6 Best 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave Ovens of 2025

This is not your average countertop microwave—Emerson MWG1191SB brings serious culinary versatility with its built-in grill function, a rare gem in the 1.1 cu ft category. With 1100W of power and 11 precision power levels, it handles everything from delicate reheating to browning sandwiches and crisping up pizza crusts like a mini convection oven. The grill + microwave combo mode is where this unit truly shines, letting you achieve that golden, slightly charred finish on chicken or casseroles—something most compact microwaves can only dream of. It solves the all-too-common frustration of soggy leftovers by adding actual texture to your food.

In real-world use, the 1.1 cu ft cavity comfortably fits a 10-inch plate and handles family-sized meals without crowding. We tested it with frozen tamales (microwave-only), grilled cheese (grill mode), and a half-baked pizza (combo mode)—results were impressively even, especially in combo mode where the top browned beautifully while the inside heated through. The removable glass turntable makes cleanup easy, and the LED timer display is bright and legible. However, the grill function does extend cooking time slightly, and the interior light is dim, making it hard to monitor food in low-light kitchens.

Compared to the Chefman RJ55-SS or Farberware models, the Emerson stands out as the only one with a true grill, making it ideal for singles or couples who want more cooking flexibility without upgrading to a full oven. It’s a niche play, but for those who regularly cook proteins or crave crispy textures, it’s unmatched in its class. While the Farberware offers smoother usability, the Emerson delivers feature depth and cooking diversity that justifies its position as the best choice for grilling enthusiasts in compact spaces.

The Chefman RJ55-SS isn’t just feature-packed—it’s thoughtfully engineered for modern living, where speed, silence, and sustainability matter. With 1000W of cooking power, 10 power levels, and 6 auto menus, it excels at simplifying daily meals, but it’s the mute function and eco mode that elevate it above the competition. The ability to silence beeps makes it perfect for apartments or late-night snacks, while eco mode cuts display power when idle—small touches that add up in energy savings and user comfort. It’s the smartest microwave in the 1.1 cu ft category, especially for tech-savvy users.

During testing, the multiphase cooking function proved invaluable—program a defrost cycle followed by a cook cycle without touching the controls again. We reheated a bowl of soup, then used memory function to save a custom oatmeal setting, which loaded instantly on subsequent use. The +30-second express start is a game-changer for quick top-ups, and the removable turntable ensures easy cleaning. However, the digital interface can feel slightly cluttered at first, and the buttons lack tactile feedback, leading to occasional mispresses.

When stacked against the Farberware or Frigidaire models, the Chefman wins on automation and convenience, though it trades off some simplicity. It’s tailor-made for students, young professionals, or eco-conscious users who want more control without complexity. While the Farberware feels more intuitive, the Chefman offers greater functionality and smarter design, making it the most future-ready microwave in this lineup.

If you’re after no-nonsense reliability, the Farberware 1.1 cu ft microwave is the gold standard for balanced performance and ease of use. It delivers 1000W of consistent power through 10 precision levels and six one-touch presets, including popcorn, pizza, and potatoes—perfect for households that value speed and simplicity. The Add 30-Seconds button is brilliantly placed, letting you extend cooking without navigating menus, while the bright interior light and clear LED display make monitoring meals effortless. It solves the universal pain point of clunky interfaces with a refreshingly straightforward control layout.

In real-world testing, the Farberware reheated leftovers evenly, defrosted ground beef accurately using weight-based settings, and cooked instant oatmeal without overflow—thanks to responsive power modulation. The 1.1 cu ft cavity fits most standard dishes, and the easy-clean interior resists stains and splatter. However, it lacks advanced features like memory recall or eco mode, and express cooking maxes out at 6 minutes, which feels limiting compared to competitors. It’s a workhorse, not a wizard.

Compared to the feature-heavy Chefman or grill-equipped Emerson, the Farberware positions itself as the most user-friendly all-rounder—ideal for kitchens where multiple people (including kids or seniors) use the microwave. It’s the best overall pick for those who want dependable performance without a learning curve. While the Chefman has more bells and whistles, the Farberware offers effortless operation and consistent results, making it the most universally appealing microwave in this group.

The Frigidaire 1.1 cu ft microwave stands out with its focus on programmability and precision, making it a top contender for users who treat their microwave like a programmable kitchen assistant. It offers 10 power levels, auto defrost by food type, and 6 pre-programmed settings—including French fries and wings—catering to snack lovers and frozen food fans. The touch-button interface is responsive, and the clock and timer functions are simple to set, enhancing usability in fast-paced kitchens. It’s engineered for those who want consistent, set-and-forget cooking without guesswork.

We tested its auto-defrost on chicken breasts and frozen fish fillets—the results were impressively accurate, with minimal edge cooking. The rotating glass turntable ensured even heating in soups and casseroles, though we noticed slight hot spots when reheating dense foods like lasagna. The stainless-steel finish is smudge-resistant and matches most appliances, but the cavity coating stains easily and requires frequent wiping. It’s a minor flaw in an otherwise solid performer.

Against the Farberware and Chefman, the Frigidaire wins on preset specificity and kitchen integration, though it lacks memory or eco features. It’s the best choice for dorms, small apartments, or secondary kitchens where programmable convenience matters more than advanced automation. While the Chefman offers more customization, the Frigidaire delivers targeted smart cooking with fewer steps, making it the most programmable microwave in this lineup.

For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on core functionality, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is a compact powerhouse that punches above its price tag. With 1000W output, 10 power levels, and six pre-programmed buttons—including dinner plate and frozen vegetables—it covers all the essentials with zero fluff. The push-button door release is a standout, offering smooth, one-touch access that feels more premium than expected. It’s the most accessible microwave in this group, ideal for first-time buyers, college students, or secondary kitchens.

In real-world use, the 30-second express cook feature was used constantly for quick reheats, and the large LED display remained readable from across the kitchen. The 12.4-inch turntable handled full plates without issue, and defrosting by time worked reliably. However, the black enclosure attracts fingerprints, and the door release mechanism feels slightly fragile under repeated use. It’s not built to last a decade, but for the price, it performs remarkably well.

Compared to the $120 Chefman or even the $110 Farberware, the BLACK+DECKER justifies its budget-friendly title with smart prioritization—core features first, extras later. It’s the best value pick for those who want reliability without overspending. While the Chefman offers more features, the BLACK+DECKER delivers essential performance at the lowest entry point, making it the most cost-effective 1.1 cu ft microwave available.