I remember my first flat. The kitchen was less a room and more an optimistic hallway with a sink. Every square inch of countertop space was precious real estate, fiercely contested by a kettle, a toaster, and a collection of mugs. The idea of adding a microwave seemed ludicrous; they were all bulky, beige boxes covered in a bewildering array of buttons I knew I’d never use. “Popcorn,” “Pizza,” “Fish”—it was a digital assault. All I ever really wanted was a simple way to heat my soup or defrost some chicken without a three-day pre-planning session. The struggle was real: finding an appliance that was compact enough to fit, powerful enough to be useful, and simple enough to operate without needing an instruction manual for a bowl of porridge. This search for an uncluttered, efficient kitchen experience is precisely where the quest for a microwave like the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven begins.
- Compact Design: The mini compact microwave is smaller than normal 17L microwave ovens but with bigger 19L capacity, which is a real compact microwave with external 17L and internal 19L size, can be...
- Lightweight: This microwave is smaller, lighter, and more convenient than ever before, which means easy to use microwave for the elderly; Weighing in at only 6.1 KG, it's lighter than traditional...
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for straightforward, fast, and efficient cooking. Unlike complex combination ovens with grills and convection features, the solo microwave’s beauty lies in its focused purpose: to heat and defrost food using microwave radiation. This makes it an indispensable tool for reheating leftovers, cooking ready meals, steaming vegetables, and quickly defrosting ingredients. Its main benefit is speed and simplicity, stripping away the non-essential functions to provide a reliable, everyday kitchen workhorse that doesn’t intimidate the user or occupy excessive space.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a compact living space—think students in dormitories, couples in their first apartment, or city dwellers in micro-condos. It’s also a perfect match for the elderly or anyone who values tactile, straightforward controls over complex digital menus. As one user aptly put it, they were “looking for a microwave similar to the one I’m replacing which is just two dials to operate… no fancy mod cons.” However, this product might not be suitable for large families who need to cook or reheat large dishes simultaneously, or for aspiring home chefs who require grilling, baking, and roasting capabilities in a single appliance. For them, a larger combination microwave or a dedicated oven would be a more practical investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: It’s not just about width. Measure the depth of your countertop and the height available under your cabinets. The COMFEE’s external dimensions are 43.4 x 32.9 x 24.1 cm, but you must also account for ventilation, typically requiring a few centimetres of clearance around the back, top, and sides for air circulation to prevent overheating.
- Capacity & Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines the size of the dish you can fit inside. At 19L, this model is compact yet aims to be spacious. Wattage, here at 700W, dictates cooking speed. While not the most powerful on the market, 700W is perfectly sufficient for daily reheating and defrosting tasks, ensuring consistent results without the risk of scorching food that higher wattages can sometimes cause. Crucially, check the turntable diameter (29.8 cm here) against your most-used dinner plates.
- Materials & Durability: The outer and inner materials are both listed as metal, which is a good sign for longevity and ease of cleaning compared to plastic interiors. The mirror-finish door adds a touch of modern style but be prepared for it to be a magnet for fingerprints, requiring regular wiping to maintain its sleek look. Pay attention to the feel of the handle and dials, as these are your primary points of interaction.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The key selling point here is the mechanical knob controller. This is a deliberate choice for simplicity. For maintenance, a smooth metal interior is easier to wipe down than one with many crevices. The removable glass turntable and roller ring should be easy to wash by hand or in a dishwasher, ensuring the appliance stays hygienic over the long term.
While the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for those valuing simplicity and a small footprint, 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: Sleek, Simple, and Surprisingly Light
Unboxing the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven was a refreshingly straightforward affair. There were no complex parts to assemble; just the microwave body, the glass turntable, and the roller ring. The first thing we noticed was its weight. At just 6.1 kg, it’s exceptionally light, a feature that one user highlighted as “helpful when moving.” This makes it easy to position on the countertop or even store away if needed. The second immediate impression is the design. The black body combined with the full mirror door gives it a contemporary, almost premium look that belies its budget-friendly price point. It’s a far cry from the utilitarian white boxes of old. The handle is elegant and firm, and the two mechanical dials have a reassuring, tactile quality. There’s a satisfying click as you turn them, a throwback to an era of simpler, more robust appliance design that we found incredibly appealing.
Advantages
- Wonderfully simple two-dial operation
- Stylish and modern mirror finish
- Compact external footprint ideal for small spaces
- InverTech provides even and consistent heating
- Lightweight and easy to move or position
- Satisfying and classic ‘ting’ notification sound
Drawbacks
- Interior light is quite dim during operation
- Some user reports of quality control and durability issues
- Lightweight build can cause it to slide on countertops
- Internal capacity may not fit larger dinner plates
A Deep Dive into the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven’s Performance
After our initial impressions, we spent considerable time putting this microwave through its paces. We tested everything from reheating a delicate pasta sauce to defrosting a solid block of mince, all to answer one question: does its performance match its stylish, simple promise? We explored its core features, cross-referencing our findings with real-world user feedback to build a complete picture of life with this compact appliance.
The Joy of Simplicity: A Masterclass in Manual Control
In a world saturated with touch screens and complex sub-menus, the control panel of the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven is a breath of fresh air. It features just two mechanical dials. The top dial controls the power, offering five distinct levels from low (for gentle defrosting or softening butter) to high (for rapid heating). The bottom dial is a simple manual timer, up to 35 minutes. That’s it. There are no clocks to set, no auto-cook menus to decipher. This is its greatest strength.
During our testing, we found this simplicity incredibly liberating. Want to heat soup for two minutes? Just turn the dial to ‘2’. Need to gently melt chocolate? Select a low power setting and a short time. This intuitive operation is a massive win for anyone who feels overwhelmed by modern tech. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, with one stating, “I wanted a simple to use microwave with no fancy mod cons. This microwave is easy to use.” Another celebrated the charmingly retro experience, noting, “Has a lovely reassuring ‘ting’ sound when it’s finished rather than the annoying digital beeping… Just heats the food and tings nicely when done. Love it.” We wholeheartedly agree. The final ‘ting’ is not only pleasant but also cuts through kitchen noise more effectively than a series of quiet beeps.
The only potential downside to this simplicity is the lack of precision. You can’t set the timer for exactly 2 minutes and 15 seconds. However, for the vast majority of microwave tasks, this level of granularity is unnecessary. The manual system is fast, reliable, and fundamentally foolproof, making it an outstanding choice for its target audience.
InverTech in Action: The Secret to Even Cooking
One of the standout technical features touted by COMFEE’ is its “InverTech” technology. This isn’t just marketing jargon. Traditional microwaves achieve lower power levels by cycling the magnetron (the microwave generator) on and off. This can lead to uneven results: parts of your food get blasted with full power while others remain cool, resulting in the dreaded “hot on the outside, frozen on the inside” phenomenon. Inverter technology, by contrast, delivers a continuous, consistent stream of power at a lower level. This makes a world of difference.
We tested this with a classic challenge: defrosting a frozen chicken breast. Using the dedicated defrost setting, the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven performed admirably. The chicken was thawed evenly throughout, without any of the cooked or rubbery edges that are so common with standard microwaves. We then reheated a plate of leftover spaghetti bolognese. The results were again impressive. The sauce was heated through without splattering, and the pasta was perfectly warm, not dried out in some spots and cold in others. This confirms what one user reported: it “warms food thoroughly and evenly.” This technology elevates the appliance from a simple “reheater” to a more capable cooking tool, ensuring superior results that you can taste. The Quick Defrost function, which combines time and power settings, proved to be an efficient and reliable feature for everyday use.
The Capacity Conundrum: Compact Size vs. Plate Space
One of the most debated aspects of any compact microwave is its internal capacity. COMFEE’ states this model has a 19L capacity with a 29.8 cm turntable, designed to be more spacious internally than older 17L models while maintaining a smaller external footprint. For the most part, we found this to be true. It easily accommodated our standard-sized bowls, mugs, and ready-meal containers. The internal dimensions (listed as 30 x 29.8 x 20.6 cm) provide a decent amount of usable space for its class.
However, real-world user experiences present a more nuanced picture. One happy user mentioned it “can just about fit my large dinner plate in.” This was our experience too; our 27cm plates fit with a little room to spare. Conversely, a critical review stated that their standard 27.5cm dinner plate rubbed against the side as it rotated, and they measured the internal dimensions to be smaller than advertised. This discrepancy is a critical point for potential buyers. Our advice is simple: measure your largest, most frequently used dinner plates before you buy. If they are over 27cm, you might find the fit too tight for comfort. For most users with standard tableware, this won’t be an issue, but for those with oversized plates, it’s a crucial factor to consider. It seems the trade-off for the wonderfully compact exterior is a snug interior that pushes the limits of some “standard” dish sizes, a compromise worth weighing before you make your final purchasing decision.
Build Quality, Design, and the Durability Question
There’s no denying the aesthetic appeal. The sleek mirror door and black finish look fantastic in a modern kitchen, as confirmed by users who called it “brillant, contemporary, stylish.” But this design comes with a few practical considerations. The mirror finish, while beautiful, is a fingerprint magnet and will require frequent wiping to stay pristine. The appliance’s lightweight nature is another double-edged sword. While great for portability, we confirmed a user’s finding that “unless it’s against a wall when you push the button the machine does move.” A gentle push on the door button can cause the entire unit to slide back on a smooth countertop. Placing it against a wall or on a non-slip mat easily solves this minor annoyance.
The most significant concerns arise from reports on long-term durability. While many users are perfectly happy, calling it “good quality” and “durable,” a few have reported significant issues. One user’s timer broke just outside the one-year warranty. Another reported a much more severe and frankly dangerous-sounding failure, with a melted central spindle and cracked glass plate, compounded by a lack of accessible customer support. These negative experiences, while seemingly in the minority, cannot be ignored. They suggest potential inconsistencies in quality control. For a budget-friendly appliance, the expectation shouldn’t be lifetime durability, but these reports are a sober reminder that you are investing in an entry-level machine. For many, the low price and excellent day-to-day performance will be a worthwhile trade-off, especially if you check the latest price and find a great deal.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing the broad spectrum of user feedback gives a clear and balanced view of the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven. The overwhelming positive sentiment centres on its simplicity and design. One user perfectly captured this, saying, “Beautiful microwave… No bells and whistles because that’s not what I wanted. Just heats the food and tings nicely when done.” This encapsulates the product’s core appeal. Many others praise its “price-reliability ratio,” calling it a “potent and cost-efficient appliance.”
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. The most common minor complaint is about the dim interior light, which one reviewer noted “isn’t very bright when the microwave is running.” The more serious concerns revolve around quality control and longevity. The user whose timer broke “just over a year old” serves as a cautionary tale about budget electronics. The most alarming review detailed a catastrophic failure and an inability to claim on the warranty, stating, “Basically, there is no support and the oven is a right off.” While these severe complaints appear to be outliers, they highlight a potential risk and the importance of purchasing from a retailer with a reliable return policy.
How Does the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven Compare?
No product exists in a vacuum. To understand its true value, we need to compare the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven against its closest competitors in the compact solo microwave category.
1. 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 represents the digital alternative. It offers a slightly larger 20L capacity and a more powerful 800W output, which will heat food marginally faster. Its key differentiator is the digital control panel, complete with 8 auto-cook settings and a 60-minute timer. This is the microwave for someone who finds the COMFEE’ a bit too basic and desires the convenience of presets for things like popcorn or baked potatoes. The stylish black and rose gold finish also offers a different aesthetic. You trade the COMFEE’s tactile simplicity for digital precision and features.
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
Sticking with the same brand, this retro-styled COMFEE’ model is for those who prioritise aesthetics above all else. Available in striking colours like Passionate Red, it makes a bold design statement. Functionally, it’s a step up from our reviewed model, with a 20L capacity, 800W of power, and 8 auto-cook menus. It essentially combines the digital features of the Tower with a unique, vintage look. This is the best choice for a user who wants more power and functionality than the manual COMFEE’ but prefers a fun, retro design over a modern or standard one.
3. Russell Hobbs RHM1714B 17L Microwave
- 700W WITH 5 POWER LEVELS - Features 5 microwave power levels to tailor your cooking experience, including a convenient, defrost setting so you can cook meals straight from the freezer
- COMPACT DESIGN – (H)26.2 x (W)45.2 x (D)36 CMs microwave with 17L capacity. This microwave will fit seamlessly onto any countertop without taking up too much room
The Russell Hobbs RHM1714B is perhaps the most direct competitor, targeting the ultra-compact market. At 17L, it has a smaller capacity than the COMFEE’, making it suitable for only the most space-constrained kitchens. Like the Tower, it opts for a digital interface with 5 power levels and auto-cook menus, offering more functionality in a tiny package. The choice between the COMFEE’ and the Russell Hobbs comes down to a simple preference: do you want the COMFEE’s larger 19L capacity and dead-simple manual dials, or the Russell Hobbs’s more compact 17L frame with the added features of a digital display?
Our Final Verdict: Is the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven is overwhelmingly positive, albeit with important caveats. This is not a microwave for everyone, but for its intended audience, it is a spectacular choice. Its greatest triumphs are its elegant, minimalist design and its beautifully simple two-dial control system. The addition of InverTech for even heating elevates it above many basic models, turning it from a simple box into a genuinely effective cooking tool.
It is the perfect appliance for students, seniors, those living in small apartments, or anyone who simply wants an appliance to do its job without any fuss. The weaknesses—a dim light, a lightweight body that can slide, and some concerning reports on long-term durability—are understandable trade-offs for its very accessible price point. If you value straightforward functionality, a compact footprint, and modern style, and are willing to accept the potential risks associated with a budget appliance, then we can wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s a stylish, no-nonsense workhorse that gets the job done well.
If the COMFEE’ CMO-MP012ND(MB) 19L Mini Microwave Oven sounds like the perfect, uncomplicated solution for your kitchen, you can check its latest price and availability right here.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API