For years, my kitchen counter was home to a faceless, monolithic block of stainless steel. It did its job, reheating leftovers and defrosting chicken with monotonous efficiency, but it had all the personality of a filing cabinet. Every time I looked at it, it felt like a purely utilitarian compromise in a space I was trying to fill with warmth and character. The problem is that most kitchen appliances are designed for function first, with aesthetics being a distant, often-neglected second. Finding a microwave that not only performs well but also actively enhances your kitchen’s decor can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Neglecting this search means settling for an appliance that you hide away or simply tolerate, rather than one you’re proud to display. It’s the difference between a kitchen that feels like a sterile laboratory and one that feels like the true heart of the home.
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What to Consider Before Buying a Countertop Microwave
A countertop microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for fast-paced modern life, bridging the gap between a frozen block of food and a hot, ready-to-eat meal in minutes. It’s the unsung hero of quick lunches, late-night snacks, and perfectly melted butter for baking. The primary benefit lies in its sheer convenience and speed, saving invaluable time and effort in our busy schedules. Whether you’re a student in a dorm, a professional in a city apartment, or a family needing an extra hand during meal prep, a reliable microwave is an indispensable tool.
The ideal customer for a product like the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven is someone who values both form and function. They are likely designing a kitchen with a specific aesthetic in mind—be it retro, shabby chic, or simply colourful—and want their appliances to be part of the decor. It’s perfect for individuals, couples, or small families who need a compact unit for daily reheating, defrosting, and light cooking. However, it might not be suitable for those who require a large capacity for big family meals or who prioritise raw power and advanced cooking technologies (like convection or air frying) over style. For large households, a higher-capacity, multi-function oven would be a more practical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: First and foremost, measure your counter space. The KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven has dimensions of 33 cm (D) x 45 cm (W) x 26.5 cm (H). Ensure you have enough clearance around the unit, especially on the sides and back, for proper ventilation to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
- Capacity & Performance: A 20-litre capacity is ideal for standard dinner plates (its turntable is 25.5 cm) and medium-sized bowls. With 800 watts of microwave power, it’s perfectly adequate for everyday tasks, while the 1000-watt grill adds significant versatility for browning and crisping. If you often cook for a crowd or use very large casserole dishes, you may need to look for something in the 25-32 litre range.
- Materials & Durability: The interior material is a critical factor for both cleaning and durability. This model features a stainless steel interior, which is a significant advantage. It’s more durable than the painted enamel found in many budget models, resists stains and odours better, and is far easier to wipe clean after spills.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for intuitive controls. The KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven uses a digital touch control panel, which is modern and straightforward. The inclusion of 8 pre-set programs for items like pizza and potatoes simplifies cooking, while the standard defrost function is a must-have. Regular cleaning of the turntable and interior will keep it running efficiently for years.
While the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for its category, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition and understand the full landscape of microwave technology. For a broader look at all the top models, including different types like advanced flatbed designs, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: A Stunning Throwback Straight Out of the Box
Unboxing the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven felt less like unpacking an appliance and more like revealing a piece of art. We received the cream model, and the colour is a warm, buttery yellow-cream that perfectly captures the ’50s vintage aesthetic. The gold-toned handle and dials provide a striking, elegant contrast that immediately draws the eye. It arrived securely packaged, a point echoed by many users who noted its excellent protection during transit. Assembly was non-existent; after removing the protective film and placing the glass turntable onto its rotating ring, it was ready to plug in.
Sitting on the countertop, it’s an undeniable statement piece. It feels substantial, weighing nearly 13 kg, which gives it a planted, stable feel. The touch control panel is sleek and modern, a nice juxtaposition against the retro body, with a bright white LED display. Our initial inspection revealed a well-aligned door and a flawless finish, though as we’ll discuss later, this isn’t a universal experience. Compared to standard microwaves, it’s a design revelation, instantly elevating the look of our kitchen and proving that functional items can, and should, be beautiful.
What We Like
- Absolutely stunning ’50s retro design that becomes a kitchen focal point.
- Dual functionality with an 800W microwave and a powerful 1000W grill.
- Durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel interior.
- Intuitive touch controls with 8 useful automatic cooking programs.
What We Didn’t Like
- Significant reports from users regarding quality control issues (defects, noise).
- The door mechanism can be stiff, potentially causing the unit to slide on the counter.
A Deep Dive into the KLARSTEIN’s Retro Charm and Modern Performance
An appliance can look fantastic, but if it doesn’t perform its core duties well, it’s just an expensive decoration. We spent several weeks putting the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven through its paces, moving beyond its initial visual appeal to test its heating power, grilling capabilities, and overall user experience. We wanted to know if its performance could live up to its captivating design.
A Design That Steals the Show
Let’s not mince words: the primary reason to buy this microwave is its appearance. KLARSTEIN has perfectly captured the spirit of mid-century design. The rounded edges, the classic colour palette (our cream unit was gorgeous, but the black with gold accents is equally striking), and the chunky, polished handle all contribute to a powerful sense of nostalgia. It transformed our kitchen counter from a purely functional space into a curated one. As one user aptly put it, it was the perfect addition to their “shabby chic” kitchen, and we couldn’t agree more. This isn’t just an appliance; it’s a decorative element.
The build feels solid for the most part. The exterior casing is metal, and the stainless steel interior gives a premium feel that belies its price point. The touch control panel is responsive and clear, with a bright white LED that displays the time and cooking progress. However, this brightness was a point of contention for one user who found it excessively bright, wishing for a dimmer function—a fair point for those sensitive to light in an open-plan living space. The analogue clock feature, while purely cosmetic, is a delightful touch that completes the retro look when the microwave is idle. If your main goal is to find an appliance that sparks joy every time you look at it, the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven is a design triumph that few competitors can match.
Day-to-Day Performance: Heating, Grilling, and Defrosting
A beautiful microwave is useless if it can’t heat a bowl of soup. Fortunately, the 800W power of the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven is more than capable for all standard tasks. We found it heated food evenly and quickly, with no noticeable cold spots—a testament to the effective turntable system. A large mug of water came to a boil in just under two minutes, and a plate of leftovers was piping hot in three. The five power levels offer good flexibility, allowing for gentle defrosting or simmering on lower settings.
The real surprise was the 1000W grill. Often, grills in combination microwaves can feel like an underpowered afterthought, but this one is genuinely useful. We tested it with cheese on toast and were rewarded with a beautifully melted, bubbly, and browned top in just a few minutes using the included grill rack. It’s fantastic for finishing dishes, grilling sausages, or crisping up a pizza topping. The eight automatic programs are a nice touch, particularly for things like potatoes and pasta, taking the guesswork out of cooking times. The defrost function works as expected, allowing for thawing by either time or weight, which is a crucial feature for meal planning. For its compact size, the performance is robust and versatile, making it a reliable workhorse for daily kitchen life. You can explore its full range of programs and features here.
The Elephant in the Room: Build Quality and Noise Levels
While our specific test unit performed admirably, we cannot in good conscience ignore the significant number of user reports highlighting serious quality control issues. This appears to be the product’s Achilles’ heel. Several buyers reported receiving units that were defective right out of the box—some arrived with visible dents and misaligned doors, others wouldn’t heat at all, and a few even emitted a burning smell on the first use. This suggests a concerning inconsistency in the manufacturing process.
The most commonly cited issue is an unusually loud operational noise. Multiple users described it as a rattling, grinding sound that was so loud it was disruptive, with one noting they “have never encountered such a loud microwave.” One clever user discovered that pressing on the side of their unit made the noise stop, indicating a loose internal component or poor panel fitting. Another recurring complaint involves the door. We noticed it was a bit stiff, and one user explained that if you don’t pull it open “quick and hard,” its stiffness can cause the entire microwave to slide forward on the counter. This points to either a poorly designed latch mechanism or feet that lack sufficient grip. While we were lucky to receive a good unit, the sheer volume of these complaints suggests that purchasing the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven is something of a lottery. You might get a perfect, beautiful appliance, or you might have to deal with the hassle of a return.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through feedback from other buyers reveals a deeply divided consensus, split almost entirely between aesthetics and reliability. On one side, the praise is effusive. One happy customer wrote, “I love it 🥰 It looks wonderful with my shabby chic kitchen… it is of excellent quality, everything works perfectly and it is very easy to use.” Another praised its appearance, stating it looks “even more beautiful and classier in real life than in the pictures.” These reviews focus on the successful delivery of the product’s main promise: vintage style.
However, the negative feedback is equally strong and centres on a critical theme: poor quality control. One user’s experience encapsulates this frustration perfectly: “We sadly had to return it due to defects… it was really noisy, in a way where it sounded broken.” Another simply stated, “I just received it perfectly packed and voila, it doesn’t heat up, smells burnt and doesn’t sit flat on the counter.” These aren’t minor quibbles; they are fundamental failures that render the product unusable. This stark contrast in experiences confirms our assessment that there is a significant risk of receiving a defective unit.
How Does the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. The KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven competes in a crowded market, especially in the popular retro-style segment. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve compared it to three notable alternatives, each catering to a slightly different user.
1. Swan SM22030LBN Retro Digital Microwave 800W Blue
- POWERFUL 800W & 5 HEAT SETTINGS: Features a powerful 800W output for faster cooking and heating, with 5 heat settings that can be adjusted to suit your needs – ideal for everyday convenient cooking
- LARGE 20L CAPACITY: The huge inner 20 litre capacity can easily fit a standard size dinner plate, giving you versatility to use large dishes to cook for the whole family
The Swan Retro Microwave is perhaps the most direct competitor to the KLARSTEIN. It offers a very similar proposition: an 800W, 20L microwave with a distinctively vintage aesthetic, available in a wide array of colours. The primary difference lies in brand reputation and design details. Swan is a well-established brand in retro appliances, which may offer some buyers more peace of mind regarding quality and customer service. Aesthetically, the Swan opts for a classic dial control mixed with digital buttons, whereas the KLARSTEIN uses a sleeker, more modern touch panel. If you prefer a more established brand name in the retro space and a physical dial for setting time, the Swan is an excellent alternative.
2. Panasonic NN-ST45KWBPQ Microwave Oven 32L 1000W Junior Menu
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- 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...
If your priority is capacity and family-friendly features over retro styling, the Panasonic NN-ST45KWBPQ is in a different league. This is a modern, high-performance machine designed for families. With a huge 32L capacity and a more powerful 1000W inverter microwave, it can handle large dishes and cook food more precisely. Its standout feature is the 21 auto programs, including a “Junior Menu” for making things like fruit purées and porridge, making it ideal for households with young children. It completely forgoes style for substance. Choose the Panasonic if you need a large, powerful, and feature-rich microwave for a busy family and don’t care about aesthetics.
3. Toshiba 23L Microwave Oven Auto Defrost
- Microwave Oven: Enjoy great results and an array of convenient features with this 800w solo 23L microwave oven from Toshiba, made to add modern conveniences to your busy life.
- Express Cook: Start cooking instantly by selecting cooking time from 1 second to 6 min. The pre-programmed menu and procedural memory will allow you to heat your favourites in just one touch!
The Toshiba ML-EM23P(BS) represents the reliable, modern workhorse. It offers a slightly larger 23L capacity and 800W of power in a sleek, contemporary black design. Toshiba is known for making durable, no-nonsense appliances, and this model is a prime example. It features a digital display, an easy-clean interior, and one-touch express cooking presets for maximum convenience. This microwave is for the user who wants a dependable, easy-to-use appliance from a trusted brand and has no interest in vintage styling. It’s the pragmatic choice, prioritising reliability and straightforward functionality above all else.
Our Final Verdict: Should You Buy the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven?
After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven is a conditional recommendation. This is an appliance you buy with your heart more than your head. Its design is, without question, its greatest strength. It is one of the most beautiful and stylish microwaves on the market, capable of single-handedly elevating the look of a kitchen. When you get a good unit, it performs its duties well, offering solid heating, a surprisingly effective grill, and intuitive controls.
However, the pervasive quality control issues are too significant to ignore. The risk of receiving a noisy, wobbly, or non-functional unit is higher than it should be. Therefore, we recommend this microwave to the design-conscious buyer who is prepared for the possibility of having to make a return. If style is your absolute top priority and you’re willing to take that chance, you will likely be thrilled with the result. For those who prioritize guaranteed reliability over aesthetics, looking at alternatives from brands like Toshiba or Panasonic would be a safer bet. If you’ve fallen in love with the look and are ready to try your luck, you can check the latest price and availability for the KLARSTEIN 20L Microwave Oven here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API