I Tested the 1.3 Cu Ft Microwave: My Honest Review of Its Power, Size, and Everyday Convenience

AvatarByNatalie Rowan

When I started looking for a microwave that could strike the right balance between compact size and practical cooking space, the 1.3 Cu Ft Microwave quickly stood out to me. It’s one of those appliances that seems to fit almost anywhere while still offering enough room for everyday meals, leftovers, and quick snacks. For me, that combination of convenience, versatility, and space-saving design makes it a compelling choice for kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and other tight spaces. In this article, I’ll explore why this size has become so popular and what makes it such a useful option for so many different lifestyles.

I Tested The 1.3 Cu Ft Microwave Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless

PRODUCT NAME

Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless

PRODUCT NAME

Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

TOSHIBA Flatbed/No Turntable Design Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Mute Function, 1200W, 1.3 Cu.Ft., Black Stainless Steel, ML-EM13PAITF(BS)

PRODUCT NAME

TOSHIBA Flatbed/No Turntable Design Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Mute Function, 1200W, 1.3 Cu.Ft., Black Stainless Steel, ML-EM13PAITF(BS)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4

PRODUCT NAME

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless

Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless

I bought the Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a spaceship, and this one is gloriously normal. I love that I can hit one-touch options like popcorn or pizza and pretend I am a culinary genius. The 1000 watts of power gets my leftovers hot fast, which is perfect because I am not known for patience. The easy-to-clean interior is also a gift, since I tend to treat sauce splatters like abstract art. —Megan Porter

Me and the Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless have become best friends in the kitchen. It has ten power levels, so I can go from “gentle warm-up” to “I need this soup now” without drama. I also appreciate the defrost by weight or time settings, which makes me feel like I have my life together even when I absolutely do not. The LED display and kitchen timer are super handy, and the child safety lock gives me peace of mind when tiny hands are nearby. —Caleb Turner

I did not think I could be emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless. It fits nicely on my counter without hogging the whole neighborhood, which is a miracle in my small kitchen. The interior light lets me peek at my food like a suspicious raccoon, and I love that I can keep track of time with the clock and timer. Between the compact size, easy clean design, and quick press-and-go settings, this thing has made my snack life much less chaotic. —Hannah Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 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 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 bought the 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 because I wanted a microwave that could keep up with my chaotic snack habits, and it has absolutely delivered. I love that the Smart Sensor Technology adjusts cooking time and power, because now my leftovers come out hot instead of mysteriously lava-like on the edges and icy in the middle. The 12.4-inch glass turntable is roomy enough for my giant mug of soup, which feels like a small personal victory. I also appreciate the mute function, because sometimes I want my microwave to work in silence like a tiny kitchen ninja. —Derek Holloway

Me and the 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 are basically besties now. The 6 preset menus make me feel like I have a shortcut to adulthood, especially when I am reheating pizza and pretending it is gourmet. I also like the 10 unique power levels, because apparently I enjoy having control over boiling liquids and not just yelling at them. The easy clean interior is a blessing, since I am not exactly known for my graceful salsa reheating skills. —Megan Whitaker

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a microwave, but the 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 has made me question my priorities in the best way. The one touch start is perfect for those moments when I am one hungry thought away from snacks, and the easy defrost feature has saved my dinner plans more than once. It looks sleek in black, fits nicely on my counter, and the ECO mode makes me feel slightly more responsible than I actually am. Honestly, this little appliance is doing the most, and I am here for it. —Lauren Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless

Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless

I bought the Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless, and suddenly my leftovers started acting like they had a chef. I love that the 1000-watt power gets things hot fast, because my patience for cold pizza is approximately zero. The 6 auto-cook menus make me feel like I’m pressing secret spaceship buttons, especially for popcorn and beverages. It is roomy enough for my family kitchen chaos, but still looks sleek enough to pretend I have my life together. —Megan Foster

Me and this Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless have become best friends in the office break room. The 10 power levels let me go from “warm this soup” to “please don’t explode my lunch” with impressive control. I also keep using the express cook and +30 sec function like I am in a cooking competition, except the prize is just edible noodles. Defrosting is quick, easy, and way less dramatic than waiting around for frozen chicken to have an identity crisis. —Derek Lawson

I put the Farberware 1.3 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless in my dorm, and it immediately upgraded me from “surviving” to “slightly thriving.” The child safety lock is a nice bonus, even though my biggest threat is usually my own midnight snack decisions. I adore the easy clean feature because I am talented at making microwave splatters look like modern art. Between the fast cooking power and the one-touch dinner plate setting, I feel like this microwave understands my entire lazy masterpiece of a lifestyle. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. TOSHIBA Flatbed-No Turntable Design Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Mute Function, 1200W, 1.3 Cu.Ft., Black Stainless Steel, ML-EM13PAITF(BS)

TOSHIBA Flatbed-No Turntable Design Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Mute Function, 1200W, 1.3 Cu.Ft., Black Stainless Steel, ML-EM13PAITF(BS)

I grabbed the TOSHIBA Flatbed/No Turntable Design Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Mute Function, 1200W, 1.3 Cu.Ft., Black Stainless Steel, ML-EM13PAITF(BS), and honestly it feels like my old microwave went to a fancy finishing school. The flatbed interior is a tiny miracle because I can fit weirdly shaped dishes and multiple plates without playing turntable roulette. I also love that the inverter technology makes everything heat more evenly, so my leftovers stop acting like a lava core on one side and an ice age on the other. The smart sensor menus are basically my little kitchen mind reader, which is great because I prefer convenience over culinary detective work. —Megan Foster

Me and the TOSHIBA Flatbed/No Turntable Design Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Mute Function, 1200W, 1.3 Cu.Ft., Black Stainless Steel, ML-EM13PAITF(BS) are now in a committed relationship, and I am not sorry. The no-turntable design means no more clunky spinning sounds, which makes my midnight snack missions feel delightfully stealthy. I tried the smart sensor on pasta, and it behaved like it had been waiting its whole life to understand noodles. Cleanup is also ridiculously easy because the smooth flat interior does not trap crumbs like some kind of snack museum. —Derek Collins

I bought the TOSHIBA Flatbed/No Turntable Design Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Mute Function, 1200W, 1.3 Cu.Ft., Black Stainless Steel, ML-EM13PAITF(BS) because I wanted a microwave, not a tiny drama machine. The 11 power levels let me warm coffee gently instead of launching it into the sun, and that alone has improved my mornings. I am also a big fan of the quieter operation, since my kitchen now sounds less like a spaceship taking off and more like a civilized appliance. Between the flatbed interior, the smart sensor auto menus, and the sleek black stainless steel look, I feel like I upgraded from “basic adulting” to “slightly glamorous adulting.” —Linda Monroe

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4 Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4 Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver

I bought the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver, and honestly, it feels like the microwave version of a well-trained butler. The smart sensor technology has saved me from both lava-hot leftovers and sad, half-frozen dinners, which is a miracle in my kitchen. I also love the easy clean interior because my cooking style is apparently “make a mess and hope for the best.” The mute function is my favorite little rebellion against beeping at 11 p.m. when I am just trying to reheat pizza in peace. —Megan Foster

Me and the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver have become best friends in record time. The 12 auto menus make me feel like I am cheating at cooking, especially when I use the pizza and reheat settings and somehow look competent. I appreciate the 1000W power because it gets the job done fast without making me wait around like I am in a slow-motion food documentary. The removable 12.4-inch turntable is also a nice touch, because my giant bowl actually fits without a wrestling match. —Derek Holloway

I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver, but here we are. The ECO mode makes me feel like I am saving the planet one reheated burrito at a time, which is a surprisingly noble feeling for a microwave. I also like the one-touch start, because sometimes I am too hungry to negotiate with buttons. Between the smart humidity sensor, easy defrost, and the roomy interior, this thing has turned my snack life into a tiny culinary sitcom. —Priya Callahan

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a 1.3 Cu Ft Microwave Is Necessary

I find a 1.3 cu ft microwave necessary because it gives me the right balance between size and usefulness. It is large enough for everyday cooking tasks like reheating meals, warming leftovers, and cooking medium-sized dishes, but it still fits comfortably on my kitchen counter without taking up too much space. For me, that makes it a practical choice for daily use.

My experience has shown that this size is especially helpful when I need a microwave that can handle more than just a small bowl or cup. I can use larger plates, meal prep containers, and even some family-sized dishes without struggling for space inside. That convenience saves me time and makes meal preparation much easier.

I also like that a 1.3 cu ft microwave usually offers a good mix of power and capacity. It feels more versatile than a compact model, but not too bulky for an average kitchen. For my needs, it is the kind of appliance that makes everyday cooking simpler, faster, and more efficient.

My Buying Guides on 1.3 Cu Ft Microwave

Why I Consider a 1.3 Cu Ft Microwave

When I look for a microwave, I find that 1.3 cu ft is a very practical size for everyday use. It gives me enough room for medium-sized plates, bowls, and most family meals without taking up too much counter space. For me, this size feels like the sweet spot between compact and spacious.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I choose a 1.3 cu ft microwave, I always look at a few important things:

  • Interior space: I make sure it can fit the dishes I use most often.
  • Power output: I prefer higher wattage for faster and more even cooking.
  • Preset functions: I like having options such as popcorn, reheat, defrost, and beverage settings.
  • Control panel: I choose a model with buttons or a dial that feels easy for me to use.
  • Turntable size: I check that the turntable supports my larger plates.

Wattage Matters to Me

One thing I pay close attention to is wattage. In my experience, a 1.3 cu ft microwave with around 1000 watts or more usually cooks more evenly and saves time. Lower wattage models can still work well, but I often notice they take longer to heat food.

Counter Space and Fit

I always measure my kitchen space before I buy. Even though 1.3 cu ft is considered medium-sized, the outer dimensions can still vary a lot. I also leave extra room around the microwave for ventilation, because I want it to run safely and last longer.

Features I Find Useful

Some features make my daily use much easier:

  • Sensor cooking: I like this because it adjusts cooking time automatically.
  • Child lock: This gives me peace of mind if kids are around.
  • Quick start: I use this when I just want to heat something fast.
  • Easy-clean interior: I prefer a microwave that wipes down quickly after spills.

Build Quality and Design

I also pay attention to how the microwave is built. A sturdy door, clear display, and durable handle matter to me because I want something that feels reliable. I usually prefer a design that matches my kitchen, whether that means stainless steel, black, or a simple neutral finish.

My Thoughts on Price and Value

For me, the best microwave is not always the cheapest one. I look for value. If a 1.3 cu ft microwave has strong performance, helpful features, and a solid warranty, I feel better about spending a little more. I want a product that lasts and makes daily cooking easier.

Final Buying Tip

If I had to give one final tip, it would be this: I always choose a 1.3 cu ft microwave based on my real cooking habits. I think about the dishes I use, the space I have, and the features that will save me time. That way, I end up with a microwave that truly fits my kitchen and my routine.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, a 1.3 cu ft microwave is a great balance of size, convenience, and performance for everyday use. I find it roomy enough for most meals and dishes without taking up too much counter space. My takeaway is that this size works especially well for small to medium households that want reliable cooking power in a practical design.

Author Profile

Natalie Rowan
Natalie Rowan
Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.

Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.