There’s a moment in every kitchen renovation or appliance upgrade when you face the wall of stainless steel. Box after box of cold, industrial-looking microwaves that promise performance but offer zero personality. For years, my own kitchen felt this way—a collection of functional but soulless machines. When our old microwave finally gave up, I wasn’t just looking for a replacement; I was on a mission to find an appliance that could cook a jacket potato to perfection but also add a touch of warmth and character to our countertop. The challenge is finding a machine that doesn’t sacrifice modern convenience for vintage looks, or worse, one that looks the part but fails to perform. This search for the perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and everyday functionality is what led us to test the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave, a unit that promises heritage style with all the bells and whistles we expect in the 21st century.
- The Russell Hobbs RHM2064 microwave has a sleek and stylish contemporary design, boasting an attractive mirror door finish. As well as an appealing look, this appliance also includes impressive...
- The RHM2064 from Russell Hobbs is a 20 litre cavity capacity microwave, comfortably fitting a standard size of dinner plate. It comes with a removable and dishwasher safe glass turn-table for easy...
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item for reheating leftovers; it’s a key solution for rapid cooking, defrosting, and daily meal preparation for busy individuals and families. Its primary benefit lies in its simplicity and focused functionality. Unlike combination ovens with grills and convection features that can be complex and expensive, a solo microwave does one job and, ideally, does it exceptionally well. It’s about speed, convenience, and reclaiming precious time in your day, whether you’re warming up your morning porridge, defrosting chicken for dinner, or making a quick mug cake for a late-night treat.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for a straightforward, reliable heating and defrosting appliance. This includes students in dorms, couples in their first apartment, families needing a second microwave for convenience, or anyone who values simplicity over a plethora of features they’ll never use. It’s for the person whose kitchen aesthetic is as important as the appliance’s performance. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who are passionate home chefs looking to roast, grill, and bake in a single unit. For them, a combination microwave-oven would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Before you fall in love with a design, measure your countertop space meticulously. The Russell Hobbs RHM2064C measures 36.6D x 45.1W x 25.6H centimetres, making it a relatively compact unit. Always ensure you leave adequate ventilation space around the sides and back (typically 5-10 cm) to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
- Capacity & Performance: A 20-litre capacity is standard for solo microwaves and is generally sufficient for singles or small families. It can accommodate most standard dinner plates. However, as some users have noted with this model, extra-large or oversized plates might struggle to rotate freely. The 800W power rating is a solid mid-range option, providing a good balance between cooking speed and energy efficiency.
- Materials & Durability: This is a critical, often overlooked factor. The exterior might be metal and plastic, but the interior coating is paramount. Most modern microwaves have an enamel or acrylic coating. User feedback on the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave has highlighted significant concerns about the internal paint peeling over time. This underscores the importance of researching long-term durability and committing to proper maintenance, such as wiping away condensation after every use.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A complicated control panel can turn a quick task into a frustrating ordeal. Look for intuitive controls—like the jog dial and clear buttons on this model—and an easy-to-read display. For maintenance, a removable, dishwasher-safe glass turntable is a non-negotiable feature for easy cleaning. The interior should be smooth and easy to wipe down to prevent food buildup and potential damage to the coating.
While the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave 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...
First Impressions: Unboxing a Slice of Retro Sophistication
The arrival of the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave was met with anticipation. We were immediately struck by the colour. In online photos, “cream” can be ambiguous, sometimes appearing yellowish. We were delighted to find, as one user aptly described, that it’s a “lovely off-white,” a sophisticated shade that feels both retro and modern. It blended seamlessly with our shaker-style cabinets. The unit itself feels solid, weighing in at just under 11 kilograms. The standout feature upon first glance is undoubtedly the sleek, reflective mirror door, which adds a touch of premium elegance. The chrome handle and control dial provide a pleasing tactile contrast to the smooth body. Setup was a breeze: unbox, remove the packaging from the glass turntable and roller ring, place them inside, and plug it in. The digital clock was intuitive to set, and within two minutes, the microwave was ready for its first test. It’s a thoughtfully designed appliance that makes a strong, positive first impression right out of the box.
What We Like
- Stunning retro-modern “Heritage” design with an elegant cream finish and mirror door.
- Intuitive and straightforward controls featuring a jog dial and clear buttons.
- Compact footprint ideal for smaller kitchens without sacrificing essential capacity.
- Effective performance with 800W power and useful auto-cook and defrost programs.
Potential Drawbacks
- Multiple user reports of internal paint peeling after 1-2 years, raising significant durability concerns.
- Isolated but severe safety reports concerning internal components failing.
A Deep Dive into the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C’s Form and Function
A microwave can look beautiful on the counter, but its true value is revealed in the daily grind of heating, defrosting, and cooking. We spent weeks putting the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave through its paces, from reheating morning coffee to preparing family meals. Our in-depth analysis focuses on the three areas that matter most: its signature design, its everyday cooking prowess, and the critical questions surrounding its long-term durability.
Design and Aesthetics: The Centrepiece of the Countertop
The single greatest selling point of this microwave is its design. Russell Hobbs has masterfully captured a “Heritage” aesthetic that evokes a sense of nostalgia while remaining clean and contemporary. The soft, off-white cream colour is a welcome departure from the ubiquitous black and stainless steel. It doesn’t shout for attention; rather, it complements a wide range of kitchen decors, from rustic farmhouse to modern minimalist. The mirrored door is a bold choice. Functionally, it hides the often-messy interior when not in use, presenting a clean, uniform surface. Aesthetically, it adds a layer of sophistication, reflecting the light and colours of the kitchen. However, be prepared to wipe it down frequently, as it shows fingerprints and smudges quite easily.
The controls continue this successful marriage of form and function. The primary chrome jog dial feels sturdy and has satisfying, distinct clicks as you cycle through time or program settings. The accompanying buttons for power, defrost, and auto-cook menus are clearly labelled and responsive. There’s no ambiguity or need to consult the manual for basic operations, a fact confirmed by users who praised it as “not complicated at all” and “easy to use.” Its compact external dimensions (45.1cm wide) make it a great fit for kitchens where counter space is at a premium. This thoughtful design elevates the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave from a simple utility appliance to a genuine design element in the kitchen.
Everyday Usability and Cooking Performance
With 800 watts of power, this microwave sits comfortably in the sweet spot for solo models. It’s powerful enough to heat food quickly and evenly without being overkill for delicate tasks. During our testing, we found it heated a bowl of soup piping hot in under three minutes and cooked a large baking potato to fluffy perfection in about eight minutes using the dedicated auto-cook program. We found its performance to be consistent and reliable, a sentiment echoed by one user who upgraded from an older model and noted this one “heats up a lot more… and even faster.” The five power levels offer excellent control for tasks like softening butter or gently defrosting bread without cooking the edges.
The eight auto-cook menus are genuinely useful shortcuts. We tested the popcorn, pizza, and fish settings, and each delivered respectable results by automatically setting the appropriate time and power. The auto-defrost function, which operates based on the weight you input, is particularly effective. We defrosted a 500g block of frozen mince, and it emerged perfectly thawed and ready for cooking, with no cooked or grey areas. The 20L capacity is adequate for most daily needs. We could fit a 27cm dinner plate inside without issue, though we can see how an oversized 30cm plate might be a tight squeeze. The inclusion of a child safety lock is a crucial feature for families, providing peace of mind by preventing little hands from operating the appliance. For day-to-day reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking, the performance is exactly what you’d hope for: straightforward, effective, and dependable.
A Critical Look at Longevity, Maintenance, and Safety
This is where our review must take a more cautious tone. While the design and initial performance are impressive, the volume of user feedback regarding long-term durability is impossible to ignore. Several users reported that after 18 to 24 months of average use, the interior enamel paint began to bubble and peel. One user shared a photo of significant interior deterioration after just two years, stating, “I would have hoped for them to last more than two years.” This is a significant concern, as exposed metal inside a microwave can lead to arcing and potential safety hazards. In response to one customer, the manufacturer provided cleaning instructions, emphasizing the need to wipe away all condensation with a soft cloth after every single use. While this is good practice for any microwave, its necessity here suggests a potential weakness in the coating’s resilience to moisture and heat over time. We made a point to follow this protocol strictly during our testing.
Furthermore, we must address the most serious report we encountered: a user who experienced the plastic roller ring under the turntable catching fire during a simple 2.5-minute operation, melting through the glass plate. While this appears to be an extremely rare and isolated incident, it points to a potential component failure that is deeply concerning from a health and safety perspective. When evaluating a product, we must consider the full spectrum of user experiences. While our own unit performed flawlessly and without any hint of a burning smell or component stress, these user-_reports force us to conclude that while the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave excels in aesthetics and usability, there are valid and significant questions regarding its long-term material integrity that any potential buyer must seriously consider.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through a wide range of user experiences provides a balanced and authentic picture of a product’s life beyond our initial testing period. The sentiment surrounding the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave is distinctly polarized. On one hand, there is effusive praise for its visual appeal and simplicity. Many users are thrilled, leaving comments like, “Very compact and lovely microwave, love the colour aswell,” and, “It is a lovely off white that looks slightly retro but sophisticated and modern at the same time.” The ease of use is another frequently lauded point, with many calling it “easy to use” and “a good little basic microwave.”
However, this praise is often tempered by significant long-term issues. The recurring theme is the deterioration of the internal paint. One user, initially “delighted with it,” found that “after 18 months its paint started to peel and there’s a faint burning smell when it’s in use.” Another reported two separate units both deteriorating internally after just a couple of years. This pattern suggests a potential design or material flaw rather than isolated incidents. The most alarming review, detailing the unit bursting into flames, while an outlier, adds a serious note of caution that cannot be disregarded by any prospective buyer.
How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To understand the value proposition of the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave, it’s essential to see how it measures up against other popular models in the solo microwave category.
1. Russell Hobbs RHM2563 Digital 900W Solo Microwave
- the russell hobbs rhm2563 microwave has a stylish and professional outlook, boasting an attractive mirror door finish. as well as an appealing look, this appliance also includes impressive...
- the rhm2563 from russell hobbs has a spacious 25 litre cavity capacity, comfortably fitting a large size dinner plate. it comes with a removable and dishwasher safe glass turn-table for easy cleaning.
For those who like the Russell Hobbs brand but need more space and power, the RHM2563 is a compelling alternative. This is essentially the bigger, more powerful sibling. It boasts a larger 25-litre capacity, making it suitable for larger families or those who regularly use oversized cookware. Its 900W output will cook and reheat food noticeably faster. The trade-off is a more conventional stainless steel design that lacks the unique retro charm of the RHM2064C. If your priority is pure performance and capacity over kitchen aesthetics, and you have the extra counter space, the RHM2563 is arguably the more practical choice from the same manufacturer.
2. 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 Style microwave is the most direct competitor in terms of style. It matches the Russell Hobbs model on key specs: 20L capacity, 800W power, and a similar set of auto-cook menus. The primary difference is aesthetic. Where the Russell Hobbs offers a subtle, sophisticated cream, the COMFEE’ model comes in a bold, “Passionate Red” that makes a much louder design statement. It’s for the buyer who wants to fully commit to a vibrant, 1950s-diner-inspired look. If you love the retro concept but find the cream too understated, this COMFEE’ microwave offers the same core functionality with a more flamboyant personality.
3. Tower T24021 20L Microwave 800W
- POWERFUL 800W & 6 POWER SETTINGS: Offers faster cooking with 6 power settings to perfectly cook a wide selection of meals at the turn of a dial within a matter of minutes
- 20L LARGE CAPACITY: The spacious 20 litre capacity fits a standard sized dinner plate so there is plenty of room to cook or re-heat any of your favourite dishes
The Tower T24021 presents an alternative for those seeking a modern, rather than retro, design flourish. Functionally, it is very similar, offering 800W of power, a 20L capacity, and multiple auto-cook settings. Its unique selling proposition is the trendy black and rose gold finish. This aesthetic appeals to a completely different design sensibility, one that aligns with contemporary kitchens featuring dark cabinets and metallic accents. If the vintage look of the Russell Hobbs or COMFEE’ models doesn’t match your decor, the Tower T24021 provides the same level of performance in a chic, modern package that is very much of the moment.
Our Final Verdict on the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave
After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave is a conditional recommendation. For those driven primarily by aesthetics, this microwave is a triumph. It is undeniably one of the most stylish and visually pleasing solo microwaves on the market, capable of elevating the look of any kitchen with its sophisticated retro charm. Its performance for everyday tasks is solid, reliable, and wonderfully straightforward.
However, this recommendation comes with a serious caveat regarding its long-term durability. The consistent reports of internal paint peeling are too widespread to be dismissed as isolated lemons. Any potential buyer must go in with their eyes open, prepared to be meticulous about cleaning and wiping away moisture after every use to prolong the life of the interior. While it offers immense style and solid initial performance, its longevity remains a significant question mark. If you prioritize design above all and are willing to accept the potential durability risks, it’s a beautiful and functional machine. For those who value long-term reliability over looks, it may be wiser to consider one of the alternatives.
If you feel the unique blend of style and function is the right fit for your kitchen, you can check the latest price and see more user reviews right here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API