TOTAL Chef countertop microwave ovens from the Retro series take the top spot for their unique vintage charm and simplicity, making them ideal for anyone wanting style in a compact space. The runner-up is the 0.9 model, which wins if you need extra cooking power and slightly more room for larger family meals.
• TOTAL Chef Retro Microwave Oven — best for adding vintage flair to small kitchens; pick this if you want simple dial controls and a distinctive red finish that stands out.
• TOTAL Chef 0.7 — best for modern minimalist spaces; pick this if you prefer digital touch controls and a stainless steel look over retro styling.
• TOTAL Chef 0.9 — best for those needing more capacity and speed; pick this if you cook larger portions regularly and want faster heating times.
This unit is the definition of character in a box. It brings a vibrant red finish with shiny chrome accents that instantly change the vibe of a kitchen, dorm, or office break room. It isn't just an appliance; it is a statement piece designed to add a vintage feel to your space without sacrificing functionality. If you have ever felt that your appliances are too sterile or boring, this is the one to break the monotony.
The interior is practical despite the stylish exterior. With a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, it fits perfectly on a crowded counter or inside a tight nook. It handles the essentials well: reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or warming up coffee. The control panel is refreshingly straightforward, relying on a bright LED display paired with physical dials and push buttons. You do not need to memorize complex code sequences; just turn the knob to set your time or weight defrost. This tactile approach makes it incredibly easy to use for everyone in the house, including children or guests who might struggle with fussy touchscreens.
It comes equipped with eight pre-set modes that cover the most common items you actually heat up, such as rice, pasta, pizza, fish, and potatoes. These presets remove the guesswork, allowing you to simply select "Pizza" and let the machine handle the rest. The 700-watt output provides steady cooking power suitable for standard daily tasks. Cleanup is equally stress-free because the glass turntable and roller ring come out easily for the dishwasher, and the smooth plastic and steel exterior wipes down without effort.
The trade-off here is pure size and raw power. At 700 watts and 0.7 cubic feet, it will take longer to heat a large casserole than a more powerful unit would. It is also strictly a single-door design, so you cannot open it while the cycle runs. However, for a student apartment, a cottage, or a small office where space is at a premium and aesthetics matter, I believe these limitations are worth the stylistic gain. It is the perfect choice when you want an appliance that looks good first and functions second.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-01 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
If you prefer a cleaner, more modern aesthetic, the standard 0.7 model steps in as a serious contender. It swaps the retro red for a sleek silver stainless steel finish that blends seamlessly into contemporary decor. Like its retro sibling, it occupies the same footprint, making it a perfect fit for flats, student housing, and smaller kitchens where every inch counts. The goal here is efficiency without the distraction of bold colors.
The user experience shifts from analog dials to digital touch controls. A clear LED display shows the time, power levels, and settings, offering a more precise interface for those who like to see exactly what they are doing. You get ten distinct power levels instead of six, giving you finer control over how gently or aggressively you cook delicate foods. There is also a child safety lock included, which adds a layer of security for busy households with curious kids. The six auto-presets cover the usual suspects like frozen vegetables and beverages, ensuring you can throw something in and walk away without worrying about the settings.
Inside, the 10-inch turntable rotates smoothly to ensure even heating across your food. The stainless steel exterior is designed to be wiped clean easily, resisting fingerprints better than painted surfaces often do. While the 700-watt power level remains the same as the retro version, the digital interface allows for quicker adjustments using the express cook options, letting you add 30 seconds or set 1-to-6-minute timers instantly. This makes it ideal for quick lunches or rapid reheating sessions where every second counts.
The main compromise is the lack of personality. It looks like any other standard microwave you might find in a generic office building. It does not have the nostalgic appeal of the retro model, nor does it offer the raw power of the larger units. However, for someone who values a uniform kitchen look and needs reliable, no-nonsense performance in a small package, this is the logical choice. It prioritizes function and integration over form, delivering exactly what you need without the flash.
When your needs grow beyond a single serving or a quick snack, the 0.9 model is the natural upgrade. It offers a noticeable increase in internal volume, providing the breathing room needed for larger dinner plates, deeper casseroles, or bigger family-sized portions. The increased capacity means you are less likely to hit the walls of the cavity when trying to heat a wide platter, solving a common frustration found in smaller microwaves.
Power-wise, this unit steps up to 900 watts, which translates to significantly faster cooking times. If you are in a rush during the morning commute or need to heat a full meal before a meeting, the extra wattage cuts down the wait time considerably. The control scheme matches the standard 0.7 model with digital touch inputs and a clear LED display, maintaining consistency if you already own one of the other units. You still get the benefit of ten power levels and six auto-presets, along with the convenience of express cook buttons for rapid additions.
The stainless steel construction remains robust, offering a professional look that holds up well in high-traffic environments like offices or shared living spaces. The child lock feature ensures safety, and the removable turntable keeps cleaning simple. Because of the larger interior, the external dimensions are slightly taller and deeper, but it remains a countertop-friendly unit that does not require built-in installation. It strikes a balance between the portability of the smaller models and the capability of a full-size oven.
The trade-off is purely spatial. You will need more counter depth and height to accommodate this unit compared to the 0.7 models. If your workspace is extremely tight, you must measure carefully before bringing this home. Additionally, the higher price point associated with the extra features and size might not be necessary for someone who only heats single cups of coffee. But for a family or a host who cooks for others, the extra power and space make this the superior workhorse of the group.
We compared published specs and features across all three models to determine the best fit for different lifestyles. Our ranking reflects independent editorial opinion based on design, capacity, and control interfaces rather than sales data or brand influence.
All three models feature removable glass turntables and roller rings that are dishwasher safe, and their exteriors are designed to be wiped down easily. The Retro model has a smooth plastic and steel surface, while the 0.7 and 0.9 models offer stainless steel finishes that resist fingerprints.
Yes, all three are designed specifically for compact spaces like apartments, dorms, cottages, and RVs. They plug into standard outlets and sit securely on countertops without requiring special installation.
The primary difference is the design and control style. The Retro model features a vintage red look with physical dials, whereas the 0.7 model has a modern silver stainless steel finish with digital touch controls. Both share the same 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700-watt power.
Both the TOTAL Chef 0.7 and the 0.9 models include a child safety lock feature to prevent unintended access. The Retro model includes a safety mechanism that requires pressing Stop/Cancel to unlock the door, though it does not explicitly list a dedicated digital lock button in the same way the digital models do.
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