Galanz 0.7 Retro Review

The dial interface and the unique appearance set this compact microwave apart from the competition, but it delivered a less than standout performance in our side-by-side tests.

Performance Comparison

Heating

Our side-by-side began by comparing how each microwave fared at heating up different types of food. The Galanz Retro failed to impress in this set of tests, which comprise 40% of its overall score.

Heat Map Test

Accounting for 35% of the total heating score, our heat map test consisted of spreading out a thin layer of marshmallow spread on parchment paper, then microwaving it. We based scores off the evenness of cooking and if there were any browned or burned spots.

The Galanz did quite poorly in this test, showing a noticeable hot spot in the center and a ring of overcooked marshmallow, with the very outside edge remaining noticeably cool.

Heating Speed Test

We used a measured volume of water in our heating speed test, recording the temperature rise after 45 seconds of heating to assess performance between products. This accounts for 20% of the Galanz's total score in this metric.

The Galanz Retro did a little better in this regard, able to increase the temperature of the water by 76°F and earning it a middle-of-the-road score.

Leftover Heating

For our leftover heating test, we used the Galanz Retro to heat up a plate of mashed potatoes, green beans, and sausage. We compared how evenly each type of food was heated and if all three were warmed enough to serve to determine scores. This accounts for 15% of the total heating score.

The Galanz Retro actually did very well in this test, earning it an above-average score. There was only about 10°F of temperature variation throughout the mashed potatoes and sausage and about 15°F for the green beans. Everything could be eaten right out of the microwave, though we felt the mashed potatoes could have been a little warmer.

Soup Heating

Accounting for 15% of the total heating score, we used a can of premade soup for our next test. We heated up the soup in a bowl following the directions, then gave it a quick stir to even out the temperature, assessing performance with a digital thermometer.

The Retro again did decently well, getting the soup to 140°F — more than enough to serve immediately in our minds.

Pizza Heating

Responsible for the remaining 15% of the score in the heating metric, our last test focused on each microwave's ability to reheat pizza. We used two slices of pizza for this assessment, measuring performance with an IR temperature gun.

The Retro wrapped up this metric with a mediocre performance. We saw wide temperature swings across the slice, with some areas being practically cool to the touch.

Frozen Foods

For our frozen foods metric, we used a single-size lasagna, frozen burrito, and Hot Pocket to rate and rank performance. We heated each one up according to the manufacturer's directions, then used an array of digital thermometers to compare the evenness of heating and assess if the item was sufficiently heated. This accounts for 30% of the overall score, with the Galanz Retro meriting another mediocre result.

This microwave got off to a poor start with the frozen burrito, with this microwave failing to heat the entire thing to the requisite serving temperature. The edges of the burrito were also about 80°F warmer than the middle. It did about average with the mini-lasasgna, though the right half was a bit on the cooler side. There was about 25°F of variation between the different zones. Fortunately, it did finish off with a strong showing with the Hot Pocket, evenly heating it with only minimal temperature fluctuations between zones.

Defrosting

We tasked each microwave with defrosting a one-pound block of frozen meat for this metric, responsible for 20% of each appliance's overall score. We used the defrost setting for each microwave, with the Galanz Retro earning a subpar score.

This microwave beeped once and stopped notifying you to flip the meat over partway through. Just over half the meat was fully defrosted at the end of the 12-minute cycles, with the remaining part fairly easy to break apart. However, the corners were starting to get close to cooking.

Ease of Use

For our final metric, worth the remaining 10% of the total score for each appliance, we compared the overall user-friendliness of each product. We also looked at how effective the preset functions are, using popcorn as our test case. The Galanz Retro again delivered uninspiring results.

It has decent interior lighting but is limited to the “+30 Seconds” when it comes to quick buttons. It can't be used as a standalone timer and we noticed it doesn't take a ton of force to slide it around on a counter. Fortunately, it did quite well with the popcorn test. It had a decent amount of leftover kernels but we appreciated that none of it tasted burnt.

Should You Buy the Galanz Retro?

For most people, the answer is no. The main standout feature of this microwave is its appearance, so unless you are shopping solely for a vintage-looking product. Otherwise, we would suggest a more conventional, comparably-priced model that scored higher overall.

What Other Microwaves Should You Consider?