# TLDR Review: Frigidaire Retro Microwave *Published: 2026-05-14 | Updated: 2026-05-14 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/frigidaire-retro-microwave* --- ## Product: Frigidaire Retro Microwave **Brand:** Frigidaire ## Pros - Stylish black-gold retro design adds a modern, attractive touch to any kitchen - Compact size makes it perfect for small spaces and limited countertops - Simple, straightforward controls with tactile buttons for easy operation - Heats food effectively, suitable for reheating, defrosting, and casual cooking tasks - Quieter than many microwaves, reducing kitchen noise disturbance - Quick start feature with a press of the ‘Start’ button and tactile feedback on the knob - Easy to disable child lock with clear instructions - Includes a helpful quick guide sticker for reference - Well-constructed with an appealing aesthetic, making it a cute, functional appliance - Accommodates large dinner plates comfortably despite its small size ## Cons - Many reviews mention the product arrived dented, impacting satisfaction - Digital display is blurry and hard to read, which can hinder usability - Preset options are inconvenient, requiring extra steps to set weight, manual timing is easier - The actual wattage is 700W, not 900W as advertised, possibly affecting cooking speed - The color is more cherry red rather than the vibrant maroon shown in photos - Plastic parts give a less premium feel, though acceptable at this price point - Slightly limited feature set, lacking advanced options found in higher-end models - Not suitable for heavy daily use or complex cooking needs ## Bottom Line The FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO combines a charming retro aesthetic with practical performance, making it a great choice for small kitchens or anyone seeking a stylish, no-fuss microwave. Its compact design and effective heating make it ideal for everyday reheating tasks. However, if you need more advanced features or higher wattage for quicker cooking, you might want to consider other options like the Samsung MW7100ST or similar models with more robust functionalities. ## Pros vs Cons at a Glance | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Stylish black-gold retro design adds a modern, attractive touch to any kitchen | Many reviews mention the product arrived dented, impacting satisfaction | | Compact size makes it perfect for small spaces and limited countertops | Digital display is blurry and hard to read, which can hinder usability | | Simple, straightforward controls with tactile buttons for easy operation | Preset options are inconvenient, requiring extra steps to set weight, manual timing is easier | | Heats food effectively, suitable for reheating, defrosting, and casual cooking tasks | The actual wattage is 700W, not 900W as advertised, possibly affecting cooking speed | | Quieter than many microwaves, reducing kitchen noise disturbance | The color is more cherry red rather than the vibrant maroon shown in photos | | Quick start feature with a press of the ‘Start’ button and tactile feedback on the knob | Plastic parts give a less premium feel, though acceptable at this price point | | Easy to disable child lock with clear instructions | Slightly limited feature set, lacking advanced options found in higher-end models | | Includes a helpful quick guide sticker for reference | Not suitable for heavy daily use or complex cooking needs | | Well-constructed with an appealing aesthetic, making it a cute, functional appliance | | | Accommodates large dinner plates comfortably despite its small size | | --- *About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*