Let’s be honest. For years, the kitchen appliance landscape has been a monotonous sea of stainless steel, sterile white, and generic black boxes. We spend so much time curating the look and feel of our homes, yet when it comes to the tools we use every day, we often settle for function over form. I remember setting up my first kitchen, staring at the countertop, and feeling a distinct lack of personality from the hulking, generic microwave that took up so much visual real estate. It did its job, but it brought no joy, no spark of character to the space. This is a common story. We search for ways to make our kitchens—the heart of the home—feel more like *us*. Not having appliances that reflect our personal style can make an otherwise vibrant space feel impersonal and utilitarian. That’s where a product like the Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W promises to make a difference, offering a bold splash of vintage design without, hopefully, compromising on modern performance.
- 20 LITRE CAPACITY: Our generous 20 litre capacity is perfect for family and batch cooking. From delicious soups to fluffy jacket potatoes.
- 8 AUTO COOKING PRESETS: With 8 auto cooking presets for convenience and making cooking meals quick, easy and ready in minutes!
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A Solo Microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rapid reheating, simple cooking, and efficient defrosting. For busy professionals, students in dorms, or small families, it’s the undisputed champion of convenience. It saves time, simplifies meal prep, and puts a hot meal on the table in minutes when you’re exhausted after a long day. Its core benefits lie in its simplicity and speed, focusing on one primary job and doing it exceptionally well. It’s the kitchen’s reliable workhorse, the go-to for everything from warming up last night’s leftovers to making a quick bowl of porridge in the morning.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a need for quick, straightforward heating solutions. This includes individuals living in smaller spaces like apartments or studios, families needing a secondary microwave for quick tasks, or anyone who values efficiency over complex, multi-stage cooking processes. However, a solo microwave might not be suitable for those who wish to bake, grill, or roast within a single appliance. Aspiring home chefs or those with larger kitchens who want an all-in-one cooking station would be better served by a combination or convection microwave, which offers a much broader range of culinary capabilities.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A microwave is a permanent fixture on your countertop. Before you even consider a model, measure the intended space meticulously. The Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W measures 44 x 35.8 x 25.8 cm, a compact footprint, but you must also account for ventilation space—at least a few inches around the back and sides—to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines the size of the dishes you can fit inside. At 20 litres, this Salter model is perfect for standard dinner plates, large mugs, and small casserole dishes. Its 800W power rating is a solid middle-ground, offering a great balance between cooking speed and energy efficiency, powerful enough for most daily tasks without being excessive.
- Materials & Durability: The body of this microwave is made from Polypropylene (PP), a durable and easy-to-clean plastic. While not as premium-feeling as stainless steel, it allows for vibrant colours and is resistant to staining. A key indicator of its build quality that we immediately noticed, and which users confirm, is its weight. At 11kg, it feels substantial and well-planted, not flimsy or cheap.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for intuitive controls. The Salter model uses a combination of buttons and a rotary dial, which can offer precise time selection. However, a crucial aspect of maintenance is interior cleaning. While advertised as “Easy Clean,” we found a notable tendency for condensation to build up, a point echoed in user feedback, meaning you’ll need to be diligent about wiping it down after use to keep it in top condition.
While the Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W is an excellent choice for many, 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 Salter Retro: A Pop of Pink and a Solid Build
From the moment the courier handed over the box, one thing was clear: the Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W is no lightweight. At 11 kilograms, it has a reassuring heft that immediately dispels any fears of it being a cheap, plasticky novelty item. Unboxing it felt like revealing a piece of functional art. The pink colour is vibrant and cheerful, not garish, with a smooth finish that captures the vintage aesthetic perfectly. The chrome handle and dial provide a beautiful contrast, feeling cool and solid to the touch. Setting it up was simple: place the 25.5 cm glass turntable onto its rotating ring, plug it in, and it’s ready. Our first impression was that it’s a thoughtfully designed appliance that prioritizes style just as much as function. It’s a statement piece, designed to be seen and admired, instantly elevating the look of our test kitchen from purely functional to fashionably retro.
What We Like
- Stunning vintage-inspired design and vibrant pink colour.
- Solid and heavy construction feels durable and well-made.
- Compact 20-litre size is perfect for smaller kitchens.
- Intuitive auto-cook presets handle common tasks effectively.
Drawbacks
- Generates a significant amount of internal condensation during use.
- The control dial can be less intuitive than simple button interfaces.
Putting the Salter Retro Microwave to the Test: A Detailed Analysis
An appliance can look beautiful, but if it doesn’t perform its core duties well, it’s just a countertop decoration. We spent several weeks integrating the Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W into our daily routine, testing everything from its basic heating power to its specialised auto-cook and defrost functions. We wanted to see if its performance could live up to its head-turning design. We evaluated its cooking evenness, the usability of its controls, and investigated the real-world impact of some of the quirks mentioned by other users. Here’s our deep-dive into how it truly performs.
Everyday Heating and Cooking Performance
The fundamental job of any microwave is to heat food quickly and evenly, and in this regard, the 800W motor in the Salter Retro holds its own. We started with the basics: reheating a standard dinner plate of leftovers. The 25.5 cm turntable rotated smoothly, and the meal was heated through in about two and a half minutes, with no discernible cold spots in the centre—a common failure point for lesser microwaves. A large mug of water for tea came to a rolling boil in just under two minutes, which is perfectly respectable for this wattage. The five power levels provide welcome versatility. We used the lowest setting to gently soften a block of cold butter without melting it into a puddle, and the medium-high setting proved ideal for cooking a microwaveable pouch of rice without it exploding.
Where the Salter really streamlines the process is with its eight auto-cooking presets. These menu options cover common items like Pizza, Popcorn, Potato, and Fish. We tested the jacket potato setting on a medium-sized potato; it took around 8 minutes and produced a result that was fluffy on the inside and evenly cooked. The popcorn setting was also a success, popping nearly every kernel in the bag with only a few un-popped stragglers and no burning. While these presets aren’t a replacement for culinary skill, they are incredibly convenient for those moments when you just want to press a button and walk away, confident that the machine knows what it’s doing. This combination of reliable power and smart presets makes it a very capable daily driver, and a feature that really sets it apart for those seeking convenience.
The Condensation Conundrum
During our extensive testing, we consistently encountered one significant issue that confirmed feedback from other users: this microwave generates a surprising amount of condensation. After heating a simple bowl of soup for three minutes, the interior walls, ceiling, and even the inside of the door were covered in moisture. After a five-minute cycle, small puddles of water had formed on the glass turntable. This isn’t a minor bit of steam; it’s a notable accumulation of water that requires attention after almost every use.
Salter markets the microwave with an “Easy Clean” finish, and to its credit, the smooth polypropylene interior does wipe down very easily. The issue isn’t the difficulty of cleaning, but the frequency. You essentially have to wipe out the entire interior after cooking anything with even a moderate moisture content to prevent water from dripping and to maintain a hygienic environment. While not a deal-breaker for us, it is a persistent maintenance quirk that potential buyers must be aware of. It seems to be a byproduct of its tightly sealed, compact design. For someone who values a low-maintenance appliance above all else, this could be a point of frustration. It’s a trade-off—you get a stunning design, but it demands a little more housekeeping than its more utilitarian competitors.
Design and Usability: Living with a Vintage Vibe
Interacting with the Salter Retro is a unique tactile experience. The controls are a hybrid of modern and vintage, with dedicated buttons for functions like power level and auto-menus, and a large, satisfyingly chunky chrome dial for setting the time. Initially, as one user noted, it can feel “difficult to work” if you’re accustomed to a simple numeric keypad. Instead of typing “1-3-0” for 90 seconds, you turn the dial, which increases the time in set increments. We found it quick to get used to, and after a day or two, it felt quite intuitive for setting rough times. For precise timing, however, it can feel a little less exact than a keypad.
Aesthetically, living with the microwave is a joy. It’s impossible to overstate how much character it adds to a kitchen counter. It became an instant conversation piece. The digital display is bright and clear, showing the time of day when idle and counting down when in use. The build quality continues to impress in daily use; the door opens with a solid-feeling button press, and it closes with a confident thud, not a hollow rattle. This appliance is clearly built for those who appreciate the beauty in everyday objects. It proves that a functional tool doesn’t have to be boring. If the visual appeal resonates with you, you can check its latest price and availability here and decide if its unique charm is the right fit for your home.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the real-world experiences of other owners, painting a picture of a product loved for its looks but with a notable operational quirk. On the positive side, one user summed up the aesthetic appeal perfectly, calling it “Superb! better than I expected.” They highlighted its substantial, “very heavy” feel and how the “colour goes very well with my other pink stuff,” confirming our impression of it as a well-built statement piece. Their sentiment that it’s “not too big, not too small, just perfect” speaks to its well-judged 20-litre capacity, which hits the sweet spot for many households.
However, the primary drawback we identified is also the most common complaint. Another user stated it “gets ALOT of condensation after cooking in it,” noting that after just a few uses, “there’s puddles in there.” This directly reflects our own testing experience and confirms that the condensation issue is not an isolated incident but a consistent characteristic of the machine’s design. This feedback is crucial for potential buyers, setting a realistic expectation that this beautiful appliance requires a little extra care to keep it clean and dry.
How Does the Salter Retro Compare to the Competition?
The Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W operates in a crowded market, but its unique design gives it a distinct edge. However, for those who prioritize different features, there are several strong alternatives worth considering.
1. Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B 23L Digital 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.
The most significant difference with the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B is its flatbed technology. By eliminating the turntable, it offers more usable internal space within its slightly larger 23L cavity and simplifies cleaning immensely—there’s no plate to remove and wash. Its design is the polar opposite of the Salter: sleek, modern, and minimalist in black. This microwave is the perfect choice for the user who values practicality and maximum usable space over aesthetic flair. If you frequently use large, rectangular dishes that wouldn’t fit on a standard turntable, this is the superior option.
2. Russell Hobbs RHM2076B 20L Microwave
- MIRRORED FINISH - The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B features a sleek black body and contemporary mirror door finish
- EASY CLEAN – With a wipeable painted interior and removable glass turntable which is dishwasher safe, it’s super easy to keep clean
This model is a direct, mainstream competitor to the Salter. It shares the same 20-litre capacity, 800W power output, and 8 auto-cook menus. Where they diverge is entirely in design philosophy. The RHM2076B is a conventional, modern-looking microwave with a mirrored door finish and a standard digital button interface. It’s a safe, reliable, and highly-rated choice for someone who wants proven performance without the bold style statement of the Salter. It’s the go-to option for functionality without the retro personality.
3. Russell Hobbs RHM2017 800W Digital Microwave
- CAPACITY - With a compact and stylish design, this 20 litre capacity microwave is perfect for any kitchen
- POWER - Boasting 800W of power, this microwave can handle all of your cooking, reheating, and defrosting requirements
Another strong contender in the 20L/800W category, the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 in silver offers one key feature the Salter does not explicitly advertise: a child safety lock. For families with young, curious children, this feature alone can make it the more responsible choice. Its performance is comparable to both the Salter and the other Russell Hobbs model, but it caters specifically to a safety-conscious demographic. It provides all the necessary functionality in a classic silver finish that fits seamlessly into most kitchen decors.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W Right for You?
After thorough testing, we can confidently say the Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W is an appliance that wins you over with its heart first. Its greatest strength is its unashamedly bold and beautiful vintage design, which can single-handedly inject personality into a kitchen. It backs up its good looks with solid, reliable 800W cooking performance for all essential daily tasks, from reheating to defrosting, and its auto-cook presets are genuinely useful. The build quality feels substantial and durable, promising longevity.
However, its one major flaw—the tendency to generate significant internal condensation—cannot be ignored. It requires a diligent wipe-down after most uses, a maintenance step that won’t suit everyone. We recommend the Salter Retro Digital Microwave 800W wholeheartedly to style-conscious individuals, couples, or anyone looking to create a curated kitchen aesthetic. If you’ve fallen for its retro charm and don’t mind the extra bit of cleaning, it will serve you well and bring a smile to your face every time you use it. For those who prioritize low-maintenance practicality above all else, one of the Russell Hobbs alternatives may be a better fit. If you’re ready to add a splash of functional art to your countertop, you can see its full feature set and find the best price online right here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API