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

Black+Decker EM925AB9 and Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave score essentially the same (4.0 vs 4.0). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #4 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Black+Decker EM925AB9

4.0

3 sources2 derived$106.99as of Aug 1

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

— Excellent value — a capable 0.9 cu ft microwave for around $90
— Averages 8.0/10 across more than 100 owner and expert reviews
— Six one-touch presets plus a child safety lock

Watch-outs

— Inconsistent heating performance on larger items
— Lightweight build can slide on the counter during use
— 0.9 cu ft and 900W limit it to small dishes and reheating; TechReviewer calls its size suited to small-to-medium dishes

$106.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave

4.0

2 sourcesall derived$152.14as of Sep 25

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

— Distinctive retro design that doubles as kitchen decor
— Strong 4.7-star owner ratings for its style and compact size
— Compact 0.9 cu ft footprint ideal for small kitchens and dorms

Watch-outs

— Lightweight build can move slightly when the door is operated
— Style-first design; cooking performance is merely adequate
— 0.9 cu ft and 900W limit it to small dishes, as TechReviewer notes

$152.14 · 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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