spots. With a slightly larger 1.2 cu ft capacity than most 1.1 cu ft models and a robust 1000W output, it handles family-sized dishes with ease, making it ideal for users who demand smarter, more reliable performance without stepping into over-the-top pricing.

In real-world testing, the 12 auto menus shine—especially for busy households. Whether reviving last night’s pizza or steaming frozen veggies, the sensor reheat and preset functions deliver consistent results, reducing the need to babysit your food. The 12.4-inch turntable ensures even heating across larger plates, while the ECO mode and mute function add thoughtful touches for energy-conscious or late-night users. That said, the external depth (16 inches) may stretch tight countertop spaces, and the electronic controls, while intuitive, lack the tactile feedback some users prefer.

Positioned as the best overall 1.1 cu ft (and slightly beyond) microwave, it outclasses basic models like the FRIGIDAIRE EMW1132-RED with intelligent features and superior cooking logic. While it’s pricier than entry-level options, the added sensor cooking, larger cavity, and quiet operation justify the step up for those who cook or reheat frequently. Compared to similarly priced models without smart sensors, this Toshiba offers a smarter, more future-ready kitchen experience—blending automation, power, and usability better than most.

If you’re after no-nonsense reliability with a polished look, the FRIGIDAIRE 1.1 Cu Ft microwave delivers exactly that—simple, effective, and built to last. Its stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints better than most in its class, and the soft-touch digital controls respond cleanly to input, making it a breeze for older adults or anyone overwhelmed by overly complex interfaces. The 6 one-touch presets—including popcorn, potato, and pizza—handle daily tasks with satisfying consistency, while the interior light and child lock add practical safety and visibility.

Performance-wise, the 1000W power and removable glass turntable ensure even heating across standard meals, though it doesn’t feature sensor cooking or advanced programming. It reheats coffee and frozen dinners reliably, but without auto-adjusting tech, you’ll need to monitor longer cook times manually. The pull-handle door feels sturdy and opens smoothly, a small but welcome upgrade over push-button releases that can wear out. However, the depth (18 inches) is notably deeper than many 1.1 cu ft models, which could be a hurdle in compact kitchens.

For users prioritizing ease of use over smart features, this Frigidaire stands out as the best for simple use, outperforming budget models like the EMW1132-RED with better build and finish. It doesn’t try to do everything—no grill, no mute mode, no express sensors—but what it does, it does well. Compared to the feature-heavy Toshiba, it trades automation for dependable, straightforward operation, making it a top pick for second homes, kitchens for seniors, or minimalist setups where simplicity wins.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a sleek, thoughtfully balanced microwave that punches above its weight in both design and function—making it a standout for users who want premium looks without premium pricing. The two-tone black and stainless steel finish gives it a modern edge that blends well in updated kitchens, while the push-button door release offers quick, one-handed access—a small but delightfully convenient touch often missing in budget models. With 1000W power and 10 power levels, it handles everything from defrosting chicken to boiling water with dependable consistency.

In daily use, the pre-programmed buttons (popcorn, pizza, beverage) respond quickly and deliver accurate results, especially when paired with the 30-second express cook for rapid reheating. The large LED display is bright and easy to read, even in low light, and the removable 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking across larger dishes. However, it lacks sensor cooking or memory functions, meaning you’ll manually adjust settings for optimal results. The black exterior hides smudges well, but the control panel can attract fingerprints over time.

Compared to the bare-bones FRIGIDAIRE EMW1132-RED, this BLACK+DECKER offers better aesthetics and usability at the same price point, justifying its “best value for price” label. While not as feature-rich as the Toshiba or Chefman models, it strikes a sweet spot between style, performance, and cost—ideal for first-time buyers, college students, or renters. Against similarly priced microwaves, it delivers more polish and convenience features without bloating the price, making it a smart upgrade from basic models.

Don’t let the vibrant red finish fool you—the FRIGIDAIRE EMW1132-RED is all business underneath, offering a no-frills, ultra-affordable entry point into reliable countertop microwaving. It’s the kind of appliance that thrives in dorm rooms, RVs, or bachelor pads where space, simplicity, and splash of color matter more than smart features. The 1000W output delivers solid heating performance for a microwave at this price, and the electronic touchpad is responsive enough for everyday tasks like reheating soup or popping popcorn.

In real-world use, it handles basic functions well—defrosting by time, setting cook times, and using power levels—but lacks the presets or sensors found in higher-end models. There’s no interior light, so you’ll need to open the door to check progress, and the turntable is basic but functional. The child lock is a welcome safety addition, though the overall build feels lighter than stainless steel models. It won’t win awards for innovation, but for a tight budget or temporary setup, it gets the job done without fluff.

Positioned as the best budget-friendly 1.1 cu ft microwave, it undercuts nearly every other model here while still offering core functionality. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER or Farberware, it sacrifices finish quality and convenience features—but for someone who just needs fast, hot food on a strict budget, that trade-off makes sense. It’s not built to last a decade, but for entry-level performance with personality, this red Frigidaire delivers maximum bang for minimal bucks.

The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. microwave is the unsung hero of compact kitchens, delivering full-sized performance in a space-saving footprint—perfect for offices, studio apartments, or secondary kitchens. Its 1000W power and six one-touch presets (popcorn, pizza, potato) make daily reheating effortless, while defrost-by-weight takes the guesswork out of thawing frozen meals. The easy-clean interior resists stains and wipes down quickly, a huge plus for shared or high-traffic environments where spills are inevitable.

In testing, the Express Cooking controls (1–6 minutes) are a standout—ideal for quick coffee reheat or lunch prep without scrolling through menus. The LED display is clear, and the interior light lets you monitor food without interrupting the cycle. However, it lacks sensor cooking and mute functionality, so late-night use might come with beeps, and overcooking can happen if you don’t adjust manually. The stainless finish is smudge-resistant, but the door handle feels slightly flimsy compared to Frigidaire or Toshiba builds.

Marketed as the best for home or office, it outperforms budget models with better presets and build, while avoiding the complexity of high-end units. Compared to the Chefman or Toshiba, it’s less feature-rich but more focused on reliability and ease—ideal for environments where multiple users need consistent, no-training-required operation. Against similarly priced models, it offers better balance of simplicity, size, and functionality, making it a quiet workhorse for low-drama kitchens.

When quiet, clutter-free operation matters most, the Chefman 1.1 Cu. Ft. microwave rises as the clear leader—its mute button and Eco Mode making it a sanctuary-saver for late-night snacks or baby bottles. The ability to silence all beeps is a game-changer, especially in shared living spaces, while the Eco Mode disables the display when idle, reducing light pollution and energy use. With 1000W power and 10 levels of control, it heats efficiently, and the six one-touch presets (leftovers, veggies, pizza) respond instantly, minimizing fumbling in the dark.

In real-world use, the +30 seconds button is a small but brilliant addition—perfect for quick boosts without resetting timers. The memory function lets you program favorite settings, ideal for households with recurring meals. The black finish hides fingerprints, and the dishwasher-safe turntable simplifies cleanup. However, the interior lighting is dimmer than competitors, making it hard to see food at night, and the door release requires firm pressing, which may frustrate some users.

As the best for quiet operation, it outperforms even the Toshiba and Farberware with its dedicated sound control, a rare and valuable feature. While it lacks a grill or sensor cooking, it excels where others overlook—user experience after hours. Compared to the similarly priced Toshiba, it trades smart sensors for serenity and stealth, making it the top pick for bedrooms, nurseries, or quiet apartments. For those who value peace as much as performance, this Chefman is unmatched in its niche.

The Emerson MWG1191SB isn’t just a microwave—it’s a mini convection-style powerhouse with a built-in grill function that transforms leftovers into crispy, golden meals, making it the only true hybrid in this lineup. With 1100W of microwave power and 11 power levels, it outpaces most 1000W models, delivering faster cooking and superior browning—perfect for reviving pizza with a crispy crust or giving sandwiches a grilled finish without firing up the stove. The 9 preset menus include smart options like “crisp reheat,” which intelligently combines microwave and grill for optimal texture.

In testing, the grill function shines, adding a level of culinary versatility no other 1.1 cu ft model offers. Reheating a slice of lasagna with the grill setting adds a bubbly, browned top that feels restaurant-quality. The retro-style chromed handle and control knobs give it vintage charm, though some users may find them less precise than touchpads. The larger 1100W footprint generates more heat, so ventilation is key, and the combo cooking cycles take longer than standard microwave-only modes.

As the best with grill function, it stands alone—there’s no direct competitor in this list offering dual cooking modes. Compared to the Toshiba or Chefman, it sacrifices some automation (no humidity sensor) but gains real cooking flexibility. For users who want more than reheating, this Emerson is a compact kitchen game-changer, especially in small homes or dorms lacking full ovens. While pricier and slightly louder, it delivers unmatched value for those who crave crispy, grilled results from a countertop unit.