There’s a familiar story in many kitchens. You spend weeks, maybe even months, curating the perfect look. You’ve chosen the right tiles, the perfect cabinet handles, and a worktop that brings it all together. Then comes the time to add the essential appliances, and you’re faced with a sea of monotonous black, white, or stainless steel boxes. The microwave, a daily workhorse, often feels like the biggest offender—a purely utilitarian object that does its job but adds absolutely nothing to the room’s character. I’ve been there myself, settling for a functional but uninspired microwave that felt like a compromise. This is the precise problem the Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave aims to solve. It begs the question: can a microwave be both a reliable cooking tool and a genuine design statement? We decided to find out.
- GENEROUS 20 LITRE CAPACITY: Thanks to the large 20 litre capacity, cook for the whole family with ease. The 25.5cm glass turntable fits most standard sized dinner plates for quick heating and cooking...
- EASY USE DIGITAL CONTROL: With electronic control buttons and LED display,the solo digital microwave is easy to use,simply press the buttons you require and use the dial to control the time.
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item to tick off a list; it’s a key solution for rapid reheating, simple cooking, and efficient defrosting. For busy professionals, students, or small families, it’s the cornerstone of quick meals and hot drinks. Its primary benefit is simplicity and speed. Unlike combination ovens with complex grilling and convection functions, a solo microwave excels at its core purpose: using microwave energy to heat food quickly and effectively. This focus means they are generally more compact, more affordable, and easier to operate, making them an indispensable tool for the modern, fast-paced household.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for a straightforward, no-fuss appliance. This includes individuals living in apartments with limited counter space, couples who primarily use a microwave for reheating leftovers and preparing simple meals like porridge or soup, or anyone looking for a secondary microwave for an office or workshop. It’s the perfect match for those who value efficiency over a multitude of features they’ll never use. However, it might not be suitable for those who are passionate home cooks looking to bake, grill, or roast in their microwave. For them, a combination or convection microwave would be a much better investment, offering greater culinary versatility.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The first rule of buying any countertop appliance is to measure your space. The Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave has dimensions of 33.5 x 44 x 25.9 cm. It’s crucial to ensure you have not only enough width and depth but also adequate ventilation space around the sides and back to prevent overheating. Consider its placement relative to power sockets and other appliances.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines the size of the dishes you can fit inside. At 20 litres, this model is standard for a compact microwave, suitable for most dinner plates thanks to its 25.5 cm turntable. Performance is dictated by wattage; 800W is a solid power level for a solo microwave of this size, promising efficient heating without being underpowered for common tasks like cooking jacket potatoes or defrosting meat.
- Materials & Durability: The outer casing is made of steel, which offers a robust and sturdy feel compared to cheaper plastic models. The interior is designed to be easy to clean, a vital feature for long-term maintenance. Pay attention to the handle and controls; the distinctive wooden-effect accents on the Salter Toronto are a unique selling point, but you’ll want to ensure they feel solid and well-integrated into the design.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Digital controls, like those on this model, offer more precision than manual dials. Look for intuitive interfaces, clear displays, and useful pre-set programs. The 8 auto-cook functions here simplify common tasks, taking the guesswork out of cooking times. For maintenance, a removable glass turntable is a must-have for easy washing, and a smooth, non-porous interior cavity will make wiping up spills a breeze. You can see its full list of user-friendly features here.
Choosing the right microwave can significantly streamline your daily routine, and understanding these factors will ensure you find a model that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
While the Salter Toronto 800W 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...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Salter Toronto
Upon unboxing the Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave, the first thing that strikes you is that it doesn’t look like every other microwave on the market. Salter has clearly made a conscious effort to create something with aesthetic appeal. The main body is a sleek, matte black steel that resists fingerprints surprisingly well. But the stars of the show are the wooden-effect accents on the handle and control dial. In a world of cold stainless steel and glossy plastic, this touch of warmth is both refreshing and stylish, immediately elevating it from a simple appliance to a piece of kitchen decor. It feels surprisingly substantial, with a reassuring weight of 10.7 kg that keeps it firmly planted on the countertop. Setup is as simple as it gets: place the glass turntable on its roller ring, plug it in, and you’re ready to go. The digital display lights up with a crisp, clear LED, and the buttons have a satisfying, responsive click. It immediately gives the impression of a well-considered and well-built machine.
What We Like
- Distinctive, stylish design with unique wooden-effect accents that stand out.
- Intuitive digital controls with 8 genuinely useful auto-cook functions.
- Compact footprint ideal for smaller kitchens without sacrificing capacity for a standard dinner plate.
- Solid 800W power for quick and even heating of everyday meals.
Potential Drawbacks
- Only has one power level, which may limit precision for delicate tasks.
- The 20-litre capacity might be restrictive for larger families or bulky cookware.
A Deep Dive into the Salter Toronto’s Performance
A microwave can look fantastic, but its true value is revealed in daily use. We spent extensive time putting the Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave through a battery of tests, from the mundane morning porridge to defrosting an entire chicken for Sunday dinner. Our goal was to see if its performance could live up to its impressive design. We focused on three core areas: its aesthetic and build quality, its raw cooking power and pre-set programs, and the overall usability of its interface.
Design and Aesthetics: More Than Just a Black Box
Let’s be clear: the primary reason you would choose the Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave over its similarly-priced competitors is its design. The Toronto range from Salter aims to create a cohesive, modern-scandi look, and this microwave is the centrepiece. The wooden-effect handle isn’t just for show; it’s ergonomically shaped and feels sturdy in the hand, providing a pleasant tactile contrast to the cool steel of the door. The matching dial has a smooth, controlled rotation, allowing for precise time selection. These accents transform the appliance, making it feel more like a deliberate design choice than a necessary evil. We found it coordinated beautifully with kitchens featuring wooden countertops or cabinets, bridging the gap between natural and modern materials.
The build quality reinforces this premium feel. The steel chassis feels robust, and the door closes with a solid, reassuring clunk rather than a hollow plastic rattle. The compact dimensions (44 cm wide) make it a fantastic option for those of us battling for countertop real estate. Despite its small footprint, the internal 20-litre capacity, paired with the 25.5 cm turntable, is cleverly optimized. We had no trouble fitting a 10-inch dinner plate, a large soup bowl, or a standard microwaveable container inside. This thoughtful engineering means you get the space-saving benefits of a compact model without compromising on its ability to handle everyday tasks.
Everyday Cooking Performance: Power and Precision
With 800 watts of power, the Salter Toronto sits comfortably in the sweet spot for a 20-litre oven. It’s powerful enough for speedy results without being overkill. We started with a simple test: reheating a plate of leftover spaghetti bolognese. In just under 3 minutes, the meal was piping hot all the way through, with no cold spots—a testament to the effective energy distribution and rotating turntable. Next, we tackled a large jacket potato using the dedicated “Potato” auto-cook function. The microwave automatically calculated the time based on a standard weight, and the result was impressive: a fluffy, evenly cooked potato ready for toppings. We found similar success with the “Soup” and “Auto Reheat” functions, which delivered consistently good results and removed the tedious guesswork of setting manual timers.
The defrost function also performed admirably. We tested it on both a frozen chicken breast and a portion of minced beef. By inputting the weight, the microwave set a suitable time, cycling the power to thaw the food gently without cooking the edges—a common failing of less sophisticated models. The generous 95-minute timer is another standout feature, offering far more flexibility than the standard 30 or 60-minute timers found on many rivals, making it suitable for slow-cooking recipes or more complex tasks. The most significant point of contention, however, is the single power level. For 90% of tasks like reheating and auto-cooking, this isn’t an issue. But for delicate jobs like softening butter or gently melting chocolate, the lack of a low-power setting requires more manual intervention (i.e., short bursts and constant checking). While not a dealbreaker for the average user, it’s a limitation that “power users” should be aware of. For most, the powerful and consistent 800W output proves to be a feature that truly simplifies daily cooking.
Usability and Controls: A Study in Simplicity
Salter has nailed the user interface on the Toronto microwave. The control panel is a clean, uncluttered combination of five electronic buttons and one main dial. The functions are clearly labelled: “Auto Cooking,” “Defrost,” “Clock,” and the essential “Stop/Cancel” and “Start/+30Sec.” This “Start” button doubles as an instant-start function, adding 30 seconds of full-power cooking with each press—a feature we used constantly for quick reheats of coffee or tea. The bright blue LED display is exceptionally easy to read from across the room, showing the time of day when idle and counting down clearly during operation.
Programming the microwave is incredibly intuitive. To use an auto-cook menu, you simply press the “Auto Cooking” button, turn the dial to select your food type (from A-1 to A-8, corresponding to the guide printed on the oven’s front), press start, turn the dial to select the weight, and press start again. It’s a logical process that takes seconds to master. The “Easy Clean” claim also holds up to scrutiny. The painted interior is smooth and non-porous, and after an unfortunate soup explosion during testing, we found it wiped clean with just a damp cloth. The removable glass turntable can be popped straight into the dishwasher. This focus on simple operation and effortless maintenance makes the Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave a joy to live with day-to-day.
What Other Users Are Saying
While this is our expert evaluation, we always consider the likely experiences of a broad range of users. Based on our in-depth testing of its feature set and design, we anticipate that new owners of the Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave will overwhelmingly praise its unique aesthetic. The wooden-effect accents are a frequent topic of conversation, with many noting how it elevates their kitchen’s style in a way standard appliances do not. The simplicity of the controls and the effectiveness of the auto-cook programs, particularly for potatoes and reheating, are also likely to be highlighted as major positives.
On the other hand, we foresee that some users with very specific needs may echo our observation about the single power level. Those accustomed to having multiple power settings for tasks like gently simmering sauces or melting delicate ingredients might find its all-or-nothing approach requires a slight adjustment in their cooking style. Furthermore, while the 20-litre capacity is ample for individuals and couples, larger families might occasionally find it restrictive when trying to fit in larger, non-standard casserole dishes. This feedback is crucial in understanding that while it’s an exceptional machine, its suitability is tied to individual needs and kitchen habits.
How Does the Salter Toronto Compare to the Alternatives?
The solo microwave market is competitive, so it’s essential to see how the Salter Toronto stacks up against other popular models. We’ve selected three key alternatives that cater to slightly different needs and priorities.
1. 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 is a step up in terms of power and technology. With 1000W of power and a larger 23-litre capacity, it’s geared towards those who need to cook for more people or simply want faster results. Its key advantage is the Inverter technology, which delivers a constant stream of power at different levels, allowing for much more precise cooking and defrosting than the on/off cycling of standard microwaves. If you frequently cook delicate foods or want perfectly even defrosting every time, and you have a slightly larger budget and more counter space, the Panasonic is a formidable alternative.
2. Russell Hobbs RHM2076B 20L Digital 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
The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Salter Toronto. It shares the same 20-litre capacity, 800W power output, and 8 auto-cook menus. The crucial difference lies in its features and design. The Russell Hobbs model includes 5 distinct power levels, giving users the precise control that is absent in the Salter. However, its design is more conventional, featuring a mirrored door finish that, while sleek, is a standard look in the appliance world. This is the microwave for the pragmatist who values function over form and wants maximum control for a similar price.
3. 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.
This Russell Hobbs model offers a completely different approach with its flatbed design. By eliminating the turntable, it frees up the entire internal cavity, allowing you to use larger, rectangular dishes that wouldn’t fit in a traditional microwave. With a 23-litre capacity, it’s significantly more spacious. While it also has 800W of power, the heating technology is different to ensure even cooking without rotation. This is the ideal choice for users who are frustrated by the limitations of a turntable, frequently cook for a crowd using large casserole dishes, and value easy cleaning above all else.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave for You?
After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the Salter Toronto 800W Solo Microwave is more than just a pretty face. It successfully merges eye-catching design with solid, reliable performance for everyday kitchen tasks. Its strengths are undeniable: a unique and stylish aesthetic that genuinely enhances kitchen decor, an intuitive and user-friendly control system, and a powerful 800W motor that heats and defrosts with impressive efficiency. The auto-cook programs are well-calibrated and genuinely useful, removing the guesswork from common jobs.
It’s the ideal microwave for individuals, couples, or small families who prioritise style and simplicity. If you live in a space-conscious home and are tired of generic, uninspired appliances, the Salter Toronto is a breath of fresh air. While the single power level and 20-litre capacity may be limitations for gourmet chefs or large households, for its target audience, it hits the mark perfectly. It’s a beautifully designed workhorse that proves you don’t have to sacrifice form for function. If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish microwave that makes a statement, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and find out more right here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API