Russell Hobbs RHMT2005S Microwave Review

Review Summary

The Russell Hobbs RHMT2005S is a compact and stylish microwave that packs reliable performance into a small footprint. With its 20L capacity, 800W power, and user-friendly features, this microwave is a great choice for quick meal preparation in smaller households. After spending some time testing it in a busy kitchen, it became clear that its mix of design and functionality is well-suited for people seeking a no-fuss appliance that gets the job done efficiently.

Design & Build Quality

One of the standout features we noticed immediately is the microwave's modern, mirror door finish. Its sleek, reflective design not only adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen but also complements most modern décor. However, while the mirror finish is appealing, it does attract fingerprints and smudges easily, meaning frequent cleaning is required to maintain its shine.

The compact design was a big advantage for us, especially in a smaller kitchen. Its 20L capacity may sound modest, but we found it more than adequate for reheating meals, defrosting frozen food, and cooking quick dishes. The microwave easily accommodated standard-sized dinner plates on its 255mm turntable. The touch control panel, while intuitive, may feel a bit sensitive, requiring a light touch to register inputs.

Performance & Features

When testing the 800W power output, we found that it heats food efficiently, particularly on higher power levels. The microwave cooked evenly across a variety of dishes—whether reheating leftovers or steaming vegetables. The 10 power levels allow for precise adjustments, making it versatile for different types of food. For example, we found that defrosting meat was consistent, without overcooking the edges.

The 6 auto-cook functions were particularly helpful during testing. The pizza reheat option produced a crispy crust, while the potato cook function delivered perfectly soft results. These pre-set functions took the guesswork out of cooking, ideal for busy professionals or anyone unfamiliar with microwave settings.

Usability & Convenience

During our testing, the touch controls were responsive but did take a few tries to master due to their sensitivity. The digital display was bright and clear, showing countdowns and settings at a glance. The child lock feature worked as expected, providing peace of mind when the microwave was left unattended in a home with children.

The compact size was a major convenience, fitting into tight countertop spaces without compromising capacity. The defrost function was particularly fast and efficient, ideal for quickly thawing meat when short on time. We found the overall operation of the microwave intuitive, making it easy to recommend for users of all experience levels.

Value for Money

At a price point around £79, the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005S offers excellent value. Compared to other microwaves in the same price range, it stands out for its stylish design and wide range of cooking features. For everyday cooking and reheating, it delivers strong performance without any major shortcomings, and we felt it’s priced competitively for what it offers.

Who It’s For

• Small households: Ideal for individuals or couples who don’t need a high-capacity microwave.
• Busy users: Those looking for quick meal solutions with auto-cook options will find it especially useful.
• Style-conscious consumers: The sleek mirror finish makes it a perfect fit for modern kitchens.

Overall Rating: 4/5

After putting the Russell Hobbs RHMT2005S through its paces, we found it to be a reliable, versatile, and stylish option for smaller households. While it may lack the power or capacity of higher-end models, it makes up for this with excellent functionality, ease of use, and compact design. The microwave handles day-to-day tasks with ease and provides great value for its price point.