In our test kitchen, we see a constant parade of appliances that promise to do everything. They air fry, they steam, they grill, they have a dozen complex programs, and frankly, they often create more confusion than convenience. I recall a time when a simple task—reheating a bowl of last night’s chilli—turned into a ten-minute button-mashing session with a high-tech “combi” oven, resulting in a dish that was scorching on the outside and still cold in the middle. This is the modern kitchen paradox: more features don’t always mean better results. Sometimes, what you truly need is a straightforward, reliable, and efficient tool that excels at its primary job. This is the void the solo microwave aims to fill, a dependable workhorse for heating, defrosting, and simple cooking, without the unnecessary bells and whistles. The challenge is finding one that balances performance, size, and user-friendliness, a quest that led us to put the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven through its paces.
- Auto cooking for busy lifestyles: This digital microwave features auto cooking functions for everyday foods such as potatoes, pasta, and popcorn, enhancing your kitchen efficiency.
- Convenient cooking: Equipped with auto defrost by weight and time, a reheat function, 10 adjustable power levels and a 0-60 minute timer, this compact microwave makes meal preparation simpler, faster...
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item to fill a gap on your countertop; it’s a key solution for speed and convenience in a fast-paced world. Its core purpose is to use microwaves to heat food quickly and efficiently. Unlike combination ovens, it focuses on doing one job exceptionally well. This makes it perfect for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, cooking ready meals, making popcorn, or warming beverages. The main benefit is its simplicity and speed. There’s no preheating required, and the controls are typically intuitive, making it an indispensable tool for busy professionals, students, small families, or anyone who values getting a hot meal on the table with minimal fuss.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of limited time and often, limited kitchen space. It’s for the individual who needs to quickly defrost chicken for dinner, the parent who needs to warm a bowl of soup for a child’s lunch, or the office worker looking for a reliable appliance for the breakroom. However, a solo microwave might not be suitable for those who want to achieve browning, crisping, or grilling effects on their food. If your culinary ambitions include baking cakes, roasting joints of meat, or grilling cheese on toast, you would be better served by a combination microwave or a conventional oven. For those users, a solo microwave would feel limiting.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The first rule of buying any countertop appliance is to measure your space. Note the depth, width, and height available, and remember to leave clearance for ventilation, usually a few centimetres around the back and sides. The HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven’s dimensions (40D x 48W x 29.2H cm) make it a compact unit, but you must ensure it fits comfortably without being crammed in, which can affect performance and safety.
- Capacity & Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines how much you can fit inside. A 23-litre capacity, like this HOMCOM model offers, is a versatile sweet spot—large enough for a standard 11-inch dinner plate but not so large that it dominates the kitchen. Performance is dictated by wattage; 800W is a solid standard for a microwave of this size, ensuring even and reasonably fast cooking without being an energy hog. This is where a model like the HOMCOM’s 23L capacity and 800W power hits a sweet spot for many households.
- Materials & Durability: Look at the construction. Most microwave interiors are either painted enamel or stainless steel. While enamel is easy to clean, stainless steel is generally considered more durable and resistant to odours over time. The exterior should feel solid, and the door mechanism should be robust. A glass turntable is standard and preferable, as it’s non-porous and easy to wash.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The control panel is your daily point of interaction. Do you prefer tactile buttons, a rotary dial, or a combination? A clear LED display is essential. For maintenance, a removable turntable that is dishwasher-safe is a huge plus, as is a smooth interior cavity that can be wiped down without navigating awkward crevices.
Considering these factors will guide you toward a solo microwave that not only fits your space but also integrates seamlessly into your daily routine.
While the HOMCOM 23L 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:
- 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: A Sleek and Capable Countertop Companion
Unboxing the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven, our initial impression was one of understated competence. The unit feels solid and well-planted, with a reassuring weight of 12.3 kg that prevents it from sliding around the counter when you open the door. Setup is as simple as it gets: place the glass turntable onto the roller ring, plug it in, and you’re ready to go. Aesthetically, it presents a modern, clean look with its black finish and digital display. One subtle detail we immediately noticed, which was also echoed by other users, is that the frame around the door window has a dark grey finish rather than being solid black. We found this to be a rather stylish two-tone accent that breaks up the monotony of an all-black appliance, but it’s worth noting for those expecting a uniform colour. The combination of a rotary dial for time and weight selection and push buttons for specific functions feels intuitive, striking a good balance between modern digital precision and old-school tactile control. You can see the full specifications and dimensions here to ensure it fits your space and aesthetic.
What We Like
- Generous 23L capacity fits large dinner plates with ease.
- 10 distinct power levels provide excellent cooking flexibility.
- Intuitive control scheme with both a knob and clear buttons.
- Includes useful features like auto-defrost, child lock, and 8 auto-cook menus.
Potential Drawbacks
- Digital clock emits a faint hum when active.
- Door frame is dark grey, not solid black as some images may suggest.
Deep Dive: Performance, Usability, and Everyday Functionality
A microwave’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in the day-to-day grind of reheating coffee, defrosting meat, and zapping a quick lunch. We spent several weeks using the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven as our primary kitchen microwave to see how it held up under real-world conditions. From its core cooking power to its user interface and smart features, we broke down every aspect of its performance.
Control & Usability: Navigating the Digital Interface
The user interface on a microwave can make or break the experience, and HOMCOM has found a very effective middle ground here. The main control is a large rotary dial that feels sturdy and responsive. You use it to set the cooking time, weight for defrosting, or to select an auto-cook menu. This provides a quick, analogue-style way to add time, which we find much faster than repeatedly pressing a “+30 Sec” button. The rest of the functions—Power Level, Defrost, Clock, and the auto-cook shortcuts—are handled by clearly labelled push buttons. The bright green LED display is easy to read from across the kitchen. The 10 distinct power levels offer a degree of control we appreciate, a feature you can explore in more detail on the product page. Dropping the power to 30% (P30) was perfect for gently softening butter without melting it, while the full 800W (P100) brought a mug of water to a boil in just over two minutes.
During our testing, we did encounter a peculiar quirk that a few other users have also noted. When the unit is idle with the clock displayed, it emits a very faint, high-frequency hum. In a bustling kitchen, it’s completely unnoticeable, but in the dead of night, if you’re sensitive to such sounds, you might hear it. This seems to be a byproduct of the display’s power supply. Fortunately, HOMCOM has included an elegant solution: an energy-saving Eco mode. A simple press of a button turns the screen off completely when not in use, which not only saves a tiny amount of power but also silences the unit entirely. We quickly adopted this as our standard practice, rendering the minor humming issue completely moot.
Cooking Performance & Versatility: Beyond Simple Reheating
With 800 watts of power, the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven is perfectly equipped for a kitchen of its size. We found its heating performance to be remarkably even, a testament to a well-designed cavity and an effective turntable system. Our standard test—reheating a dense serving of lasagne on a large dinner plate—yielded impressive results. After three minutes at full power, the centre was properly hot, with no cold spots or super-heated edges, a common failing in lesser microwaves. The dedicated “Reheat” auto-program also works well, intelligently calculating the time needed for a standard plate of food.
We then moved on to the eight auto-cook menus, which cover common items like Pizza, Potato, Vegetables, and Popcorn. These pre-set programs take the guesswork out of cooking by asking you to input the weight or number of items. The auto-cook menu for popcorn worked flawlessly in our tests, turning a standard bag of kernels into a perfectly popped snack with very few unpopped stragglers. This makes it a great option for quick snacks. The Potato function also delivered a fluffy, evenly cooked jacket potato in about seven minutes. While seasoned cooks may prefer manual control, these automatic menus are a fantastic feature for busy families or those less confident in the kitchen, ensuring consistent results every time.
Smart Features & Practical Design
Beyond its core cooking functions, the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven includes several thoughtful features that enhance its daily usability. The auto-defrost function is particularly well-implemented, offering options to defrost by either time or weight. We tested it on a 500g block of frozen minced beef, using the weight-based setting. The microwave ran for a calculated period, pausing halfway through with a beep to remind us to turn the item over. The result was perfectly thawed meat, ready for cooking, without any cooked or grey edges—a significant achievement for any microwave defrost function.
For households with children, the Child Safety Lock is a crucial feature. By holding a button for three seconds, you can disable the control panel entirely, preventing any accidental operation. This provided great peace of mind in our busy test environment. Inside, the bright interior light stays on during operation, giving a clear view of the food, and the 28.5cm glass turntable rotates smoothly. Post-cooking cleanup is straightforward; the interior is a single piece of coated metal that wipes down easily, and the removable turntable and roller ring are both dishwasher safe, simplifying maintenance considerably. The 23L capacity proved to be the ideal size, easily accommodating our largest dinner plates and even a medium-sized casserole dish without issue.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven seems to be largely reflected in public feedback, though a couple of specific points are consistently raised. The general consensus is that the appliance “does what it says on the tin,” providing reliable and effective microwaving power in a user-friendly package. Many users appreciate the combination of the dial and buttons for its ease of use compared to more complex, button-only interfaces.
However, the two observations we made during our own testing are the most common points of feedback. One user specifically noted, “beware it looks slightly different than in the pictures has a more grey frame on the door not all black.” This confirms our finding and is an important aesthetic point for potential buyers. The second piece of recurring feedback is about the clock noise: “when the clock is on it makes a weird sound so have to leave it in Eco mode with no clock for it to be silent.” This directly mirrors our discovery of the faint hum and validates the Eco mode as the accepted and effective solution, turning a potential annoyance into a non-issue for most.
How Does the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven Compare to the Alternatives?
The solo microwave market is competitive, and while the HOMCOM model is a strong contender, which you can check the latest price for here, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options. We’ve selected three key alternatives to see where the HOMCOM excels and who might prefer a different model.
1. Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B 23L Easi Flatbed 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 design, which eliminates the need for a turntable. This makes it exceptionally easy to clean and allows you to use larger, rectangular dishes that wouldn’t rotate on a conventional turntable. It shares the same 23L capacity and 800W power as the HOMCOM. However, some users find that flatbed technology can occasionally result in less even heating compared to a turntable. The choice comes down to convenience: if you prioritize easy cleaning and the ability to use oversized dishes, the Russell Hobbs is a compelling alternative. If you trust the proven evenness of a turntable, the HOMCOM holds its ground.
2. Panasonic NN-ST45KWBPQ 32L Microwave Oven
- The smart Genius Sensor ensures excellent cooking and reheating results for every meal. An advanced sensor detects the amount of vapour released from your food and automatically calculates the perfect...
- The convenient pre-programmed Junior Menu makes it easy to conjure up delicious meals for little ones. With three automatic programmes for vegetable puree, fruit puree and porridge ensuring that even...
The Panasonic NN-ST45KWBPQ represents a step up in both size and power. With a cavernous 32L capacity and a powerful 1000W output, this microwave is built for larger families or those who frequently cook for a crowd. It also boasts more advanced features, including inverter technology for more precise power control and 21 auto programs. This extra capacity and performance come at a higher price point and with a larger countertop footprint. This Panasonic is the better choice for power users and big households, whereas the HOMCOM is the more practical and space-efficient option for individuals, couples, or smaller families.
3. Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B 23L 800W Digital Flatbed Microwave
- The Russell Hobbs RHFM2363 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...
- Featuring Flatbed technology, this removes the need for a turntable to offer a microwave with more useable space. Square plates and casserole dishes that would not fit in a conventional turntable...
Similar to the other Russell Hobbs model, the RHFM2363B also features a flatbed design for easy cleaning and versatile dish placement. It matches the HOMCOM’s 23L capacity and 800W power, making it a very direct competitor. Its key differentiator is a sleek, mirrored door finish, which can be a stylish addition to a modern kitchen but may also show fingerprints more readily. It offers only 5 power levels compared to the HOMCOM’s 10, giving our reviewed model a slight edge in cooking precision. Ultimately, the decision between the HOMCOM and this Russell Hobbs model will likely come down to aesthetics and the preference for a turntable versus a flatbed interior.
Our Final Verdict: Is the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven is a standout performer in the crowded solo microwave category. It successfully balances a generous and practical capacity with a compact footprint, making it suitable for almost any kitchen. The performance is reliable and even, the controls are wonderfully intuitive, and the inclusion of genuinely useful features like weight-based defrost and a child lock adds significant value. While we noted the minor hum from the clock display and the grey door accent, the clever Eco mode renders the first point moot, and the second is a matter of aesthetic taste.
This microwave is for the person who wants a dependable, no-fuss appliance that simply works well. It doesn’t try to be an oven or a grill; it focuses on being an excellent microwave, and it succeeds. For its price point, it offers a fantastic combination of size, power, and features. If you’re in the market for a solo microwave that will handle daily tasks with ease and precision, the HOMCOM 23L 800W Microwave Oven is an excellent choice worth your consideration.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API