I remember the last microwave we had in the office kitchen. It was a behemoth of stainless steel with more buttons than a pilot’s cockpit. It had settings for a dozen types of frozen meals, a sensor for popcorn, and a grill function that, to my knowledge, was used exactly zero times. The problem? To simply reheat a cup of coffee, you had to navigate a three-step process involving a dial, a confirmation button, and a prayer. It was a classic case of over-engineering, a solution in search of a problem. This experience left me yearning for a return to basics: a machine that does its primary job exceptionally well, without the unnecessary complexity. This is the exact dilemma that leads people to seek out a straightforward, reliable appliance like the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven. It promises to heat food quickly and evenly, reclaim precious counter space, and eliminate the user manual from your daily routine.
- With a generous 20L capacity, this microwave ovens features a manual timer up to 35 minutes, built-in defrost function, and end-of-cycle alarm notification — a smart choice for those needing a...
- This mini microwave offers simple dial controls and a 35-minute timer, making it an ideal portable microwave for quick and easy heating at home or in the office.
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A Solo Microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rapid cooking, reheating, and defrosting without the added complexity of convection or grilling functions. Its main benefit lies in its focused purpose, which translates to ease of use, a smaller footprint, and often, a more accessible price point. In our fast-paced lives, the ability to safely and quickly heat leftovers, prepare a ready meal, or thaw ingredients for dinner is a non-negotiable kitchen convenience. A good solo microwave streamlines meal prep, reduces food waste, and provides a quick-fix for a hot drink or snack, making it an indispensable tool for students, busy professionals, and small families alike.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space constraint, such as in a small apartment, a dorm room, an office breakroom, or even a caravan. It’s also perfect for individuals or couples who value simplicity and efficiency over a multitude of features they’ll never use. If you simply need to heat and defrost, a solo microwave is your most logical choice. However, it might not be suitable for those who love to bake, roast, or achieve crispy, browned results from their microwave. If your culinary ambitions include grilling sausages or baking small cakes, you would be better served by exploring combination or convection microwave models, which integrate these additional heating elements.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Before you even think about power levels, measure your available counter space. Note the product’s full dimensions (Length x Width x Height) and ensure you have adequate clearance for ventilation, typically a few inches around the back and sides. A “compact” model like this Belaco is designed specifically for tighter spots, but it’s always wise to double-check your measurements to avoid a frustrating return.
- Capacity & Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines how much you can fit inside. A 20-litre capacity is standard for compact models and is generally sufficient for standard dinner plates, Tupperware containers, and ready meals. For performance, wattage is king. An 800W microwave like this one provides a solid balance of speed and energy efficiency, capable of handling most daily tasks effectively without the higher power consumption of 1000W+ models.
- Materials & Durability: The exterior material often dictates the aesthetic, from modern stainless steel to retro-painted finishes. More importantly, check the interior material. An easy-clean enamel or stainless steel interior, like the one found in the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven, is a huge plus for maintenance, resisting stains and odours over time. Also, assess the feel of the door handle and controls; they are the most frequently used parts and should feel sturdy.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Do you prefer the tactile, intuitive nature of manual dials or the precision of a digital keypad with pre-set programs? Manual controls, as featured on this model, are often praised for their straightforward operation—no complex menus to navigate. For maintenance, look for a removable glass turntable that is dishwasher-safe and a smooth interior cavity that can be wiped down in seconds.
Ultimately, choosing the right solo microwave is about matching the appliance’s capabilities to your specific lifestyle and kitchen environment.
While the Belaco 800W Compact 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 Stylish Return to Simplicity
Unboxing the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven was a refreshing experience. As one user noted, it arrived “well protected in its packaging… not a scratch or flaw at all.” My first thought was how smart and stylish it looked. The deep black finish contrasted sharply with the chrome handle, giving it a modern-retro aesthetic that would fit seamlessly into most kitchen decors. It feels solid for its size, weighing just over 10kg, which gives it enough heft to stay put on the counter without being too cumbersome to move for cleaning. There’s virtually no assembly required—just remove the packaging, place the glass turntable on the roller ring, and plug it in. What struck me most was the elegant simplicity of the front panel. In an age of cluttered digital displays, the two clean, mechanical dials for power and time were a welcome sight. It immediately communicates its purpose: this is a machine built for doing a job, not for showing off.
What We Like
- Incredibly simple and intuitive two-dial manual controls
- Stylish and compact design saves valuable counter space
- 10 distinct power levels provide excellent cooking flexibility
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior and a good-sized 27cm turntable
What We Didn’t Like
- The interior light is extremely dim, making it hard to monitor food
- Build quality, particularly the door, may feel a bit lightweight to some users
A Deep Dive into the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave’s Performance
A microwave can look great, but its true value is revealed in daily use. Does it heat evenly? Is it easy to operate when you’re in a hurry? Does it handle different tasks with equal competence? We put the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven through its paces for several weeks, using it for everything from defrosting chicken breasts to reheating last night’s takeaway. Here’s our detailed breakdown of its real-world performance.
Simplicity in Action: Mastering the Manual Dials
The standout feature of this microwave is, without a doubt, its control system. The top dial selects the power, and the bottom dial sets the time. That’s it. There are no menus, no shift functions, no cryptic presets to decipher. As one happy user stated, “you don’t need to spend ages reading the manual, as it’s very intuitive to use.” This is a massive advantage for anyone who has ever felt frustrated by overly complex appliances. The tactile feedback of the dials is satisfying, with distinct clicks as you move between settings.
The top dial offers 10 power levels, which is surprisingly granular for a manual model. The settings range from a low-power defrost mode up to the full 800 watts for rapid heating. This flexibility is genuinely useful. We used the lower settings (around 20-30%) for gently softening butter without melting it and the medium-high settings (70-80%) for reheating dishes like lasagne, which prevents the edges from becoming tough while the centre warms through. The full 800W power brought a mug of water to a boil in under two minutes, which is perfectly respectable for this wattage class. The bottom dial is a simple mechanical timer that goes up to 35 minutes, ending with a satisfying and audible “ding.” For anyone who just wants to “vary the power and vary the time,” this machine is an absolute dream to operate and one of the key reasons we highly recommend it for those seeking simplicity.
Heating Performance and Evenness
Power and controls mean nothing if the microwave doesn’t cook well. We were pleased to find that the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven delivers consistent and even results. The 800 watts of power, combined with the 27cm glass turntable, work in tandem to eliminate the dreaded hot and cold spots that plague lesser models. We tested this by reheating a full dinner plate of rice and curry; the food was heated through evenly with no scorching on the outside or chilly patches in the middle. This finding was echoed by a user who confirmed, “In use it works well, food is heated up evenly.”
The defrost function, which uses a lower power setting based on weight/time, was also a pleasant surprise. Many microwaves, especially older ones, tend to “cook” the edges of meat while the inside remains frozen. We tested the Belaco with two frozen chicken breasts, setting the dial to the defrost range. The result was perfectly thawed, pliable chicken ready for cooking, not the semi-cooked mess we’ve experienced before. One reviewer specifically praised this, noting their “old microwave used to start cooking food!” during defrosting, a problem this model avoids. The 20L capacity is ample for most daily tasks, and as noted by users, it “takes a decent sized dinner plate” without issue, making it a highly practical choice for everyday meals.
Design, Build Quality, and Countertop Footprint
Aesthetics and build are crucial for an appliance that lives on your countertop. The Belaco scores highly on design. Its compact dimensions (43.9cm wide by 34cm deep) make it a genuine space-saver, ideal for kitchens where every inch counts. Multiple users praised its look, with comments like “looks great,” “nicely designed,” and “the black and chrome handle looks stylish.” It successfully straddles the line between modern and retro, making it a versatile addition to various decor styles.
The conversation around build quality is more nuanced. The main body feels sturdy, and the stainless steel interior is a definite highlight, being both durable and incredibly easy to wipe clean after spills. However, one user voiced a valid concern, stating the “general build feels very cheap, especially that lightweight door.” During our testing, we found the door to be perfectly functional, closing securely every time. While it doesn’t have the heavy, satisfying thud of a premium, high-end model, it’s more than adequate for its price point and intended use. It’s a trade-off for affordability and a lighter overall weight, but it’s a point worth considering for those who prioritize a heavy-duty feel in their appliances. For most users looking for a functional, stylish, and compact unit, the build is unlikely to be a significant issue, and the overall package offers excellent value.
The Little Details: Light, Sound, and Usability
Sometimes it’s the small things that make or break the user experience. The Belaco gets some things right and one thing noticeably wrong. On the positive side, the end-of-cycle alarm is a clear, audible “ding” that is impossible to miss but not obnoxiously loud. The feet provide good grip, preventing the unit from sliding around when you open the door. The interior is spacious for a 20L model, easily accommodating Tupperware and ready meals.
However, the most consistent point of criticism across user feedback, and one we wholeheartedly agree with, is the interior light. It is, to put it mildly, incredibly dim. One user summed it up perfectly: “The first few times I used it I didn’t think it had a light, but it does, it’s just very dim!” Another noted that while the cool white light is a nice colour, “it doesn’t reach into the space inside very well.” This makes it genuinely difficult to monitor your food as it cooks—forget about watching cheese melt or trying to prevent a sauce from boiling over. You can just about see through the viewing window, but it’s a significant design flaw in an otherwise very well-thought-out machine. While it doesn’t affect the cooking performance, it’s a quality-of-life issue that could have been easily rectified with a brighter LED bulb.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the general sentiment from other users. The overwhelming praise for the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven centres on its simplicity and aesthetics. One user summed up the core appeal perfectly: “I wanted one that was easy to use and looked good – this fits the bill nicely.” Another, needing a unit for a space-limited workplace, was delighted with its straightforward functionality, stating, “More than anything else I like the simplicity of this machine… I just want to be able to vary the power and vary the time.”
The positive comments frequently mention the smart design, the compact size that still accommodates a dinner plate, and the even heating performance. However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques. The most common complaint, as we also discovered, is the dim interior light. Nearly every detailed review mentions it as a drawback. The other point of contention comes from a user who felt that for its price, the build quality, particularly the “lightweight door,” didn’t feel luxurious, concluding it was a bit overpriced. This provides a balanced view: it’s a functionally excellent and stylish machine, but prospective buyers should be aware of the dim light and manage expectations regarding its build relative to premium brands.
How Does the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven Compare to the Competition?
The solo microwave market is crowded, so it’s essential to see how the Belaco stacks up against other popular models. We’ve compared it to three strong alternatives to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
1. Panasonic NN-SD25HBBPQ 23L 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 NN-SD25HBBPQ represents a step up in both power and technology. With 1000W of power and a larger 23L capacity, it’s designed for those who need to cook or reheat larger quantities of food more quickly. Its key selling point is Panasonic’s Inverter Technology, which delivers a constant stream of power for more precise cooking and defrosting, unlike the on/off pulse of traditional microwaves. While it features a dial, it’s a digital one integrated with 10 “One Touch” programmes. This model is the better choice for small families or individuals who want more advanced features, more power, and don’t mind a slightly larger footprint and higher price tag.
2. Russell Hobbs RHM2064C 20L 800W Cream Digital Microwave
- 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...
The Russell Hobbs RHM2064C is a direct competitor to the Belaco, sharing the same 20L capacity and 800W power rating. The primary difference lies in the control interface and aesthetic. The Russell Hobbs features a digital display with push buttons and 8 auto-cook menus for things like pizza, popcorn, and fish. Its heritage cream design offers a different, more explicitly retro style. You should choose the Russell Hobbs if you prefer the precision of a digital timer and the convenience of pre-set menus over the tactile simplicity of manual dials, and if its specific cream colour scheme appeals to your kitchen’s design.
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 is another strong contender in the 20L/800W category, positioning itself as a style-forward choice, particularly with its striking black and rose gold finish. Like the Russell Hobbs, it uses a digital control panel, offering 8 autocook settings and a 60-minute digital timer. It’s functionally very similar to the Russell Hobbs but targets a user who prioritizes a very specific, modern aesthetic. If you’re looking for a microwave that makes a bold design statement and you prefer digital controls with pre-programmed options, the Tower T24021 is an excellent alternative to the Belaco’s more understated, manual approach.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Belaco 800W Compact Microwave Oven is an outstanding choice for a specific type of user: anyone who craves simplicity, reliability, and style in a compact form factor. It consciously rejects the feature-creep of modern appliances in favour of doing its core job—heating and defrosting food—exceptionally well. The two-dial system is a joy to use, the 10 power levels offer fantastic control, and its even heating performance is consistently impressive. It’s the perfect microwave for a first apartment, an office, a dorm room, or for anyone who believes that technology should make life simpler, not more complicated.
Yes, it has its flaw—the interior light is disappointingly dim, and some may find the build a touch light for the price. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise brilliantly focused and effective machine. If you value straightforward functionality over a list of features you’ll never use, and you need an appliance that will save space without sacrificing performance, this is the microwave for you. For its intended purpose, it is a fantastic piece of kit that delivers on its promises. If you’re ready to simplify your kitchen and get a reliable workhorse, we highly recommend you check the latest price and see more details online.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API