Microwaves have come a long way since the first one was invented in 1945. From best-selling models that fit into your kitchen decor to those that can cook food in 12 different ways, there is plenty of variety out there. This article will help you find the best retro microwave for your needs and budget so you can start cooking with ease today!
Here are the top 3 Best Retro Microwaves to check at a glance if you are in a hurry
8 Best Best Retro Microwaves Reviewed
The COMFEE retro microwave is a must-have for your kitchen. The multi-stage cooking function enables you to finish defrosting and cooking at once—compact footprint but equipped with 0.9 cu. Ft large capacity will quickly satisfy dinner plates for a family of 4 or 5 people. It has 9 preset programs, including popcorn, beverage, vegetable, meat, pizza, potato, pasta, soup, and reheat.
The fun retro design adds style and function to your modern kitchen and home. The COMFEE’ CM-M091AGN Retro Microwave with Multi-stage Cooking features 9 preset menus that satisfy your daily cooking needs: popcorn, beverage, vegetable, meat, pizza, potato, pasta, soup, reheat. The multi-stage cooking function enables you to finish defrosting and cooking at once. Express buttons to cook for/increase 30 seconds with full power.
The Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro 0.7 Cu Ft 700-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven is an excellent addition to any kitchen. This microwave oven provides the cooking power needed to cook and reheat foods quickly. Its convenient cooking controls allow you to choose from 12 pre-programmed settings, delay timers and express cooking options. The rotating glass carousel helps food cook evenly, while the digital clock makes it easy to read time and temperature settings at a glance.
The Retro Red microwave oven by Galanz is the perfect addition to your kitchen. This compact 0.7-cu.-ft. Countertop microwave features 700 watts of cooking power, 10 power levels, and a child safety lock for added convenience. It also comes with an easy-to-clean stainless steel interior, removable glass turntable, and a defrost setting that automatically defrosts and reheats food without drying it out or creating hot spots.
The Winnie Retro Microwave is a retro-inspired microwave that can do more than just heating up your food. With state-of-the-art technology and an eye-catching design, this microwave will be sure to make a statement in any kitchen.
This ROVSUN microwave oven is designed with a retro style that will match your kitchen decor. It features 5 power levels and 8 default cooking menus for popular foods such as pizza, beverages, fish, and more. Whether you need to heat leftovers or prepare snacks in minutes, this countertop microwave oven has it all! A must-have for every home and office!
The Breville Compact Wave is engineered with an 80% quieter soft-close door, a 25L capacity, and all the room you need to cook, defrost and reheat delicious meals. The one-touch auto buttons, including Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn & Beverage, provide access to your favorite settings; Food Menu functions such as reheat pizza and defrosts chicken are included in addition to the 3-speed fan control.
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN766S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In is a 1250 Watt high power, 1.6 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built-in microwave that delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor. Patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time.
5 Things To Consider Before Buying Best Retro Microwaves
1. Size
This seems like an obvious thing to consider when buying a microwave, but it’s one of the essential factors in choosing the suitable retro microwave for your lifestyle. Some are larger than others, but all are smaller than the average kitchen microwave. They come in many measurements, including standard 1.6 cubic feet microwaves and compact 0.7 cubic feet models. This is often an advantage for anyone who doesn’t wish to make a lot of food at once.
2. Power
Retro Microwave power varies depending on how much food you will be cooking or reheating at one time, but most apply between 700 watts and 900 watts. For reference, most modern microwaves sit around 1000 watts, so this is slightly less power than what you might be used to if you’re upgrading from something older. However, it’s important to note that they boast better results when cooking/reheating than modern microwaves.
3. Finish
Of course, another critical aspect is the finish of the microwave, which you will be cooking your food in every day! First of all, it’s important to note that Retro Microwaves come in both stainless steel and black finishes. While this doesn’t seem like much variety, it can make a difference depending on what color cabinets or appliances you already have in your kitchen. Some models offer up to 4 different finish choices, so you can choose whichever matches your home best without resorting to painting.
4. Convection (when applicable)
Convection microwaves refer to any model with “convection” labeled anywhere on the product description. When convection microwaves are used for cooking or heating, they release air heated inside the appliance to cook food evenly. This is different from the original Retro Microwaves, which do not have this feature and instead rely on their single rotating glass plate below the food for all heating purposes.
5. Cost
When looking at price, remember that Retro microwaves are usually smaller with less wattage than modern microwaves. You can typically find one for less than $150. Still, if you’re genuinely looking for something cheap, it’s best not to buy an actual Retro microwave since they are made by more reputable companies that don’t skimp out on quality when producing these products. If you want something with convection features but within a tight budget, it is possible to find one for under $100. However, this is not advisable.
3 Benefits Of Retro Microwaves
1. Retro Microwaves are incredibly stylish.
Manufacturers have not lost sight of the fact that appliances can be looked at as works of art, so they should design them with excellent aesthetics. For example, retro-looking microwaves typically feature beautiful panels with dials or knobs that are well placed for maximum comfort when operating the appliance. The best ones also come in various colors for those who want one that matches their kitchen color scheme. These microwaves are considered trendsetters now since more people want appliances that look good aesthetically instead of simply having features like programmable cooking functions or computer touch screens.
2. Retro Microwave Ovens are efficient.
They typically use less power and space and produce less heat on average than microwaves that look like a box with a window. This saves on the cost of energy, which is especially important for those who live in hot climates where air conditioners do not work as efficiently. For those living in colder climates, the appliance will not use as much of the electricity supply, so there should be more left over to power other appliances or gadgets such as TVs or gaming consoles.
All microwaves need to vent out some of their heat not to overheat themselves. Still, retro microwaves can contain vents better due to their design being tested and perfected since mid-century and earlier. Retro-looking microwaves will not overheat the appliance itself, which means they can cook food faster without making a mess or burning it. This also saves time spent cooking since less heat is escaping into the surrounding area.
3. Retro Microwaves are easy to maintain.
Retro microwaves are very easy to use and maintain due to their simple design that does not involve digital panels or too many moving parts that could easily break down over time with regular use. There is no intricate mechanism for the house, unlike modern-day microwaves, where you have to be extra careful so as not to damage sensitive components like touch screens or LED displays, etc. Anyone cleaning these appliances just has to wipe them down. Keeping them clean also ensures that harmful chemicals do not build up inside the microwave and get transferred to the food you serve.
Final word
If you’re in the market for a new microwave, we’ve put together 8 great options to choose from. Some of them offer more than just cooking capabilities and boast other features like built-in roasting trays or convection ovens so you can cook up your next meal with ease. Which one do you think is best? Let us know!
