Galanz Retro Microwave Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Galanz Retro 0.7 cu ft microwave suits small kitchens where red vintage styling and preset reheating matter. This galanz retro microwave review compares its programs, fit and care needs with two compact alternatives.
On this page (6 sections)
The Galanz Retro 0.7 cu ft microwave suits small kitchens where vintage styling and preset reheating matter. This galanz retro microwave review compares its fit and controls with two similarly compact alternatives so you can choose by the features you will use.
The Galanz comes in red and has separate auto cook and auto reheat menus, defrost by weight or time, and a removable glass turntable. Its capacity is compact, so check your counter and dishes before choosing it for everyday use.
What does the Galanz Retro microwave offer?
The Galanz combines a compact footprint, preset cooking and retro styling. Its pull handle and button controls keep routine operation straightforward, while quick start adds 30 seconds when a meal needs more time.
Galanz Retro 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave, Red: Best for preset reheating
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
- 7 auto cook programs
- 10 auto reheat programs
- 9.6 in glass turntable
A compact red microwave with separate auto cook and auto reheat programs, plus defrost by weight or time. Its pull handle and retro look suit kitchens where appearance matters alongside simple controls.
Pros
- 7 auto cook programs and 10 auto reheat programs
- Defrost by weight or time
- Quick start adds 30 seconds
- Removable glass turntable
Cons
- 0.7 cu ft capacity limits the size of dishes
- Red finish may not suit every kitchen
- Wattage is not specified
The 9.6 in glass turntable can be removed for cleaning. The red finish is a strong visual choice, so it makes the most sense when you like the color or want a retro appliance to stand out.
Galanz Retro microwave review: who should choose it?
Choose the Galanz if you want a small countertop microwave with many preset reheating options and a red vintage look. It is especially suitable for a kitchenette, dorm, home office or apartment where basic cooking and reheating are the main jobs.
Skip it if your regular dishes need a larger cooking area, if you want a black or pink finish, or if you need a confirmed wattage to compare heating power. The wattage is not specified here, so buyers who prioritize that number may prefer one of the alternatives below.
How do you check whether the Galanz will fit?
The Galanz measures 17.5 in wide, 14 in deep and 9.5 in high, with 0.7 cu ft of interior capacity. Measure both the counter and the dishes you use most before ordering.
Start with the usable counter width and depth, not just the open space between cabinets. Leave the clearance required by the appliance manual, and check that the door can open without hitting a wall or another appliance.
The turntable measures 9.6 in across. Measure a plate across its widest point, including handles or a raised rim, and consider whether it can rotate freely inside the microwave.
Galanz describes the cavity as able to fit family dinner plates, but plate shapes vary. A wide plate can be a tighter fit than a smaller, round one even when both are used for dinner.
For a broader capacity checklist, see our guide to what size microwave to buy. If counter width is your main limit, compare options in our guide to compact microwaves for tight counters.
Which Galanz controls help with daily cooking?
The Galanz has 7 auto cook programs, 10 auto reheat programs and defrost by weight or time. Those options suit people who often warm drinks, leftovers or familiar foods and prefer a preset over entering each cycle manually.
Quick start adds 30 seconds. It is useful for a short top-up after checking food, and it avoids setting a fresh cooking time for a small adjustment.
Presets are most helpful when they match your routine. If you cook by time and power level or want a stated output for comparing speed, the Galanz may leave you with a question to resolve before buying.
The Nostalgia and Frigidaire both state 700 watts. Our guide to 700 watt versus 1000 watt microwaves explains how wattage can shape cooking time and what to consider when comparing different outputs.
What should you know about setup and care?
Set the Galanz on a stable, level countertop with enough room for the door to open and the ventilation clearances in its manual. It weighs 20.3 lb, so plan the placement before lifting it into position.
Before its first use, remove packaging and check that the turntable sits correctly on its support. Use microwave-safe dishes, center them on the turntable, and follow the appliance instructions for defrosting or preset cooking.
For routine care, lift out the glass turntable and wash it separately when needed. Wipe spills from the interior with a damp cloth after the unit is cool, and avoid running it with food debris left inside.
A common mistake is choosing by exterior dimensions alone. The unit can fit on a counter while a favorite plate still fails to rotate, so check both measurements before buying.
Another mistake is assuming all retro models have the same control options. The Galanz emphasizes auto reheating, while the alternatives add stated wattage and other controls, so compare the exact feature set with your cooking habits.
How does the Galanz compare with two alternatives?
The Galanz stands out for 10 auto reheat programs and its red finish. The Nostalgia is the pick for adjustable power, while the Frigidaire pairs black retro styling with auto defrost and a digital clock.
| Microwave | Capacity | Notable features | Dimensions (W x D x H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galanz Retro | 0.7 cu ft | 7 auto cook programs, 10 auto reheat programs, defrost by weight or time | 17.5 x 14 x 9.5 in |
| Nostalgia Retro | 0.7 cu ft | 700 watts, 8 auto cook programs, 10 power levels, child safety lock | Not stated |
| Frigidaire Retro | 0.7 cu ft | 700 watts, 8 auto cook menus, auto defrost, 5 power levels | 18.9 x 13.27 x 11.52 in |
Which retro microwave fits your priorities?
Choose the Galanz when its red styling and preset reheating options fit your kitchen and routine. Its listed exterior dimensions also make it easier to assess counter fit before purchase.
The Nostalgia suits buyers who want 10 power levels, 700-watt output and a child safety lock. Its pink finish is a distinct style choice, and its exterior dimensions are not stated here, so confirm the fit before choosing it for a tight counter.
The Frigidaire suits buyers who prefer black retro styling and want auto defrost, express cooking, 8 auto cook menus and a digital clock. At 18.9 in wide, it needs more counter width than the Galanz.
If you want to compare more models by style, browse our guide to retro microwaves with vintage style.
Is the Galanz Retro microwave worth choosing?
Choose the Galanz if you want a red, compact microwave with a large set of preset reheating options and your dishes fit its turntable. It is less suitable if capacity or a known wattage matters more than style and convenience.
Choose the Nostalgia for stated 700-watt output and 10 power levels, or choose the Frigidaire for a black finish, auto defrost and a digital clock. For more brand context, read Is Galanz a good microwave?.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Galanz Retro microwave a good choice for a small kitchen?
It can suit a small kitchen if its 17.5 x 14 x 9.5 in exterior and 0.7 cu ft capacity fit your counter and dishes. Measure the usable space, check nearby cabinet clearance, and make sure your regular plate can turn on the 9.6 in turntable.
What cooking programs does the Galanz Retro microwave have?
It has 7 auto cook programs and 10 auto reheat programs, along with defrost by weight or time. Quick start adds 30 seconds when you want to extend a cycle, so it suits routine reheating and simple cooking without needing to enter a longer time.
Does the Galanz Retro microwave have enough room for dinner plates?
Galanz describes its 0.7 cu ft capacity as able to fit family dinner plates, and the turntable is 9.6 in across. Measure your most-used plate at its widest point and allow room for it to rotate before you decide.
How does the Galanz compare with other retro microwaves?
The Galanz has 7 auto cook and 10 auto reheat programs, while the Nostalgia and Frigidaire state 700 watts and 8 auto cook programs. The Nostalgia adds 10 power levels, and the Frigidaire adds auto defrost and a digital clock.
All three have 0.7 cu ft capacity.
