In any kitchen, counter space is prime real estate. For years, my own kitchen wrestled with a bulky, oversized microwave that felt like a relic from a bygone era. It was powerful, sure, but it hogged a third of my preparation area, its fan roared like a jet engine, and its interface was a confusing mess of faded buttons. The daily ritual of reheating coffee or defrosting dinner became a minor source of frustration. This quest for a replacement led me down a rabbit hole: I needed something compact but not underpowered, stylish but not impractical, and feature-rich without an intimidating price tag. The challenge is finding that perfect balance—a machine that respects your space, simplifies your routine, and looks good doing it. This is precisely the niche the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven aims to fill, promising a blend of modern aesthetics and smart functionality in a space-saving package.
- EXPRESS COOK: 6 presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages and leftovers take the guesswork out of perfectly cooked food
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: 800 watts with 10 power levels to heat, defrost, cook and more all in one compact microwave oven
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, forming the backbone of quick meal prep in countless households. Its primary benefit lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Unlike combination ovens with grills or convection features, a solo microwave focuses on doing one job exceptionally well: heating food with microwave energy. This makes them faster for simple tasks, easier to clean, and generally more affordable. They are the workhorses for busy professionals needing to heat a leftover dinner, parents warming a beverage for a child, or students making a quick bowl of popcorn.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing space constraints in their kitchen, such as those living in apartments, dormitories, or smaller homes. It’s also perfect for individuals or small families who primarily use a microwave for basic reheating and defrosting tasks rather than complex cooking. However, it might not be suitable for those who love to bake, roast, or grill using a single appliance. A dedicated home chef or a large family might find a solo microwave’s capabilities limiting and would be better served by a larger combination or convection microwave oven that offers more versatile cooking functions.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: First and foremost, measure the intended space on your countertop. Remember to account for ventilation clearance, typically a few inches at the back, top, and sides. The external dimensions (D x W x H) of the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven are 44 x 32.3 x 25.9 cm, making it a compact choice, but confirming it fits your specific nook is a non-negotiable first step.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines the size of the dishes you can fit inside. A 20-litre capacity, like this Chefman model, is generally sufficient for standard dinner plates (up to about 25.4 cm). Wattage dictates cooking speed; 800 watts is a solid middle-ground, offering efficient heating without the higher energy consumption of 1000W+ models. Consider if this power level meets your daily needs for speed and evenness.
- Materials & Durability: The construction materials impact both longevity and aesthetics. Many microwaves feature a painted steel exterior and an enamel or ceramic interior. The Chefman’s notable feature is its sleek mirror-finished glass door, which offers a premium look. While visually striking, consider that such surfaces may show fingerprints more readily than a matte or brushed finish.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A complicated interface can turn a simple task into a chore. Look for intuitive controls, clear digital displays, and helpful presets. Features like a mute option and a child lock add significant quality-of-life improvements. For maintenance, a removable glass turntable is standard and makes cleaning spills much easier. The interior should be easy to wipe down. You can see the full feature set and user reviews to gauge its user-friendliness.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a solo microwave that not only fits your space but also seamlessly integrates into your daily life.
While the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven 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 Choosing the Best Solo Microwave for Simplicity and Ease of Use
- 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 Slice of Modern Design
Upon unboxing the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven, the first thing that struck us was its aesthetic. The all-black body coupled with the highly reflective mirror-finish door immediately gives it a premium, contemporary look that belies its budget-friendly price point. It feels sleek and modern, designed to blend into a kitchen with stainless steel or black appliances. At just over 9 kg, it was easy for one person to lift and position on the counter. Setup was instantaneous: place the glass turntable on its roller ring, plug it in, and it’s ready to go. The unit feels well-constructed, a sentiment echoed by users who noted its “materiales de calidad” (quality materials). The touch control panel is flush and seamless, contributing to its clean lines. Compared to many competitors in this price range that often rely on clunky buttons and dials, the Chefman presents a far more sophisticated first impression. It’s a compact unit, but the interior felt surprisingly accommodating, easily fitting our standard-sized dinner plates. You can check the latest price and availability here.
Key Benefits
- Sleek and modern mirror-finish design that elevates kitchen decor.
- Compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens, apartments, and dorms.
- Rich feature set including Memory, Mute, and Multiphase Cooking.
- Intuitive presets and 10 power levels offer good cooking versatility.
Potential Drawbacks
- Control panel lettering is extremely difficult to read, especially in low light.
- Some user reports indicate potential quality control issues with shipping damage or turntable mechanics.
A Deep Dive into the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven’s Performance
A microwave can look great, but its true value is revealed in daily use. We put the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven through a comprehensive testing gauntlet, from reheating delicate sauces to defrosting frozen meats and utilizing its “smart” functions. Our goal was to see if its performance lived up to its polished exterior. Over several weeks, it became our go-to appliance for quick meals and daily tasks, revealing a machine that is largely competent and feature-rich, but with one significant design choice that demands serious consideration.
Design and Usability: A Tale of Two Halves
The aesthetic of this microwave is, without a doubt, its headline feature. The mirror finish is stunning. When inactive, it reflects the kitchen, making the countertop feel larger and less cluttered. It’s a design choice that punches well above its weight class. The touch controls are responsive, and the digital display is bright and clear. However, this is where we encountered the oven’s Achilles’ heel, a flaw so significant that it was the primary complaint in negative user feedback. The lettering for the control panel functions (Power, Defrost, Clock, etc.) and the numbers are printed in a dark grey colour on a black background. Under the bright, direct light of our testing lab, it was legible. But in a real-world kitchen environment with ambient or evening lighting, it becomes nearly impossible to see.
One user described it as “dangerous,” and we can understand why. We found ourselves leaning in close, tilting our heads to catch the light just to find the start button or select a power level. It’s incredibly easy to press the wrong function, especially the one-touch start buttons for 1-6 minutes. This single design flaw transforms a sleek, modern interface into a frustrating user experience. It’s a classic case of form over function. While the build quality otherwise feels solid, this usability issue is a major oversight. For anyone with visual impairments or a dimly lit kitchen, this could be a deal-breaker. It’s a shame, because the rest of the physical design, from the sturdy door handle to the compact frame, is executed very well. The sleek mirror finish is a major selling point, but buyers must be aware of the control panel’s visibility issues.
Cooking Performance and Power Control
Setting aside the interface visibility, the core cooking function of the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven is solid and reliable. With 800 watts of power, it’s not the fastest microwave on the market, but it is more than adequate for everyday tasks and heats food surprisingly evenly. We tested it by reheating a plate of leftover lasagna; after two and a half minutes, the centre was hot without the edges becoming tough or dry. The 10 distinct power levels provide excellent granular control. We used a lower power level (30%) to soften butter without melting it, and a medium level (50%) to gently defrost a chicken breast, with excellent results that avoided the common issue of “cooking” the edges while the middle remains frozen.
The six presets are genuinely useful. The popcorn button produced a perfectly popped bag with very few un-popped kernels. The beverage preset heated a mug of water for tea to the perfect temperature in 90 seconds. We found these shortcuts genuinely saved time and guesswork. As one user noted, “it has good power, I put it on for a minute and the food comes out how I want.” This reflects our experience—the microwave is effective and consistent. Its 20-litre capacity, paired with a 25.4 cm turntable, is ample for single servings and standard dinner plates. While you won’t be fitting large casserole dishes in here, it’s perfectly sized for its intended user: individuals, couples, or those with limited kitchen space. The cooking versatility offered by its 10 power levels is impressive for a compact model.
Advanced Features Under the Hood: Memory, Mute, and Multiphase Cooking
What truly sets the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven apart from many basic, budget-friendly models are its thoughtful “smart” features. The Memory Function, in particular, is a standout. It allows you to save a custom cooking program (a specific time and power level) for one-touch access. We programmed it for our morning routine: 45 seconds at 80% power for a bowl of oatmeal. Instead of keying this in every day, we could simply press the Memory button and then Start. It’s a small convenience that makes a big difference in daily use.
Equally appreciated is the Mute Option. With a long press of a button, you can silence all the beeps—the button presses, the end-of-cycle alarm, everything. For households with sleeping babies, late-night snackers, or anyone who simply despises appliance noises, this feature is a godsend. It’s a premium feature we wish more microwaves included. Furthermore, the Multiphase Cooking ability adds another layer of sophistication. This allows you to program two consecutive cooking stages. For example, you can set it to defrost a frozen meal for 5 minutes at 40% power, followed immediately by cooking it for 3 minutes at 100% power, all in one go. This “set it and forget it” capability is fantastic for more complex microwave meals and showcases a level of programming usually found on more expensive machines. These advanced functions provide a user experience that feels far more premium than its price suggests, making the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven a surprisingly smart appliance.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through feedback from other buyers, a clear consensus emerges that aligns with our own findings. On the positive side, many users praise the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven for its compact size and effective performance. Comments like, “Easy to use. No complaints,” and “Funciona muy bien, es muy lindo y en mi caso quería un microondas pequeño así que este fue el adecuado” (It works very well, it’s very nice and in my case I wanted a small microwave so this was the right one) are common. Users appreciate its power for its size and its attractive price point.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on two key areas. The most prominent complaint, by far, is the unreadable control panel, which one user explicitly stated makes it “not fit for purpose” and led them to return it. The second area of concern is quality control during shipping and manufacturing. We saw reports of units arriving with significant dents and, in one particularly detailed case, a user described a misaligned turntable mechanism that caused the plate to wobble and not engage properly. While our test unit was flawless in this regard, this feedback suggests that buyers should inspect the product carefully upon arrival.
How Does the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven Compare to the Alternatives?
The Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven exists in a crowded market. To understand its true value, we need to see how it stacks up against some of the most popular competitors. We’ve selected three distinct alternatives that cater to slightly different needs: one for more power, one for a different technology, and one for a different style.
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 both power and technology. With 1000 watts and a larger 23-litre capacity, it’s aimed at users who need to cook faster and for more people. Its key differentiator is the Inverter Technology, which delivers a constant stream of power for more precise and even cooking, especially when defrosting. While the Chefman uses a pulse method for lower power levels (on-off-on-off), the Panasonic’s inverter provides true, continuous lower power. If your primary microwave use involves delicate tasks or you simply value speed and capacity above all, the Panasonic is a superior performer, though it typically comes with a higher price tag and a larger footprint.
2. Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B 23L Flatbed Solo 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 Russell Hobbs model offers a compelling alternative for those who dislike turntables. Its flatbed design means you can place larger, rectangular dishes inside without worrying about them getting stuck during rotation. This also makes the interior significantly easier to clean—just a simple wipe-down is needed. It matches the Chefman’s 800W power output but provides a more spacious 23-litre interior. The trade-off is that flatbed technology can sometimes result in less even heating compared to a well-designed turntable model. This is the perfect choice for users who prioritize cleaning convenience and the flexibility to use various dish shapes over the Chefman’s advanced digital features.
3. COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven
- 8 Cooking Presets: Enjoy the convenience of 8 cooking presets for popular microwave dishes including pasta, soups, baked potatoes, and more
- 5 Power Levels: This microwave's power levels makes it great for a broad range of heating jobs, whether you're softening ice cream or getting leftovers piping hot
The COMFEE’ retro microwave is a direct competitor in terms of size (20L) and power (800W). The primary difference is aesthetic. Where the Chefman is sleek, modern, and digital, the COMFEE’ is charmingly retro, with rounded edges, a chunky handle, and physical control dials (on some versions) or push buttons with a vintage flair. It’s for the buyer who is making a style statement. Its feature set is generally more basic than the Chefman’s, lacking advanced options like a Memory function or Multiphase Cooking. If your decision is driven by a specific retro or colourful kitchen decor, the COMFEE’ is an excellent choice. If you prefer modern functionality and a sleeker look, the Chefman remains the stronger contender.
Our Final Verdict on the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven
After extensive testing, the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven reveals itself as a highly capable and feature-packed appliance that is tragically held back by a single, baffling design choice. Its performance is solid, its advanced features like Memory and Mute are genuinely useful, and its sleek, mirror-finish design is undeniably attractive. For a compact, budget-friendly model, it offers a remarkable amount of functionality. It cooks evenly, provides great power control, and fits perfectly into the modern, space-conscious kitchen.
However, the illegible control panel in anything but bright, direct light is a significant usability flaw that cannot be overlooked. We can recommend this microwave, but with a major caveat. If you have a brightly lit kitchen and value its smart features, compact size, and modern style, it represents excellent value. But if your kitchen has ambient or low lighting, or if you have any visual impairment, the daily frustration of using the control panel will likely outweigh its many benefits. If you believe its strengths align with your needs and your kitchen has ample light, the Chefman 20L 800W Microwave Oven is a stylish and intelligent performer worth your consideration.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API