Walk into any modern kitchen, and you’re likely to see a sea of stainless steel, glossy black, and sterile white. Our appliances have become incredibly functional but, somewhere along the way, they lost their soul. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with appliances in pastel shades of mint and cream, each with rounded corners and satisfyingly chunky dials. They weren’t just tools; they had character. For years, my own kitchen has been a testament to function over form, with a generic, boxy microwave that did its job but added zero joy to the space. It reheated my coffee and defrosted chicken, but it was an eyesore I tried to ignore. The search for a replacement wasn’t just about finding something that worked; it was about reclaiming a piece of that charm, finding an appliance that could be a statement piece as well as a workhorse. This quest for a microwave that blends nostalgic design with modern performance is what led us directly to the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave.
- Compact & Stylish: This sage green microwave is perfect for small spaces, offering both a compact microwave design and a stylish touch to your sage green kitchen accessories.
- Powerful Cooking: With an 800W microwave and 5 power settings, this digital microwave oven ensures fast, even cooking for all your meals, perfect for any kitchen.
What to Consider Before Buying a Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rapid, convenient cooking and reheating in the modern home. Its primary function is to simplify meal preparation, whether you’re defrosting ingredients for dinner, warming up last night’s leftovers for a quick lunch, or preparing a simple snack. The main benefits are speed, efficiency, and simplicity. Unlike combination ovens with complex grill or convection functions, a solo microwave focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: using microwaves to heat food quickly and evenly. This straightforward approach makes them incredibly user-friendly and generally more affordable, occupying a vital role in the daily rhythm of any busy kitchen.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of limited counter space, a fast-paced lifestyle, or a preference for aesthetic cohesion in their kitchen design. This includes students in dorms, couples in apartments, or homeowners designing a kitchen with a specific vintage or cottage-core theme. It’s for the person who values both form and function and needs a reliable machine for daily heating tasks without the complexity of extra cooking modes. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who require advanced features like grilling, baking, or air frying from a single appliance. Large families who need to heat large casseroles or multiple plates at once may also find a standard 20-litre solo microwave too restrictive, and would be better served by a larger combination microwave oven.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A microwave’s footprint is paramount, especially in smaller kitchens. Before purchasing, measure the intended counter space meticulously, ensuring there’s enough clearance for ventilation around the sides and back (typically a few inches). The HADEN 800W Retro Microwave measures 34 x 45 x 25.5 cm, making it a compact choice, but you must confirm these dimensions will work for your specific nook.
- Capacity & Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines the size of the dishes you can fit inside. A 20-litre capacity, like Haden’s, is ideal for standard dinner plates and bowls but may struggle with larger items. Performance is dictated by wattage; 800 watts is a solid middle-ground, providing enough power for quick and even heating without the higher energy consumption of 1000W+ models. Also, consider the turntable diameter (24.5 cm here), as it’s the true limiting factor for plate size.
- Materials & Durability: The interior material is a key indicator of long-term durability and ease of maintenance. Many budget microwaves use a painted enamel interior, which can chip or peel over time. The HADEN 800W Retro Microwave features a stainless steel interior, which is more robust, corrosion-resistant, and significantly easier to wipe clean of food splatters.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The control interface can make or break the user experience. Haden employs a hybrid system of a digital display with a manual dial and push buttons, aiming for the best of both worlds: precision and tactile simplicity. For maintenance, a removable glass turntable and a smooth stainless steel interior are the gold standard, allowing for effortless cleaning with a simple wipe-down.
While the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave 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 a Piece of the Past
Unboxing the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave felt less like unpacking an appliance and more like revealing a curated design piece. The unit arrived securely packaged, and lifting it out, the 10kg weight gave an immediate sense of solid construction—no flimsy plastic here. The “Cotswold Green” colour is the first thing that grabs you. It’s a soft, muted tone that instantly evokes a sense of calm and nostalgia. It’s worth noting a sentiment echoed in several user reviews: the colour leans more towards a duck egg blue than a true sage green. In our testing kitchen, with its cream cabinets and grey tiling, the colour was a perfect complement, but those seeking a perfect match for existing sage accessories should take note. The polished chrome handle and dials provide a beautiful contrast, feeling sturdy and satisfying to operate. The overall aesthetic is a knockout punch of vintage charm, a far cry from the utilitarian boxes that dominate the market. Setting it up was as simple as plugging it in, though we immediately confirmed one of the most common user complaints: the power cord is quite short. You’ll need to place this microwave very close to an outlet, which could limit placement options. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to gauge if these initial points align with your needs.
What We Like
- Stunning retro design that serves as a kitchen statement piece.
- Simple, intuitive controls combining a digital display with a tactile dial.
- Durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel interior.
- Compact footprint ideal for smaller kitchens and countertops.
What We Didn’t Like
- Internal capacity is too small for larger items like standard microwave popcorn bags.
- The power cord is exceptionally short, limiting placement options.
- Colour is more “duck egg blue” than the advertised “sage green”.
A Deep Dive into the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave’s Performance
An appliance can be beautiful, but if it doesn’t perform its core function well, it’s just decoration. We spent several weeks putting the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave through its paces, moving beyond its charming facade to evaluate its real-world cooking power, everyday usability, and overall construction. We wanted to know if its performance could live up to its impeccable style.
The Heart of the Matter: Design, Build, and That Controversial Colour
The primary reason anyone considers this microwave is its design, and in person, it does not disappoint. The cohesive aesthetic is Haden’s signature. The smooth, curved edges, the font on the digital display, the satisfying click of the control dial—it all works in harmony to create a truly premium-feeling product. When paired with the matching Haden kettle and toaster, as some users mentioned they did, it creates a powerful and coordinated look that elevates an entire kitchen. The build quality feels substantial. The door opens and closes with a reassuring clunk, not a hollow plastic rattle, and the glass turntable sits securely on the roller ring. We did note one user’s report of receiving a unit with an upside-down brand sticker and another with a dent from shipping. While our review unit was flawless, it’s a reminder that with any product, occasional quality control lapses or shipping damage can occur, so it’s wise to inspect it carefully upon arrival.
Now, let’s talk about the colour. Labelled “Cotswold Green,” we found, like many users, that it presents as a soft, gentle duck egg blue in most lighting conditions. For us, this was a happy accident; the colour is beautiful and versatile. However, if your heart is set on a true, earthy sage green to match existing decor, you may be disappointed. We recommend looking at user-submitted photos online to get a better sense of the true shade before you make a final decision. Despite this potential mismatch, the overall aesthetic is so strong that even users who noted the colour difference were still overwhelmingly pleased with its stylish appearance.
Everyday Cooking Power and Real-World Capacity
With 800 watts of power and five distinct levels, the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave is perfectly equipped for the vast majority of daily microwave tasks. We tested it extensively. Reheating a bowl of chili on full power took just under two minutes and resulted in consistent, even heating with no cold spots—a testament to the effective turntable and power distribution. Using a lower power setting to soften a stick of butter for baking yielded perfect results without melting it into a puddle. The defrost function, which can be set by weight or time, handled a frozen chicken breast admirably, thawing it through without cooking the edges, a common failing of lesser microwaves.
However, the 20-litre capacity, while great for saving space, comes with a significant trade-off. This was driven home when we tried to make popcorn. As one user review vividly described, a standard-sized bag of microwave popcorn, once it begins to inflate, is too large for the interior. The corners of the bag catch on the walls, stopping the turntable from spinning and leading to a sad, partially-popped, and slightly scorched mess. This is a critical limitation. The 24.5 cm turntable is fine for dinner plates up to about 9.5 inches, but anything larger, or anything with an awkward shape, will be a struggle. For reheating single servings, bowls of soup, or mugs of coffee, it’s flawless. But for families, popcorn lovers, or those who use larger cookware, its compact nature is a genuine drawback you should carefully consider before you check the latest price and availability.
Usability: The Beauty of Simplicity (and One Glaring Flaw)
In an age of overly complicated appliances with dozens of buttons and obscure preset menus, the Haden’s control scheme is a breath of fresh air. The hybrid digital/analogue interface is brilliantly intuitive. The large dial is used to set the time, weight, or select an auto-program, and it feels wonderfully tactile. Simple push buttons handle start, stop, power level, and the ever-useful Express function (which immediately starts the microwave for 30 seconds at full power). We found we could operate it without even glancing at the manual after the first use. This simplicity is a huge plus for anyone who is tired of deciphering cryptic icons on a control panel. Several users commented on how “easy to use” and “easy to understand” it is, and we wholeheartedly agree.
Internally, the stainless steel cavity is a major usability feature. Unlike painted interiors that can stain and degrade, stainless steel is tough and incredibly easy to clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth after a minor spaghetti sauce explosion was all it took to make it look brand new. This durable interior promises a longer lifespan and less hassle over the years, a feature that really sets it apart in its price range. The one glaring flaw in its usability, as mentioned earlier, is the power cord. It is comically short. In our tests, we had to use an extension cord in two out of three potential kitchen locations. This seems like a baffling oversight in an otherwise well-designed product and is a practical frustration that multiple users have pointed out. Be prepared to place it directly adjacent to your power outlet.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through feedback from other owners provides a well-rounded picture that largely confirms our own findings. The overwhelming majority of positive comments centre on the microwave’s stunning aesthetic. Phrases like “beautiful, practical and good quality,” “super cute,” and “really love this stylish microwave” are common. Many buyers, like one who noted it “goes great with the kettle and toaster,” purchased it as part of a matching set to create a cohesive kitchen look.
On the critical side, the feedback is just as consistent and aligns with our testing. The most frequent complaint is the colour discrepancy, with one user stating it’s “definitely more duck egg blue than sage green.” The second major issue is the compact size, perfectly encapsulated by the user who was devastated that “it’s too small for standard microwave popcorn packets.” Finally, the very short power cord was cited as a significant “downside.” These specific, real-world critiques are invaluable, highlighting practical limitations that aren’t obvious from a product description alone but are crucial for potential buyers to understand.
How Does the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave Compare to the Alternatives?
While the Haden has carved out a niche with its specific charm, the retro microwave market is competitive. It’s important to see how it stands against other popular models that offer different features and aesthetics.
1. 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
The COMFEE’ Retro Microwave is perhaps the Haden’s most direct competitor in both function and spirit. It offers the same 800W power and 20L capacity, but wraps it in a vibrant, “Passionate Red” shell. The key differentiator here is the control panel. While the Haden opts for elegant simplicity, the COMFEE’ model includes 8 auto-cook menus for things like pizza, soup, and popcorn. For a user who values presets and wants a more automated cooking experience without sacrificing retro style, the COMFEE’ is an excellent alternative. It’s for the person who wants their microwave to be as smart as it is stylish.
2. Samsung MS23K3513AK 23L Solo Microwave Black
- 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.
If you prioritize pure function and brand reputation over nostalgic design, the Samsung MS23K3513AK is the logical choice. This is a modern, sleek workhorse. Its primary advantage is its larger 23-litre capacity, which can more comfortably accommodate bigger plates and dishes. It also features a ceramic enamel interior, which is durable and easy to clean, and advanced functions like a deodorization setting to keep the interior fresh. The Samsung is for the pragmatic user who wants maximum capacity and features for their money and sees an appliance as a tool, not a decor piece.
3. Swan SM22030LBLN Retro 800W 20L Digital Microwave
- POWERFUL 800W & 5 HEAT SETTINGS: Features a powerful 800W output for faster cooking and heating, with 5 heat settings that can be adjusted to suit your needs – ideal for everyday convenient cooking
- LARGE 20L CAPACITY: The huge inner 20 litre capacity can easily fit a standard size dinner plate, giving you versatility to use large dishes to cook for the whole family
Swan is another major player in the retro appliance space, and their SM22030LBLN model is a very close match to the Haden. With identical 800W power and 20L capacity specs, the decision between the Swan and the Haden will almost certainly come down to aesthetics and brand preference. The Swan offers a different range of pastel colours, including this distinct blue, and features a slightly different dial and handle design. For the shopper who loves the retro concept but isn’t completely sold on Haden’s specific “duck egg green” colour or design language, the Swan presents a fantastic and functionally equivalent alternative.
Our Final Verdict on the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the HADEN 800W Retro Microwave is a triumph of design that successfully marries form with solid, everyday function. It is the perfect choice for individuals, couples, or anyone with a smaller kitchen who places a high value on aesthetics. It does its core job of heating and defrosting food reliably and evenly, and its simple controls and easy-to-clean interior make it a joy to use daily. Its beauty is its biggest selling point, and it truly can be the centrepiece that ties a kitchen’s decor together.
However, it is not without its compromises. The compact interior is a real limitation for larger items, the power cord is frustratingly short, and the “sage green” colour is not what you might expect. If you frequently cook for a large family, love giant bags of popcorn, or require pinpoint colour accuracy for your design scheme, you may want to look elsewhere. But for those who understand and accept its limitations, the Haden offers something that most appliances don’t: character. It’s a charming, capable, and beautiful machine that makes a mundane task feel a little more special. If you’re ready to add a splash of vintage style and reliable performance to your countertop, we highly recommend you find out more and check the latest pricing today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API