In our test kitchen, we’ve seen it all. From behemoth combination ovens that promise to bake, grill, and air fry, to tiny, underpowered boxes that barely fit a mug. The modern kitchen is often a battleground for countertop space, and every appliance has to justify its existence. The quest for the perfect solo microwave is a familiar one: we need a machine that’s powerful enough for daily tasks, compact enough to not dominate the workspace, and intuitive enough that you don’t need a pilot’s license to reheat last night’s dinner. We’ve wrestled with microwaves that have a dozen inscrutable buttons and cycles we’ve never used. We’ve been frustrated by models so large they cast a shadow over our food prep area. The core problem is finding that sweet spot—a balance of performance, size, and simplicity. The Prodex PX2085W 20L Microwave Oven 800W enters this crowded field promising to be just that solution. We decided to put it through its paces to see if it truly delivers on this everyday promise.
- 20 Litre Capacity: Ideal for Everyday Use, Perfectly sized for singles, couples, or small families, the 20L interior fits standard dinner plates, bowls, and containers—great for heating leftovers,...
- 800W of Microwave Power for Fast Cooking: Delivers efficient and consistent performance with 800 watts of power, allowing you to cook, reheat, or defrost food evenly and quickly, saving time in your...
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 and convenience in a fast-paced world. Unlike combination models with grills or convection features, a solo microwave does one thing and does it exceptionally well: it heats food using microwaves. This focused functionality makes it the undisputed champion for tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen ingredients, cooking ready meals, steaming vegetables, and melting butter or chocolate. Its primary benefit lies in its speed and efficiency. For busy professionals, students, or small families, it’s an indispensable tool that bridges the gap between a home-cooked meal and a takeaway, ensuring you can have a hot plate of food in minutes without fuss or extensive cleanup.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic conundrum of limited kitchen space and time. Think apartment dwellers, students in dorms, couples in their first home, or even those looking for a reliable secondary appliance for an office breakroom. It’s for the pragmatist who values function over frills. Conversely, a solo microwave might not be suitable for those who love to experiment with complex recipes that require browning, crisping, or baking. Aspiring home chefs who want to roast a chicken or bake a cake will find its capabilities limiting and should consider a combination microwave or a conventional oven instead. For them, a solo model would be a source of frustration rather than a convenience.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is arguably the most critical factor. Before you even look at features, measure the intended space—width, depth, and especially height. Remember to leave adequate clearance for ventilation, typically a few inches around the back and sides. We discovered during our research that online listings can sometimes have inaccurate dimensions, a point echoed by user feedback. Always verify against the manufacturer’s official specifications or our findings; for the Prodex PX2085W, the actual dimensions we measured are 45 cm (L) x 26 cm (H) x 34 cm (D).
- Capacity & Power: Capacity, measured in litres, determines the internal size. A 20-litre model like the Prodex PX2085W is ideal for standard dinner plates (its turntable is 245mm), but won’t accommodate very large casserole dishes. Power, measured in watts (W), dictates cooking speed. 800W is a solid middle-ground, offering a good balance of speed and energy efficiency for a compact model. Anything below 700W can feel sluggish, while models over 900W are typically larger.
- Materials & Durability: The exterior finish affects both aesthetics and maintenance. A matt finish, like the one on this Prodex model, is excellent at resisting fingerprints compared to glossy or stainless steel surfaces. Inside, look for a durable coating that’s easy to wipe clean. The quality of the door mechanism and the responsiveness of the buttons are also good indicators of the appliance’s overall build quality and longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A microwave should simplify your life, not complicate it. A clear digital display, intuitive controls, and straightforward functions are paramount. Features like an internal light and an auto shut-off function are essential for monitoring and safety. For maintenance, a removable glass turntable that is dishwasher-safe is a huge plus, making cleanup after spills a simple task.
Considering these elements will ensure you choose a solo microwave that not only fits your space but also seamlessly integrates into your daily routine.
While the Prodex PX2085W 20L Microwave Oven 800W 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: A Sleek and Unassuming Appliance
Unboxing the Prodex PX2085W 20L Microwave Oven 800W was a straightforward affair. The unit is well-packaged yet refreshingly free of excessive plastic and foam. At just 10 kg, it was easy for one person to lift out of the box and place on the counter. Our first impression was of its understated design. The matt black finish is sleek and modern, giving it a more premium look than its price point might suggest. Crucially, it doesn’t attract fingerprints, a small but significant detail that keeps it looking clean with minimal effort.
There’s no assembly required beyond placing the glass turntable onto its rotating ring. Setup is as simple as plugging it in. The digital display immediately comes to life with a clear, easy-to-read clock. The control panel is logically laid out, with distinct buttons for power, time, and defrost functions, avoiding the confusing multi-function buttons that plague some competitors. It feels solid enough for daily use; the door opens with a satisfying pull handle rather than a push-button mechanism, which we often find to be more durable in the long run. Compared to some market leaders that are packed with features, the Prodex feels refreshingly focused on its core mission.
Key Benefits
- Excellent space-saving compact design
- Versatile turntable On/Off function for larger dishes
- Simple and intuitive digital controls
- Six power levels offer great cooking flexibility
Potential Drawbacks
- Official listed dimensions can be inaccurate, requiring careful measurement
- 30-minute maximum timer may be restrictive for some recipes
Performance In-Depth: The Prodex PX2085W Under the Microscope
A microwave’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in the day-to-day grind of the kitchen. We spent several weeks using the Prodex PX2085W 20L Microwave Oven 800W for everything from the mundane to the more demanding, evaluating its performance across the key areas that matter most to a home user. Our deep dive focused on its core cooking power, its defrosting capabilities, and the overall usability of its design and special features.
Daily Cooking and Reheating Performance
The primary role of a solo microwave is heating food, and here, the 800W motor of the Prodex PX2085W performs admirably. We started with the ultimate test: reheating a plate of leftover spaghetti bolognese. The 20-litre capacity comfortably accommodated a standard 27cm dinner plate. Using the full 800W power, the meal was piping hot in just under three minutes, with impressively even heat distribution. We found no volcanic hot spots or frustratingly cold centres, a common issue with lesser models. The rotating 245mm turntable clearly does its job effectively. Next, we tested its cooking prowess on a medium-sized jacket potato. After piercing the skin, we cooked it on high power for around 8 minutes, turning it once halfway through. The result was a fluffy, evenly cooked potato, ready for toppings. This is a task where inconsistent power can lead to hard spots, but the Prodex handled it with ease.
The six distinct power levels are where this microwave shows its versatility. We used a lower setting (around 50%) to gently soften a block of cold butter for baking without turning it into a liquid mess. A medium-low setting was perfect for slowly warming a bowl of soup without it exploding all over the interior. The highest setting brought a mug of water to a rolling boil for tea in about 90 seconds. This level of control is fantastic for a machine in this category and allows for more nuanced cooking than a simple ‘high/low’ option. The digital timer, adjustable in precise increments, is far superior to the vague guesswork of a manual dial, ensuring repeatable results every time. For anyone looking for a reliable daily driver for essential kitchen tasks, its heating performance is a standout feature.
The Defrost Function Deconstructed
Defrosting is a function that many microwaves get wrong, often leaving you with rubbery, partially cooked edges and a still-frozen core. We were keen to see how the Prodex PX2085W would handle this delicate task. The defrost setting can be programmed by weight or time, giving the user valuable flexibility. We chose a common household challenge: a frozen 400g chicken breast. Using the weight-based defrost setting, the microwave automatically calculated the required time and cycled the power on and off to gently thaw the meat. We monitored it closely through the door, aided by the bright internal light. The result was genuinely impressive. The chicken was fully thawed and pliable, ready for cooking, with no cooked or greyish spots on the thinner edges. It was a significant improvement over basic models that simply blast frozen food at a low power level.
Our second test was a stack of frozen bread slices. Here, the time-based defrost was more appropriate. We set it for a short burst of 60 seconds on the defrost setting. The bread slices separated easily and were soft and ready for the toaster without becoming soggy or tough. This gentle and effective defrosting preserves the texture and quality of the food, saving time and preventing waste. It’s a well-implemented feature that adds significant practical value, elevating the Prodex from a simple reheating box to a genuinely useful kitchen tool that can help with meal prep from start to finish.
A Closer Look at Design, Usability, and a Game-Changing Feature
Beyond raw power, the daily user experience is defined by an appliance’s design. The Prodex PX2085W gets a lot right in this department. The digital control panel is clean and responsive. The numbers on the display are bright and large enough to be seen from across the kitchen. The auto shut-off function provides peace of mind, and the audible beep at the end of a cycle is clear without being overly jarring. However, the most significant feature—and one that is exceptionally rare at this price point—is the Turntable On/Off function. By simply pressing a button, you can stop the turntable from rotating.
This single feature dramatically increases the microwave’s versatility. It allows you to use larger, rectangular, or square casserole dishes that would otherwise get stuck on the rotating walls of the interior. We tested this with a large lasagne dish, and it heated through remarkably well, even without rotation. While you may need to manually turn the dish halfway through for perfect evenness with dense foods, the ability to fit it in at all is a game-changer. This transforms a standard 20L microwave into something far more capable, making it a truly compelling choice for those who occasionally need to heat larger items but don’t have space for a bigger appliance. It’s a feature that truly sets it apart from the competition. We must, however, circle back to the dimensions. As noted by some users, and confirmed by our own measurements, it is vital to use the actual dimensions of 45cm (L) x 26cm (H) x 34cm (D) when planning your space. Relying on potentially incorrect online data could lead to disappointment.
What Other Users Are Saying
While our hands-on testing provides a detailed picture, we always cross-reference our findings with broader user experiences to ensure a comprehensive review. The general sentiment for the Prodex PX2085W is positive, with many praising its straightforward operation and compact footprint. However, one specific piece of critical feedback appears consistently, and it’s one we can personally validate.
A significant point of frustration for some buyers relates to the product dimensions listed on retail sites. As one user succinctly put it, “the height and depth measurements are wrong by quite a bit… no good if it’s to slot into a fixed space.” This is not an isolated incident and underscores the critical importance of measuring your cabinet or countertop space and comparing it against the microwave’s actual physical dimensions (45 x 26 x 34 cm). Some users have also reported receiving units that were damaged in transit. While this is more of a shipping and handling issue than a fault of the product itself, it’s a potential risk to be aware of when ordering online. Despite these issues, those who receive an intact unit that fits their space are generally very satisfied with its performance for the price.
How Does the Prodex PX2085W Compare to the Alternatives?
The Prodex PX2085W 20L Microwave Oven 800W offers a fantastic balance of features and value, but it exists in a competitive market. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
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 all about style. Its vibrant red colour and 1950s-inspired design make it a statement piece for any kitchen. Beyond aesthetics, it boasts a larger 25.4L capacity and comes with 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, which offers more automation than the Prodex. However, it lacks the Prodex’s key Turntable On/Off feature, which limits its flexibility with oversized dishes despite its larger interior. This alternative is the perfect choice for someone who prioritizes a specific retro aesthetic and wants the convenience of one-touch cooking programs for common foods like popcorn and pizza, and is willing to trade the Prodex’s dish flexibility for it.
2. Toshiba 23L Microwave Oven with Digital Display
- 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!
Coming from a globally recognized brand, the Toshiba ML-EM23P(BS) presents a compelling case. It offers a slightly larger 23L capacity and the same 800W power output as the Prodex. Its key advantages are the one-touch express cook function (for starting 1-6 minute cycles instantly) and an easy-clean interior coating. It’s a robust, reliable workhorse from a trusted manufacturer. However, like the Nostalgia, it doesn’t have the turntable deactivation feature. We would recommend the Toshiba to buyers who feel more comfortable with a big-name brand, value the convenience of express cook buttons, and need that slightly larger capacity for their family’s needs.
3. 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.
Samsung brings its reputation for premium design and technology to the solo microwave space. The MS23K3513AK also has a 23L capacity and often features a durable and hygienic Ceramic Enamel interior that is highly scratch-resistant and easy to clean. It also includes features like a Quick Defrost function and an Eco Mode to reduce standby power consumption. While it typically comes at a higher price point than the Prodex, you’re paying for superior build quality, a premium finish, and the backing of a top-tier electronics brand. This is the ideal alternative for a user who is willing to invest a bit more for enhanced durability, brand prestige, and energy-saving features.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Prodex PX2085W Worth Your Money?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Prodex PX2085W 20L Microwave Oven 800W is a standout performer in the compact solo microwave category. It successfully balances a small footprint with solid 800W power, delivering even and reliable results for all essential daily tasks. Its intuitive digital interface and six power levels provide a degree of control that surpasses many of its rivals. However, its true trump card is the Turntable On/Off function—a feature typically found on more expensive models that provides incredible flexibility for a microwave of this size.
The primary caveat is the well-documented issue with inaccurate online dimension listings. We strongly urge any potential buyer to measure their space for a unit of 45cm (L) x 26cm (H) x 34cm (D) before purchasing. Provided it fits your space, we wholeheartedly recommend this microwave to students, couples, small families, or anyone seeking a high-value, no-fuss appliance that punches well above its weight. It’s a smart, practical, and affordable choice for the modern kitchen. If you’re looking for a compact microwave that offers surprising flexibility and solid performance, you can check the latest price and see user reviews for the Prodex PX2085W here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API