For years, my kitchen countertop was home to a bulky, off-white microwave that was a relic of a bygone era. It was a workhorse, I’ll admit, but it was an eyesore. It hummed a little too loudly, its plastic had yellowed with age, and it stuck out like a sore thumb against our newly renovated, modern kitchen aesthetic. Every time I looked at it, I felt a pang of frustration. The kitchen is the heart of our home, a space we’d invested time and money into perfecting, yet this one appliance was holding the entire look hostage. The problem wasn’t just about looks; finding a replacement meant navigating a sea of soulless, utilitarian boxes. I was searching for something that didn’t just heat food, but also complemented our decor—a functional appliance that could also be a statement piece. It needed to be reliable, easy to use, and compact enough not to dominate our precious counter space, but stylish enough that we didn’t want to hide it. This search for the perfect blend of form and function is what ultimately led me to the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven.
- Enhanced Cooking Precision: The 20L Digital Microwave features a sophisticated digital control panel and 60-minute digital timer, allowing for precise cooking times and temperatures, ensuring your...
- Versatile Cooking Options: With 5 microwave power levels, including a defrost setting and an express function, this cheap microwave offers flexibility for various cooking needs, from thawing frozen...
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rapid reheating, simple cooking, and efficient defrosting. For countless households, it’s the go-to appliance for everything from warming up last night’s leftovers to making a quick cup of hot chocolate or steaming vegetables. Its primary benefit lies in its simplicity and speed, offering a straightforward approach to food preparation that doesn’t require preheating or complex settings. It saves time, energy, and effort, making it an indispensable tool for busy families, students, and anyone needing a quick meal solution. It bridges the gap between a cold snack and a fully cooked meal in minutes.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for a reliable, no-fuss cooking appliance that excels at the basics. This includes individuals upgrading an old model, first-time homeowners setting up their kitchen, or those who value aesthetic cohesion in their appliances. It’s perfect for those who primarily use a microwave for reheating, defrosting, and cooking pre-packaged meals. However, it might not be suitable for those who require advanced features like grilling, convection baking, or combination cooking. If you’re an ambitious home chef looking for an all-in-one oven replacement, a combination microwave would be a better, albeit more expensive and complex, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your countertop space meticulously before you buy. Consider not only the width and depth but also the height, especially if you plan to place it under cabinets. You must also account for ventilation, leaving a few inches of clearance around the back and sides to prevent overheating and ensure longevity. A compact model like this Haden is great for smaller kitchens, but always double-check the numbers.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines how much you can fit inside. A 20-litre capacity, like that of the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven, is generally sufficient for standard dinner plates, bowls, and mugs. Check the turntable diameter (here, it’s 24.5cm) to ensure your largest plates will fit and rotate freely. Wattage dictates cooking speed; 800 watts is a solid middle-ground for efficient heating without being underpowered.
- Materials & Durability: The exterior is often a mix of stainless steel and coated metal, while the interior can be enamel or ceramic. Stainless steel exteriors, like the one on this model, offer a premium look and are generally durable, though they can show fingerprints. An easy-to-clean interior coating is a must-have for dealing with inevitable splatters and spills.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the control interface. Do you prefer simple manual dials or a digital panel with presets? A jog dial, as featured on the Haden, offers a tactile blend of both. For long-term care, a removable glass turntable makes cleaning much easier, and a smooth interior cavity without awkward crevices will save you significant scrubbing time.
While the HADEN 20L 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: Unboxing the Black & Copper Beauty
Upon its arrival, the first thing we noticed about the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven was its impressive styling. Unboxing was straightforward; the unit was well-protected by polystyrene, though we did note one user’s report of receiving a dented unit despite the packaging, suggesting a rare pre-packaging issue. Luckily, ours was pristine. Lifting it from the box, its 10kg weight felt substantial and well-built, not flimsy or lightweight like some budget models. The sleek black finish is matte and modern, but the real star of the show is the copper accents. The handle and jog dial have a warm, rose-gold hue that provides a striking contrast and an immediate touch of elegance. It felt less like a kitchen utility and more like a piece of deliberate design. Setting it up was as simple as plugging it in. Compared to the monolithic designs of competitors, the Haden Salcombe instantly felt more personal and stylish, aligning with the growing trend of feature appliances that contribute to a kitchen’s overall look. Several users confirmed our initial reaction, with one noting it was a “pleasant looking microwave that goes with the colour scheme of my other kitchen appliances,” showcasing its aesthetic appeal.
Advantages
- Stunningly stylish black and copper design that elevates kitchen decor.
- Simple and intuitive digital controls with a satisfying jog dial.
- Compact footprint ideal for smaller countertops without sacrificing capacity for a standard dinner plate.
- Solid 800W performance for even and efficient heating and defrosting.
Drawbacks
- Internal height is limited, making it difficult to fit taller items like jugs.
- Concerns over quality control, with isolated user reports of serious malfunctions and cosmetic damage on arrival.
A Deep Dive into the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven’s Performance
An appliance can be beautiful, but if it doesn’t perform its core function well, it’s just a decorative box. Over several weeks of intensive testing, we put the Haden through its paces, moving beyond simple reheating to explore its defrosting capabilities, auto-cook programs, and overall daily usability. We wanted to see if its performance could live up to its premium aesthetic promises. This is where we separate the contenders from the pretenders.
Design and Aesthetics: A Statement Piece for the Countertop
Let’s be clear: the primary draw of the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven is its design. In a market saturated with silver, white, and black boxes, the black and copper combination is a breath of fresh air. The main body has a smooth, understated matte black finish that resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives. The magic happens with the accents. The handle is a solid, comfortable bar with a polished copper finish, and the main jog dial shares this elegant touch. This retro-modern look is incredibly popular, and we found it integrated seamlessly with other copper-accented appliances like kettles and air fryers, a sentiment echoed by a user who bought it specifically to “match the colour of my air fryer.”
The control panel is clean and uncluttered. A small digital display shows the time and cooking progress, flanked by clearly labelled buttons for functions like Power Level, Defrost, and Auto Cook. The jog dial is the main method of setting the time, and it feels fantastic to use. It clicks with satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for precise time adjustments far more quickly than repeatedly pressing a “+30 sec” button. One user described it as having a “very Stylish Retro look” that “works nice&smooth!!!!”, which perfectly captures our experience. While one reviewer expressed disappointment that the handle wasn’t a “funky horn” shape as they misinterpreted from a photo, we found the simple bar handle to be both practical and elegant. The overall build feels solid, and at 45.1cm wide, it commands a presence without overwhelming the counter.
Core Cooking Performance: Power, Precision, and Daily Reliability
With 800 watts of power, the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven sits in the sweet spot for solo microwaves. It’s powerful enough to heat food quickly and evenly, but not so powerful that it’s prone to creating super-hot spots while leaving other areas cold. We tested it on a variety of tasks. Reheating a bowl of soup took about two minutes to reach a perfectly consistent, piping-hot temperature. A large dinner plate of leftovers, arranged with denser food on the outside, was evenly heated in just under three minutes, a testament to the effectiveness of the 24.5cm glass turntable which ensures full rotation. This experience was validated by users who found it “Works really well so far” and is “Big enough to hold a regular sized dinner plate.”
The five power levels add a crucial layer of control. We used a lower power setting (around 40-50%) to gently soften butter for baking without melting it into a liquid mess, and to defrost a loaf of bread without cooking the edges—a common microwave pitfall. The dedicated defrost function, which can be set by weight or time, proved particularly effective. We defrosted a frozen chicken breast using the weight setting, and it emerged fully thawed and ready for cooking, with no rubbery, pre-cooked spots. The “Express” function is another handy feature, starting the microwave at full power for 30 seconds with a single button press, perfect for quickly warming up a drink. This consistent and reliable performance makes it a joy to use for everyday tasks, something you can explore further by checking out its full feature set and user reviews.
Usability and Practical Limitations
Beyond raw power, daily usability is what makes or breaks a microwave. The Haden scores highly here, but with a few notable caveats. The interface is exceptionally intuitive. Selecting a power level and then turning the jog dial for time is a simple, two-step process that anyone can master in seconds. The cooking end signal is a clear, audible beep that’s hard to miss. The interior is coated with an easy-clean material, and after a minor bolognese sauce explosion, we found it wiped clean with a damp cloth effortlessly.
However, we encountered the same limitations mentioned by other users. One of the most significant is the internal height. As one user astutely pointed out, “the height of it is very low, and I’m unable to fit a jug in there like I could my old microwave.” We confirmed this; our standard-sized Pyrex measuring jug was too tall to fit, which is an annoyance if you frequently heat milk, sauces, or gravy in a jug. This is a crucial design trade-off for its sleek, compact profile, and something potential buyers must consider. Another usability quirk we, and another user, noticed is that the internal light remains on whenever the door is open. Many people (myself included) like to leave the door ajar after use to air it out and prevent condensation build-up. With this model, doing so means the light stays on indefinitely, which feels a bit wasteful. While not a dealbreaker, it’s an odd design choice worth noting for those who value energy-efficient functionality.
A Note on Quality Control
While our personal testing experience with the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven was overwhelmingly positive, it would be remiss not to address the more serious concerns raised in a handful of user reviews. These reports represent a minority of experiences but are significant. We found mentions of units arriving with cosmetic damage like dents, faulty digital screens (“the screen doesn’t work properly”), and in one alarming case, a unit that reportedly “set on fire after…6 weeks.” Another simply received a unit that “just doesn’t work.” These issues point towards potential inconsistencies in quality control. While our unit performed flawlessly and felt robustly built, these isolated but severe incidents suggest that there is a small risk of receiving a defective product. The included 2-year warranty provides a safety net, but it’s a factor that discerning buyers should weigh. The vast majority of feedback is positive, praising its design and function, but this small cloud of quality concerns lingers.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing the broader user feedback provides a well-rounded picture of the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with praise focusing heavily on its visual appeal. Comments like, “Beautiful looking thing,” “Mmmmm very Stylish Retro look,” and “smart looking microwave” are common, confirming that its design is its strongest selling point. Functionality and ease of use also receive frequent accolades. Users state it’s “Easy to use, looks nice in my kitchen,” “simple to use,” and a “Good size and easy to use.” The fact that it’s compact yet can still accommodate a 27cm plate is highlighted as a major plus for those with limited space.
On the negative side, the feedback, while less frequent, is pointed. The most common practical complaint revolves around its limited internal height, preventing taller items like jugs from fitting. However, the most concerning feedback involves quality control. The user who reported their microwave catching fire is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of faulty electronics. While this appears to be an extremely rare occurrence, coupled with reports of non-functional units and cosmetic damage upon arrival, it suggests that a small percentage of units may leave the factory with issues. This feedback is critical for setting realistic expectations: you are very likely to receive a fantastic, stylish, and functional microwave, but there’s an outside chance you may encounter a quality issue.
How Does the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand its value, we need to compare the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven against some of the other popular solo microwaves on the market. Each offers a different blend of features, size, and design philosophy, catering to different user needs.
1. Samsung MS23K3513AK 23L Microwave
- 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.
- Eco mode - reduce the use of your standby power with eco mode to help save money on your energy bills.
The Samsung MS23K3513AK offers a slightly larger 23-litre capacity and a sleek, minimalist design that will appeal to fans of modern, tech-forward kitchens. Its key advantage is the Ceramic Enamel interior, which is exceptionally scratch-resistant and easy to clean. It also features a deodorization function to quickly dissipate strong food smells. For those who prioritize a pristine interior and a bit more cooking space over retro aesthetics, the Samsung is a very strong contender. It’s less of a design statement than the Haden but arguably packs more practical interior technology for a similar price point, making it the choice for the pragmatist over the stylist.
2. Russell Hobbs RHM1731 Inspire 17L Manual Microwave
- INSPIRE COLLECTION - Combining superior, textured casing with a mirror-finish door, this contemporary microwave adds a touch of style to any kitchen
- COMPACT DESIGN - 17L capacity and a compact design, perfect for smaller spaces
The Russell Hobbs Inspire goes in the opposite direction. It’s smaller, with a 17-litre capacity, and features purely manual dial controls—one for power and one for time. This makes it incredibly simple to operate, perhaps even more so than the Haden’s digital interface, making it an excellent choice for those who want absolutely no-frills functionality. Its textured, modern white design is also quite attractive. Someone might prefer this model if their budget is tighter, their counter space is very limited, or they have a strong preference for the straightforward, tactile feel of manual controls over digital buttons and screens.
3. Toshiba 23L Microwave Oven Digital Display 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) is a direct competitor that focuses on powerful features and a larger 23L capacity. It matches the Haden’s 800W power but adds more robust functionality, including one-touch express cooking for popular foods like popcorn and potatoes, and six pre-programmed auto-cook menus. Its design is more conventional and corporate—a simple, clean black box. A user might opt for the Toshiba if they value a larger capacity and more automated cooking presets over the unique design of the Haden. It’s a workhorse built for functionality and convenience, appealing to busy families who need versatility.
The Final Verdict: Is the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven Right for You?
After extensive hands-on testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the HADEN 20L Microwave Oven is overwhelmingly positive, with a few important caveats. This is an appliance for someone who believes a microwave should do more than just heat food—it should also look good doing it. Its stunning black and copper design is its knockout feature, capable of elevating the aesthetic of an entire kitchen. This is paired with solid, reliable 800W performance, an intuitive jog-dial interface, and a compact form factor that’s perfect for most daily reheating and defrosting tasks.
It’s not without its flaws. The limited internal height is a real constraint for those who use tall containers, and the isolated but serious reports of quality control issues cannot be ignored. However, for the user whose priority is finding a beautiful, easy-to-use microwave for everyday tasks, the Haden Salcombe is a triumph. It successfully marries retro style with modern convenience. If you’re tired of soulless kitchen appliances and want a machine that performs reliably while adding a touch of elegance to your countertop, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and secure yours today.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API