Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Eats are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Microwaves just might be one of the best inventions to date, right next to the alarm clock coffee maker, of course. Microwaves are super convenient for when you need to cook or warm something up quickly. But just because microwaves make cooking quick and easy doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style in your kitchen. You can now marry style and convenience with a vintage microwave.
Pop popcorn, defrost meat and reheat leftovers in style with these unique retro microwaves.
Are Microwaves Needed These Days
Our Commerce Editor has been debating this recently, and she says it depends. She thought about how convenient it would've been to have one when she was reheating leftover pasta but wasn't left disappointed when she had to use her stovetop to warm up her delicious shrimp pasta!
Microwaves are handy if you are an instant-noodle lover or have little ones who aren't ready for the stovetop or air fryer yet. Either way, only invest in one if you'll absolutely need it or simply like them for the complete kitchen aesthetic.
Luckily, these compact microwave ovens are all about aesthetics and nostalgia (if you're going for that look). These vintage microwaves will come in handy if you're starting your retro kitchen. This is an affordable start if you can't afford that vintage refrigerator quite yet.
Just keep in mind that these are "vintage-style," if you're looking for microwaves from the 80s, you should check out eBay or a local trade-day or vintage shop near you.
Best Retro Microwaves
1. Nostalgia Retro Aqua Microwave and Toaster Bundle
Toasters and microwaves are two kitchen appliances that go hand in hand for the average busy person. This 0.9 cubic foot microwave has 12 pre-programmed cooking settings and 800 watts of cooking power that makes popcorn and heating up pizza quick.
Not only will you have your food ready in a jiffy, but the rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly, so no biting into a cold portion! Although it has a vintage look, the LED display lights make reading the digital clock simple and easy.
2. B20UXP52 / White 20L/0.7Cuft Retro Microwave with Display / Gold Handle
This sleek and stylish retro microwave has five power levels and a rotating glass turntable, so your food will always come out perfectly cooked. The retro control panel and chrome door handle make this gem only look super expensive.
The child safety lock prevents unsupervised operation by children. Just lock the control panel after you're done using it! (Hey, this is great for kiddos who aren't sure what is and isn't microwave-safe yet!).
3. Nostalgia RMO4RR Retro Large 0.9 cu ft, 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven, 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings, Digital Clock, Easy Clean Interior, Metallic Red
If you want the ultimate retro look, this full-size retro-style microwave is for you. This vintage microwave is available in multiple colors, such as mint green, white, and jet black. Even though it looks like a blast from the past, the turn-and-push dial still retains the simplicity of a modern microwave. You can even grab the matching toaster oven.
The Nostalgia store is one of our favorite brands for all things retro. Surely if Grandma and Grandpa went through their Amazon store, they'd begin to feel a bit nostalgic!
This post was originally published on April 26, 2021.
READ MORE: $28 Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker Is the Secret to Refreshing Tea All Summer Long
