In any modern kitchen, the microwave is an unsung hero. It’s the silent workhorse we turn to for everything from reheating last night’s dinner in a hurry to defrosting chicken for a spontaneous meal, or even just making the perfect bag of popcorn for movie night. I’ve been through my fair share of microwaves over the years, from bulky, clunky models that took up half the counter to underpowered units that left food with frustratingly cold centres. The search for the “right” microwave often feels like a balancing act: we want something powerful enough to cook evenly, compact enough to not dominate our precious workspace, stylish enough to complement our kitchen’s aesthetic, and intuitive enough that we don’t need a pilot’s license to operate it. The Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave entered our test kitchen promising to tick all these boxes. On paper, it looks like the ideal solution for small families, couples, or anyone needing a reliable, attractive appliance without unnecessary bells and whistles.
- CAPACITY - With a compact and stylish design, this 20 litre capacity microwave is perfect for any kitchen
- POWER - Boasting 800W of power, this microwave can handle all of your cooking, reheating, and defrosting requirements
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. Unlike combination models with grills or convection ovens, a solo microwave’s strength lies in its simplicity and speed. It’s designed to do one job—heat food with microwave radiation—and do it exceptionally well. The main benefits are speed, efficiency, and ease of use. It’s the perfect tool for busy individuals who need to get meals on the table quickly, reheat beverages, or steam vegetables without turning on the main oven. For many households, it’s the most-used appliance after the kettle, making the choice of which one to buy a surprisingly important decision.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of limited time and space. This includes students in dorms, professionals in city apartments, or small families who need a straightforward appliance for daily reheating and defrosting tasks. They value simplicity over complexity and are looking for a reliable machine that gets the job done without a steep learning curve. Conversely, a solo microwave might not be suitable for those who love to bake, roast, or achieve crispy, browned results. If your culinary ambitions involve grilling bacon or baking a cake, you would be better served by a combination or convection microwave, which offers far greater versatility, albeit at a higher price point and with a more complex interface.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: First and foremost, measure your available counter space. The Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave has a compact footprint, but you must also account for ventilation space, typically a few inches around the back and sides. A 20-litre capacity is generally sufficient for standard dinner plates, but if you frequently use larger casserole dishes, you may need to size up.
- Capacity/Performance: Wattage directly impacts cooking speed. At 800 watts, this model sits comfortably in the standard range for a compact microwave, offering a good balance between power and energy consumption. For solo microwaves, the key performance metric is heating evenness. A good turntable system is essential to avoid the dreaded hot-and-cold spots.
- Materials & Durability: This is arguably the most critical and often overlooked factor. The interior cavity material matters immensely. While most exteriors are plastic and steel, interiors can be painted steel, stainless steel, or ceramic enamel. Painted steel is common in budget models but, as we discovered, can be highly susceptible to rust and peeling if not flawlessly manufactured and maintained. This can drastically shorten the appliance’s lifespan.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A microwave should simplify your life, not complicate it. Look for intuitive controls—like the jog dial and buttons on this model—and a clear display. For maintenance, an “easy-clean” interior sounds great, but its effectiveness depends entirely on the quality of the coating. Wiping down the interior after every use, especially after cooking steamy foods, is a non-negotiable part of long-term care to prevent moisture damage.
While the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave is an excellent choice on paper, 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, Modern, and Deceptively Simple
Unboxing the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave, our initial reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The unit boasts a sleek, contemporary silver finish that blends seamlessly into a modern kitchen aesthetic. It feels substantial without being overly heavy, and its compact dimensions (45.2cm wide) meant it found a home on our countertop without any trouble. The mirrored door adds a touch of premium elegance, reflecting the kitchen and making the space feel a little larger. Setup was a breeze: we simply removed the packaging, placed the glass turntable on its roller ring, plugged it in, and set the clock using the intuitive jog dial. The combination of the dial for setting time and the clearly labelled buttons for functions like ‘Defrost’ and ‘Stop/Cancel’ felt refreshingly straightforward compared to some overly complex button-only interfaces. It looked and felt like a well-designed appliance ready for daily use. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of its initial appeal.
What We Like
- Stylish and modern silver design with a mirrored door
- Intuitive jog dial and button controls are very easy to use
- Compact 20L capacity is ideal for smaller kitchens
- Useful auto-defrost and auto-cook functions for convenience
Drawbacks
- Severe and widely reported issues with premature rusting inside
- Questionable long-term build quality and component durability
A Deep Dive into the Russell Hobbs RHM2017’s Performance
An appliance can look fantastic, but its true value is only revealed through rigorous, real-world testing. We put the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave through its paces over several weeks, using it for everything from simple reheating to more demanding defrosting tasks. What we found was a machine with a dual personality: one of impressive initial performance and convenience, overshadowed by a deeply concerning, fundamental flaw.
Design and Usability: A Promising Start
In terms of pure day-to-day operation, this microwave is a pleasure to use. The design team at Russell Hobbs clearly focused on creating a user-friendly experience. The main control is a large, tactile jog dial that feels responsive and precise. Spinning it to add 30 seconds or dial in a specific 5-minute cooking time is quick and intuitive. This is a significant improvement over repeatedly pressing a ‘+30 Sec’ button. The other functions are handled by clearly labelled push buttons, including Power Level, Clock, and the auto-cook menus. We found the Child Safety Lock feature to be a thoughtful addition, providing peace of mind for families with young children—it’s easily activated by holding the ‘Stop/Cancel’ button for three seconds.
The 20-litre capacity, paired with a 24.5cm turntable, is perfectly adequate for standard dinner plates, bowls of soup, and microwave-safe containers. We never struggled to fit our everyday dishes inside. The digital display is bright and easy to read from a distance. Aesthetically, it punches above its weight, with the mirrored finish giving it a premium look that belies its affordable price point. For its ease of use and stylish appearance alone, it’s easy to see why so many are initially drawn to this model when they check the latest price and availability.
Everyday Cooking and Reheating Performance
With 800 watts of power, the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave performs its core duties competently. We found it heated a bowl of leftover chili evenly in about two and a half minutes, with no significant cold spots—a testament to the effective turntable system. Steaming a bag of frozen vegetables took the recommended time, and a mug of water for tea was piping hot in under two minutes. The five power levels offer useful flexibility; we used a lower setting (around 40%) to gently soften butter without melting it into a liquid mess.
The pre-programmed auto-cook menus are a convenient shortcut. We tested the ‘Pizza’ setting on a single slice and the ‘Popcorn’ setting on a standard bag, and both produced excellent results without any user guesswork. The standout feature in this category, however, is the automatic defrost function. By simply selecting the defrost option and using the jog dial to input the weight of the food (e.g., 0.5kg of chicken breasts), the microwave calculates the optimal time itself. In our tests, it worked remarkably well, thawing meat thoroughly without starting to cook the edges—a common failing in lesser microwaves.
The Achilles’ Heel: A Critical Flaw in Durability and Materials
This is where our review takes a sharp and disappointing turn. Despite its strong performance in usability and cooking, we discovered a catastrophic flaw in the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave. After just a few weeks of normal use, we began noticing something alarming. The interior of the microwave is made of painted steel, and we found that moisture would collect heavily around the inside of the door and underneath the plastic roller ring for the turntable, especially after cooking steamy foods like rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Despite wiping the interior dry after each use as recommended, we started to see small, orange-brown specks appearing along the bottom seam where the walls meet the floor of the cavity. It was rust. At first, it was minor, but it became progressively worse. A quick search of user feedback confirmed our worst fears: this was not an isolated incident with our test unit. We found an overwhelming number of reports from other owners detailing the exact same issue, with rust appearing in as little as a few months. Users noted rust forming “inside and round the edge where the door shuts” and “underneath the three wheels where the tray spins.” This is a fundamental failure of the product’s material science. A microwave, an appliance intrinsically designed to work with moisture and steam, should not be rusting from normal operation. This isn’t just a cosmetic problem; it compromises the integrity of the machine and raises safety concerns about particles flaking into food. It is, without a doubt, the product’s Achilles’ heel and a shocking oversight for a brand as established as Russell Hobbs. This single issue turns what could have been a top recommendation into a serious liability, a flaw that is a deal-breaker for any informed buyer.
Component Longevity and Aftercare Concerns
The rusting issue was the primary problem, but our investigation into long-term ownership revealed other red flags. Several users reported that the interior bulb failed within the first year. While a broken bulb is a minor inconvenience on most appliances, on this model, it is apparently difficult or impossible for the user to replace. Plunging the interior into darkness makes it difficult to monitor food as it cooks.
Even more concerning were the accounts of the glass turntable spontaneously shattering during operation after about 18 months of use. When the owner in question reached out to the manufacturer, they were informed that replacement turntables were not sold. This lack of available spare parts is unacceptable. It means a single, relatively minor component failure can render the entire appliance useless, forcing the customer to purchase a brand new microwave. This suggests a “disposable” product philosophy that doesn’t align with consumer expectations of durability or value for money, especially when you invest in a new kitchen appliance.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly corroborated by the broader community of users. While many, like us, were initially captivated by the appliance’s appearance and functionality, the ownership experience often soured over time. Positive comments frequently praise its aesthetics and simplicity. One user happily stated, “Love the look of this, looks smart and modern,” while another noted it was “Very nice looking microwave and easy to use.” These comments reflect the excellent first impression the machine makes.
However, these are tragically overshadowed by a chorus of complaints centered on the exact durability issues we encountered. One deeply dissatisfied owner reported, “had less than 6 months and even though I clean and dry after every use, it has started rusting inside.” Another shared a similar story: “After a year the inside edge behind the door has rusted badly…it lets off a metallic smell.” The sentiment is clear; a significant number of these units are failing in the same way, pointing to a systemic manufacturing or design defect rather than isolated lemons. These reports are crucial for any potential buyer to consider.
How Does the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 Compare to the Alternatives?
Given the significant drawbacks we uncovered with the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave, it’s essential to look at what else is on the market. Here are three strong alternatives that may better serve your needs.
1. Panasonic NN-ST45KWBPQ 32L 1000W Touch Control 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...
If you’re looking for a significant upgrade in both size and power, this Panasonic model is an excellent choice. With a cavernous 32-litre capacity and a powerful 1000-watt output, it’s designed for larger families or those who cook in bigger batches. It features advanced sensor cooking technology to automatically adjust cooking times, 21 auto programs, and a sleek touch control panel. While it comes at a higher price point and requires more counter space, it represents a leap forward in performance and durability for anyone who feels constrained by the compact size and power of the RHM2017.
2. Russell Hobbs RHM2563 900W Solo Microwave
- the russell hobbs rhm2563 microwave has a stylish and professional outlook, boasting an attractive mirror door finish. as well as an appealing look, this appliance also includes impressive...
- the rhm2563 from russell hobbs has a spacious 25 litre cavity capacity, comfortably fitting a large size dinner plate. it comes with a removable and dishwasher safe glass turn-table for easy cleaning.
For those who like the Russell Hobbs brand aesthetic but are rightly concerned about the RHM2017’s issues, the RHM2563 could be a worthy alternative. This model is a step up, offering a larger 25-litre capacity and a more powerful 900-watt motor for faster cooking. Its stainless steel finish is often more durable and resistant to the kind of interior rusting that plagues its smaller sibling. It maintains the user-friendly digital controls but provides more room and power, making it a better fit for a small family that needs a bit more versatility and, hopefully, better longevity.
3. Nostalgia Retro 800-Watt Microwave
- 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...
If style is a primary motivator, the Nostalgia Retro microwave is a fantastic alternative. It offers the same 800-watt power as the Russell Hobbs model but in a slightly larger 25.4L capacity, all wrapped in a charming 1950s-inspired design available in several vibrant colours. It features a simple-to-use jog dial and 12 pre-programmed settings. This microwave is for the buyer who wants their appliance to be a statement piece in their kitchen. It prioritizes unique aesthetics while still delivering solid, standard microwave performance, making it a fun and functional choice.
Final Verdict: A Case of Style Over Substance
The Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave is a deeply frustrating product. It gets so much right on the surface: its design is sleek and modern, its controls are wonderfully intuitive, and its core cooking performance is perfectly adequate for its size and power. It’s an appliance that makes an excellent first impression and, for a short while, feels like a smart and stylish purchase. However, this attractive facade conceals a fatal flaw that we simply cannot overlook.
The widespread, well-documented issue of premature rusting is a complete deal-breaker. An appliance designed to be in constant contact with food and steam should be built with materials that can withstand those conditions for years, not months. This, combined with reports of other components failing and a lack of available spare parts, paints a picture of a product not built to last. While the price is tempting, the potential need to replace it in a year or two makes it a poor long-term value proposition. For this reason, we cannot recommend the Russell Hobbs RHM2017 20L 800W Digital Microwave. We strongly advise investing in one of the more reliable alternatives mentioned above to ensure your money is spent on an appliance that will serve your kitchen faithfully for years to come.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API