Our Top Pick

Nostalgia RMO4AQ 800W Retro Countertop Microwave

Best Compact

Winia WOR07R3ZEM 700W Retro Microwave

Best Value

Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 700W Microwave Oven

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Our Top Pick

Nostalgia RMO4AQ 800W Retro Countertop Microwave

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The Nostalgia RMO4AQ 800W Retro Countertop Microwave earns our top recommendation as the best retro microwave on the market. It perfectly blends a truly classic, eye-catching aesthetic with the indispensable functionality of modern appliances. Its distinct, rounded design, coupled with stylish chrome accents and a vibrant color palette, brings a nostalgic flair to any kitchen decor.

Despite its vintage appearance, this model boasts a robust selection of 12 pre-programmed cooking functions, offering contemporary convenience for all your heating needs. The interior cooking space, at 0.9 cubic feet, is generous enough to accommodate most standard dinner plates, ensuring versatility for everyday use. The integrated turntable guarantees even heating, eliminating cold spots in your meals.

While 800 watts might not be the most powerful option available, it’s certainly efficient enough for most common microwaving tasks, such as reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or warming beverages. This wattage also helps in reducing the amps your microwave uses, making it a reasonably energy-conscious choice.

One notable characteristic of the Nostalgia retro microwave is its operational sound. It emits a mechanical hum during cooking that distinctly echoes the sounds of older microwave models. While some users might find this charming and part of its retro appeal, others could perceive it as slightly noisy or annoying. Additionally, while the large, tactile dials are a significant part of its attractive design, initially setting the clock can be a bit counter-intuitive, requiring a quick glance at the manual. It’s a minor learning curve, but one to be aware of.

Furthermore, if child safety is a primary concern, be aware that the version of this microwave equipped with a child lock typically comes at a higher price point and is available in a more limited selection of colors. Given that this countertop microwave is quite easy to operate with its prominent dials, families with young, curious children might need to weigh this factor carefully when making their decision.

Overall, however, it’s hard to dispute the impressive combination of size, distinctive style, and functional options that this modern yet retro Nostalgia microwave offers. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to infuse their kitchen with vintage charm without compromising on performance.

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Best Compact Retro Microwave

Winia WOR07R3ZEM 700W Retro Microwave

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For those with limited counter space, the Winia WOR07R3ZEM 700W Retro Microwave is our top recommendation for the best compact retro microwave. With a slender width of just 17.6 inches, this stylish appliance is perfectly suited for small apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, or any shared living situation where every inch counts.

Despite its lower 700-watt power output, the Winia sets itself apart with an integrated special reflective cooking system. This innovative feature works to optimize heat distribution, ensuring more efficient and quicker cooking results than what you might expect from a typical low-wattage microwave. This means your food will heat more evenly and often faster, reducing some of the common drawbacks of less powerful units.

While the interior capacity is a modest 0.7 cubic feet, which might seem small at first glance, Winia smartly compensates for this with a recessed turntable. This clever design maximizes the internal height, allowing you to fit taller items or dishes that might struggle to clear the turntable in other compact microwaves.

Realistically, my only minor quibble with this otherwise excellent retro microwave is the absence of an integrated clock. For some, a microwave clock is a kitchen staple. However, this is a small inconvenience that can be easily remedied with a wall clock or an oven clock nearby, and it certainly doesn’t detract from the unit’s overall charm and functionality.

In essence, if your primary concern is finding a compact retro microwave that doesn’t compromise on efficiency or style, the Winia WOR07R3ZEM is an incredibly strong contender. It’s truly small but mighty, proving that great things can indeed come in smaller packages.

If maximizing space is your absolute priority, you might also want to explore some of our other recommended best dorm microwaves for even more compact solutions!

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Best Value Retro Microwave

Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 700W Microwave Oven

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The Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 700W Microwave Oven earns our pick for the best value retro microwave, proving that you don’t have to break the bank to infuse your kitchen with vintage flair and reliable performance. While it might be one of the most affordable options in its category, this unit impressively comes packed with a host of features and customizable cooking options.

This Galanz model is designed for ease of use, offering a selection of pre-set cooking programs along with adjustable power levels. This versatility allows you to effortlessly cook, defrost, or reheat a variety of foods to perfection. Its classic analog-style dials are a nod to yesteryear, providing intuitive control for everyday tasks.

A standout feature is the integrated child lock, which provides peace of mind by preventing accidental starts – a crucial safety benefit, especially in busy households. While the controls can feel a bit sensitive or “touchy” at times, the child lock more than makes up for this minor quirk, making it simple to secure the appliance when not in use.

One aspect to consider regarding the controls is the timer’s precision: it can only be set in 10-second intervals, with a maximum duration of 10 minutes. If your cooking or heating requires more granular timing, such as 15-second bursts, you’ll need to closely monitor the microwave and manually stop the cycle early. This might be a slight inconvenience for advanced users but is manageable for most basic microwaving tasks.

Another point to note is its relatively smaller interior capacity. With only 0.7 cubic feet of space, this microwave is best suited for individuals or smaller families. If you frequently need to heat larger casserole dishes or platters, you might find the internal dimensions a bit restrictive. However, for everyday items like plates, bowls, and standard popcorn bags, it performs admirably.

Despite these minor limitations, the Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 truly excels in its value proposition. Its reliable output, stylish retro design available in a range of appealing colors (black, blue, red, yellow, cream, and mint green), and its accessible price point make it an unbeatable choice. The few drawbacks are easily overshadowed by its dependable performance and undeniable charm, especially when you consider its affordability. In fact, this Galanz model also secured a spot on our list of the best microwaves under $100, even without factoring in its retro aesthetic!

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Best 900W Retro Microwave

Comfee CM-M092AAT Retro Microwave

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The Comfee CM-M092AAT Retro Microwave stands out as our top pick for the best 900W retro model, offering a significant boost in cooking power compared to many standard retro units. This increased wattage directly translates to reduced cooking times, making your meal prep quicker and more efficient.

Despite its enhanced power, this microwave remains relatively compact, measuring approximately 19 inches wide. This design ensures it won’t overwhelm your countertop, striking a good balance between internal capacity and external footprint. While it’s slightly larger than ultra-compact models like the Winia, it still provides a space-conscious solution without sacrificing performance.

The Comfee CM-M092AAT comes equipped with a variety of useful functions, simplifying everything from daily cooking to defrosting. Its turntable ensures consistent and even heating throughout your dishes. The clear digital display, which often mimics a classic analog style, also makes it a practical and functional tool in any kitchen. Although it isn’t a sensor cooking microwave, its handy pre-programmed options are designed to keep your meals perfectly on track, whether you’re reheating leftovers or preparing a quick snack.

The primary drawback of this microwave, and a common theme with retro-styled appliances, lies in its controls. They can be less intuitive than modern touch-panel microwaves, often requiring users to consult the manual to fully understand and utilize all features. I’ve found that setting specific times or functions often involves “extra” steps, making it less of a “set it and forget it” experience initially. Expect a small learning curve as you become accustomed to its unique operational flow.

However, one fantastic feature that sets this model apart is its mute option. Unlike many microwaves that beep incessantly, the Comfee allows you to silence all button presses and completion alerts. This is a huge advantage for early risers, late-night snackers, or anyone sensitive to loud beeping. Learning how to silence a microwave on this model is straightforward, offering a peaceful kitchen experience.

If you’re seeking a retro microwave that skillfully balances a smaller footprint with robust cooking power, the Comfee 900W retro microwave is an excellent choice. Once you’ve navigated the initial learning curve of its controls, you’ll find it to be a reliable, stylish, and efficient appliance for your kitchen.

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Best 1000W Retro Microwave

Galanz GLCMKZ11RDR10 Retro Countertop Microwave

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The Galanz brand makes a strong return to our list, this time with the Galanz GLCMKZ11RDR10 Retro Countertop Microwave, which we’ve crowned as our best 1000W retro option. While their budget-friendly model offers excellent value, this higher-powered sibling truly shines for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their kitchen appliances.

With its robust 1000 watts of power, this retro microwave cooks food exceptionally quickly and efficiently. Combined with its integrated turntable, it ensures consistently even heating, so you can say goodbye to cold centers and unevenly warmed meals. This power level makes it ideal for everything from rapidly boiling water to thoroughly cooking denser foods.

Functionality is another strong suit, as the GLCMKZ11RDR10 features an impressive 17 different presets. These programs cover a broad range of cooking and defrosting options, meaning whether you’re defrosting ground beef in the microwave or quickly heating a frozen pizza, this appliance has a setting tailored to your needs.

Similar to its more compact counterpart, this Galanz model operates within certain time intervals for cooking, which means you can’t always set a custom time down to the second. However, it cleverly adds a convenient 30-second quick cook option, which is incredibly handy for a rapid warm-up or extending cooking time with a single touch.

A minor design quirk to be aware of is the weight of the microwave door relative to the overall unit. It can sometimes feel a bit tricky to open, often requiring you to use one hand to steady the microwave while pulling the door open with the other. Additionally, this model tends to run a bit loudly during operation, a characteristic often found in powerful microwaves but worth noting if noise levels are a concern for your kitchen environment.

Despite these small inconveniences, if your primary criteria for a new microwave revolve around superior power and accelerated cooking times, this Galanz retro microwave is an outstanding choice. Its stylish retro design, coupled with powerful and consistent performance, makes it a highly recommended appliance for any modern kitchen with a vintage aesthetic.

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Best Big Brand Retro Microwave

RCA RMW987 Retro Microwave

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When it comes to choosing a microwave from a well-established and trusted household brand name, the RCA RMW987 Retro Microwave confidently takes our top spot. While we’ve highlighted several excellent options from other brands, some consumers naturally gravitate towards names that have a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability.

This RCA model delivers on both fronts, offering ample cooking space and a robust 900W of power. It’s designed to make your daily cooking tasks easier with a variety of pre-set cooking and defrost options. These functions are particularly useful for common items, streamlining your routine and ensuring consistent results.

As is common with many retro-styled appliances, the controls on the RCA RMW987 aren’t as instantly intuitive as modern digital touchpads. However, in my experience, they are relatively straightforward to learn with a bit of practice and familiarity, posing no significant long-term challenge for regular users.

At approximately 32 pounds, this microwave falls on the heavier side of what a countertop microwave typically weighs. This increased weight can be a consideration if you frequently need to move the appliance or if your countertop surface requires a lighter load. On the aesthetic front, I personally wish this microwave offered a broader palette of more authentically vibrant retro colors. It’s primarily available in black or red, which, while classic, might not offer the distinct vintage charm some buyers are seeking for a themed kitchen. Additionally, as someone who prefers to monitor their food while it cooks, I would have appreciated the inclusion of an internal light to illuminate the cavity during operation.

Despite these minor points, the RCA RMW987 remains a solid and dependable choice for those who value the assurance of a big brand name combined with appealing retro aesthetics and strong performance.

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Runner Up

Costway Retro Microwave

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The Costway Retro Microwave earns an honorable mention and serves as a strong runner-up on our list. While it might not clinch the top spot in any specific category, it’s certainly not a poor choice; rather, other microwaves simply outperform it in their respective classes.

This microwave offers a respectable 900W of power with adjustable power levels, providing sufficient capability for most everyday tasks. Its turntable ensures that your food is heated evenly, and its 0.9 cubic feet of interior space is generally ample for accommodating a standard dinner plate comfortably. Furthermore, its controls are relatively easy to grasp, and a built-in child lock adds a layer of safety, keeping little ones secure from accidental operation.

However, there are a few points to consider. A significant drawback for some users is the lack of a silent mode; this microwave will beep with every button press and upon completion, which can be disruptive. The door mechanism can also be quite stiff, often requiring a firm closure. If the door isn’t closed just right, the interior light will frustratingly remain on, which can be a minor annoyance for energy-conscious users or those who prefer a completely dark kitchen at night. Additionally, you’ll find that you can only select specific cooking intervals, and it notably lacks a convenient 30-second fast cook option, which is a popular feature in many modern microwaves.

To mitigate some of these annoyances, the Costway Retro Microwave does come with several built-in programs designed for common foods, which can simplify operation if you stick to these presets. If you are particularly drawn to the aesthetic of this specific retro microwave, there’s no compelling reason to avoid it. It’s a functional and charming appliance. However, for me, there are generally more streamlined or feature-rich options available at a comparable price point.

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Runner Up

Arlime Retro Microwave Oven

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The Arlime Retro Microwave Oven stands as another commendable runner-up on our list, offering a blend of retro aesthetics and practical features. It’s worth noting that “Arlime” is often a different retail label for products manufactured by the same company behind the Costway brand mentioned earlier. Despite this, it’s a distinct model with its own specific characteristics, so we’re evaluating it as such.

This Arlime model features a compact footprint, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking to save space in smaller kitchens, RVs, or dorm rooms. Its design is thoughtful for space efficiency, ensuring it doesn’t take up too much precious counter real estate.

Operating at 700W, this microwave falls into the lower power category, which typically means longer cook times, especially for larger or denser food items. While some compact microwaves employ special heating systems to mitigate this, the Arlime doesn’t quite match the efficiency enhancements seen in models like the Winia. Another point of consideration is its plastic door handle. While functional, it can detract from the premium feel often associated with retro designs, making the unit feel a little less high-quality, especially when it’s not positioned as a budget-tier option.

Furthermore, when the microwave is in operation, it tends to be quite loud. This can be somewhat counterintuitive for an appliance designed for small spaces, where noise can be more noticeable and potentially disruptive.

However, despite these considerations, the Arlime Retro Microwave is undoubtedly cute and functional. Its retro styling is appealing, and it performs essential microwaving tasks reliably. The five dedicated defrost and cooking options are generally sufficient for most everyday needs, offering convenient presets for common foods. It also includes an interior light, allowing you to monitor your food, and an external clock for added utility in your kitchen.

Ultimately, while the Arlime retro microwave isn’t a bad choice and certainly brings a charming aesthetic to any kitchen, it doesn’t quite reach the “best in class” status of some other brands and models we’ve reviewed. It’s a solid, stylish option, but potential buyers should be aware of its power and noise levels.

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Honorable Mention

Daewoo KOR-7LREM Retro Countertop Microwave

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The Daewoo KOR-7LREM Retro Countertop Microwave earns an honorable mention on our list, but with a few important caveats. While it has its appealing features, certain limitations and a significant availability issue prevent it from ranking higher.

One of its main characteristics is its small size. While this compact design can be a benefit for extremely tight spaces, it means the interior is quite limited. For instance, it notably struggles to accommodate a full-size bag of popcorn, which is a common microwave task. Operating at 700W, its lower power is more economical in terms of energy consumption. However, this comes at the cost of speed, leading to significantly longer cooking times, especially when utilizing the even further reduced power for defrosting functions.

On the positive side, the Daewoo KOR-7LREM boasts a charming retro design that’s visually appealing. Its controls are surprisingly intuitive, a welcome departure from the sometimes-confusing interfaces of other retro models. This makes it relatively easy for new users to get acquainted with its operation.

Despite these good points, the microwave does have its drawbacks. The buttons can sometimes feel finicky and may not register a press consistently, requiring multiple attempts. A notable omission is the lack of a built-in clock, which diminishes its utility as a general kitchen appliance when not actively in use for cooking.

The biggest problem, however, is its current market availability. The Daewoo KOR-7LREM retro microwave is simply not readily available in the United States. While I haven’t found official confirmation of its discontinuation, its scarcity across major retailers strongly suggests it may no longer be in production or widely distributed. This makes recommending it as a viable purchase quite challenging, despite its merits.

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Honorable Mention

Rovsun Retro Countertop Microwave Oven

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The Rovsun Retro Countertop Microwave Oven is another model that earns an honorable mention for its charming aesthetics and a few unique features. Its super cute, unmistakably retro styling is a definite highlight, and it even boasts a delayed start feature – a rarity among retro microwaves, offering a level of programming convenience not often seen in this category.

However, that’s largely where the significant advantages end for me. The controls on the Rovsun are unfortunately not very easy to use, and to compound the issue, the instruction manual is notoriously unclear. This combination creates a perfect storm of frustration, making it challenging to perform even basic tasks without significant trial and error. Ultimately, it feels like the microwave’s design implicitly encourages users to rely almost exclusively on its cooking presets for nearly everything.

If you primarily stick to these pre-programmed settings for common foods like popcorn,