10 Best Retro Microwave 2026 in the United States

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a solidly built countertop microwave with a slightly retro look thanks to its black stainless steel finish, which fits nicely in many kitchens. It offers a spacious 1.6 cubic feet interior, making it roomy enough for larger dishes, and includes a large 13.6-inch removable glass turntable that helps food cook evenly. With 1250 watts of power and inverter technology, it provides faster and more consistent cooking compared to traditional microwaves, especially useful for defrosting and reheating without overcooking edges.

The microwave features 10 power levels and 5 smart sensor auto menus for popular foods like pizza and potatoes, simplifying meal prep for those who don’t want to guess cooking times. The control panel uses a touch keypad, which is easy to clean, and includes a two-step child lock for safety. Users can also mute the beeping sound, which is a nice touch for quieter environments.

Its relatively large footprint (about 22 x 19 inches) might take up more counter space than some smaller models, which could be a concern in compact kitchens. Also, while the button controls are straightforward, they might feel less intuitive for those who prefer dial knobs. The microwave weighs around 29 pounds, making it stable but less portable. This model is well suited for households looking for a dependable, feature-rich microwave with good capacity and precise cooking thanks to inverter technology, but may be less ideal if counter space is very limited.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a solid choice if you're looking for a countertop microwave with good capacity and smart features. Its 1.2 cubic feet interior and 12.4-inch turntable offer enough space to heat larger dishes, which is handy for families or meal prep. With 1000 watts of cooking power, it heats food fairly quickly and evenly. One of its standout features is the smart humidity sensor that adjusts cooking time based on moisture levels, helping prevent overcooking or undercooking — great if you want hassle-free results.

The microwave includes 6 preset menus for common foods like pizza and vegetables, plus 10 power levels, so you can customize cooking depending on what you’re making. It also supports easy defrosting by time or weight and has quick one-touch start buttons for convenience. The control panel uses a simple button and keypad layout, which is straightforward to use, though it might lack the tactile feedback of classic dials some people prefer in retro models.

Design-wise, it features a stainless steel finish that looks modern but may not fully match a vintage aesthetic if that’s your preference. Its compact footprint (about 20.6" wide) means it fits comfortably on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space. The interior is easy to clean and includes an ECO mode and mute function, which are nice touches for quieter, energy-saving operation. The microwave weighs around 35 pounds, making it less easy to move around frequently. While it offers many useful cooking programs, the presets are somewhat basic compared to microwaves with dozens of specific options. This TOSHIBA microwave is a user-friendly, reliable option for everyday cooking with smart features and good capacity, best suited for those who want a practical and efficient microwave rather than a strict retro-style design.

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave with a roomy 2.2 cubic feet interior, making it suitable for bigger meals like a 16-inch pizza or whole chicken, which is ideal for families. It offers strong 1200-watt cooking power, helping food heat quickly and evenly. One of its standout features is a smart humidity sensor that adjusts cooking time and power automatically, preserving moisture and preventing overcooking.

This model includes 23 preset cooking menus, such as for pizza, potatoes, and vegetables, simplifying everyday use. The 16.5-inch turntable is larger than average and remembers its position, ensuring even heating and convenience. The control panel is touch-sensitive with a keypad interface, featuring helpful options like mute, ECO energy-saving mode, memory function, and a child safety lock. The stainless steel exterior gives it a clean, modern look, although it might not fit the classic 'retro' style some seek.

At nearly 50 pounds and with sizable dimensions, it's best suited for kitchens with enough counter space. While it lacks smart home compatibility, it covers most essential cooking tasks well. The defrost system is customizable by weight or time, offering more control for thawing meat and poultry. Some users might find the number of menus more than necessary, potentially complicating simple tasks, but the presets generally help streamline cooking. Its solid build and practical features make it a reliable choice for anyone looking for a large, efficient microwave that balances convenience with performance.