There’s a unique kind of kitchen frustration that sets in when you’re faced with a subpar microwave. We’ve all been there: you pull out a plate of last night’s delicious lasagne, hoping for a quick and satisfying meal, only to find it’s a culinary tragedy of hot and cold spots. The edges are scorched to a crisp while the centre remains stubbornly icy. This daily dance with disappointment is often compounded by a control panel that seems to require an engineering degree to operate. In a busy household, the microwave should be an ally—a reliable tool for quick meals, perfectly defrosted ingredients, and hassle-free snacks. When it fails, it doesn’t just waste food; it wastes precious time and adds unnecessary stress to our day. The search for a machine that is powerful, intuitive, and stylish enough to complement a modern kitchen is what led us to test the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave, a model that promises to solve these very problems.
- 800W WITH 10 POWER LEVELS - Features 10 microwave power levels to tailor your cooking experience, including a convenient defrost setting so you can cook meals straight from the freezer
- 6 AUTO COOK SETTINGS - Make your time in the kitchen a little bit easier by choosing from one of the 6 pre-set options to cook your food perfectly
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rapid cooking, reheating, and defrosting. Unlike combination models with grills or convection ovens, a solo microwave focuses on doing one job exceptionally well: using microwave radiation to heat food efficiently. This makes them perfect for busy individuals, families needing a secondary appliance, or anyone who values speed and simplicity. Their primary benefit lies in their straightforward operation and compact footprint, making them a staple in kitchens where time and counter space are at a premium. They are the workhorses that handle everything from warming a morning cup of coffee to preparing a quick dinner for the kids.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of preparing meals quickly without sacrificing quality. This includes students in dorms, professionals with demanding schedules, and families who need a reliable appliance for daily tasks like heating leftovers or defrosting meat for dinner. However, a solo microwave might not be suitable for those who wish to achieve browning or crisping effects, as it lacks a grilling or convection function. Aspiring home chefs who want an all-in-one cooking solution would be better served by a combination microwave oven. For them, the simplicity of a solo model would feel limiting.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Before you even consider features, measure your available countertop space. The Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave has exterior dimensions of 35.3D x 45.1W x 25.6H centimetres. Ensure you have enough clearance around the unit, especially at the back and sides, for proper ventilation to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
- Capacity & Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines how much you can fit inside. A 20-litre capacity, like this model’s, is ideal for standard dinner plates (up to 10.5 inches) and is perfect for small families or couples. Wattage dictates cooking speed; at 800 watts, this microwave offers a solid balance of power for quick and even cooking without being excessively energy-hungry.
- Materials & Durability: Look for a microwave with a sturdy exterior and an easy-to-clean interior. This model features a combination of metal, glass, and plastic for the exterior, giving it a modern look. Crucially, the stainless steel interior is a significant advantage, as it’s more durable, rust-resistant, and easier to wipe down than the painted enamel interiors found in many budget models.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A user-friendly interface is non-negotiable. While digital controls offer precision, they should also be intuitive. Consider how easy it is to set the time, select power levels, and use pre-set programs. For maintenance, a smooth interior and a seamless control panel, like the one on the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave, are much easier to keep clean from spills and fingerprints than those with numerous crevices and physical buttons.
Understanding these factors will help you choose a solo microwave that not only meets your cooking needs but also integrates seamlessly into your kitchen and lifestyle.
While the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital 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:
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Solo Microwaves on the Market
- 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...
First Impressions: Sleek Design with a Modern Edge
Upon unboxing the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave, the first thing that struck us was its sophisticated aesthetic. The glossy black finish combined with the striking mirror door gives it a premium look that belies its accessible price point. It feels modern and sleek, capable of elevating the look of any kitchen countertop. At 12 kilograms, it has a reassuring heft, suggesting a solid build quality without being too cumbersome to position. Setup was straightforward—simply remove the packaging, place the glass turntable inside, and plug it in. The 1-meter power cord is a standard length, but it’s worth checking its proximity to your intended socket.
The control panel, presented as a seamless touch surface, contributes to its clean, minimalist design. Compared to older models with bulky dials and protruding buttons, this is a significant step up in style. One user amusingly noted the mirror door is so effective you could apply lipstick in it, and we can confirm it’s highly reflective—a feature that is both a design statement and a potential magnet for fingerprints, a common trade-off for such a polished finish. Our initial impression is that Russell Hobbs has focused on creating a visually appealing appliance that feels both contemporary and functional, a promise we were eager to put to the test. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design.
What We Like
- Elegant, modern design with a glossy black and mirror finish
- 800W of power with 10 distinct levels for precise cooking control
- Helpful pre-set auto-cook menus and weight-based defrost function
- Durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel interior
What We Didn’t Like
- “Touch” controls require a firm press and are not true a touchscreen
- The end-of-cycle beep is quite loud and cannot be silenced
Performance In-Depth: A Closer Look at the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B
A microwave’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in the day-to-day grind of a busy kitchen. We put the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave through a comprehensive series of tests, from reheating delicate leftovers to cooking meals from scratch, to see if its performance matched its polished exterior.
Design, Build Quality, and That Reflective Door
The aesthetic is undoubtedly one of this microwave’s strongest selling points. The combination of the deep, glossy black chassis and the full mirror-finish door creates a sophisticated profile. It looks more expensive than it is and integrates beautifully into kitchens with other black or stainless steel appliances. However, this design choice comes with practical considerations. As we and other users noted, the mirror surface is a fingerprint magnet. If you have a busy family kitchen with kids, be prepared to wipe it down regularly to maintain its pristine look. The build itself feels solid; the metal casing is robust, and the unit sits firmly on the countertop without any wobble.
The door mechanism is a push-button release, which is common at this price point. We did find, in line with some user feedback, that it requires a slightly firm push to open, and closing it produces a solid, somewhat loud ‘clunk’. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it lacks the gentle, quiet action of more premium models. Internally, the 20L capacity is adequate for most daily tasks. It comfortably fits a 10.5-inch dinner plate, but as one user correctly pointed out, larger or oversized plates require a bit of tilting and angling to get them through the door opening. The choice of a stainless steel interior is a major plus, offering superior durability and cleaning ease compared to the painted cavities often seen in competitors.
Cooking Power and Performance Precision
With 800 watts of power, the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave sits in a sweet spot for a 20L unit. It’s powerful enough to cook and reheat quickly without being so aggressive that it obliterates delicate foods. The real star of the show here is the granularity of control. Offering 10 distinct power levels is a feature that really sets it apart from more basic models that might only offer three or five. This level of control allowed us to gently soften butter without melting it (at 20% power), reheat a slice of pizza evenly without making the crust chewy (at 70% power), and cook a jacket potato quickly and thoroughly (at 100% power).
We tested the evenness of the heating by performing the classic marshmallow test—spreading a layer of mini marshmallows on a plate and heating them for a minute. The results were impressive. The marshmallows were almost uniformly melted, with only a very slight coolness in the absolute centre, indicating the turntable and microwave distribution work effectively together. This translates to real-world performance. A bowl of soup heated for two minutes was consistently hot throughout, requiring no mid-cycle stirring. For a solo microwave designed for everyday convenience, its core heating performance is reliable and consistent, which is precisely what you need.
Usability: Navigating the Controls and Features
The control panel is a focal point of both praise and criticism. Its seamless, flat design is easy to wipe clean, a huge hygienic advantage over traditional buttons. However, the term “Touch Control” in the product name can be misleading. As we and other testers quickly discovered, this is not a capacitive touchscreen like on a smartphone. They are membrane buttons beneath a vinyl overlay, which require a deliberate and firm press to register. One user aptly called it a “press pad,” which is a far more accurate description. While it works perfectly fine once you’re used to the required pressure, those expecting a light-touch interface will need to adjust their expectations.
Setting the clock and manually inputting cook times can also be slightly unintuitive at first. We concur with users who recommended reading the instruction manual thoroughly. For example, to set a cook time, you press the ‘Time/Menu’ button and then use the number pad, rather than just punching in the numbers directly. The lack of a simple ‘add 30 seconds’ button is a minor oversight; instead, you press the ‘Start/+30Sec/Confirm’ button to start cooking in 30-second increments. It’s a small difference, but one that can trip up users accustomed to a dedicated button.
Where the usability shines is in its automated functions. The six auto-cook menus for items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza are genuinely useful. We found the potato setting worked brilliantly, producing a soft, fluffy jacket potato based on its weight. The defrost function, which can be set by time or weight, is particularly handy. The weight-based defrost is a standout feature, taking the guesswork out of thawing meat safely and effectively, a point praised by other users as well.
Living with the RHMT2005B: The Sounds and Practicalities
Beyond cooking, a few practical elements define the experience of living with an appliance. The most notable of these is the sound. The Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave operates at a standard noise level during cooking, but the end-of-cycle alert is piercingly loud. It emits five sharp beeps that, as one user warned, could easily wake a sleeping baby or be heard throughout the house. There is no option to silence or lower the volume of this alert, which could be a significant drawback for noise-sensitive households or those with irregular schedules.
The 99-minute timer is a generous addition, allowing the microwave to be used as a simple kitchen timer independent of its cooking function. The compact overall footprint makes it a great choice for smaller kitchens, apartments, or even as a secondary microwave in a utility room. While it may struggle with very large family-sized casserole dishes, its capacity and performance are perfectly calibrated for the daily needs of individuals, couples, and small families. The combination of its powerful features and stylish design makes it a compelling option in the crowded solo microwave market, and you can check the latest price and availability online.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from a range of buyers, the general sentiment towards the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave is largely positive, with a few consistent caveats. Many users, like us, are immediately drawn to its aesthetic appeal. One reviewer celebrated its looks, stating, “This microwave looks so good. The door has a mirror finish to it and the black is so glossy.” This praise for its modern design is a recurring theme.
On the performance front, users are generally impressed. One happy customer noted it “performs exceptionally well with a wide range of settings” and found it to be a “definite upgrade” from their previous model. The convenience of the auto-cook and weight-based defrost functions was specifically highlighted by a user who found it “so handy if cooking or defrosting meat.”
However, the critiques are just as consistent. The most common point of confusion is the control panel. “This microwave IS NOT a touch screen,” one detailed review clarified, explaining they are “buttons covered in vinyl.” Another user described the touchpad as “clunky,” saying you “have to press hard for it to work.” The other major drawback mentioned is the loud, unchangeable beeping sound at the end of a cycle, which a user warned “will wake them up, no matter where they are in the house.” These critiques provide valuable context: it’s a great performer, but with usability quirks you need to be aware of.
How Does the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the clearest picture, we’ve compared the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave against three distinct alternatives, each catering to slightly different needs and preferences.
1. Hisense H23MOBSD1HUK 800W Microwave
- 23L capacity & 28.5cm turntable for large dinner plates
- 800 Watt power output – cooks food rapidly and evenly
The Hisense H23MOBSD1HUK is a direct competitor that offers a slightly larger 23-litre capacity while matching the 800W power output of the Russell Hobbs model. This makes it a better choice for small families or individuals who frequently use larger dishes that might be a tight squeeze in the 20L RHMT2005B. It also boasts features like multi-level cooking and a dedicated “Smart Cook” function. However, its design is more conventional and perhaps less striking than the mirror-finish Russell Hobbs. If sheer internal space is your top priority and you need to fit larger plates and bowls with ease, the Hisense is an excellent alternative worth considering.
2. Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L 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
For those who prioritize simplicity and have more limited space, the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C presents a compelling option. This is a manual microwave, controlled by two simple dials—one for power and one for time. With a smaller 17-litre capacity and 700W of power, it’s less powerful and can’t hold as much, but it is incredibly straightforward to use. There are no digital menus or complex settings to navigate. It’s a perfect fit for users who find digital controls overly complicated, or for use in a caravan, office, or as a secondary appliance. Its charming cream colour also offers a different aesthetic from the modern black of the RHMT2005B.
3. Russell Hobbs RHRETMM705C Retro Microwave
- Compact design, ideal for kitchens with limited space
- EASY CLEAN - With a wipeable painted interior and removable glass turntable which is dishwasher safe, it’s super easy to keep clean
This alternative leans heavily into style. The Russell Hobbs RHRETMM705C offers similar specifications to the manual RHMM701C (17L capacity, 700W power, dial controls) but packages it in a beautiful retro-inspired design. Available in several colours, including cream, it’s for the buyer who sees their microwave as a piece of kitchen décor as much as a functional appliance. You sacrifice the digital precision, pre-set programs, and higher power of the RHMT2005B for a distinct vintage look. If your kitchen has a specific retro or country theme, this model will fit in perfectly while still capably handling all basic microwave tasks.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B 20L Digital Microwave is a strong contender in the solo microwave category, especially for those who value both style and substance. Its greatest strengths are its elegant, modern design, the precise cooking control afforded by its 10 power levels, and its effective 800W performance that heats food evenly and quickly. The addition of smart features like weight-based defrost and various auto-cook menus adds a layer of convenience that elevates it above basic models.
However, it’s not without its quirks. The “press pad” controls require a firm touch and the unchangeably loud end-of-cycle beep could be a significant annoyance for some. Despite these minor flaws, the overall package offers excellent value. We recommend it for individuals, couples, and small families who want a reliable, powerful, and stylish microwave for their daily heating and defrosting needs and are willing to adapt to its interface. If you’re looking for a machine that performs reliably and looks fantastic on your countertop, this is an excellent choice. To make it a part of your kitchen, you can find the best deal on the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B here.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API