Head-to-head · Best Countertop Microwaves

Black+Decker EM925AB9 vs Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 3.9). Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave is best for: Style-conscious buyers with small kitchens or dorms who want a retro statement microwave for light reheating and small dishes. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Black+Decker EM925AB9

3.9

1 source$89.87as of Oct 31

The Black+Decker EM925AB9 is the budget pick of the category: a 0.9 cu ft, 900W stainless microwave that averages 8.0/10 across more than 100 owner and expert reviews, for around $90. Reheating, popcorn, and small-to-medium dishes in an apartment, dorm, or office are its territory, with six presets and a child lock. It is not for heavy cooking or large items. As an affordable, dependable compact, it leads on value.

Strengths

— Six one-touch presets plus a child safety lock
— Compact stainless body suits apartments, dorms, and offices
— Simple, reliable controls with a clear LED display that Koncepts Solution calls easy to read

Watch-outs

— 0.9 cu ft and 900W limit it to small dishes and reheating; TechReviewer calls its size suited to small-to-medium dishes

$89.87 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave

4.0

1 sourceall derived$154.42as of Oct 14

The Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 is the style pick: a 0.9 cu ft retro-look microwave with a chrome pull handle, rotary dial, and LED display that earns a 4.7-star owner rating largely on its design. It cooks adequately for its size, with seven auto-cook and ten auto-reheat programs, and suits small kitchens, dorms, and anyone who wants their microwave to double as a decor piece. People buy it for looks first, performance second.

Strengths

— Compact 0.9 cu ft footprint ideal for small kitchens and dorms
— Tactile rotary dial plus LED display and pull handle
— Seven auto-cook and ten auto-reheat programs at a budget-friendly price

Watch-outs

— Conventional heating is less even than inverter rivals

$154.42 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Black+Decker EM925AB9

The budget compact of the group, closest in size and intent to the Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 retro microwave — both are 0.9 cu ft units for light duty. It lacks the inverter even-heating of the Panasonic NN-SN966S and NN-SN686S and the humidity sensor of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, but it is the cheapest way into a reliable countertop microwave here.

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave

The smallest and most design-driven microwave here, sharing the 0.9 cu ft light-duty class with the Black+Decker EM925AB9 — the Galanz trades the Black+Decker's professional-stainless utility for retro styling. Like the Black+Decker, it is a conventional heater without the inverter even-cooking of the Panasonic NN-SN966S and NN-SN686S or the humidity sensor of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Black+Decker EM925AB9	Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave
Power	900W	900W
Capacity	0.9 cu ft	0.9 cu ft
Power Levels	10	11
Programs	6 one-touch presets	7 auto-cook, 10 auto-reheat
Display	LED with clock	—
Safety	Child lock	—
Finish	Stainless steel	—
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Dimensions	13.6"D x 18.6"W x 10.7"H	14.9"D x 19"W x 10.8"H
Wattage	900 watts	900 watts
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Turntable	—	10.5 in glass
Controls	—	Rotary dial + LED display
Style	—	Retro with pull handle

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