Pros
- Stylish retro aesthetic that impresses and complements modern or vintage kitchens
- Space-efficient footprint ideal for apartments, dorms, or offices
- Even heating and simple controls praised in user experiences
- Quiet operation compared to bulkier models
Cons
- Small interior limits larger plates or family-sized portions
- 700-watt power requires slightly longer cook times than higher-watt models
- Child lock can occasionally be finicky to disable
The Frigidaire EMW788RETRO is a compact 0.7 cu. ft. countertop microwave designed for small spaces like apartments, offices, dorms, or guest rooms. With 700 watts of power and a retro black-gold finish, it combines practical functionality with eye-catching style, making it ideal for users prioritizing aesthetics and limited counter real estate over high-capacity cooking.
Standout features include an oversized retro-themed knob for precise time adjustments, one-touch cooking menus, express cook, and speed/weight defrost for efficient thawing. Users report even heating for reheating meals, coffee, and snacks, with tactile buttons providing satisfying feedback and quick 30-second starts via the Start button. The digital timer and five power levels add versatility for everyday tasks.
Build quality features a stainless steel interior and solid door, though some note the plastic exterior feels budget-friendly at this price point. The retro design garners compliments for elevating kitchen vibes, fitting seamlessly under cabinets without protruding awkwardly. It's quiet, easy to use, and includes a child safety lock, though a few mention quirks like needing to press cancel to open the door or limited door swing angle.
Drawbacks center on the small cavity, which struggles with oversized plates, and modest wattage that extends cook times slightly. Despite these, its performance reliability and charm shine for solo users or light use. Overall, this microwave excels as a stylish, dependable choice for space-conscious buyers seeking form and function in one package.
Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
Power: 700 Watts
Dimensions: 13.27"D x 18.9"W x 11.52"H
Special Features: Child Safety Lock, Digital Kitchen Timer, Express Cook, One-Touch Cooking Menus, Speed/Weight Defrost, 5 Power Levels
Controls: Dial and Touch
Material: Stainless Steel Interior
Installation: Countertop
