Life often throws small but persistent challenges our way, and for me, it was the daily struggle of quickly and efficiently preparing meals or simply reheating leftovers. Before I found a reliable solution, my kitchen routine was often punctuated by unevenly heated food, frustratingly slow cooking times, or appliances that were simply too complicated for straightforward tasks. This constant culinary inconvenience wasn’t just a minor annoyance; it often led to wasted time, unappetising meals, and a generally less organised household. It was clear that this problem needed a proper fix to bring harmony back to my kitchen.
When you’re faced with the need for rapid meal preparation or reheating, a microwave oven often emerges as the indispensable kitchen companion. This category of appliance is designed to solve common issues like time constraints, uneven heating, and the desire for quick, convenient cooking. An ideal customer for a solo microwave like the one we’ll discuss is someone living in a small to medium-sized household, a student, or an individual who primarily uses their microwave for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking tasks. They value ease of use, a compact footprint, and reliability over advanced features like grilling or convection baking.
Conversely, someone who regularly cooks for a large family, needs to bake or grill items, or desires a full range of complex cooking programs might find a solo microwave limiting. For such users, a combination microwave oven or even a separate oven and grill would be a more suitable investment. Before purchasing any microwave, consider its wattage for heating power, capacity (measured in litres) to ensure it fits your dishes, the number of power levels for versatility, available preset menus, and vital convenience features such as defrost settings, timers, and a child safety lock. Also, think about the overall design and how it will blend with your kitchen décor, and crucially, how intuitive the controls are for your daily needs.
Introducing the Toshiba 800w 20L Microwave Oven MW2-AM20PF(BK): An Overview
The Toshiba 800w 20L Microwave Oven with 8 Auto Menus, 5 Power Levels, Mute Function, and LED Cavity Light – Black – MW2-AM20PF(BK) is a freestanding, countertop solo microwave designed to be a straightforward yet highly functional kitchen appliance. It promises reliable and efficient heating for everyday tasks, boasting an array of convenient features aimed at simplifying your cooking experience. Upon purchase, the package typically includes the microwave unit itself, a roller ring, and a glass turntable. In comparison to some market leaders that might offer more advanced cooking modes, this Toshiba model focuses on core microwave functionality with user-friendly controls. It stands out from some previous basic models by incorporating an LED interior light and a dedicated mute function.
This Toshiba microwave is particularly suited for individuals or small families seeking a no-fuss, compact, and efficient appliance for reheating, defrosting, and quick meal preparation. It’s perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and a classic aesthetic. It might not be the best fit for culinary enthusiasts who require a grill or convection oven functionality, or those who consistently cook large quantities of food that demand a larger internal capacity.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on extensive use:
Pros:
* Compact physical size for a 20L capacity, saving countertop space.
* User-friendly two-knob control panel with a sleek, classic black design.
* Convenient mute function for silent operation, especially useful in quiet households.
* Offers 8 helpful preset menus for common foods, simplifying cooking.
* Provides even heating due to an effective turntable mechanism.
Cons:
* Control panel captions are small and lack sufficient contrast, making them hard to read in some lighting.
* The 30-second quick start button only activates full power, requiring manual adjustment for lower settings.
* The interior LED light can be perceived as dim or “ugly yellow” by some users, hindering visibility.
* The door handle can require a firm tug, sometimes causing the microwave to slide on smooth surfaces.
* Some users have reported issues with the waveguide cover sparking after a period of use, raising durability concerns.
Deep Dive: Unpacking the Toshiba MW2-AM20PF(BK)’s Capabilities
Having relied on the Toshiba MW2-AM20PF(BK) for quite some time, I’ve had ample opportunity to explore its various features and understand how they contribute to its overall performance. This isn’t just a basic appliance; it incorporates several thoughtful design elements that genuinely impact daily kitchen life.
Compact Design and Capacity
One of the first things you notice about this 800w microwave is its remarkably compact exterior (43.9W x 35.7D x 25.8H cm), especially for a 20-litre capacity model. This is a significant advantage if, like me, you have limited counter space. Despite its smaller footprint, the interior cavity (30.6W x 30.4D x 20.5H cm) is surprisingly practical. It comfortably accommodates standard dinner plates, bowls, and even my baby bottle steriliser, which was a pleasant surprise given past struggles with other microwaves being too shallow. The 20-litre capacity makes it ideal for single servings, reheating leftovers, or preparing quick meals for a couple. It’s certainly not designed for large casserole dishes, but for everyday needs, it hits the sweet spot between utility and space-saving design. The smaller glass turntable diameter (30.6 cm) compared to some older models might seem like a drawback initially, but it’s perfectly adequate for typical plate sizes and contributes to the overall compact nature of the unit.
800W Power and 5 Power Levels
At 800 watts, the Toshiba microwave oven delivers consistent and efficient heating. For most everyday tasks, from boiling water to reheating a plate of pasta, it performs admirably. Foods are heated through evenly, provided you allow the turntable to do its job. The five power levels (from low heat for softening ice cream to high heat for rapid reheating) offer excellent versatility. This is crucial for cooking a wide range of items that require different temperatures and durations. For instance, defrosting delicate items on a lower setting prevents them from cooking around the edges, while full power is perfect for popcorn or quickly warming up a soup. However, one minor frustration I’ve encountered is that the 800W setting is not the default. You need to manually select your desired power level each time you use the microwave if it’s anything other than full power (which is typically accessed via the 30-second express cook button). Similarly, while the 30-second button is handy for quick blasts, it only operates at full power, meaning you can’t use it to start on a lower setting. This requires an extra step of power selection and then pressing “Start” rather than just “Add 30 seconds” if you need less than max power. This isn’t a deal-breaker but can be a slight hindrance when you’re in a rush.
Helpful Preset Menu and Express Cook
The inclusion of 8 preset menus is a real time-saver. Whether I’m heating pasta, soup, potatoes, vegetables, fish, or even pizza, these auto-cook settings take the guesswork out of determining cooking times. They are particularly useful for those busy evenings when you just want to put something in and trust it will come out perfectly heated. The “Express Cook” function is equally convenient, allowing you to start cooking at P100 power from 30 seconds up to 95 minutes with a simple press of a button. For quick warm-ups, a single press gives you 30 seconds, and you can add more time in 30-second increments. This rapid start is incredibly useful when you’re just heating a mug of tea or a small bowl of leftovers.
Low-Noise Operation with Mute Function
One of the most underrated features of the MW2-AM20PF(BK) is its mute function. As someone with a young child, the loud beeps of previous microwaves were a constant source of anxiety, often waking the baby after late-night feeds or early morning snacks. The ability to silence the end-of-cooking beep is a game-changer. This means I can use the microwave at any time, day or night, without disturbing anyone. It’s a small detail, but one that significantly enhances the user experience, particularly in households where quiet operation is highly valued. The overall operation of the appliance is also relatively low-noise, adding to a more peaceful kitchen environment.
Great Interior LED Light and Turntable
The durable and energy-efficient LED interior light is a welcome addition, allowing you to check on your food while it cooks. This is particularly beneficial for tricky dishes where you need to monitor consistency or prevent boil-overs. However, I must concur with some user feedback that the light isn’t exceptionally bright and can appear with a slightly yellow tint. While it illuminates the cavity sufficiently to see if a plate is spinning, it doesn’t offer crystal-clear visibility into the contents of your dish, especially with the door’s colour shade. This isn’t a major issue for most tasks, but it’s worth noting if you expect a brilliant interior light. The glass turntable is fundamental to even cooking, rotating reliably to prevent cold spots and ensure thorough heating. A clever, albeit minor, design element is that the turntable consistently finishes its rotation with the handle of your mug or bowl facing you, which is a small but appreciated convenience.
Handy Features: Defrost, Timer, and Control Lock
Beyond the main cooking functions, this Toshiba 800w 20L Microwave integrates several “handy features” that truly enhance its usability. The defrost setting, which allows you to defrost by either time or weight, is remarkably accurate. This prevents the edges of food from cooking while the centre remains frozen – a common pitfall of less sophisticated defrost functions. The kitchen timer is an independent function, allowing you to use it for other cooking tasks even when the microwave isn’t in use. The large digital display is clear and easy to read, showing remaining time and selected settings. Furthermore, the child safety lock feature provides peace of mind, preventing curious little hands from accidentally operating the appliance. The control panel lock also means you can prevent accidental button presses during cleaning.
Timeless Design and Build Quality
Visually, the Toshiba MW2-AM20PF(BK) boasts a sleek black casing and two classic control knobs that give it a timeless appeal. It blends seamlessly with most kitchen décors, making it a discreet yet stylish addition. The build quality, with its metal exterior and stainless steel interior, generally feels robust. The interior cavity is notably easy to clean. While the official description states a stainless steel interior, some users have perceived it as a ceramic enamel cavity due to its excellent non-stick and easy-to-wipe properties, which prevent the kind of rust and scratching issues often seen in older, cheaper models. This ease of cleaning is a significant benefit, especially when dealing with splatters.
However, no product is without its flaws. The control panel, while featuring intuitive knobs, has captions that are frustratingly small and low-contrast white on black. In anything less than direct, bright kitchen lighting, they are genuinely difficult to read, requiring you to bend down or get very close to discern the settings. Another notable drawback is the door mechanism. While sturdy, the door handle requires a rather firm tug to open. If the microwave is on a smooth countertop, this often causes the entire unit to slide forward, requiring you to hold it steady with one hand while opening it with the other. This is a consistent minor annoyance.
A more serious concern, reported by some users and experienced in one instance by a long-term reviewer, is the potential for sparking from the waveguide cover after about a year of use. While Toshiba’s support has sometimes attributed this to food splatter (even when diligent about cleaning and using food covers), it raises questions about the long-term durability of this specific component. It’s a critical issue that, while not universally experienced, warrants attention and potential monitoring for anyone considering this model. Despite these points, my overall experience has been positive for daily functionality.
What Users Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
After scouring the internet for additional perspectives, it’s clear that many users share a largely positive sentiment towards the Toshiba 800w 20L Microwave. Many praise its compact size and modern black design, noting how well it fits into contemporary kitchens. The consensus is that it excels at its primary function: heating food thoroughly and efficiently. Users frequently highlight the intuitive nature of its controls, often commenting on the ease of use once the basic operations are understood, even if a quick read of the manual is initially helpful. The mute function is consistently lauded for allowing quiet operation, a major plus for households with sleeping children or those who simply prefer less kitchen noise. Positive remarks also focus on the easy-to-clean interior and the even cooking provided by the turntable. While some minor quibbles about the legibility of the control panel text or the door action occasionally surface, the overwhelming feedback points to a reliable and highly effective appliance for everyday microwaving needs.
Final Thoughts: Is This Microwave Right for You?
In conclusion, the daily challenge of quickly and efficiently preparing meals is a common one, and without a reliable microwave, it can lead to wasted time and culinary frustration. The Toshiba MW2-AM20PF(BK) offers a compelling solution to this problem, designed to streamline your kitchen tasks and ensure consistently heated food.
This solo microwave is a great fit for solving your everyday heating needs for several key reasons. Firstly, its compact 20L design and 800W power strike an excellent balance between space-saving and efficient performance, making it ideal for smaller households. Secondly, the thoughtful inclusion of features like 8 auto menus and the invaluable mute function truly enhance convenience and user experience, addressing common pain points like noisy operation and guesswork in cooking times. Lastly, despite minor usability quirks with the control panel and door, its core reliability and ease of cleaning make it a practical and durable choice for anyone seeking a no-frills yet highly effective microwave.
To explore this highly-rated kitchen companion further and see if it’s the right choice for your home, Click here to check the product out.