The Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave is a charming retro microwave with one-dial controls, best for retro kitchens and colour lovers. Rated 4.4 out of 5 across 13,125 user ratings. The main drawback: durability is the main concern. We scored it 4.3 out of 5.
Nobody buys the Nostalgia Retro microwave for its specs; they buy it because it looks like 1955. The good news is that it is also one of the easiest microwaves to use, with a single push-and-turn dial that starts a minute of cooking with one press. The trade-offs are 800 watts of power, only five power levels, a dinner plate that just fits, and mixed durability, with a few owners reporting breakdowns within weeks or months.
NoFussDeal rates the Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave 4.3 out of 5 at $129.99. Last updated September 27, 2026.
One large dial runs everything: press it to start a minute of cooking, turn it to change the time, and use it to select the 12 preset programs.
The magnetron delivers 800 watts, adjustable in five steps from 20 to 100 percent, with express cooking and power defrost.
The 0.9 cubic foot interior has a rotating glass carousel, inside a body 19 inches wide, 17.9 inches deep and 11 inches tall.
A chrome door handle, chrome control panel and retro accents sit alongside a bright LED display that shows the clock and highlights each setting.
Nostalgia lists the color as Teal and the material as Glass. Seven of the ten owner reviews we read mention it. All of them gave the product four or five stars. Score 93: we started at 88 and added 5 because the owner reviews that mention it are positive.
Nostalgia lists the product dimensions as 17.9"D x 19"W x 11"H and the capacity as 0.9 cubic feet. Seven of the ten owner reviews we read mention it. All of them gave the product four or five stars. Score 93: we started at 88 and added 5 because the owner reviews that mention it are positive.
Nostalgia lists the wattage as 800 watts and the heating method as Electric. Two of the ten owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints lik…
Nostalgia lists the wattage as 800 watts and the heating method as Electric. Two of the ten owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 82: we started at 88 and took off 6 because opinion is split.
Two of the ten owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 82: we started at 88 and took off 6 because opinion…
Two of the ten owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 82: we started at 88 and took off 6 because opinion is split.
Nostalgia lists the controller type as Mechanical Knob. One of the ten owner reviews we read mentions it, and that owner gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Sc…
Nostalgia lists the controller type as Mechanical Knob. One of the ten owner reviews we read mentions it, and that owner gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 82: we started at 88 and took off 6 because opinion is split.
Nostalgia lists the warranty description as 1-Year. Two of the ten owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 76: we started at 88 and took off 12 because it draws mostly complaints.
76% of ratings are five stars and 10% are four. 4% are three stars and 10% are one or two. The spread skews positive, but enough ratings sit low that the drawbacks below are worth reading. Score 88: its 4.4 star average on a 100 point scale.
Five of the ten owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 82: we started at 88 and took off 6 because opinio…
Five of the ten owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 14% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 82: we started at 88 and took off 6 because opinion is split.
Based on 13,125 Amazon customer ratings, averaging 4.4 out of 5, recorded 12 September 2026. See the reviews on Amazon
| 5 stars | 76% | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 stars | 10% | |
| 3 stars | 4% | |
| 2 stars | 2% | |
| 1 stars | 8% |
I used the microwave a month to make sure it wouldn't fall apart...based on some of the reviews here, I'm lucky the rotating plate didn't break, the handle didn't fall off, or the oven didn'… Read it on AmazonValue Aficionado · October 29, 2022 · Verified
This microwave is so beautiful!!! I love the size, color, and simplicity. It takes up minimal space on my countertop & is visually appealing. Highly recommend.Melanie R. · August 16, 2026 · Verified
I love this thing. My boyfriend and I just got out first place together and we were in need of a microwave. This one has been perfect so far! I've had it for...about a month, now. No issues!… Read it on AmazonAlexandra Parkison · August 18, 2026 · Verified
I was pleasantly surprised by this model. It replaced a similar unit from Best Buy's Inisgnia line that worked well for four years and then disappeared in a sudden storm of lightning, thunde… Read it on AmazonBronxite58 · June 11, 2026 · Verified
Update: 9-05-26I had contacted the company and received excellent customer service from Cindy. She of course asked pertinent questions as to the detail of what happened and once information … Read it on AmazonTj · June 30, 2026 · Verified
In LOVE with this absolutely adorable retro microwave. This thing is perfect. I love the retro look, there's something comforting about it. The color is cute and goes with the overall vibe o… Read it on AmazonCorrina · February 9, 2025 · Verified
At 28 pounds it is manageable for one person. Place it on a level counter with a few inches of space behind it for ventilation; the plug holds it off the wall anyway.
Seat the glass carousel on its support in the base of the cavity and check it turns freely.
Set the time on the LED display, following the steps in the manual.
Heat a cup of water by pressing the dial once for a minute, and turn it to see how time is added or removed.
For most buyers, yes: we score it 4.3 out of 5. The Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave wins on looks and simplicity: owners adore the design and find the single dial the easiest control they have used.
Rated 4.4 out of 5 across 13,125 user ratings, with 76% giving it five stars and 8% one star.
Durability is the main concern, with some owners reporting failures within weeks or months. Interior light only comes on while cooking.
Wipe the interior after spills and wash the glass carousel regularly.
Most frozen food is timed for higher-wattage microwaves; add a little time and check, rather than doubling.
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The Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave wins on looks and simplicity: owners adore the design and find the single dial the easiest control they have used. It heats food well for an 800-watt model, if a touch slower than a full-size microwave. Five power levels, a light that only works while cooking, a child lock you cannot disable and mixed durability are the compromises.
Buy the Nostalgia Retro microwave because it makes you smile every time you walk into the kitchen and does the everyday jobs simply. Keep the warranty paperwork handy, because durability is its weak point.
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