In our experience, the microwave is often the forgotten appliance in kitchen design. We spend hours choosing the perfect finish for our fridge, the ideal hob, and the quietest dishwasher, only to plonk a generic, off-white box on the counter that screams “afterthought.” For years, my own kitchen suffered this fate. The microwave was purely functional—a loud, clunky machine that did its job but aesthetically disrupted the clean lines I’d worked so hard to create. It was a necessary evil. This common kitchen conundrum is what sends so many of us on a quest for something better: an appliance that doesn’t just perform its duties but enhances the space it occupies. The challenge is finding a microwave that offers sophisticated design without an eye-watering price tag, and robust performance without a complicated user manual. The SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L promises to be the solution to this very problem, merging a striking, minimalist aesthetic with the essential, everyday functionality we all need.
- GLASS TURNTABLE: A high quality glass turntable rotates while in operation, cooking food thoroughly while preventing hotspots in the dish
- 60-MINUTE TIMER: Provides enough time to cook your meals with complete precision so they’re perfect and ready to serve
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, reheating, and defrosting. It’s the unsung hero of quick weekday lunches, late-night snacks, and perfectly thawed ingredients for an evening meal. Unlike its more complex cousins (combi-microwaves with grills and convection ovens), the solo microwave’s beauty lies in its simplicity and speed. It focuses on doing one job and doing it exceptionally well, using microwave energy to heat food from the inside out. This makes it an indispensable tool for busy individuals, families, and anyone who values convenience and efficiency in the kitchen. Without one, you’re left with the slower, often less energy-efficient process of using a conventional oven for simple tasks like warming up last night’s leftovers or melting butter for a recipe.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for straightforward, reliable heating. This includes students in dorms, couples in their first apartment, small families, or even larger households looking for a secondary microwave for quick tasks. It’s perfect for those who prioritise speed and ease of use over complex cooking functions. However, it might not be suitable for those who want to brown, crisp, or bake in their microwave. If you’re an avid home cook looking for an all-in-one appliance to replace a conventional oven, you would be better served by a combination microwave oven. For the vast majority of users, though, a dedicated solo microwave like the SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L is precisely what’s needed.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The first rule of buying a countertop appliance is to measure your space. The SWAN Stealth has a footprint of 45 x 34 x 25.8 cm, which is relatively compact. Always ensure you have adequate clearance around the unit for ventilation—typically a few inches on the sides, top, and back—to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity, measured in litres, determines how much you can fit inside. At 20 litres, this microwave is ideal for standard dinner plates (its turntable is 25.5cm in diameter) and moderately sized dishes. Wattage dictates cooking speed; 800 watts is a solid mid-range power level, offering a good balance between speed and energy consumption for everyday tasks.
- Materials & Durability: The exterior casing and interior finish affect both looks and longevity. The matte black finish of the Stealth collection is designed to be modern and fingerprint-resistant. An easily wipeable interior, combined with a removable glass turntable, is crucial for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the appliance lasts for years.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A complicated interface can turn a simple task into a frustrating ordeal. Look for clear digital displays, intuitive buttons, and useful pre-programmed settings. The SWAN Stealth combines a mechanical knob for time/weight selection with clear push buttons for functions, aiming for a user-friendly experience. Regular cleaning of the interior and the glass turntable is the most important aspect of long-term care.
While the SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L 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:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Solo Microwaves, Including Top Turntable and Flatbed Models
- 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...
Unboxing the Stealth: First Impressions and Key Features
Pulling the SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L from its box, the first thing we noticed was its namesake finish. The matte black casing is genuinely striking—it absorbs light rather than reflecting it, giving the appliance a sophisticated, premium feel that instantly sets it apart from the glossy black or sterile white boxes common in this price range. At 10.2 kg, it has a reassuring heft; it feels solid and well-planted on the countertop, not flimsy or liable to slide around when you pull the door open. Setup is as simple as it gets: remove the packaging, place the glass turntable on its roller ring, and plug it in. The bright LED display immediately comes to life, ready for you to set the clock. The control panel is a tasteful mix of clearly labelled buttons and a single, satisfyingly tactile rotary dial. This hybrid approach feels like the best of both worlds—the precision of digital selection with the intuitive, physical feedback of a knob. It’s a design choice that speaks to the thoughtful engineering behind what could have been just another kitchen appliance, but instead presents itself as a piece of considered design. You can see its elegant design and full feature set here.
What We Like
- Stunning minimalist matte black “Stealth” design that elevates kitchen decor.
- Compact 20L capacity is perfect for smaller kitchens and standard dinner plates.
- Intuitive digital controls with a simple rotary dial and push buttons.
- Effective and straightforward defrost and auto-cook programs.
What We Didn’t Like
- 800W power is adequate but may be slower than 900W+ models for some tasks.
- The 20L interior might be restrictive for larger families or bulky cookware.
A Deep Dive into the SWAN Stealth’s Everyday Performance
A microwave can look fantastic, but its true value is revealed in the daily grind of reheating coffee, defrosting chicken, and making popcorn. We put the SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L through its paces for several weeks, integrating it into our daily kitchen routine to see if its performance lived up to its polished exterior. From early morning porridge to late-night leftovers, we explored every function and power level to deliver a comprehensive verdict.
Power, Precision, and Cooking Uniformity
At 800 watts, the SWAN Stealth sits comfortably in the middle of the power spectrum for solo microwaves. While not as lightning-fast as a 1000W or 1200W model, we found its performance to be impressively consistent and more than adequate for everyday needs. We started with the classic test: reheating a bowl of leftover chilli. Using the full power setting, the chilli was piping hot in the centre within 2.5 minutes, without any of the dreaded cold spots. This even heating is largely thanks to the 255mm glass turntable, which rotates smoothly to ensure every angle of the food is exposed to the microwave energy. To further test for hotspots, we covered a plate with a single layer of marshmallows and microwaved them for 45 seconds. The result was a uniformly puffed, melted layer, confirming that the energy distribution within the cavity is remarkably even.
The five distinct power levels are where the unit’s precision truly shines. We used a lower setting (around 40%) to gently soften a stick of butter for baking, and it worked perfectly, leaving it pliable without turning it into a melted puddle. The reheat function, which operates at a medium-high power, was perfect for warming a slice of quiche without making the pastry tough and rubbery. This level of control is something often overlooked but is crucial for achieving good results across a variety of food types. The 800W output represents a smart balance, providing enough power for quick heating while remaining energy-efficient. For most households, this level of consistent performance is the gold standard.
Design, Aesthetics, and Build Quality
The standout feature of the SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L is undoubtedly its design. The “Stealth” moniker is fitting. The matte black finish is deep, non-reflective, and has a slightly textured feel that resists fingerprints far better than its glossy counterparts. In our testing, even after a week of regular use by multiple people, the casing remained remarkably clean and free of smudges, requiring only a quick wipe with a soft cloth to look brand new. This is a huge practical benefit in a busy kitchen environment. The sleek, handle-less design, which uses an integrated recess and a push-button to open the door, contributes to its minimalist profile. It looks less like a utilitarian appliance and more like a piece of modern electronics.
Build quality feels robust for its price point. The door opens with a satisfying click and closes securely without feeling flimsy. The internal cavity is finished with a standard grey coating that proved easy to clean after a minor soup-related mishap. Its external dimensions of 45 x 34 x 25.8 cm make it a great fit for kitchens where counter space is at a premium, yet the 20L interior is cleverly designed to be large enough to accommodate a full-sized dinner plate with ease. Every component, from the smooth-turning control knob to the stable rubber feet, feels thoughtfully chosen to create a cohesive and durable product. It’s a microwave that you won’t want to hide away in a corner; rather, it’s an appliance that can become a stylish focal point. Explore its sophisticated design and check the latest price.
User Interface and Programmability
A microwave’s usability is paramount, and SWAN has nailed the balance between simplicity and functionality. The control panel on the Stealth is refreshingly straightforward. There are dedicated buttons for common tasks like Defrost and Auto Cook, alongside power level and clock settings. The large rotary knob is the primary interface for setting the time, and its intuitive turn-and-push operation makes it incredibly fast to dial in the desired duration. We found this much quicker and more pleasant to use than repeatedly pressing a “+30s” button.
The six auto-cook programs are genuinely useful. We tested the jacket potato setting on a medium-sized potato; it came out fluffy and cooked through, needing only a final few minutes in a hot oven to crisp the skin. The popcorn function worked flawlessly, leaving very few un-popped kernels. But the most critical program for many is Defrost. The SWAN Stealth offers a defrost setting that can be programmed by weight or time. We tested it on a 500g block of frozen minced beef, using the weight-based setting. The microwave calculated the time automatically and, after one turn halfway through, delivered a perfectly thawed result, free of the cooked edges and still-frozen centre that plague lesser machines. This reliability makes meal prep significantly less stressful. It’s this combination of simple controls and smart, effective programs that makes the SWAN Stealth a joy to use on a daily basis.
What Other Users Are Saying
While we conduct our own exhaustive hands-on testing, we also synthesize feedback from a wide range of online users to get a broader perspective. The sentiment surrounding the SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its aesthetics. Users frequently praise its striking matte black design, with many noting how it modernizes their kitchen without the high-end price tag. The compact size is another common highlight, often cited as perfect for smaller countertops in apartments or starter homes.
Ease of use is also a recurring theme. Many appreciate the straightforward digital controls and the satisfying feel of the rotary dial, finding it a welcome alternative to overly complex interfaces with dozens of buttons. On the other hand, some feedback points to its limitations. A few users with larger families find the 20L capacity restrictive for their bigger cooking dishes. Others have commented that the 800W power, while sufficient for most reheating and defrosting, can feel a bit slower on dense dishes compared to the 900W or 1000W models they may have used previously. This feedback aligns perfectly with our findings: it’s a stellar appliance for its target audience of individuals, couples, and small families who value style and simplicity.
How Does the SWAN Stealth Compare? Top 3 Alternatives
The SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L is a formidable contender, but the market is filled with excellent options. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives, each catering to slightly different needs.
1. Russell Hobbs RHMD714MG-N 17 Litre Matt Green Digital Microwave
- STYLISH - Wooden effect handle and dial for a Scandinavian inspired finish
- COMPACT - Ideal for kitchens with limited space
The Russell Hobbs microwave is all about making a style statement of a different kind. Its retro-inspired matt green finish and wood effect handle offer a charming, vintage aesthetic that contrasts with the SWAN’s modern minimalism. It’s slightly smaller at 17 litres and a touch less powerful at 700 watts. This makes it best suited for very compact kitchens or for users whose primary needs are reheating drinks and small meals. While the SWAN Stealth is sleek and modern, the Russell Hobbs is quirky and characterful. The choice between them comes down almost entirely to aesthetic preference and space constraints; for those who love the retro look and have minimal needs, it’s a fantastic option.
2. Panasonic 32L 1000W 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 the SWAN Stealth is built for style and sufficiency, this Panasonic model is built for capacity and power. It represents a significant step up in every metric: a cavernous 32-litre capacity can handle the largest family-sized dishes, and its 1000W power will cook and reheat food noticeably faster. It also boasts a staggering 21 auto programs, including dedicated menus for children’s meals. This is the microwave for a large, busy family or a power user who needs maximum versatility and speed. The trade-off is a much larger countertop footprint and a higher price. It’s less about kitchen decor and more about high-performance, high-volume functionality.
3. Panasonic NN-SD25HBBPQ 23L Microwave Oven
- Inverter technology - allows food to cook evenly for more consistent results
- 23 Litre capacity - can fit up to 2 kg of food
This second Panasonic model offers a compelling middle ground and is perhaps the SWAN’s most direct competitor in terms of performance upgrades. It’s slightly larger at 23 litres and more powerful at 1000W. Its key advantage is Panasonic’s Inverter Technology, which delivers a constant stream of power for more precise cooking and defrosting, preventing the on-off cycling of traditional microwaves. This results in more evenly cooked food, especially with delicate items. For users who are willing to spend a bit more for superior cooking technology and a boost in power and capacity, without committing to the giant 32L model, the NN-SD25HBBPQ is an exceptional choice.
Our Final Verdict: Is the SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the SWAN Stealth 800W Digital Microwave 20L is more than just a pretty face. It successfully marries high-end, minimalist design with solid, reliable everyday performance. Its greatest strength is its ability to elevate the look of a kitchen while flawlessly handling the essential tasks of reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking. The intuitive controls, even heating, and compact footprint make it an ideal choice for individuals, couples, and small families who value both form and function.
While it may not have the raw power or sheer capacity of larger, more expensive models, it isn’t trying to compete with them. It carves out its own niche as a stylish, user-friendly, and highly effective appliance for the modern home. If you’re tired of clunky, unattractive kitchen appliances and are looking for a solo microwave that performs reliably and looks fantastic doing it, this is an outstanding option. For its intended purpose and audience, it’s a nearly perfect package. If you believe your kitchen deserves an appliance that complements its style, check the latest price and secure your SWAN Stealth today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API