In our kitchen, as I suspect in many others, there’s been a quiet rebellion against complexity. We once owned a microwave that boasted more buttons than a pilot’s cockpit—grill functions we never used, convoluted auto-cook programs that required a manual to decipher, and a digital display that blinked accusatorily when we failed to set the clock after a power cut. It was powerful, yes, but it was also a source of low-level daily friction. All we really wanted was a simple, reliable machine to reheat last night’s chilli, defrost some chicken for dinner, or make a quick bowl of porridge in the morning. The search for a replacement led us to an appliance that embraces a different philosophy: the elegant simplicity of the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave. It promised to do the basics, do them well, and look fantastic doing it. This review is the story of our hands-on experience putting that promise to the test.
- the compact rhmm701 is ideal for cooking a variety of meals in minutes. 30 minute timer and the dimensions of the product are 25.6cm x 45.1cm x 32.6cm
- once you have prepared the microwave for use, place food in suitable cookware, open the door and position onto the turntable
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A Solo Microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for straightforward, fast, and efficient food preparation. In an age of multi-function air-fryer-grill-convection behemoths, the solo microwave is a specialist. Its primary purpose is to heat, reheat, and defrost using only microwave radiation. The main benefits are its ease of use, smaller countertop footprint, and significantly lower cost. It doesn’t try to be a jack-of-all-trades; it aims to be the master of one, providing a core kitchen function without unnecessary bells and whistles. For millions of households, this focused functionality is not a limitation, but a liberating feature.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for speed and simplicity. This includes students in a dorm, couples in a first apartment, elderly individuals who appreciate uncomplicated controls, or anyone looking for a secondary microwave for an office or workshop. It’s for the person who values a machine that does one job perfectly without a steep learning curve. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who love to experiment with combination cooking, need to brown or grill food, or have a large family requiring a high-capacity oven. For them, a combination or flatbed microwave with more advanced features might be a better investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The first rule of kitchen appliances is to measure your space. The Russell Hobbs RHMM701C is wonderfully compact, but you must account for ventilation. As we discovered, and some users note, it has side vents, meaning it needs a few inches of clearance on its sides to breathe. Always measure your intended countertop space and compare it to the product’s dimensions (32.6D x 45.1W x 25.6H cm) to ensure a perfect fit with proper airflow.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines the size of the dish you can fit inside. A 17-litre capacity, like this model has, is perfect for a standard 10-inch dinner plate, but won’t accommodate a large family-sized casserole dish. Wattage dictates cooking speed. At 700W, this microwave is efficient for daily tasks, but might take slightly longer to heat dense foods compared to 900W or 1000W models.
- Materials & Durability: Look at what the appliance is made of. The RHMM701C features a painted steel body, a ceramic enamel interior, and plastic dials with chrome accents. The enamel interior is a standout feature, making it far easier to wipe clean than standard painted interiors. However, as with many budget-friendly appliances, long-term durability can be a concern, with some user reports flagging potential issues with peeling or rust after extended use.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Is the control panel intuitive or confusing? The RHMM701C excels here with its two simple jog dials—one for power, one for time. This manual system is foolproof. For maintenance, a smooth interior and a removable glass turntable are key. The easy-clean enamel interior on this model is a significant advantage, requiring just a quick wipe with a damp cloth to keep it looking pristine.
Deciding on the right microwave is about matching the appliance’s capabilities to your personal kitchen habits. For those seeking simplicity and style, the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C makes a very compelling case, and you can explore its full specifications and current price online.
While the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- MIRRORED FINISH - The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B features a sleek black body and contemporary mirror door finish
- Ceramic Enamel Interior - It's exceptionally smooth antibacterial surface makes it easy to clean. It is also highly rust and scratch resistant so it won't discolour over time.
- COMPACT EVERYDAY COOKING: A practical 20L capacity with a 24.5cm glass turntable fits standard dinner plates and bowls, delivering reliable, even heating for quick meals, snacks and reheats in busy...
Unboxing the RHMM701C: First Impressions and Key Features
Opening the box of the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave felt like a step back in time, in the best possible way. The first thing that struck us was the beautiful, rich cream colour. It’s not a stark, clinical white, but a warm, inviting shade that immediately adds a touch of retro character to the kitchen. Coupled with the polished chrome handle and control dials, the aesthetic is undeniably charming. It feels thoughtfully designed, intended to be a feature on the countertop rather than just a functional box to be hidden away.
Lifting it out, we were pleased with its manageable weight. It’s solid enough not to slide around when you pull the door open, but light enough to easily reposition for cleaning. Setup is nonexistent: place it, plug it in, and it’s ready. The two dials have a satisfying, tactile click as you turn them. However, our initial delight was tempered by one immediate, and very frustrating, discovery. As many users have warned, there is a large, white instructional sticker with red text plastered on the front panel above the dials. It is not the easy-peel variety. Attempting to remove it quickly proved to be a sticky, messy affair, risking scratches on the beautiful finish. It’s a baffling design choice that mars an otherwise flawless first impression.
What We Like
- Stunning retro design with a high-quality cream finish and chrome accents.
- Incredibly simple and intuitive two-dial manual controls.
- Compact footprint ideal for smaller kitchens, dorms, or limited counter space.
- Effective and surprisingly fast heating performance for its 700W rating.
- Easy-to-clean ceramic enamel interior.
Limitations
- Manual timer lacks precision for short intervals (e.g., under one minute).
- Long-term durability is a concern, with reports of rusting and premature failure.
- The front sticker is notoriously difficult to remove without damaging the finish.
A Deep Dive into the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C’s Performance
An appliance can look beautiful, but its true worth is only revealed through daily use. We integrated the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave into our daily kitchen routine for several weeks, using it for everything from defrosting meats to reheating coffee. This hands-on testing allowed us to move beyond specifications and understand the real-world experience of living with this stylish machine.
Simplicity in Action: Mastering the Manual Controls
The core appeal of this microwave is its rejection of digital complexity. There are two dials, and that’s it. The top dial controls the power, offering five distinct levels: Low, Defrost (a variant of low power), Medium-Low, Medium, and High. This provides all the practical control you actually need. Low is perfect for gently softening butter or chocolate, while High gives you the full 700W for rapidly heating soup. The defrost setting works by weight, a simple and effective system for thawing meat evenly without cooking the edges.
The bottom dial is the 30-minute mechanical timer. Turning it provides a satisfying, old-school ‘tick-tick-tick’ sound, culminating in a confident ‘ding!’ when the time is up. This is where we found both charm and a minor flaw. The simplicity is wonderful; there’s no need to press a dozen buttons to add 30 seconds. However, the markings on the dial make setting precise, short times a bit of a guessing game. Setting exactly 20 or 30 seconds is tricky. As one user noted, the mechanism seems to work best when you turn the dial past the two-minute mark and then back to your desired shorter time. For us, this wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s a trade-off for the analogue experience. It’s a departure from the one-touch convenience of digital models, a detail that is important for prospective buyers to see in its full feature set and user reviews.
Heating Performance: 700 Watts of Compact Power
We were initially skeptical about whether 700 watts would be sufficient, having been accustomed to more powerful 900W models. Our concerns were largely unfounded. The Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave performs admirably. We put it through a series of everyday tests. Reheating a dense plate of leftover lasagna on ‘High’ took about three and a half minutes, resulting in a consistently hot meal with no cold spots, thanks to the reliable 24.5cm glass turntable. A large mug of water for tea boiled in just under three minutes. Cooking a microwaveable bag of popcorn was a complete success, with very few un-popped kernels.
Confirming user feedback, we found the operation to be remarkably quiet. There’s the gentle hum of the magnetron and the soft ticking of the timer, but none of the loud, intrusive noise some microwaves produce. The defrost function was also effective. We defrosted 500g of minced beef using the weight-guided setting, and it thawed evenly in about 10 minutes without starting to cook on the outside. While a 900W oven might shave 30-60 seconds off these times, the real-world difference is negligible for most tasks. The performance is solid, reliable, and perfectly suited for its intended purpose.
Design and Durability: A Beautiful Appliance with Caveats
There’s no question that this microwave’s greatest strength is its design. It became an instant focal point on our counter. One user review rightly called it a “beautiful addition to my kitchen,” and another astutely noted how it “fits in perfectly with those overpriced, good looking appliances, no different at all.” We wholeheartedly agree. The cream finish, rounded edges, and chrome details evoke a sense of nostalgic quality that elevates the entire kitchen space. The mirrored glass door is also a nice touch, adding to its premium feel, though it does mean you can’t see the food cooking inside.
However, this is also where we must address the most significant concerns, which are echoed in a minority of user experiences. The sticker issue is the first hurdle; a truly baffling flaw that can leave a permanent blemish on a new appliance. Beyond that, there are questions about long-term durability. We inspected the door seals, hinges, and interior coating closely. While everything felt solid out of the box, reports of paint peeling or rust developing after a year or two are worrying. One user shared a photo of rust inside the door, and another reported a complete failure in under a year. While our test unit showed no such issues, these reports suggest that the attractive price point might come at the cost of longevity for some units. This is a critical factor to weigh when you check the latest price and availability.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the broad consensus from other owners. The positive feedback overwhelmingly praises the microwave’s core strengths. One user perfectly summarized the experience, stating it “heats the food up very quickly, quietly and with plenty of moisture to the food itself.” Another celebrated its simplicity and value, noting they replaced a “useless piece of rubbish” from a designer brand that cost £1500 with the Russell Hobbs and found it superior in every practical way.
However, the negative feedback points to consistent and important issues. The most common complaint by far is the non-peelable sticker. One user expressed deep frustration: “I buy something new and shiney and within 15 minutes it looks like crap.” This sentiment is widespread. More serious concerns centre on durability. We saw several reports of units failing prematurely. One user stated, “I’ve had the microwave a while. It’s developed a fault where the timer goes up and not down… The microwave also has layers peeling off and rusting.” These reports, while not universal, suggest potential quality control inconsistencies that buyers should be aware of.
How Does the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C Compare to Alternatives?
While the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave occupies a fantastic niche, it’s not the only option. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.
1. Cookology CMAFS20LBK 800W 20L Freestanding Microwave
The Cookology CMAFS20LBK is a very close competitor in spirit. It also features simple manual dial controls, appealing to users who dislike digital interfaces. However, it offers a slight upgrade in both capacity (20L vs. 17L) and power (800W vs. 700W). This makes it a better choice for those who need to heat slightly larger plates or want to trim a little time off their cooking. The trade-off is its more conventional black design, which lacks the standout retro charm of the Russell Hobbs model. This is the logical choice for someone who prioritizes function over form and needs just a bit more room and power.
2. Panasonic NN-ST48KSBPQ 32L Microwave Oven
- FAMILY-SIZE COOKING: The large 32L capacity and spacious 34cm glass turntable give you greater flexibility to use larger dishes and plates to cook for the whole family and any occasion
- GENIUS SENSOR: Experience excellent results with every meal thanks to the advanced sensor that measures internal steam levels to set the best cooking time. Simply select the preferred Sensor Auto...
The Panasonic NN-ST48KSBPQ represents the other end of the microwave spectrum. It’s a feature-rich, high-capacity powerhouse designed for large families and serious home cooks. With a massive 32L capacity, 1000W of power, Inverter technology for precise cooking, and 25 auto-programmes, it’s in a different league entirely. This is not a direct competitor but rather an illustration of what you get when you move away from simplicity. If you find the limitations of a basic solo microwave restrictive, this Panasonic model is an excellent, albeit much more expensive, alternative.
3. Russell Hobbs RHMM827SS 20L Solo Microwave
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE – Boasting a confident 800W, this Russell Hobbs Manual Microwave is the ideal option for heating food to perfection
- SPACE SAVING & COMPACT - For those with tighter kitchen spaces, you needn’t worry with this compact model. Designed with practicality in mind, this Microwave comes in at a compact size of (H) 26.4 x...
For those who like the Russell Hobbs brand but prefer a more modern aesthetic, the RHMM827SS is the perfect alternative. It’s an upgrade from the RHMM701C in several key areas: a larger 20-litre capacity, a more powerful 800W output, and a sleek stainless steel finish. It retains the simplicity of manual controls but packages it in a contemporary design. This model is ideal for someone who needs a bit more microwave real estate and power than the retro cream model offers and whose kitchen decor is better suited to stainless steel than vintage charm.
Our Final Verdict on the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave is a fantastic appliance for the right person. It delivers wonderfully on its promise of simplicity, style, and straightforward performance. Its charming retro design is a genuine highlight, capable of elevating the look of any kitchen. For daily tasks like reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple meals, its 700W of power is more than sufficient, and its operation is refreshingly intuitive.
It is not, however, without its flaws. The frustratingly permanent sticker is a significant annoyance, and the reports of long-term durability issues are a valid concern that must be weighed against its attractive price. But if you are a student, a couple, or anyone living in a smaller space who craves a simple, beautiful, and effective machine for basic microwave tasks, its strengths are compelling. It’s an appliance with a clear identity: it champions ease-of-use and aesthetic appeal over a long list of features you may never use. If that philosophy resonates with you, we believe you’ll be delighted. For a stylish and no-fuss solution to your daily heating needs, this is a choice worth making, and you can find the best deal on it right here.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API