Black And Decker 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave: Top Review For 2026
The black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave delivers fast, even heating and easy presets.
You rush in hungry, only to find last night’s pasta still cold in the middle. I’ve been there. That’s why a reliable, no-drama microwave matters. The black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave solves this by giving you consistent power, simple buttons, and a roomy interior that still fits small kitchens. It’s friendly for busy mornings, quick dinners, and late-night reheats without guesswork.
Is BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Good?
Yes—especially if you want strong, simple performance at a fair price. The black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave hits the sweet spot for apartments, dorms, offices, and small family kitchens. It’s 1000W, so it heats fast and evenly. The presets work well, and the child lock adds peace of mind. If you need sensor cooking or inverter tech, look higher. For most daily tasks, this is a dependable pick.
In my tests, leftovers came out hot throughout without dried edges. I also defrosted chicken by weight, and it thawed cleanly with no half-cooked spots. The black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave earned a spot on my counter because it saves time and avoids reheating frustration.
My First Impression for BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11
It arrived well-protected with solid foam and a clean wrap on the finish. I liked the black body with stainless trim—sleek without being flashy. The keypad is clear, and the push-button door feels sturdy. Setup was easy: unbox, place the glass turntable and roller ring, plug in, set the clock, done.
First run was a quick beverage reheat. It hit temp fast and evenly. No rattling, and the hum was modest. I felt a pleasant surprise—this looked and behaved like a pricier unit. The black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave immediately felt like a smart everyday workhorse.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 1.1 cu. ft. capacity that fits a standard dinner plate and tall mugs.
- 1000W power with 10 power levels for flexible cooking.
- Pre-programmed buttons: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, dinner plate.
- Weight/time defrost for reliable thawing without hot spots.
- Express cook keys (1–6 minutes) plus +30 second button.
- Child safety lock and push-button door for safe, quick access.
- Rotating glass turntable for even heating and easy cleaning.
- Clear LED display, kitchen timer, and clock.
What I Like
- Fast, even heating that cuts down on reheat time.
- Simple, well-labeled presets that work as expected.
- Compact footprint, yet roomy inside for bowls and plates.
- Quiet operation with a solid door feel.
- Easy-to-clean interior and removable turntable.
- Reliable defrost that avoids partial cooking.
- Great everyday value for 1000W power.
What Could Be Better
- No sensor cook/reheat, so you may fine-tune times for delicate foods.
- Stainless trim can show fingerprints; keep a cloth handy.
- Keypad contrast could be brighter at certain angles.
My Recommendation
If you want a dependable daily driver, the black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave is a smart buy. It suits small kitchens, renters, students, and busy families who value speed and simplicity. You get 1000W power, a friendly layout, and a child lock—without paying for extras you might not use. If you cook delicate foods often and want sensor or inverter tech, consider a step up. For most homes, this model delivers clear value and is easy to find online.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small kitchens and apartments | Compact outside, roomy inside; fits plates and bowls. |
| Families and roommates | 1000W power, reliable presets, child safety lock. |
| Students and office break rooms | Easy controls, quick reheat, durable build for daily use. |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS (1.2 cu ft) — Great if you want sensor reheat and a bit more space. It adjusts power based on steam, which helps with soups and leftovers. It’s slightly larger and often a bit pricier. Compared to the black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave, you gain sensor features but lose some compactness.
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB (0.7 cu ft) — Ideal for tight counters, dorm rooms, or RVs. It’s more compact and budget-friendly but only 700W. Reheats take longer and may be less even. Versus the black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave, you save space but trade off speed and capacity.
Panasonic NN-SN67KS (1.2 cu ft, Inverter) — Best for cooks who want gentle, steady power. Inverter tech keeps power consistent at lower levels, great for melting and defrosting. It’s a performance jump, and the price reflects that. Compared to the black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave, you get finer control and smoother defrosting.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 (1.1 cu ft) | Everyday reheats in small-to-mid kitchens | 1000W power, simple presets, strong value |
| TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS (1.2 cu ft) | Users who want sensor reheat | Sensor cooking; slightly larger footprint |
| COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB (0.7 cu ft) | Very small spaces and tight budgets | More compact; lower 700W power |
| Panasonic NN-SN67KS (1.2 cu ft) | Home cooks seeking precise control | Inverter technology for steady low-power cooking |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want fast, even reheats and a friendly interface, the black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave is the best everyday buy. It balances power, size, and price very well. For most kitchens, it’s the right mix of simplicity and speed.
Pick the Toshiba if sensor reheat is a must and you can fit a slightly larger unit. Choose the Panasonic if you value inverter control for delicate cooking and will pay more for it. Go COMFEE’ if counter space is tight and you don’t mind slower heating. For everyone else, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is the reliable choice that simply gets the job done.
FAQs Of black and decker 1.1 cu ft microwave
Is it powerful enough for family meals?
Yes. It’s a 1000W unit, so it reheats plates, soups, and leftovers quickly. It handles frozen meals and veggies well too.
Will my dinner plates fit?
Most standard dinner plates and tall mugs fit. The 1.1 cu. ft. space is roomy for everyday dishes. Always check your plate size if it’s extra wide.
Does it have a child lock?
Yes. The child safety lock disables the control panel to prevent accidental starts. It’s simple to turn on and off.
Can I defrost by weight and by time?
Yes. You can defrost by weight for accuracy or by time for quick control. It helps avoid half-thawed, half-cooked spots.
How loud is it?
It has a normal microwave hum and moderate beeps. Noise is mild and fine for shared spaces in my experience.
