REASONS TO BUY
Fun vintage design
Compact
Proficient at reheating leftovers
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks dedicated preset buttons
Too small for most users
Lackluster at most things
Galanz Retro GLCMKZ07RDR07 Review
This aesthetically pleasing appliance is convenient, but its performance is lackluster
Credit: Galanz
By Genaveve Bradshaw ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ November 14, 2023
Contributions From: Ryan White
RELATED: The Best Microwaves of 2025
Our Verdict
While the Galanz Retro GLCMKZ07RDR07 excels in appearance, its overall heating performance is average. If aesthetics or size are your top concerns, it's a suitable choice. The compact appliance will fit in most kitchens and help save space, all while throwing in a touch of color. The knob-style control is also unique among our lineup of top-ranked microwaves. However, you might consider alternatives for more advanced cooking needs.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Galanz Retro GLCMKZ07RDR07 is a sleek, vintage-appearing microwave that's sure to start a conversation in the kitchen. It's also very small, easy to use, and inexpensive. It reheats leftovers fairly well, but its overall performance is not amazing.
The Galanz Retro has a unique style and easy-to-use interface.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Heating
Overall, the Galanz left much to be desired. It didn't excel at our heating tests, though its compact size is ideal for small kitchens.
Heating up a plate of leftovers is an essential function of a microwave.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
As you can see below, the marshmallow heat map was very burnt in the center yet nearly uncooked on the outside. This indicates that much of the microwaving power is aimed at the center. While this might not be a problem for smaller items, it will fail to heat larger dishes evenly.
The heat map test of the Galanz Retro shows a scorched center yet seemingly untouched perimeter.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
This unit also failed to heat beverages quickly. After 45 seconds of heating on high, there was only a difference of 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Speed is not a strong point for the Galanz Retro.
The Galanz Retro increased the 125 mL beaker of water to 108 degrees Fahrenheit in 45 seconds.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The Retro did a great job reheating our hefty plate of leftovers using the reheat dinner plate option. This preprogrammed cycle lasted seven minutes and 20 seconds. All the items were sufficiently hot, with the potatoes bordering on too hot at 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Galanz reheated leftovers with relative ease.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Soup Heating
Again, the Galanz scored well here. It managed to heat the canned chicken noodle soup evenly throughout and was just under the perfect temperature for consumption at 137 degrees Fahrenheit. Another 20-30 seconds, and it'll be perfect for most.
Checking the temp of soup after the heating test.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The pizza we heated was perfectly edible. The temperature range was 119 to 181 degrees Fahrenheit, which might seem like a large variation. However, most pizzas were in the 130 to 140-degree range.
The lower knob is used as a timer.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Frozen Foods
The Galanz Retro did a passable job, with the burrito reaching a sufficient internal temperature of 161 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, the frozen lasagna had a different outcome. It failed to reach the appropriate temperature within the allocated time, resulting in inconsistent temperatures and textures across the dish. The Hot Pocket gave us similar disappointing results. The ends of the pocket turned rather tough, while the rest lacked the expected crispiness. Although the item was adequately hot, it didn't have the typical texture you'd anticipate from this popular dinner choice.
Checking the final temperatures of the Hot Pocket in various locations.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Defrosting
Another minor drawback of the Retro is its defrosting feature. It allows you to defrost by time or weight, which is a helpful feature for a compact appliance. When using the weight option, we found that it took 12 minutes for our one pound of ground beef to partially defrost. We had to return it for additional time to achieve full defrosting, leaving about 9.8 ounces fully thawed and the rest slightly frozen.
Using the interface is easy and straightforward. To set a cook time, simply turn the large knob.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
This product provides easy and enjoyable operation through a single tactile knob for most functions. It includes dedicated buttons for Auto Cook/Reheat, Defrost Time/Weight, Power Level, Clock/Timer, and Stop/Cancel — covering all your needs. Additionally, you can run the timer while the microwave is in use.
The elegant and simple design makes the Galanz fun to look at.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Galanz Retro GLCMKZ07RDR07?
The Galanz Retro GLCMKA07RDR-07 handles basic tasks like reheating leftovers effectively. This could be an okay option if you seek style, a compact size, and are on a budget with basic needs. But we don't recommend this device for anyone else who needs to heat up frozen burritos or defrost meat quickly and effectively.
Inserting the cooking time is done by turning the large knob.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Other Microwaves Should You Consider?
The Comfee EM720CPL-PMB is another compact, budget-friendly option. It performs well in most aspects, although it might not have the same stylish appearance on your countertop. For the best of the best, check out the GE JES1109RRSS. This powerful appliance tackled just about everything we threw at it and defrosted meat perfectly, though it isn't the most budget-friendly.
—Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White
You Might Also Like
