We’ve all been there. You pull a plate of leftovers from the fridge, pop it in the microwave, and hit start, only to be met with a disappointing result: a dish that’s scorching hot around the edges and stubbornly icy in the middle. Or perhaps you’re trying to defrost chicken for dinner, and the machine turns the corners into rubber while the centre remains a frozen block. This daily kitchen frustration is often the result of an underpowered, undersized microwave that simply can’t keep up with the demands of a busy household. For my family, our old 700W unit had become a source of constant mealtime delays and culinary compromises. We needed a reliable workhorse that could handle large family-sized portions, deliver consistent heat, and simplify our routine rather than complicate it. This search for a no-fuss, high-performance appliance led us directly to the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave, a model that promised both power and capacity.
- PERFECT FOR LARGE FAMILIES – Meet the perfect family-sized microwave. With a 23L capacity and Child Lock feature, you can cook meals for the whole house while keeping those little ones safe
- FUSS FREE COOKING – This microwave makes light work of meal prep with the 900W of power and 5 power levels so that you can cook without any fuss every time
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for rapid cooking, reheating, and defrosting in the modern kitchen. Unlike combination models with grills or convection ovens, a solo microwave focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: heating food quickly and efficiently with microwaves. This makes them the perfect tool for busy professionals who need to heat up lunch in a hurry, parents preparing quick snacks for kids, or anyone who values speed and convenience for everyday tasks. The primary benefit is their simplicity and effectiveness, cutting down on cooking times and energy consumption for suitable jobs compared to a conventional oven.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of feeding a family, reheating large pre-prepared meals, or simply wanting to upgrade from a basic, low-wattage model that cooks unevenly. It’s for the household that relies on the microwave for more than just popcorn. However, it might not be the best fit for culinary enthusiasts who require grilling, browning, or baking capabilities from a single appliance. For those users, a combination or convection microwave would be a more suitable, albeit more complex and expensive, alternative. If you’re looking for a straightforward, powerful, and reliable machine for core microwaving tasks, a solo model is precisely what you need.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Before you fall in love with a model, measure your countertop space meticulously. Check the product’s external dimensions (Depth x Width x Height) and ensure you have enough clearance for ventilation, typically a few centimetres on the sides and back. The Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave measures 37.7D x 46.9W x 28H cm, a standard size for its capacity, but it’s always best to double-check your available space.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines how much you can fit inside. A 23-litre capacity is excellent for families, easily accommodating large dinner plates and casserole dishes. Performance is dictated by wattage; 900W is a significant step up from the common 700W or 800W models, translating to faster and more even cooking, reducing the dreaded hot and cold spots.
- Materials & Durability: Look for a sturdy build. A stainless steel finish, like that on the RHM2372SS, not only looks sleek and modern but is also durable and resistant to rust and stains. The interior material is also important; while this model has a standard painted interior, some premium models offer ceramic enamel which is more scratch-resistant and easier to clean.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A complicated interface can turn a simple task into a chore. Look for intuitive controls, such as a one-touch 30-second start button and clearly labelled auto-cook menus. For maintenance, a removable, dishwasher-safe turntable is a non-negotiable feature for easy cleaning, preventing food spills from becoming a permanent fixture.
Considering these factors will help you select a solo microwave that seamlessly integrates into your life and kitchen.
While the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L 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...
First Impressions: Unboxing a Modern Kitchen Centrepiece
The Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave arrived securely packaged, a reassuring sign from a reputable brand. As confirmed by other users, the packaging is robust, ensuring the unit arrives without any dings or scratches. Upon lifting it from the box, the first thing we noticed was its substantial weight—at over 12kg, it feels solid and well-built, not flimsy. The aesthetic is immediately striking. The sleek stainless steel casing and the highly reflective mirrored door give it a premium, contemporary look that instantly upgrades the kitchen counter. This isn’t an appliance you’ll want to hide away. Setting it up was a breeze: place the turntable ring and glass plate inside, plug it in, and it’s ready to go. The button controls and pull handle feel firm and responsive, contributing to the overall impression of quality. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design and build.
What We Like
- Powerful 900W Performance: Cooks food noticeably faster and more evenly than lower-wattage models.
- Generous 23L Capacity: Easily fits large dinner plates and cookware, making it ideal for families.
- Intuitive and Simple Controls: The one-touch 30-second start button is perfect for quick, everyday use.
- Sleek, Modern Aesthetics: The stainless steel finish and mirrored door add a touch of style to any kitchen.
What We Didn’t Like
- Fingerprint Magnet: The beautiful mirrored door requires frequent wiping to keep it looking pristine.
- Basic Turntable Design: While effective, it lacks the flexibility of a flatbed model for very large or awkwardly shaped dishes.
A Deep Dive into the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS’s Real-World Performance
A microwave’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in the daily grind of reheating leftovers, defrosting dinner, and cooking quick meals. We put the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave through its paces for several weeks, using it for everything from porridge in the morning to a full jacket potato for lunch. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how it performed.
Power and Performance: The 900-Watt Difference
The most significant upgrade this microwave offers is its 900 watts of power. For anyone moving from a 700W or 800W model, the difference is night and day. We found ourselves consistently reducing cooking times from what we were used to. A bowl of soup that used to take three minutes now heated through perfectly in just over two. This isn’t just about saving a few seconds; it’s about better cooking. The higher power distributes energy more effectively, drastically reducing the dreaded hot-and-cold-spot phenomenon.
Our key test was reheating a large, dense portion of leftover lasagne—a dish notorious for uneven heating. In our old microwave, this required stopping, stirring, and restarting at least once. With the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave, we simply placed it in, set the time, and it emerged evenly hot from the centre to the corners. This finding was echoed by another user who noted, “It’s 900W so much higher than my previous 700w one so I have reduced the time I microwave for and everything is cooked perfectly well… there are no cold spots at all.” The auto-defrost function also performed admirably. We tested it on a pair of frozen chicken breasts, and using the weight-based setting, it thawed them thoroughly without cooking the edges, a common flaw in less powerful machines. This raw power is a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.
Family-Sized Capacity and Thoughtful Design
With a 23-litre capacity, this microwave is explicitly designed for family life. The interior space is generous, and the 28.8cm glass turntable is large enough to accommodate our widest dinner plates without them scraping against the sides. This is a crucial feature for anyone reheating full meals. We could easily fit a large Pyrex casserole dish inside, perfect for warming up a shepherd’s pie or a pasta bake for the whole family in one go. This capacity is a game-changer for meal prepping and handling leftovers, saving time and reducing the need to heat food in multiple batches.
Externally, the design is a standout feature. The brushed stainless steel finish is elegant and blends seamlessly with other modern kitchen appliances. The mirrored door adds a premium touch, reflecting the kitchen and making the space feel larger. However, this is a double-edged sword. The beautiful finish is very susceptible to fingerprints and smudges, especially with kids in the house. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth restores its shine, but it’s a maintenance point to be aware of. The pull handle is robust and far more satisfying to use than the push-button door mechanisms found on cheaper models, which can often feel flimsy and are prone to breaking over time.
Everyday Usability and Convenient Features
Where the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave truly excels is in its straightforward usability. While it boasts eight auto-cook menus for things like pizza, popcorn, and frozen vegetables, we found ourselves gravitating towards the simple, manual controls. The “Start/+30 Sec” button is a stroke of genius in its simplicity. One press starts the microwave for 30 seconds at full power, and each subsequent press adds another 30 seconds. As one user aptly put it, this is what “we use 99% of the time.” It eliminates the need to fiddle with dials or cycle through menus for quick reheating tasks.
For more complex jobs, the five power levels offer excellent control. We used a lower power setting (around 50%) to gently soften butter for baking and to reheat a delicate fish dish without turning it to rubber. The digital display is bright and easy to read, and the integrated 95-minute timer is more than sufficient for any microwaving task. Another crucial feature for families is the child lock. It’s simple to activate and provides essential peace of mind, preventing little hands from accidentally starting the appliance. Finally, cleanup is effortless. The glass turntable and roller ring lift out easily and are fully dishwasher-safe, making it simple to deal with the inevitable spills and splashes. This focus on practical, real-world convenience makes the microwave a joy to use day in and day out, and you can check the latest price and availability online.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave is strongly supported by feedback from other owners. The consensus is overwhelmingly favourable, with users frequently highlighting the same key strengths we identified. One reviewer celebrated the jump in power, stating, “It’s 900W so much higher than my previous 700w one… everything is cooked perfectly well.” They specifically praised its even heating capabilities, confirming that “there are no cold spots at all,” which is a remarkable achievement for a turntable model.
The theme of user-friendliness is also prevalent. The simplicity of the controls, particularly the quick-start button, is a recurring point of praise. The generous capacity is another major win for households, with one user noting, “You can fit large bowls / plates in because it’s a larger capacity which is perfect for my large family.” The premium look and feel are also frequently mentioned, with comments about its “really nice shiny finish.” While there is little in the way of negative feedback from the available reviews, the points we noted—such as the fingerprint-prone door—are common trade-offs for such a stylish design that prospective buyers should consider.
How Does It Compare? Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS vs. The Competition
While the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave is a formidable contender, the market is filled with strong alternatives. Here’s how it stacks up against three other popular models in the same category.
1. Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B 23L Easi Flatbed Microwave
- The easiest and most instinctive microwave with 4 simple buttons that allow you to Microwave, Defrost, Start and Stop/Cancel.
- No complicated auto cook menus or power levels.
For those who despise cleaning turntables or need to heat awkwardly shaped dishes, this flatbed alternative from Russell Hobbs is a compelling choice. Its main advantage is the flatbed technology, which removes the need for a turntable, freeing up the entire internal cavity and making it exceptionally easy to wipe clean. However, this convenience comes with a power trade-off; at 800W, it’s less powerful than the 900W RHM2372SS, which may result in slightly longer cooking times. This model is ideal for users who prioritize ease of cleaning and capacity flexibility over raw heating speed.
2. Panasonic NN-SD25HBBPQ 1000W Microwave Oven
- Inverter technology - allows food to cook evenly for more consistent results
- 23 Litre capacity - can fit up to 2 kg of food
The Panasonic represents a step up in both power and technology. With 1000W and Panasonic’s signature Inverter technology, it promises more precise and consistent cooking, especially at lower power levels. This is beneficial for delicate tasks like defrosting and simmering. It also offers more “One Touch” programmes (10 vs. 8). This microwave is geared towards the user who wants more advanced features, superior cooking precision, and is willing to invest a little more for a premium brand known for its technological innovation. Our featured Russell Hobbs model, however, offers a simpler, more direct user experience for those who don’t need the extra bells and whistles.
3. Samsung MS23F301TAK 23L Microwave
- Triple distribution system - Enjoy consistently even, thorough cooking thanks to three heat distribution points to ensure there are no cold spots.
- Ceramic enamel Interior - it's exceptionally smooth surface makes it easy to clean. It is also highly rust and scratch resistant so it won't discolour over time.
Samsung competes strongly on design and interior durability. Like the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B, it operates at 800W, making it less powerful than our reviewed model. Its key selling point is the ceramic enamel interior, which is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and easier to clean than a standard painted cavity. Samsung’s design aesthetic is also a major draw for many. A potential buyer might choose the Samsung if they prioritize long-term interior durability and a specific brand style over the higher power output offered by the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave.
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave?
After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS 900W 23L Microwave is a superb choice for families and anyone seeking a powerful, spacious, and user-friendly appliance. It masterfully balances high-performance 900W cooking with a generous 23-litre capacity and an intuitive interface that makes daily use an absolute pleasure. The sleek stainless steel and mirror-door design adds a touch of modern elegance to any kitchen, making it a product that performs as good as it looks. While the mirrored surface does attract fingerprints, this is a minor inconvenience when weighed against its overall performance and value.
If you are tired of unevenly heated food and are looking for a reliable, no-fuss microwave that can handle large portions with ease, this model should be at the very top of your list. It strikes the perfect balance between power, size, and simplicity, making it an outstanding all-rounder for the busy modern home. For a powerful and stylish microwave that delivers on its promises, we highly recommend checking out the Russell Hobbs RHM2372SS today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API