The Nostalgia Retro countertop microwave pairs a distinctive jet black retro exterior with 800W output and a 0.9 cu ft cavity for $194.20. At 4.6 stars across 1,200 reviews, it is one of the highest-rated models in its class and punches above its weight in buyer satisfaction, especially impressive given the styling premium it carries.
Design-conscious kitchens where aesthetics matter alongside function. The retro styling makes it a statement piece rather than just an appliance, while the 0.9 cu ft / 800W specs handle standard everyday reheating and warming tasks without issue.
Skip if
Your kitchen is contemporary stainless and you need the microwave to blend in rather than stand out. Also skip if you need 1000W+ for faster cooking or a cavity larger than 0.9 cu ft for family-sized portions.
Capacity 0.9 cu ft
Wattage 800 W
Power levels 5
Installation Countertop
Width 19.0 in
Controls Buttons
Priced 29% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Wattage of 800 W - lower than 86% of the 84 models we track
Power levels of 5 - lower than 77% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.6/5overall
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 1,200 owner ratings
Value for money2.3/5
$216 per cubic foot, above the category median
Popularity3.9/5
1,200 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space2.4/5
0.9 cu ft, compact for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Nostalgia specializes in retro-styled kitchen appliances, and the Retro countertop microwave delivers the brand's signature look in a functional 0.9 cu ft format. At 19 inches wide and 15 x 19 x 11 inches overall, it fits comfortably on most countertops without dominating the space. The 30 lb weight is substantial for a unit this size, which typically means heavier gauge construction for the housing.
At 800W with 5 power levels, it is not a high-output unit. The lower wattage means reheating takes a bit longer than 1000-1200W competitors, and the 5 power settings provide less fine-grained control than 10-level models. For the target use cases, warming coffee, reheating single servings, thawing small items, 800W is adequate. Button controls keep it simple, in keeping with the retro aesthetic where digital touchscreens would break the visual theme.
The 4.6-star rating across 1,200 reviews is a genuinely strong result. In a category where most models cluster between 4.0 and 4.4 stars, a 4.6 signals that buyers are consistently getting more than they expected, whether from durability, appearance quality, or day-to-day performance. At $194.20 it costs more than plain-finish 800W alternatives, but buyers are clearly valuing the design premium.
Pros
4.6 stars across 1,200 reviews, one of the highest satisfaction ratings in the silo
Distinctive jet black retro styling stands out in the category
0.9 cu ft cavity handles standard everyday reheating tasks
Compact 19-inch width fits most countertops without excessive footprint
Simple button controls complement the retro design
Cons
800W is lower than typical mid-range models, reheating takes longer
Only 5 power levels limits cooking flexibility
No turntable dimension published, container size compatibility unknown
$194 carries a styling premium over functionally similar lower-cost options
Specifications
Capacity
0.9 cu ft
Wattage
800 W
Power levels
5
Installation
Countertop
Width
19.0 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Jet Black
Dimensions
15 X 19 X 11 In
Weight
30.0 lb
Voltage
110 Volts
Performance notes
At 800W with 5 power levels, the Nostalgia Retro is best matched to light daily microwave tasks: warming beverages, reheating single-serving leftovers, softening butter, defrosting small items. The 0.9 cu ft interior is adequate for standard bowls, mugs, and smaller plates. Runs on 110V, standard household outlet. The retro button controls operate without a complex interface, set the power level and time and go. Not suited for rapid high-volume cooking or large family-sized portions.
What buyers say
A 4.6 rating from 1,200 reviews is genuinely strong, this is not a product that just looks good in marketing; buyers are consistently satisfied after purchase. The high rating likely reflects a combination of build quality that exceeds expectations for the price, reliable performance within its 800W power class, and the fact that buyers self-select based on the styling, so they arrive with aligned expectations. A rare high-satisfaction result in a category where most models land at 4.0-4.4.
Does the Nostalgia Retro microwave come in colors other than jet black?
The jet black version listed here is one of several colorway options Nostalgia typically offers for this model family, which often includes red, aqua, and cream. Availability of other colors varies by retailer and stock, check current listings if color matching is important.
Is 800W enough to reheat food properly?
For everyday tasks like reheating a plate of food, warming soup, or defrosting a small item, 800W is workable but slower than 1000-1200W models. A dish that takes 2 minutes in a 1200W microwave might take 2.5-3 minutes at 800W. For light use this difference is negligible; for frequent high-volume reheating it adds up.
Is this microwave easy to clean?
The jet black exterior shows dust and light marks relatively visibly but wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. The interior should be wiped after spills, no self-clean or steam-clean function is listed. The 0.9 cu ft interior is small enough that cleaning is quick.
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