In our modern kitchens, we’re often surrounded by appliances that promise to do everything. Our ovens have a dozen functions, our coffee makers have apps, and our fridges can tell us the weather. But sometimes, this relentless march of technology leaves us yearning for simplicity. I recall a time when a previous, high-tech microwave of ours, boasting 16 different pre-set menus and a cryptic digital interface, was used for one thing and one thing only: the ‘add 30 seconds’ button. The other features gathered digital dust. This common frustration—paying for complexity you never use—is what makes the return to basics so appealing. The search for a simple, reliable appliance that does its one job exceptionally well, without a manual the size of a novel, is a real and valid quest for many. It’s the desire for a microwave that just… microwaves. A machine where you can turn a dial, hear a satisfying ‘ding’, and retrieve your perfectly heated food.
- 700W POWER – With plenty of power, it's super quick and convenient to cook up your favourite meals
- COMPACT DESIGN – This 17L microwave will fit seamlessly onto any countertop without taking up too much room
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for efficient, straightforward cooking, reheating, and defrosting. It champions function over frills. By stripping away the complexities of combination ovens, such as grills and convection capabilities, a solo microwave focuses entirely on providing fast and even microwave energy. This makes it an indispensable tool for busy individuals, students in dorms, or anyone needing to quickly prepare a meal, warm up leftovers, or thaw ingredients for dinner. Its primary benefit is its unparalleled ease of use; there’s no steep learning curve, just immediate, intuitive operation that saves time and mental energy on a daily basis.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a compact kitchen, a hectic lifestyle, or a preference for uncomplicated technology. This includes first-time homeowners, downsizing seniors, or families looking for a reliable secondary microwave. It’s a perfect match for those who see a microwave as a tool for reheating and defrosting, not for creating gourmet meals from scratch. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who love to experiment with multi-stage cooking or wish to bake, roast, or grill in a single appliance. For those culinary adventurers, a combination or convection microwave would be a much better investment, offering the versatility they crave.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The first rule of buying any countertop appliance is to measure your space. It’s crucial to account not just for the unit’s footprint, but also for the required ventilation clearance around the back, top, and sides. A compact model like the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave is specifically designed for kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
- Capacity & Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines the size of the dishes you can fit inside. A 17-litre capacity is ideal for individuals or couples and comfortably fits a standard 10.5-inch dinner plate. Performance, measured in wattage, dictates cooking speed. At 700W, this microwave sits in a sweet spot for compact models, offering enough power for quick heating without the higher energy consumption of 1000W+ units.
- Materials & Durability: The build quality is a key indicator of longevity. While many budget microwaves are predominantly plastic, we were pleasantly surprised to find that this Russell Hobbs model features a substantial metal body. An interior made of stainless steel or coated with easy-clean enamel is also a must-have, as it resists stains and odours and makes wiping up spills a simple task.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: For a solo microwave, simplicity is the ultimate feature. Manual dials, like those on this model, offer tactile, straightforward control that many users prefer over complex digital menus. For maintenance, look for a removable glass turntable that is dishwasher-safe, which drastically simplifies the cleaning process over the long term.
While the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo 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 RHMM723: First Impressions and Standout Features
Upon unboxing the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave, the first thing that struck us was its surprisingly premium feel. From online images, one might expect a standard, lightweight plastic appliance, but the reality is far more substantial. The unit has a reassuring heft, thanks to its predominantly metal construction, which immediately sets it apart from many of its budget-friendly peers. The model we tested was the white version, and its aesthetic is genuinely impressive. The front panel features a subtle, textured “Groove” or honeycomb pattern, adding a touch of modern design flair. This is beautifully complemented by the sleek, black mirror door and, most notably, the decorative gold accents on the handle and control knobs.
This isn’t just a functional white box; it’s a design statement. It feels thoughtfully crafted to blend into, and even elevate, a contemporary kitchen aesthetic. Setting it up was as simple as it gets: place it on the counter, put the glass turntable on its roller ring, and plug it in. There are no menus to navigate or clocks to set. It embodies the plug-and-play philosophy perfectly. The tactile feedback of the two jog dials is solid and satisfying, reinforcing the sense of durability and straightforward operation. It immediately felt like a welcome return to no-nonsense functionality, wrapped in a surprisingly stylish package that you can see in more detail online.
What We Like
- Elegant, stylish design with premium gold accents and a mirror door.
- Extremely simple and intuitive two-dial manual controls.
- Compact footprint is perfect for smaller kitchens and limited counter space.
- Effective and surprisingly quiet 700W heating performance.
Drawbacks
- Imprecise analogue timer makes setting short cooking times (under a minute) a guessing game.
- Dial markings can be difficult to read on the darker colour variants.
A Detailed Look at the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave in Action
A microwave’s true worth is only revealed through daily use. It’s about how it handles the morning porridge, the lunchtime leftovers, and the late-night hot chocolate. We put the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave through its paces for several weeks, integrating it fully into our kitchen routine to understand its strengths and expose its weaknesses. We moved beyond the spec sheet to uncover how this appliance performs in the real world, focusing on its design, core heating power, and the all-important user experience of its manual controls.
Design and Aesthetics: More Than Just a White Box
In a market saturated with generic appliances, Russell Hobbs has made a clear effort to make the RHMM723 stand out. The design is arguably its greatest strength. As one user aptly put it, it “really compliments my kitchen well with the gold handle and buttons.” We couldn’t agree more. The combination of the crisp white body, the chic honeycomb-textured panel, the reflective mirror door, and the brushed gold hardware creates a look that punches well above its price point. It successfully bridges the gap between modern and retro, making it versatile enough to fit into various kitchen decors, from minimalist to glamorous. Several users noted how they bought it specifically to match a white-and-gold or grey-and-gold kitchen theme, and it’s easy to see why. This isn’t an appliance you feel you need to hide; it’s one you can proudly display.
Beyond the colours and accents, the physical construction feels solid. The metal casing provides a sturdiness that is often absent in this category. The door opens with a firm pull of the handle, avoiding the clunky button-press mechanisms that can often fail over time. The internal cavity, finished in a durable grey coating, is easy to wipe down, and the 17-litre capacity is cleverly optimised. While compact, we confirmed it easily accommodates a large 10.5-inch dinner plate, which is the most critical test for a microwave of this size. This thoughtful design proves that functional, budget-friendly appliances don’t have to be boring. The aesthetic appeal is a major selling point and a feature that really sets it apart from the competition, and you can check the latest price and availability for yourself.
Core Performance: 700 Watts of No-Nonsense Heating
Style is nothing without substance, and we were pleased to find that the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave delivers reliable, consistent performance. The 700 watts of power proved more than adequate for all standard microwave tasks. We found it heated a bowl of soup piping hot in just over two minutes and reheated a dense plate of leftover pasta evenly in about three minutes, without creating dreaded cold spots in the middle. This aligns perfectly with user feedback, with many praising it for heating food “quickly” and “really well”. One of the most pleasant surprises was its operational noise level. It runs significantly quieter than many older or even more powerful models we’ve tested, emitting a low, unobtrusive hum that doesn’t dominate the kitchen conversation. The final ‘ding’ of the ringer is also a pleasant, classic tone—a small but appreciated detail.
The five power levels add a useful layer of control. While most day-to-day reheating will be done on High, the lower settings are genuinely useful. The Medium-Low setting was perfect for softening a block of butter without melting it into a puddle, and the dedicated Defrost function worked effectively. We tested it on frozen bread slices and a small chicken breast; it thawed them gently and evenly without starting to cook the edges, a common flaw in less-calibrated machines. For its intended purpose—simple, solo microwave tasks—the performance is faultless. It’s a dependable workhorse that does exactly what it promises. The effective power is a key reason to consider this stylish and functional model.
The Manual Control Experience: Simplicity’s Double-Edged Sword
Herein lies the central debate about the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave. The two-dial system is the very definition of simplicity. The top dial selects the power level (Low, Medium-Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, and Defrost), and the bottom dial sets the time. For many users, this is a dream come true. There are no confusing buttons, no sub-menus, and no need to press ‘Start’. You simply turn the dials and it begins its work. As one user who was tired of overly digital appliances noted, “I wanted that simplicity again!” In this regard, the microwave is a resounding success. It’s intuitive, immediate, and impossible to get wrong.
However, this simplicity comes at a cost: precision. The timer dial is a mechanical, spring-loaded control marked in one-minute increments up to 35 minutes. This is where we, and several other users, encountered a significant drawback. For cooking times of several minutes, it’s perfectly fine. But for the myriad tasks that require less than a minute—melting chocolate for 30 seconds, warming a bread roll for 20 seconds, or zapping a mug of tea for 45 seconds—it becomes a game of guesswork. As one reviewer detailed, “the time markings are in minutes, which is a little inconvenient as I only microwave things for short periods of time.” You have to carefully nudge the dial to a position between 0 and 1, hoping you’ve estimated correctly. The classic instruction to turn the dial past the two-minute mark and then back for shorter times (to engage the spring mechanism properly) is even printed on the unit, highlighting the inherent imprecision of this analogue system. Furthermore, multiple users reported a critical design flaw on the darker grey model, stating that the dark lettering on the dark background makes the settings nearly “impossible to read” without direct light. While this wasn’t an issue on our white model, it’s a crucial consideration for potential buyers of the other colourways.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user sentiment for the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave is overwhelmingly positive, focusing primarily on its design and simplicity. Many users echo our findings, with one succinctly stating, “Love it! Heats food quickly. Very easy to use. Compact design fits perfectly.” The aesthetic appeal is a recurring theme, with buyers frequently mentioning how the stylish white and gold or grey and gold finishes have become a feature in their kitchens.
However, the constructive criticism is just as consistent and valuable. The most common complaint, by a significant margin, is the imprecision of the manual timer. One detailed review noted, “Where this microwave struggles is with the manual timer control… I use mine a lot for defrosting some bread, softening butter and such-like, where a greater control over the timing is important.” This sentiment is echoed by others who find it “harder to be specific on how long you microwave.” The other key issue, specific to the darker models, is the legibility of the control panel. Comments like “unfortunately you can’t see the digits around the knows” serve as a crucial warning for those considering the grey or black versions. Finally, while isolated, one user reported receiving a unit with a cracked turntable, a reminder to inspect any new appliance thoroughly upon arrival.
How Does It Compare? Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave vs. The Competition
The Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave shines in its niche, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular models. Depending on your priorities—be it a different style, more power, or digital features—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.
1. Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 700W Cream Microwave
- 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
As a direct stablemate, the RHMM701C offers a fascinating comparison. It shares nearly identical core specifications: a 17-litre capacity, 700W of power, and simple manual dial controls. The primary difference is purely aesthetic. Where the RHMM723 opts for a modern, chic look with gold accents and a mirror finish, the RHMM701C leans into a classic, retro-inspired design with its cream colour, rounded edges, and polished chrome handle. The choice between them comes down entirely to personal style. If your kitchen has a vintage or farmhouse vibe, the RHMM701C is the perfect fit. If you favour a more contemporary, elegant look, the RHMM723 is the clear winner.
2. Sharp YC-QS302AU-B 30L 900W Flatbed Microwave
- 900 watt flatbed microwave oven: Part of SHARP's unique Flatbed range. Fully digital solo microwave cooker, easy clean with no turntable, large 30L capacity, pull handle and energy-saving eco mode
- Easy touch control, full digital display: Simple to read LED clock screen shows the time when the microwave is not in use, and features a handy kitchen timer function and child safety lock
The Sharp YC-QS302AU-B represents a significant step up in both size and technology. Its massive 30-litre capacity and powerful 900W output make it suitable for larger families or those who cook in bigger batches. The most significant feature is its flatbed design, which eliminates the need for a turntable. This not only makes the interior easier to clean but also provides more usable cooking space, allowing for larger or rectangular dishes. With its digital controls and 10 power levels, it offers far more precision than the Russell Hobbs model. This is the ideal choice for users who need greater capacity and power and value the convenience and cleanliness of a flatbed interior.
3. Toshiba ML-EM23P(BS) 23L Microwave Oven
- Microwave Oven: Enjoy great results and an array of convenient features with this 800w solo 23L microwave oven from Toshiba, made to add modern conveniences to your busy life.
- Express Cook: Start cooking instantly by selecting cooking time from 1 second to 6 min. The pre-programmed menu and procedural memory will allow you to heat your favourites in just one touch!
The Toshiba ML-EM23P(BS) strikes a balance between the simplicity of a solo microwave and the convenience of a digital interface. It offers a generous 23-litre capacity and a slightly more powerful 800W motor. Its key advantage over the Russell Hobbs is its digital display and pre-programmed settings. Features like one-touch express cooking for common items and an auto-defrost function that works by weight take the guesswork out of meal prep. This model is for the user who finds the Russell Hobbs’s manual timer too imprecise but doesn’t need the huge capacity or flatbed design of the Sharp. It’s the perfect middle-ground for those seeking modern convenience and precision in a reasonably compact package.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Russell Hobbs 17L Solo Microwave is a triumph of form and focused function. It is an exceptionally stylish appliance that performs its core duties of heating and defrosting reliably and quietly. Its key strengths are its stunning design, its compact size perfect for tight spaces, and its foolproof, intuitive operation that provides a refreshing break from overly complicated technology. It’s the ideal microwave for students, individuals, couples, or anyone who values aesthetic appeal and straightforward simplicity above all else.
However, its greatest strength—its analogue simplicity—is also its most significant weakness. The imprecise nature of the mechanical timer is a genuine drawback for anyone who frequently needs to heat things for specific, short intervals. If your microwave use-case involves more than just reheating full plates of food, this limitation could become a daily frustration. But if you can embrace the art of estimation for your short-burst heating needs, and you’re seeking a beautiful, compact, and easy-to-use microwave that gets the main jobs done without a fuss, this model offers outstanding value. For its intended user, it’s a fantastic choice that proves basic can also be beautiful, and you can find the best price and read more user experiences right here.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API