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Best Retro Microwaves: A Nostalgic Twist on Modern Cooking

Galanz’s retro microwave lineup spans classic and modern styles. Compare three models by capacity, footprint, turntable and listed features before choosing.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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For a retro-look countertop microwave, Galanz’s U.S. lineup offers a choice of a compact classic model and modern models in 0.7-, 0.9- and 1.1-cubic-foot sizes. The three models compared here show the practical trade-offs: capacity, rated output, footprint, turntable size and controls. Galanz publishes specifications, not independent results proving which one heats most evenly, cooks fastest or lasts longest.

Retro microwave comparison: three Galanz models

These examples cover the classic design and two sizes from Galanz’s modern retro line. Specifications below are manufacturer-listed; they are not comparative test results. The company’s U.S. retro collection also describes a modern 1.1-cubic-foot model rated at 1,000 watts, but the individual model details included here cover the 0.7- and 0.9-cubic-foot examples.

Model Capacity and rated output Exterior dimensions (W × D × H) Turntable Controls and listed functions Listed weight
GLCMKA07BKR-07, classic 0.7 cu. ft.; 700 watts 17.81 × 13.75 × 10.31 in. Glass; diameter not stated on the product page Six variable power levels, green LED, timer and defrost functions; chrome handle 23.1 lb
GLCMKZ07RDR07, modern 0.7 cu. ft.; 700 watts 17.56 × 14.13 × 9.44 in. 9.6 in., glass 11 variable power levels, LED display, time/weight defrost, quick start and listed automatic cook/reheat programs 20.3 lb
GLCMKZ09BER09, modern 0.9 cu. ft.; 900 watts 19.0 × 14.9 × 10.8 in. 10.6 in., glass 11 variable power levels, LED display, time/weight defrost, quick start and listed automatic cook/reheat programs 25.8 lb

The collection describes the classic line as 0.7 cubic feet and the modern line in 0.7-, 0.9- and 1.1-cubic-foot capacities. It lists the modern sizes at 700, 900 and 1,000 watts respectively. See the collection page for its current lineup description.

Which retro microwave fits your kitchen?

Choose the classic 0.7-cubic-foot model for simpler controls

The GLCMKA07BKR-07 has the same listed capacity and rated output as the modern 0.7-cubic-foot example, but its six power levels and more traditional handle/control styling distinguish it. Consider it if the classic appearance and basic timer and defrost functions suit your needs better than automatic programs. Its exterior dimensions differ from the modern compact model, so compare the actual width, depth and height against your counter space rather than assuming similarly sized interiors have identical footprints.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Frigidaire, 0.7 Cu. Ft. Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 700W Compact Microwave with 8 Auto Cook Menus, Auto Defrost, 5 Power Levels, LED Display, Glass Turntable, Black Gold
  • Compact 0.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity – The 0.7 cu. ft. interior provides efficient cooking in a compact microwave, ideal for kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and other small spaces
  • Powerful 700-Watt Cooking – Heat and cook a variety of foods with 700 watts of power and 5 selectable power levels for customized cooking performance
  • One-Touch Auto Cook Menus – Eight pre-programmed cooking menus make it easy to prepare popular foods such as popcorn, pizza, beverages, frozen dinners, and more at the touch of a button
  • Auto Defrost & Express Cooking – The auto defrost function automatically calculates the appropriate defrosting time and power level, while express cooking provides quick heating with a single touch
  • Simple Digital Controls – A bright LED display and digital clock provide clear visibility and convenient everyday operation

Choose the modern 0.7-cubic-foot model for more listed controls in a compact size

The GLCMKZ07RDR07 retains the 700-watt rating and 0.7-cubic-foot capacity while listing 11 power levels, time/weight defrost, quick start and automatic cook/reheat programs. Galanz lists colors including hot rod red, bebop blue, surf green and vinyl black on its product page. Color availability can vary by live listing.

Consider the modern 0.9-cubic-foot model for a larger cavity and turntable

The GLCMKZ09BER09 increases the listed capacity to 0.9 cubic feet, output to 900 watts and turntable diameter to 10.6 inches. It also has a larger exterior footprint than the modern 0.7-cubic-foot model. The product page includes red, blue, green and black model/color codes, but its displayed color selection may be narrower; verify the exact color and model on the retailer listing.

Rank #2
Sale
Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven - 0.7 Cu Ft, 700-Watt Countertop Size with Glass Turntable, Child Safety Lock, 8 Auto-Cook Programs, Digital Clock - Aqua
  • POWERFUL 700-WATT OVEN: This microwave packs a powerful punch with its 700-watt oven, ensuring your meals are ready in no time.
  • 0.7 CU FT CAPACITY: With a compact 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, you can easily fit a variety of dishes for reheating, cooking, or defrosting.
  • ROTATING GLASS TURNTABLE: The rotating glass carousel ensures that your food is evenly heated, guaranteeing a delicious, consistent result every time.
  • 8 AUTO COOK PROGRAMS & EXPRESS COOKING: Utilize the convenient pre-set auto cook programs, making it a breeze to prepare your favorite dishes. When you're in a hurry, the express cooking feature lets you whip up your meal in a flash.
  • 10 POWER LEVELS: Customize your cooking experience with ten different power levels. Whether you're melting butter, reheating leftovers, or preparing a gourmet meal, you'll have complete control over the cooking process.

How to check fit before buying

  1. Measure the counter space. Compare the product’s listed width, depth and height with the location where it will sit. Allow the ventilation and installation clearances specified in the owner’s manual for the exact model; those clearances are not established by the product specifications above.
  2. Check your dishes against the cavity and turntable. Cubic-foot capacity is a volume measure, not a guarantee that a particular plate, bowl or casserole will fit. Measure the dishes you use and compare them with the interior and turntable; the modern examples list turntable diameters of 9.6 and 10.6 inches.
  3. Match the controls to how you cook. The classic model lists six power levels. The modern examples list 11, plus automatic cook/reheat programs and time/weight defrost. A feature list describes available controls, not the quality of the resulting food.
  4. Confirm the precise listing. Galanz lists retailers on its product pages, including Amazon for all three examples. Stock, seller, current price and color were not verified here, so check the model number and details on the live listing before ordering.
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What the specifications do—and do not—tell you

Capacity helps describe interior volume; exterior dimensions help assess counter fit; turntable diameter helps screen for dish fit; and rated microwave output is a manufacturer specification. None of these alone establishes heating uniformity, real-world cooking speed, noise, durability, energy efficiency or value. No independent head-to-head performance results are established for these models here, so claims ranking them on those measures would go beyond the available evidence. Customer review excerpts on the collection page are anecdotal rather than controlled cooking tests; some are marked as collected as part of a promotion.

Galanz’s U.S. pages support a useful shortlist by size and feature tier, but they do not establish a single best overall microwave. Choose by the dishes you need to fit, the counter space you have and whether you prefer the classic or modern control set.

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Best Value
Nostalgia NRMO7IVY6A Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu. Ft, Ivory
  • 700-WATTS COOKING POWER : At 0.7 cubic foot, this microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods
  • CONVENIENT COOKING CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, delay timer and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies and more
  • DIGITAL CLOCK : Easy-to-read LED display lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting
  • EVEN COOKING : Rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly
  • RETRO ACCENTS: A sleek chrome door handle, control panel and accents add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance
Rank #4
Sale
Nostalgia Retro 700W Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu Ft Capacity – Child Safety Lock, 8 Auto-Cook Settings – Countertop Kitchen Appliance – Ivory
  • POWERFUL 700-WATT OVEN: This microwave packs a powerful punch with its 700-watt oven, ensuring your meals are ready in no time.
  • 0.7 CU FT CAPACITY: With a compact 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, you can easily fit a variety of dishes for reheating, cooking, or defrosting.
  • ROTATING GLASS TURNTABLE: The rotating glass carousel ensures that your food is evenly heated, guaranteeing a delicious, consistent result every time.
  • 8 AUTO COOK PROGRAMS & EXPRESS COOKING: Utilize the convenient pre-set auto cook programs, making it a breeze to prepare your favorite dishes. When you're in a hurry, the express cooking feature lets you whip up your meal in a flash.
  • 10 POWER LEVELS: Customize your cooking experience with ten different power levels. Whether you're melting butter, reheating leftovers, or preparing a gourmet meal, you'll have complete control over the cooking process.
Rank #3
Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven - 0.7 Cu. Ft. - 700-Watts with LED Digital Display - Child Lock - Easy Clean Interior - Yellow
  • 700-WATTS COOKING POWER : At 0.7 cubic foot, this microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods
  • CONVENIENT COOKING CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, delay timer and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies and more
  • DIGITAL CLOCK : Easy-to-read LED display lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting
  • EVEN COOKING : Rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly
  • RETRO ACCENTS: A sleek chrome door handle, control panel and accents add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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