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
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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.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product Galanz Retro GLCMKZ07RDR07 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Microwave for Heating Frozen Food |  Best Value Microwave | Best Microwave on a Tight Budget | ||
| Price | $99 List $107.00 at Amazon | $120 List $115.53 at Amazon | $125 List $124.95 at Amazon | $90 List $89.99 at Amazon | $82 List $81.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Even though it's nice to look at, it has lackluster heating and defrosting abilities | A full-size microwave that is a solid performer across the board with outstanding frozen food heating capability | A middle of the road product for a reasonable price, scoring similarly to many others that were priced much higher | A no-frills, compact, and affordable microwave that will take a little longer to cook your food | Ideal for those on a budget or with limited space, but this model falls short in terms of premium build quality and high-level performance across our evaluated metrics |
| Rating Categories | Galanz Retro GLCMKZ... | Magic Chef MC110MB | Panasonic NN-SB458S | Farberware 700W 0.7... | Comfee EM720CPL-PMB |
| Heating (40%) | |||||
| Frozen Foods (30%) | |||||
| Defrosting (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Galanz Retro GLCMKZ... | Magic Chef MC110MB | Panasonic NN-SB458S | Farberware 700W 0.7... | Comfee EM720CPL-PMB |
| Measured 45 Sec Heating Temp Rise | 67 F | 106 F | 89 F | 76 F | 67 F |
| Measured Weight of Defrosted Meat | 8.5 oz | 12.5 oz | 8.8 oz | 12.5 oz | 11.8 oz |
| Average Temperature Difference | 14 F | 7 F | 29 F | 27 F | 13 F |
| Measured Unpopped Kernels | 53 | 23 | 8 | 126 | 192 |
| Wattage | 700 watts | 1000 watts | 900 watts | 700 watts | 700 watts |
| Measured Turntable Diameter | 9.6" | 12.4" | 10.6" | 10" | 10" |
| Measured External Dimensions (WxHxD) | 17.8" x 9.5" x 12.8" | 20.6" x 11.8" x 14.7" | 19.1" x 11.5" x 14.8" | 17.3" x 10.2" x 14.1" | 17.1" x 10.1" x 12.4" |
| Measured Internal Dimentions (WxHxD) | 10.5" x 6.4" x 10.4" | 13.1" x 8.2" x 12.5" | 13.9" x 8.1" x 12.4" | 10.8"x 6.8" x 10.2" | 10.8" x 6.8" x 10.1" |
| Size | 0.7 cu. ft | 1.1 cu. ft | 0.9 cu. ft | 0.7 cu. ft | 0.7 cu. ft |
| Child lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
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
Performance Comparison
Our testing approach was divided into three key metrics: heating, ease of use, and defrosting. After warming, heating, and cooking all the classics, each model received a score in these key categories. 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.
Inserting the cooking time is done by turning the large knob.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Heating
The primary reason for purchasing a microwave is the quick and effortless heating of food. With that in mind, we emphasized the importance of the appliances' heating first and foremost. Our series of heating tests included a heat map and speed test. We also assessed the microwave's ability to effectively heat leftovers, pizza, and canned soup.
Heating up a plate of leftovers is an essential function of a microwave.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Heat Map Test
In our heat mapping test, we spread marshmallow fluff on a circular parchment paper cut to fit the turntable. We selected marshmallow fluff for its unique discoloration as an indicator of heat distribution. The Galanz didn't impress us with this test. As you can see below, the marshmallow 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
Heating Speed Test
Next, we used a 125 mL water-filled beaker as our test subject. Placed at the center of the microwave, we measured the water's temperature increase after a 45-second heating cycle, contributing to 20% of the overall heating score. Unfortunately, the results weren't great. After 45 seconds, 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
Leftover Heating
The Retro did a great job reheating our hefty plate of leftovers. We placed pre-cooked sausage links, mashed potatoes, and green beans into the microwave and selected 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
Pizza Heating
The last 15% of our heating evaluation consisted of reheating two slices of pizza for one minute. The results are mostly positive here, as the pizza 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
Next, we assessed each microwave's performance in heating frozen items like Hot Pockets, burritos, and lasagna. We focused primarily on how effectively and evenly the microwave heated these frozen items. We used digital probe thermometers to measure the performance.
We started by heating the frozen burrito according to the package instructions. 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.
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
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