I remember the day my all-singing, all-dancing digital microwave finally gave up. It had a sleek touch panel, 25 pre-programmed settings (of which I used maybe three), and an LCD screen that could probably have launched a small satellite. After two years of faithful service, it died with a fizzle and a cryptic error code. The repairman quoted a price that made buying a new one the only logical choice. This experience left me with a profound sense of “feature fatigue.” I didn’t want another complex machine; I craved simplicity. I wanted an appliance that did one job—heating food—and did it well, without needing a user manual the size of a novel. My search led me to appliances that championed function over fuss, which is how the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven landed on my kitchen counter for testing.
- STYLISH SIMPLICITY » Fresh and practical in white, it is time for an upgrade. The microwave with its minimalist front, rounded edges and smooth lines is a great addition to any kitchen. It is also...
- BRITISH INSPIRED » Since 1958, Haden have been the pioneers of microwaves, toasters and kettles, inspired by the British countryside. Our microwaves are made to last with the quality that you have...
What to Consider Before Buying a Simple Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for uncomplicated, rapid cooking and reheating. In a world of combination steam ovens and air-frying microwaves, the solo microwave holds its ground as the undisputed champion of straightforward utility. Its main benefits lie in its ease of use, smaller countertop footprint, and lower cost. It’s designed for the core tasks: defrosting a chicken breast, reheating last night’s takeaway, melting butter for baking, or making a quick mug of soup. It’s the workhorse of the kitchen, unburdened by the complexities of convection or grilling functions you may never use.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact feature fatigue I experienced. This includes students in a dorm, elderly parents who appreciate tactile, unambiguous controls, anyone with a smaller kitchen, or households looking for a reliable secondary microwave. It’s for the person who values a simple turn-dial-and-go operation. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who want to bake, roast, or grill in their microwave. Large families or aspiring home chefs who need a versatile, multi-function appliance would be better served by a combination microwave oven, which integrates convection and grilling capabilities.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: First, measure your available counter space. A model like the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven, with dimensions of 35.8 x 45.1 x 25.6 cm, is considered compact. Ensure you leave adequate clearance around the sides and back for ventilation, which is crucial for safety and performance. Don’t just think about width and depth; consider the height, especially if you plan to place it under cabinets.
- Capacity & Performance: A 20-litre capacity is standard for solo models and is generally sufficient for dinner plates up to 24.5 cm in diameter. The wattage, in this case 700W, dictates cooking speed. While higher wattage (900W-1000W) heats faster, 700W is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks and is more energy-efficient. Look for multiple power levels, as this gives you finer control for tasks like gentle defrosting or simmering sauces.
- Materials & Durability: The interior material is a critical, and often overlooked, factor. Most budget microwaves feature a white-coated or painted interior, which can chip, peel, and rust over time, sometimes leading to sparking. A stainless steel interior, as advertised for this product, is far superior. It’s more durable, doesn’t harbour odours, is easier to clean, and reflects microwaves more efficiently for more even cooking.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The choice between digital touchpads and manual dials is a personal one. Dials offer tactile, straightforward control that many find faster and more intuitive than navigating menus. For maintenance, a removable glass turntable is essential for easy cleaning. A smooth, non-porous interior like stainless steel can be wiped down in seconds, making upkeep a breeze.
While the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity, 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 the HADEN 20L’s Minimalist Charm
Pulling the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven from its box felt like a breath of fresh air. There were no complex parts, no bewildering array of accessories—just the microwave, the glass turntable, and a roller ring. Its clean, white exterior and minimalist front panel with just two chrome-finished dials evoke a sense of nostalgic simplicity. The smooth lines and rounded edges give it a soft, unobtrusive look that would blend into almost any kitchen decor without screaming for attention. The pull handle feels sturdy and provides a satisfying mechanical action compared to the push-buttons on many modern units.
Upon opening the door, we were greeted by the promised stainless steel interior. It was bright, felt robust, and immediately conveyed a sense of higher quality than the typical painted cavity. However, our initial positive impressions must be tempered with a significant word of caution. We are aware of a large number of user reports detailing two major issues: receiving units with unexpected dents or damage right out of the box, and, more troublingly, receiving models with a white-coated interior instead of the advertised stainless steel. While our test unit was exactly as described, this inconsistency is a serious concern. We strongly advise anyone who decides to purchase this microwave to inspect it meticulously upon arrival to ensure it matches the product description.
What We Like
- Unbeatable Simplicity: The two-dial control system is intuitive, fast, and a welcome escape from complex digital menus.
- Durable Stainless Steel Interior: When the correct model is received, the steel cavity offers superior durability, easy cleaning, and more even heating.
- Quiet Operation & Classic ‘Ting’: It operates without the incessant, high-pitched beeping of modern microwaves, finishing with a single, satisfying chime.
- Compact & Stylish Design: The minimalist white aesthetic fits well on any countertop without being obtrusive.
Drawbacks
- Significant Quality Control Issues: Numerous reports of units arriving with dents, scratches, or pitting in the interior cavity.
- Inconsistent Product Fulfillment: A major concern is buyers receiving models with a white-painted interior instead of the advertised stainless steel.
Putting the Haden to the Test: A Deep Dive into Real-World Performance
A microwave’s true worth is proven not on the spec sheet, but in the daily grind of reheating coffee, defrosting meat, and warming up leftovers. We put the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven through a series of everyday kitchen tasks to see if its performance matched its promisingly simple design. We focused on its core usability, its heating power, and the much-debated stainless steel interior.
Simplicity in Action: The Joy of Jog Dial Controls
In a tech-saturated world, there’s an undeniable pleasure in using the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven’s manual controls. The top dial manages the six power levels, ranging from a low setting perfect for softening butter or defrosting bread, to the high setting for rapid reheating. The bottom dial is a simple 30-minute mechanical timer. There is no clock to set, no menus to navigate, and no presets to decipher. You simply put your food in, turn one dial for power, another for time, and walk away. The action is immediate and tactile. We found ourselves appreciating this directness more and more with each use. One of the most celebrated features, confirmed by our testing and echoed in user feedback, is the sound. There are no loud beeps when you turn the dial or open the door. When the timer runs out, it doesn’t scream at you five times. Instead, you get a single, classic, and rather charming ‘ting’. It’s a small detail, but one that significantly enhances the user experience, especially in a quiet home. However, one minor criticism we share with other users is that the smooth, chrome-finished knobs can be a bit difficult to grip and turn, especially the timer dial which has more resistance. This could be a slight challenge for users with dexterity issues.
The 700W Power Plant: Surprisingly Punchy Performance
With many modern microwaves boasting 900W or 1000W, we were curious to see how the 700W HADEN 20L Microwave Oven would fare. We were pleasantly surprised. For a direct comparison, we reheated an identical portion of leftover lasagne that had previously taken 2 minutes and 30 seconds in a 900W Panasonic. In the Haden, it took just under 3 minutes to reach the same piping-hot temperature throughout. This fractional increase in time is negligible for most users and is a fair trade-off for lower energy consumption. The microwave handled every task we threw at it with competence. A bowl of soup was steaming in 2 minutes, and it made wonderfully fluffy scrambled eggs in under 90 seconds, just as one user had praised. The dedicated defrost function, which uses a lower power setting, worked effectively on a frozen block of mince, thawing it evenly without cooking the edges—a common failing of more powerful, less nuanced microwaves. The 24.5cm turntable is large enough for a standard dinner plate, making it practical for everyday meals. Ultimately, we found the 700W power to be more than sufficient, confirming that this little microwave really does pack a punch.
The Stainless Steel Interior: A Durability Promise (With a Major Caveat)
This feature is, without a doubt, the most important and contentious aspect of the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven. For those who receive the correct version, the stainless steel interior is a game-changer in this price bracket. Throughout our testing, it proved its worth. Spills and splatters wiped away effortlessly with a damp cloth, with no staining or lingering odours. Unlike painted interiors that can bubble and peel over time when exposed to steam and heat, the steel cavity is built for the long haul. This longevity is the primary reason many, including us, would choose this model over its similarly priced competitors. It eliminates the risk of paint chipping off and creating a “sparking” hazard from exposed metal underneath, a common cause of microwave failure. We found it also seemed to reduce condensation build-up compared to our old unit, a benefit noted by other satisfied users.
However, we cannot in good conscience ignore the elephant in the room. The sheer volume of feedback from users who ordered this microwave specifically for its steel interior, only to receive a white-painted one, is deeply concerning. This isn’t a minor cosmetic issue; it’s a fundamental failure to deliver the product as advertised. Furthermore, even among those who received the steel version, reports of pitting, dents, and scratches inside the cavity upon arrival suggest a significant lapse in the manufacturer’s quality control. The manual itself warns against using the oven if there are dents in the cavity, making this a safety concern. Therefore, our expert assessment comes with a heavy asterisk: the stainless steel interior is a phenomenal feature that makes this appliance a fantastic value proposition, but only if you actually receive it in pristine condition.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring user feedback reveals a starkly divided opinion that hinges almost entirely on the product’s condition upon arrival and the accuracy of its description. On one side, there is a chorus of praise for the very things we loved during our testing. One user celebrated replacing their expensive, overly complex Panasonic with the Haden, noting it “cooks as well as the 900w Panasonic” and calling it a “little gem.” Another lauded its simplicity and the absence of incessant beeping, stating, “This lovely little unit just gives you that classic ‘ting’ ONCE… That’s all you need.” These positive reviews consistently highlight the easy-to-clean stainless steel interior and the straightforward controls.
On the other hand, the negative feedback is consistent and alarming. The most common complaint by a wide margin is the bait-and-switch regarding the interior. “Just bought this as the reviews said stainless steel interior. No it white coated,” one frustrated buyer wrote, a sentiment echoed by many others. Beyond that, quality control is a major point of failure. Numerous users report their microwaves arriving with “a huge bent on top of its body” or “multiple dents & scratches in the stainless steel interior.” Some even noted signs of “pit corrosion in the steel of the oven cavity,” a defect that renders the appliance unsafe to use according to the manufacturer’s own manual. This feedback is critical for potential buyers to consider; while the product’s design is excellent, the execution and delivery are a significant gamble.
How Does the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven Compare to the Competition?
While the Haden occupies a specific niche, it’s important to see how it measures up against other popular models. We’ve compared it to three distinct alternatives to help you decide if it’s the right fit or if your needs align better with another option.
1. Nostalgia Retro 800-Watt Microwave Oven
- 800 watts cooking power: At 25L, this microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods
- Convenient cooking controls: 12 pre programmed cooking settings, delay timer and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies and...
The Nostalgia Retro Microwave is for the buyer who loves simplicity but wants it wrapped in a bold, stylish package. Its main draw is its vibrant retro aesthetic, which makes it a statement piece rather than just an appliance. Functionally, it offers a slight power upgrade to 800W and a slightly larger 25.4L capacity. Where it differs most from the Haden is its control scheme; while it uses a jog dial, it’s part of a digital system with 12 pre-programmed settings and a digital clock. This is a great middle-ground for someone who finds the Haden a bit too basic but is still drawn to a simpler, dial-based interface over a full touch panel.
2. Sage Smart Oven Pro Brushed Stainless Steel
- The Sage Smart Oven Pro with Element iQ System is a high performance countertop oven. Reduce your cooking time by up to 30 Percent using the convection setting and choose from 10 cooking functions as...
- Elemet iq System. Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer power to where and when it's needed to create the ideal cooking environment for perfect results every time. Fast 2400 Watt...
Placing the Sage Smart Oven Pro next to the Haden is like comparing a bicycle to a family car. The Sage is a premium, high-end countertop convection oven that also happens to have microwaving capabilities. It’s not a solo microwave; it’s a multi-function powerhouse for those who want to roast, bake, and grill without using their main oven. It features advanced “Element iQ” technology for precise heating and a host of smart presets. This is the perfect alternative for a serious home cook with a generous budget who sees a microwave as just one feature of a larger, more versatile cooking tool. It is not, however, a direct competitor for someone seeking the Haden’s affordable simplicity.
3. 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 represents everything the Haden is not. It’s the modern, feature-rich digital microwave that many users are actively trying to move away from. With a massive 32L capacity, powerful 1000W inverter technology, a sleek touch control panel, and 21 auto programs, it’s designed for large families who need power, space, and versatility. It includes specialized features like a Junior Menu for making purees. If you find the Haden’s 20L capacity and 700W power too limiting and you enjoy the convenience of one-touch sensor cooking, the Panasonic is a far more suitable, albeit more complex and expensive, choice.
The Final Word: Should You Buy the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven?
The HADEN 20L Microwave Oven is a product of two extremes. In its ideal form—undamaged, with the advertised stainless steel interior—it is a triumphant success. It’s a wonderfully simple, effective, and refreshingly quiet machine that does its job without any unnecessary fuss. For anyone suffering from feature fatigue or seeking an intuitive appliance for an elderly relative, its design philosophy is spot on. The stainless steel cavity elevates it far above other budget models, promising durability and easy maintenance for years to come.
However, the significant and well-documented issues with quality control and fulfillment make it a risky purchase. The chance of receiving a damaged unit or, worse, a model with a completely different interior material, cannot be overlooked. Our recommendation is therefore a conditional one: we recommend the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven to those who are captivated by its back-to-basics charm and are willing to potentially navigate the returns process. If you decide to buy, inspect it immediately and thoroughly. If you get a good one, you’ll have found a true gem in a market full of overly complicated gadgets.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API