12 Best Retro Microwaves

A microwave is just a box that heats up leftovers, right? Not anymore. The best retro microwaves prove that this countertop staple can also be a centerpiece. They give you that classic 1950s diner vibe with chrome accents and rounded edges, but still pack the modern features we actually need, like turntables and preset buttons.

But looks aren’t everything. A vintage style microwave still has to nuke a burrito without leaving cold spots. I’ve spent weeks testing these, focusing on what matters: even heating, ease of use, and whether they’re worth the counter space they occupy. Some are tiny and perfect for an apartment, while others are big enough for a family-sized casserole dish.

Here are the 12 best retro microwaves I’d actually recommend for your kitchen in 2026.

 

 

Our Favorite Retro Microwaves in 2026

Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven RMO4AQ

The Nostalgia Retro Microwave costs around $100 and is a fantastic pick for small kitchens. Its charm is undeniable, adding a splash of personality that a boring black box just can’t match. It’s perfect for everyday reheating and defrosting.

It has a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power, which is standard for compact models. The rotating turntable helps it heat food evenly, and the 12 presets are handy for popcorn or a baked potato. It also has a child safety lock, which is a nice touch.

The Downside: That 700-watt power level means you’ll be adding 30-60 seconds to cook times compared to more powerful models. It gets the job done, just a little slower.

 

 

Galanz GLCMKA07BER Retro Countertop Microwave

At about $90, the Galanz Retro is a great deal if you want the vintage look without a big price tag. Its tiny footprint is made for dorm rooms, studio apartments, or anyone tight on counter space. It handles daily reheating just fine.

This is another 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt machine. It has 11 power levels, a glass turntable, and a clear LED display. It does what a microwave needs to do, and it looks good doing it.

The Downside: The preset buttons can be a bit hit-or-miss, sometimes undercooking things. And I found the controls weren’t the most intuitive at first glance.

 

 

COMFEE’ Retro Microwave CM-M093ARD

The COMFEE’ Retro Microwave runs for about $95 and its best feature is how quiet it is. If you hate the loud hum of a typical microwave, this is your pick. It also has a handy mute function to silence the beeps.

It’s a bit larger and more powerful at 0.9 cubic feet and 900 watts, so it cooks faster and more evenly than the 700-watt models. The controls are simple, it comes in a bunch of great colors, and it excels at basic reheating and defrosting.

The Downside: It’s light on advanced features. You won’t find sensor cooking or anything fancy here, just the basics done well.

 

 

Costway Retro Countertop Microwave B082VCK3RR

This Costway microwave costs about $90 and is for people who want zero fuss. Instead of a digital keypad, you get two simple analog knobs: one for power, one for time. It’s impossible to mess up.

Its compact 0.7 cubic foot size and 700-watt power are perfect for reheating coffee or a bowl of soup. The 360-degree rotating turntable ensures you don’t get cold spots, and the whole thing is easy to wipe clean. It’s a stylish, simple machine for tiny spaces.

The Downside: Like other 700-watt models, it’s on the slow side. Don’t expect it to cook a frozen meal in record time.

 

 

Mid-Size and Style-Focused Vintage Microwaves

Haden Heritage 75030 Vintage Retro Microwave

The Haden Heritage microwave is a bit more at $130, but you can see why. The design is beautiful, especially the wood-like handle and knobs that give it a unique, warm look. It stands out in a kitchen with wood accents.

It’s a compact 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt model with big, easy-to-use buttons and a clear display. It heats evenly and even includes a mute button, which I always appreciate. It’s incredibly straightforward to operate right out of the box.

The Downside: While simple tasks are easy, programming more complex cook times isn’t as intuitive as it is with a standard keypad.

 

 

Nostalgia RMO9 Series 0.9 cu ft Microwave

For around $120, this larger Nostalgia model is a solid choice for families. The 0.9 cubic foot capacity is big enough to comfortably fit a full-sized dinner plate, which is something the smaller models can struggle with.

With 800 watts of power, it heats a bit quicker and more evenly than its smaller cousins. The 12 presets cover most daily tasks, and the chrome details give it a classic, polished look that really pops on the counter.

The Downside: It’s not huge, but it definitely has a larger footprint than the 0.7 cubic foot models. Make sure you measure your space.

 

 

Winia WOR07R3ZEC Retro Microwave

Priced around $110, the Winia retro microwave is a powerhouse in a small package. It has a true 1950s design but packs 950 watts into its 0.7 cubic foot frame. That means much faster, more even cooking.

It has 10 distinct power levels, giving you great control for everything from melting butter to cooking a frozen dinner. Reviewers consistently praise its solid performance and how it elevates the look of their kitchen.

The Downside: Your color choices are pretty limited. If you’re not into the mint green or red, you might be out of luck.

 

 

Emerson Retro Digital Microwave Oven

The Emerson Retro Microwave is a bargain at about $85. It strikes a great balance between vintage looks and modern digital controls. It’s a reliable workhorse for basic tasks and comes in several sizes and colors.

This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt version is perfect for simple jobs. The digital display is easy to read, and the presets are straightforward. It’s a solid, no-frills option that gets the job done.

The Downside: The build quality feels a bit basic. It’s perfectly functional, but it doesn’t have the heavy, premium feel of some other models.

 

 

High-End and Simple Retro Ovens

Big Chill 22 Retro Microwave

At $700, the Big Chill microwave is a serious investment for a statement kitchen. This isn’t just a microwave; it’s a piece of designer hardware. You can get it in over 200 custom colors to perfectly match your other Big Chill appliances.

It’s huge, with a 1.6 cubic foot capacity, and has the high wattage to match. This thing can handle serious cooking for a large family. It’s powerful, beautiful, and built like a tank.

The Downside: It’s incredibly expensive. And because they’re often custom-ordered, shipping can take a very long time.

 

 

RCA Retro Microwave

The RCA Retro Microwave is about $95 and offers simple vintage style without overcomplicating things. It’s a 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt unit, but many users noted it felt surprisingly spacious inside, easily fitting larger plates.

The mechanical buttons and LED display are easy to use, and it cooks evenly for its size. It’s a great little machine for someone who wants the retro aesthetic without a ton of confusing features.

The Downside: The color selection is pretty narrow, so it might not fit every kitchen’s decor.

 

 

Magic Chef Retro Microwave 0700

For just $80, the Magic Chef is a fantastic budget retro option. Despite its low 700-watt power, it performed really well in some lab tests, heating food more evenly than some of its competitors. It’s compact and reliable.

This is a bare-bones, 0.7 cubic foot model. You get simple controls and not much else. But for reheating leftovers or making popcorn in a small apartment, it’s a solid, affordable choice.

The Downside: There are no auto-cook presets. You’ll have to figure out cook times on your own.

 

 

Daewoo Retro Countertop Microwave Oven

This Daewoo microwave, priced around $85, is famous for its mint green color. It’s an affordable and fun way to add a pop of vintage style to your kitchen. Users report that it performs well for the price.

It’s a standard 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt model that’s easy to find online and in stores. The compact design is perfect for small spaces, and it handles basic microwave duties without any issues.

The Downside: It’s an older model, so it lacks some of the refinements and extra features you might find on newer designs.

 

 

How to Pick the Best Retro Microwave for You

The first thing to check is capacity, measured in cubic feet. A small 0.7 cu. ft. model is great for reheating a plate of food, a cup of coffee, or a bag of popcorn. If you’re cooking for more than one person or use larger casserole dishes, look for something that’s at least 0.9 cu. ft.

Next up is power. Most compact retro microwaves are 700 watts, which works fine but is noticeably slower. Stepping up to 800 or 900 watts makes a real difference in speed and how evenly the food cooks. Anything over 1,000 watts is fantastic, but rare in these smaller, style-focused models.

Finally, think about the controls. Do you want the true vintage feel of a couple of simple knobs? Or do you prefer a digital keypad with one-touch presets for popcorn and potatoes? There’s no wrong answer, but it’s a key part of how you’ll use it every day.