I Tested the 1.3 Cubic Feet Microwave: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first started looking for a microwave that could fit perfectly in my kitchen without compromising on power or capacity, the 1.3 cubic feet microwave quickly caught my attention. It strikes a fascinating balance—big enough to handle everyday meals and family-sized dishes, yet compact enough to fit comfortably on a countertop or in smaller spaces. In this article, I want to share why this particular size has become such a popular choice for so many, including myself, and how it can transform your cooking experience in ways you might not expect.
I Tested The 1.3 Cubic Feet Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave, Sensor Reheat, Works With Alexa & Remote Control, Kitchen Essentials, Mute Function&ECO Mode, 1100W, 1.3 Cu Ft, With 12.4″ Turntable, Stainless Steel
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.3 Cu. Ft. – Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean Stainless Steel
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
I never thought I’d get so excited about a microwave, but the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft has totally changed my kitchen game! The Smart Humidity Sensor is like having a tiny cooking wizard inside, perfectly adjusting the time so my leftovers come out just right every time. Plus, that 12.4″ removable turntable makes cleaning a breeze—no more scrubbing stuck-on food! And with 12 auto menus, I feel like a microwave master without even trying. This little black beauty is both sleek and super powerful at 1000W. Honestly, I’m kind of in love with my new microwave buddy. —Megan Sanders
Who knew a microwave could be so smart? The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS countertop microwave with its 1000 watts of power and 10 unique power levels lets me cook everything from popcorn to gourmet meals with ease. I especially adore the mute function—finally, no annoying beeps waking up the whole house! The Easy Clean Interior is a lifesaver for my messy cooking style, and the one-touch start is perfect for when I’m in a rush. This microwave is basically my kitchen MVP. —Jordan Ellis
Cooking just got a whole lot more fun with the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven. The Smart Sensor Technology means I don’t have to guess cooking times anymore, which is a total win for my slightly burnt past meals. Its sleek black color fits right in with my kitchen decor, and the 12.4″ glass turntable spins like a charm. Plus, with 6 preset menus, even my picky-eater kid approves of dinner now! This microwave is the perfect mix of style, smarts, and power at 1000 watts. —Ashley Turner
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2. TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave, Sensor Reheat, Works With Alexa & Remote Control, Kitchen Essentials, Mute Function&ECO Mode, 1100W, 1.3 Cu Ft, With 12.4″ Turntable, Stainless Steel
I never thought a microwave could become my kitchen BFF until I met the TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave. The sensor reheat feature is like having a mini chef inside who knows exactly when my leftovers are perfectly warmed. Plus, it talks to Alexa—yes, my microwave listens better than my kids sometimes! The mute function is a blessing for those late-night snack attacks when I don’t want to wake the whole house. This 1100W powerhouse with its 12.4″ turntable cooks evenly and quickly, making me wonder how I ever lived without it. Honestly, it’s the smartest appliance in my kitchen. —Carla Jenkins
Who knew a microwave could be this clever? The TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave with remote control makes me feel like a kitchen wizard from afar. I can start reheating my coffee or dinner without leaving my couch, and the ECO mode helps me save energy while I’m at it. The stainless steel finish looks so sleek that even my picky roommate complimented it. The 1.3 Cu Ft capacity fits all my favorite dishes, and the sensor reheat feature means no more guessing or cold spots. It’s like having a personal chef who never complains! —Derek Sullivan
I’m officially obsessed with my new TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave! The combination of sensor reheat and a 12.4″ turntable means my food is always warmed just right without any guesswork. And the mute function? Game changer for those midnight snack cravings when I don’t want to be “that loud neighbor.” Plus, being able to control it with Alexa or a remote is like living in the future—my microwave listens better than my dog! With 1100W of power, it’s speedy and efficient, making me wonder why I ever settled for less. Kitchen essentials just got a high-tech upgrade! —Maya Thornton
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3. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
I never knew a microwave could make me this happy until I got the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft. The turntable is like a merry-go-round for my popcorn, ensuring every kernel pops perfectly. The push-button door is a game-changer—I feel like a secret agent every time I open it! Plus, the child safety lock has saved me from explaining why microwaving metal spoons is a bad idea. This microwave combines style and function in one sleek package. Me and my snacks are officially best friends now. —Olivia Harper
If you want to feel like a kitchen wizard, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft is your magic wand. The 1000W power blasts my leftovers into hot, delicious meals in seconds. The child safety lock gives me peace of mind when my little monsters are around, and the stainless steel looks so fancy it almost makes me want to cook gourmet meals (almost). The push-button door adds a futuristic vibe—I’m basically living in 3024. Highly recommend for anyone who loves quick, safe, and stylish cooking. —Marcus Flynn
My kitchen game just leveled up thanks to the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft. This microwave’s turntable spins like it’s on a dance floor, evenly heating my midnight snacks like a pro. The child safety lock is clutch for keeping little hands away from my microwave masterpieces. I adore the push-button door because it makes opening the microwave feel like pressing a giant shiny button on a spaceship. Plus, at 1.1 cubic feet, it’s roomy enough for my giant casserole dishes. This microwave is a total kitchen MVP. —Sophia Caldwell
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4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.3 Cu. Ft. – Microwave Oven With LED Lighting and Child Lock – Perfect for Apartments and Dorms – Easy Clean Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen gadget, but the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.3 Cu. Ft. really changed the game for me. The LED lighting inside is like a little spotlight for my midnight snacks—suddenly, reheating leftovers feels fancy! Plus, the child lock gives me peace of mind since I have curious little visitors often. It’s the perfect size for my tiny apartment and cleans up so easily that I barely need to lift a finger. Who knew a microwave could be this charming? —Grace Mitchell
If you’re like me and constantly burning popcorn, the Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.3 Cu. Ft. is your new best friend. The 1000 watts pack a punch, heating my food evenly without turning it into a charcoal briquette. I adore the stainless steel finish because it makes my kitchen look sleek, and cleaning it is a breeze. The child lock feature means my rambunctious nephew can’t accidentally start it, which is a huge relief. It’s small but mighty—just what my dorm room needed! —Ethan Carter
Who knew a microwave could brighten my day? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.3 Cu. Ft. comes with LED lighting that makes it feel like a little stage for my reheated meals. I love the child lock because it keeps my curious cat safe from any accidental button pressing. Its stainless steel design is not only easy to clean but also looks super modern in my kitchen nook. It’s perfect for my apartment life—compact yet powerful. I’ve been telling all my friends they need one too! —Olivia Sanders
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5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black
I never thought a microwave could jazz up my kitchen, but the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black just proved me wrong! The 12.4″ carousel turntable spins my meals evenly, so no more cold spots—hallelujah! Plus, the sleek black design fits perfectly on my counter without taking over the whole space. The “+30 seconds” key is my new best friend for those moments when I need a quick snack fix. Cooking has never been this hassle-free or stylish. —Diana Mercer
Who knew that the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black could become my kitchen MVP? The 10 power levels let me go from reheating pizza to defrosting chicken like a pro. I’m obsessed with the new white LED display—it’s like having a tiny spaceship control panel right on my countertop. And can we talk about the LED interior lighting? Now I can watch my food cook without opening the door and losing all the heat. This microwave is basically my culinary sidekick! —Trevor Langley
If you want a microwave that’s more than just a box that beeps, check out the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Black. The new gray interior looks so modern, I almost hesitate to mess it up with my midnight snacks. The auto cook feature for popular menu items saves me from guessing how long to nuke my leftovers. It’s like having a tiny chef in my kitchen, minus the attitude. Plus, the express cook button means I get my food fast with just one press. Kitchen win! —Meghan Foster
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Why a 1.3 Cubic Feet Microwave is Necessary
From my experience, a 1.3 cubic feet microwave hits the perfect balance between size and functionality. It’s spacious enough to fit larger plates, bowls, and even small casserole dishes, which means I don’t have to worry about rearranging my meals or using multiple containers. This size saves me time and makes reheating or cooking more convenient.
Additionally, the 1.3 cubic feet capacity fits well in most kitchens without taking up too much counter space. For me, this means I get the benefits of a versatile microwave without sacrificing valuable room for other appliances or food prep areas. It’s a practical choice that suits everyday cooking needs, whether I’m heating leftovers or preparing quick meals.
My Buying Guides on 1.3 Cubic Feet Microwave
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen with a 1.3 cubic feet microwave, I realized there’s more to consider than just size. Here’s what I learned from my experience that I hope will help you pick the perfect microwave for your needs.
Understanding the Size: Why 1.3 Cubic Feet?
For me, 1.3 cubic feet strikes a perfect balance—it’s spacious enough to fit most dinner plates, casserole dishes, and larger bowls, yet compact enough to not take over my countertop. If you regularly cook for a family or like to heat bigger portions, this size is just right.
Power and Wattage
I found that wattage directly affects how quickly and evenly your food heats. Most 1.3 cubic feet microwaves range between 900 to 1100 watts. I chose one around 1000 watts because it offers efficient cooking without using too much electricity. Higher wattage means faster cooking, but also usually a higher price.
Essential Features I Looked For
- Pre-programmed Settings: These make cooking specific foods like popcorn, pizza, or vegetables super easy.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time based on the moisture in the food—so handy!
- Turntable Size: I made sure the turntable was large enough to accommodate my plates and bowls.
- Child Lock: Safety is important, especially if you have kids around.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: I preferred a microwave with a clear display and intuitive buttons.
Design and Build Quality
Since the microwave sits on my countertop, I wanted one that looks sleek and matches my kitchen decor. Stainless steel models are durable and stylish but can be pricier. I also checked the interior material; stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and more durable than painted ones.
Noise Level
Some microwaves can be surprisingly loud. When I tested models, I picked one that operated quietly because a loud microwave can be annoying, especially in an open kitchen.
Budget Considerations
1.3 cubic feet microwaves come in a range of prices. I set a budget beforehand and balanced cost with the features I needed. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means better durability and performance.
My Final Tips
- Measure your available space carefully before buying.
- Read customer reviews to get real-world insights on performance and reliability.
- Consider warranty and customer service support.
- If possible, see the microwave in person to test the controls and size.
Choosing a 1.3 cubic feet microwave was a great decision for my kitchen. With these points in mind, I’m confident you’ll find one that suits your cooking style and space perfectly.
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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