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Welcome back to Reviews Inside TV, where we break down the gadgets that power your home—and the ones that might just power down your patience. Today, we’re talking about a microwave that’s clearly not just here to reheat your coffee. Meet the Emerson MWR7020BL Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven in Thunderbird Blue. Right out of the box, it’s a head-turner. With its old-school vibes and glossy chromed accents, it looks like it should come with a jukebox and a milkshake. But behind that retro style is a surprisingly modern machine—700 watts of power, 5 cooking levels, and a sleek digital display. So the big question is—does this vintage-style appliance just look the part, or can it actually perform in a 21st-century kitchen?
Let’s start with what this little guy promises. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave, ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or office breakrooms. You get five power levels that let you toggle from low to high depending on whether you’re defrosting last night’s chicken or nuking a frozen burrito. That flexibility matters because not everything needs to be zapped at full blast. Emerson also threw in eight pre-programmed auto menus—popcorn, pizza, beverage, frozen vegetables, and more. The idea here is simplicity: you don’t need to remember cook times or guess power settings. Just hit the button that matches your food, and let it handle the rest. The express and defrost functions offer one-touch access to fast heating and thawing, which is helpful when you’re pressed for time. And for households with little ones around, the child safety lock is a thoughtful inclusion. It’s all topped off with a crisp LED display and digital clock that’s easy to read, even across the room.
Setting up the MWR7020BL was plug-and-play—no complicated steps, no weird quirks. It was ready to roll within minutes. I tested it in a few common real-world scenarios: reheating leftover lasagna, defrosting a frozen chicken breast, and running the auto menu for a cup of coffee and a frozen entrée. It handled each with decent consistency. The lasagna was evenly heated without cold spots, though it took a few more seconds than higher-wattage models. Defrosting wasn’t perfect—it left some slightly cooked edges—but that’s fairly typical for a 700W unit. The express cook was genuinely useful; for smaller items like muffins or a mug of soup, the automatic time setting landed in the right ballpark without needing adjustment. One thing I really appreciated? The buttons are tactile, not the frustrating mushy kind that require you to jab at them three times before they respond.
There’s definitely a lot to like here. The compact size means it fits neatly in tight spaces, and the vintage design? It’s more than just a gimmick—it genuinely adds charm to the kitchen, especially if you’re into retro aesthetics. The chromed handle and buttons aren’t just stylish—they’re surprisingly solid and easy to clean. I also liked the straightforward controls and how accessible the auto menus are. That said, there are a few caveats. The 700 watts of power means you’re not getting lightning-fast results. Larger meals or denser foods take longer than in a higher-powered unit. Also, while it does fine with basics, don’t expect this to handle heavy-duty cooking like steaming vegetables or cooking raw meat from scratch. And depending on your lighting, that LED display, while clear up close, might be a little faint from an angle.
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Back to it—when it comes to price, the Emerson sits in a fairly budget-friendly category. For around the $70 to $90 range depending on where you find it, it’s not trying to compete with convection microwaves or smart kitchen gadgets. Compared to similar-sized units like the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 or the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB, both of which also offer 700W output and compact footprints, the Emerson holds its own. It matches them on performance but wins some style points with that nostalgic exterior. However, those alternatives might edge ahead slightly in terms of internal space or additional features like eco mode or quieter operation. So it depends on what you value more—looks or extra settings.
Compared to the Galanz Retro Microwave, which is a direct visual competitor, the Emerson is a bit simpler and more user-friendly. The Galanz has a knob and push-button combo that isn’t always intuitive, whereas Emerson sticks to traditional push-button control. If you prefer convenience over novelty controls, Emerson makes more sense. If you need a little more power and don’t mind paying $20–$30 more, the Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) at 1100W offers significantly faster cook times, but in a bulkier design that doesn’t play as nicely in smaller spaces.
On the build front, Emerson made smart choices. The exterior doesn’t feel flimsy—the chrome details have weight, and the button response feels durable rather than hollow. The interior isn’t stainless steel—it’s a painted cavity—but the turntable spins evenly and feels stable. There aren’t many long-term durability reports yet, but Emerson’s track record for basic kitchen appliances has been relatively consistent in terms of reliability. It’s not premium-grade, but for an entry-level product, it’s holding up to general wear and tear well according to verified user feedback.
Customer support-wise, there’s not much to report firsthand. I didn’t need to reach out, but Emerson generally provides basic coverage with a one-year warranty, and online forums reflect average responsiveness—nothing stellar, but nothing egregious either. You’re not getting high-touch support like with a premium brand, but for most users, that won’t be a dealbreaker.
To wrap things up: the Emerson MWR7020BL is a stylish, straightforward, and functional little microwave that knows its limits and mostly stays within them. It’s not trying to be a smart appliance or a power-packed beast—it’s designed for light to moderate use, especially in smaller spaces. Its biggest wins are the retro aesthetic, compact footprint, and user-friendly design. On the flip side, it’s not for power users or those needing advanced cooking functionality. But if you want a reliable, good-looking microwave for reheating leftovers, warming beverages, and the occasional frozen meal—this one’s worth a closer look.
Thanks for sticking around for another review here on Reviews Inside TV. You’ll find the link to the product tucked in the comments box below. If you’ve already tried this microwave or have a favorite retro-style appliance of your own, drop your thoughts in the comments—I love hearing from you. Until next time, keep your leftovers hot and your expectations honest… only on Reviews Inside TV.
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