In our kitchen, every appliance has a story. The stand mixer was a wedding gift, the coffee machine a Boxing Day splurge. For years, however, the microwave was just… there. A functional, boring, white plastic box that did its job without an ounce of personality. It heated leftovers, defrosted chicken, and popped popcorn, but it never added anything to the room’s character. We found ourselves hiding it in a corner, wishing for something that didn’t feel like a generic office breakroom staple. The search began for an appliance that could be both a reliable workhorse and a visual centrepiece—a machine with character, flair, and the power to make a simple kitchen task feel a little more joyful. This quest for style without sacrificing substance is what led us to the vibrant, head-turning 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
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 in a modern, fast-paced household. It’s the unsung hero of quick weeknight dinners, perfectly melted butter for baking, and warm mugs of soup on a cold day. Its primary benefit lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Unlike combination ovens with complex grill or convection features, a solo microwave focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: heating food with microwave energy. This makes it straightforward to use, generally more affordable, and compact enough for almost any kitchen counter.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for speed and convenience—busy professionals, students in dorms, or families needing a secondary appliance for simple tasks. It’s perfect for those who value efficiency for reheating meals, preparing ready-made foods, and defrosting ingredients. However, it might not be suitable for those who wish to brown, crisp, or roast their food in a single appliance. If your culinary ambitions include grilling sausages or baking cakes, a combination or grill microwave would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive and complex, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your countertop space carefully before purchasing. The COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven has exterior dimensions of 44 x 35.7 x 25.8 cm. Ensure you have enough clearance around the unit, especially at the back and sides, for proper ventilation to prevent overheating and prolong its life.
- Capacity & Performance: A 20-litre capacity is ideal for individuals, couples, or small families. It can comfortably accommodate a standard 10-inch dinner plate. The 800-watt power rating is a solid mid-range standard, providing enough power for even heating and efficient cooking without being overly aggressive on delicate foods.
- Materials & Durability: The exterior is typically metal, offering a sturdy build. However, the interior material is paramount. Look for durable, easy-to-clean coatings. As we’ll explore in-depth, the quality of the interior paint and its application can be a major factor in the long-term health and safety of the appliance.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Controls should be intuitive. This model uses a combination of a jog dial and push buttons, which many find simpler than complex digital touchpads. For maintenance, a removable glass turntable makes cleaning spills easy, but pay close attention to the interior cavity, wiping away condensation after each use to prevent moisture buildup and potential damage.
While the COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for its style, 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 Pop of Passionate Red
Pulling the COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven from its box was an genuinely exciting moment. In a sea of monochrome appliances, its “Passionate Red” finish is an immediate statement. The design brilliantly captures a 1950s diner aesthetic, from the chunky, polished chrome handle to the satisfyingly tactile jog dial. It feels substantial, weighing in at 11kg, giving it a stable, planted feel on the countertop. Setup was, as one user rightly noted, as easy as “unbox, unwrap, plug in.” You simply place the roller ring and the 30.6 cm glass turntable inside, and you’re ready to go.
One detail we noticed immediately, and which has been echoed by other users, is a subtle colour variation. The front door, made of a hard plastic, is a vibrant, bright post-box red. The surrounding metal casing, however, is a slightly deeper, more burgundy shade of red. This is a common occurrence when painting different materials, but it’s noticeable in bright kitchen lighting. For us, it wasn’t a deal-breaker and didn’t detract from the overall charm, but it’s a crucial detail for those seeking a perfectly uniform colour match.
Key Benefits
- Stunning retro design adds a unique aesthetic to any kitchen
- Intuitive jog dial and button controls are incredibly easy to use
- Effective 800W power heats food quickly and evenly
- Compact 20L size is perfect for smaller kitchens and households
Potential Drawbacks
- Significant reports of interior paint peeling and rusting over time
- Colour of the metal casing and plastic door is not a perfect match
Performance In-Depth: Beyond the Retro Facade
A microwave can be the most beautiful object in the kitchen, but if it can’t reheat yesterday’s lasagne properly, it’s just an expensive decoration. We spent several weeks putting the COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven through its paces, moving beyond its looks to test its core functionality, daily usability, and, most importantly, its long-term durability. Here’s our detailed breakdown.
A Masterclass in Retro Design and Usability
The primary draw of this microwave is undoubtedly its design, and in this area, it truly excels. The designers at COMFEE’ (a brand of Midea) have nailed the retro aesthetic. The curved edges, the prominent chrome handle, and the satisfyingly mechanical-feeling jog dial evoke a sense of nostalgia and quality. The LED display is a bright, clear blue that is easy to read from across the room, showing the clock when idle and the timer when in use. Operating the machine is a refreshingly simple affair. Turning the dial to the right cycles through the eight auto-cook menus (for things like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes), while turning it to the left allows you to set the cooking time manually. Five simple buttons below the dial handle Start/Stop, Defrost, and power level adjustments. We found this hybrid control system to be the best of both worlds—faster than jabbing at a keypad and more precise than a purely mechanical timer. One user described the controls as a “piece of cake to operate,” and we wholeheartedly agree. The Express Cook function is another highlight; simply pressing the start button instantly begins a 30-second cooking cycle at full power, with each subsequent press adding another 30 seconds. It’s perfect for quickly warming up a cup of tea or melting some butter, and it quickly became our most-used feature. The COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven truly delivers on its promise of style and simplicity in its day-to-day operation.
Daily Cooking Power and Capacity
With 800 watts of power, the COMFEE’ is perfectly capable for its 20-litre size. We tested it on a variety of tasks. A bowl of chilled soup was piping hot in just over two minutes, with no cold spots. A packet of microwave rice cooked perfectly according to its instructions. Reheating a dense slice of leftover shepherd’s pie took about three and a half minutes, resulting in a consistently hot meal. The five power levels offer genuine versatility. The highest setting is great for liquids, while lower settings are ideal for gentler tasks like softening ice cream or defrosting bread without cooking the edges. The auto-defrost function, which can be set by weight or time, worked reasonably well on a block of frozen mince, though we did have to pause and separate the pieces halfway through for the best results, which is standard for most microwaves. The 20L cavity, with its 30.6 cm turntable, is spacious enough for most daily needs. We could easily fit a large dinner plate or a Pyrex container inside with room to spare for rotation. However, as one user pointed out, larger rectangular items like a long bacon rack might not be able to rotate freely, which is a common limitation of turntable microwaves in this size class. For singles, couples, and small families who primarily use a microwave for reheating and simple cooking tasks, the power and capacity on offer here are more than adequate.
The Durability Dilemma: A Critical Look at the Interior
This is where our review must take a serious turn. While the initial performance and design are impressive, our long-term testing, corroborated by a significant number of user reports, uncovered a critical flaw: the durability of the interior coating. After a few months of regular use, we began to notice what looked like small bubbles forming in the grey paint on the cavity floor, directly underneath the path of the roller ring. At first, we thought it was a food stain, but upon wiping it, a small flake of paint came away, exposing the bare metal underneath. This is not just a cosmetic issue; exposed metal inside a microwave can lead to arcing or sparking, which is a potential fire hazard and renders the appliance unsafe to use.
This experience is not isolated. Many users report the exact same problem, with some seeing rust develop in the exposed areas within months. One user noted, “After two years, the paint started peeling off the base. This has to be dealt with or the machine might spark.” Another commented on the constant condensation buildup, suggesting it might contribute to the problem: “It’s already rusting and always ALWAYS has water buildup from condensation which I have never had with a microwave.” This seems to be the root cause. The appliance doesn’t seem to vent steam very effectively, trapping moisture inside after cooking. If this moisture isn’t meticulously wiped away and the door left ajar to air dry after every single use, it appears to sit on the surface, compromising the paint and leading to peeling and rust. While the COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven has undeniable charm, this significant durability concern prevents us from giving it an unconditional recommendation. It’s a fundamental flaw that can shorten the appliance’s lifespan from several years to potentially less than two.
What Other Users Are Saying
User feedback online paints a very clear and consistent picture that mirrors our own findings. On the positive side, the praise for the aesthetics is nearly universal. Owners love the look, with comments like “Beautiful design and color” and “What a lovely looking microwave, not only easy on the eye but easy to operate” being very common. Many, like us, bought it purely for its unique style and were delighted with how it transformed the look of their kitchen. The simple, effective controls also receive high marks for their intuitive nature.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and far more serious. The issue of the interior paint peeling and subsequent rusting is the most frequently cited problem, turning what was initially a beloved appliance into a disappointment. One user bluntly stated it’s an “Absolute waste of money. Rusted badly within 8 months and had to dispose of the item.” Another gave a detailed account: “This seemed great for the first year or 2. Then… I spotted what I thought was a mark on the inside, I rubbed and the paint peeled off.” This feedback is crucial for potential buyers, as it highlights a pattern of premature failure that goes beyond isolated incidents, suggesting a potential weakness in the product’s manufacturing or material specification.
How Does it Compare? The Top 3 Alternatives
The COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven is a style-first choice, but if durability and modern features are higher on your list, several strong competitors are worth considering.
1. Russell Hobbs RHM2017 800W Digital Microwave
- CAPACITY - With a compact and stylish design, this 20 litre capacity microwave is perfect for any kitchen
- POWER - Boasting 800W of power, this microwave can handle all of your cooking, reheating, and defrosting requirements
The Russell Hobbs RHM2017 is the antithesis of the COMFEE’ model in terms of design. It’s a sleek, modern, and functional appliance with a mirrored door finish that will blend into a contemporary kitchen rather than stand out. It offers the same 20L capacity and 800W power output, making it a direct competitor in performance. However, it relies on a more traditional digital touchpad and has only five autocook menus compared to COMFEE’s eight. This is the ideal choice for someone who prioritizes a trusted brand name and a modern, unobtrusive design over retro character. It’s a safe, reliable, and functional workhorse.
2. Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B 23L Easi Flatbed 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.
For those frustrated by the limitations of a turntable, the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B is a fantastic alternative. Its key feature is the flatbed design, which eliminates the turntable altogether. This not only makes the interior far easier to clean but also allows you to use larger, rectangular dishes that wouldn’t fit in the COMFEE’. It also boasts a slightly larger 23L capacity while maintaining the same 800W power. If you often cook for more than two people or find yourself wrestling with awkwardly shaped containers, the practical benefits of this flatbed model could easily outweigh the COMFEE’s retro charm.
3. 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...
This is perhaps the most direct competitor to the COMFEE’ in spirit. The RHM2064C from Russell Hobbs’ “Heritage” line also sports a retro-inspired design, though it’s a more subtle and arguably more elegant take, available in a classic cream finish. It matches the COMFEE’ spec-for-spec with a 20L capacity, 800W power, and 8 auto-cook menus. The choice between these two will come down purely to aesthetic preference. Do you prefer the bold, 1950s diner look of the COMFEE’, or the more understated, country-kitchen charm of the Russell Hobbs Heritage model? For those wary of the COMFEE’s durability issues, this model from a long-established brand might offer more peace of mind.
Final Verdict: A Stylish Appliance with a Serious Caveat
The COMFEE’ CM-M202RAF(RD) 20L Retro Microwave Oven is an appliance we desperately wanted to love without reservation. It succeeds spectacularly in its primary mission: to be a beautiful, functional piece of kitchen decor that brings a splash of colour and personality to a room. It’s wonderfully easy to use, heats food effectively, and for the first few months, it is an absolute joy to own and operate.
However, the widespread and consistent reports of interior paint peeling and rusting—an issue we were able to replicate in our own long-term testing—are impossible to ignore. This is not a minor cosmetic flaw; it’s a fundamental durability issue that can compromise the safety and lifespan of the appliance. Therefore, we can only recommend this microwave with a major caveat. If you are buying it purely for its incredible design, are prepared to be exceptionally diligent about wiping it dry and airing it out after every single use, and accept that its lifespan may be shorter than average, then its aesthetic charm might be worth the risk. For everyone else, a more durable, albeit less exciting, model from a brand with a stronger reputation for longevity would be a wiser investment. If you understand the potential risks and still can’t resist its look, you can check the latest price and colour options here.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API