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COMFEE Retro Microwave Review
A stylish countertop microwave that blends vintage charm with practical performance. We break down who it suits, how it cooks, and what owners really think.
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The COMFEE Retro Microwave is a charming, compact countertop unit that delivers solid everyday reheating and defrosting. Its vintage look stands out, and the simple dial controls are genuinely easy for all ages. Performance is consistent for basic tasks, though it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking. If you want a stylish, no-fuss microwave for a small kitchen, dorm, or office, it is a strong pick. Just be aware of its modest capacity and some reported durability concerns.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Eye-catching retro design in multiple colors
- Simple mechanical dials, no digital menus
- Compact footprint fits small counters
- Even heating for most reheating tasks
- Easy to clean smooth interior
- No sensor cooking or preset buttons
- 0.9 cu ft capacity limits large dishes
- Some reports of durability issues over time
- Turntable can be noisy during operation
- No child lock or clock display
The COMFEE Retro Microwave is one of the most popular compact microwaves on Amazon, thanks to its nostalgic design and budget-friendly price. But style only goes so far. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review. We break down who it is for, how it performs, and where it falls short.
Design and Build
The COMFEE Retro Microwave looks like it belongs in a 1950s diner. It comes in several pastel colors like mint green, cream, and pink, with a rounded body and chrome-like handle. The build is mostly plastic, but it feels solid for the price. The mechanical dials are a throwback: one for time, one for power level. There is no digital clock or display, which some users love for simplicity and others miss for convenience.
At 0.9 cubic feet, it is compact. It fits on most countertops without dominating the space. The interior is stainless steel, which resists stains and odors better than painted interiors. The turntable is glass and removable. The door opens with a push-button, and the hinge feels sturdy enough for daily use.
Performance
With 900 watts of power, the COMFEE handles typical tasks: reheating leftovers, defrosting meat, melting butter, and cooking frozen meals. Our research of thousands of buyer reviews shows consistent results for these uses. Popcorn pops well if you follow the bag instructions. Soups and stews heat evenly when stirred midway. Defrosting is decent, though larger items may need turning.
However, it lacks presets like pizza, beverage, or potato. You must set time and power manually. That is fine for experienced users, but beginners might miss one-touch convenience. Also, some users report hot spots, so stirring is often necessary. For a basic microwave, performance is reliable but not exceptional.
Ease of Use
The dials are incredibly intuitive. Turn the time dial to your desired minutes, set the power dial to high or a lower level, and press start. There is no need to navigate menus or memorize codes. This makes it ideal for elderly users, children, or anyone who dislikes digital interfaces. The dials click satisfyingly, and the timer goes up to 30 minutes.
One minor issue: the dials are not labeled with exact increments, so precise timing (like 1:30) requires a bit of guesswork. But most people get used to it quickly. The lack of a clock means you cannot use it as a kitchen timer, but that is a minor trade-off.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The stainless steel interior wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. The turntable is dishwasher safe, which is a plus. The exterior is smooth and resists fingerprints, though the glossy finish can show smudges. The crumb tray is not removable, so crumbs can accumulate under the turntable. You can lift the turntable hub to clean, but it is not as easy as some models with a removable tray.
Overall, cleaning is straightforward. Just avoid harsh abrasives on the interior. The retro design has no crevices that trap food, which is a bonus.
Common Buyer Complaints
While many owners are happy, some recurring complaints appear in reviews. The most common is durability: a handful of users report the unit stopping working after a few months. This is not widespread, but it is worth noting. Another issue is noise: the turntable motor can be audible, especially on lower power settings. Some users also wish the door opened more smoothly; it requires a firm push. Finally, the 0.9 cu ft capacity is limiting for large dishes. A 9x13 casserole dish will not fit.
Despite these issues, the majority of reviews are positive, with many praising the design and simplicity. The key is to set realistic expectations for a budget microwave.
Comparison with Alternatives
If you are considering the COMFEE Retro, you might also look at the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7, which is similar in price and capacity. The BLACK+DECKER has digital controls and preset buttons, but lacks the retro charm. The Toshiba EM131A5C is larger (1.2 cu ft) with sensor cooking, but costs more. For those who prioritize style and simplicity, the COMFEE wins. For tech features, consider the others.
Our editorial team found that the COMFEE is best for small households, dorm rooms, or offices where space is tight and looks matter. It is not a workhorse for heavy cooking.
Final Verdict
The COMFEE Retro Microwave earns a solid 4.6 out of 5 in our rating. It excels in design and ease of use, offers decent performance for basic tasks, and is easy to clean. The lack of advanced features and occasional durability concerns are drawbacks, but for the price, it is a charming and functional addition to any kitchen. If you value aesthetics and simplicity, this microwave is a great choice.
Specs that matter
| Capacity | 0.9 cubic feet |
| Power | 900 watts |
| Dimensions | 17.3 x 13.0 x 10.2 inches |
| Weight | 24.3 pounds |
| Controls | Mechanical dials (time and power) |
| Interior | Stainless steel with removable turntable |
You want a compact, stylish microwave for basic reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking, and you prefer knob controls over digital pads.
You need a large capacity for big casseroles, want sensor cooking or preset programs, or require a digital display with clock and child lock.
Questions before you buy
Is the COMFEE Retro Microwave good for popcorn?
Yes, it works well for popcorn. Use the popcorn button if your model has it, but this version has only dials. Set power to high and time per the popcorn bag instructions. Stir or shake halfway for even results.
Does the COMFEE Retro Microwave have a child lock?
No, this model does not have a child lock. The mechanical dials are simple, but there is no safety lock feature. Keep it out of reach of small children.
What is the wattage of the COMFEE Retro Microwave?
It is 900 watts. That is slightly lower than many full-size microwaves (1000-1200W), so cooking times may be a bit longer for some foods. For reheating and defrosting, it is perfectly adequate.
Can I fit a dinner plate inside?
Most standard 10-inch dinner plates fit, but large platters or square dishes may not. The interior is about 12.4 inches wide and 8.3 inches deep. Check your dish dimensions before buying.
How do I clean the COMFEE Retro Microwave?
Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The turntable is removable and dishwasher safe. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the stainless steel interior.