Koolatron Total Chef Retro Microwave Oven 20L, 700W (Black) — Digital LED, 8 Preset Modes

What it is and why people buy it

The Koolatron Total Chef retro microwave oven is a compact, countertop microwave designed for kitchens where space is tight but you still want day-to-day convenience. With 700W cooking power, a removable glass turntable, a digital LED display, and quick controls, it’s aimed at anyone who needs reliable reheating and straightforward cooking rather than complicated programming.

On paper, it also has a bit of personality. The black retro look with chrome-style detailing is the sort of finish that can actually fit in with a more characterful kitchen setup—rather than disappearing behind other appliances.

Key takeaways at a glance

This model leans practical. You get 8 preset modes for common foods and 5 cooking power levels, which helps if you’re not in the mood to manually fine-tune settings every time. There’s also a 60-minute timer, plus options that include quick start and defrosting by weight or time.

One small detail that matters more than you’d think: the turntable is removable, which makes everyday cleaning easier once you’ve finished the usual reheating cycle.

What stands out in everyday use

Presets are the main “time saver” here. Instead of guessing the time and power, you select a mode for foods such as coffee, rice, pasta, potato, fish, pizza and popcorn. For busy evenings, that can shave off a few decisions—especially if you’re making the same type of meal regularly.

The controls are also designed to feel simple: a dial and button layout with an LED display. If you’ve ever used a microwave where everything is buried in menus, this kind of direct approach can feel refreshing.

Limitations to keep in mind before buying

Although it’s marketed as versatile, a microwave like this stays “small microwave” territory. If you regularly cook large portions, very wide dishes, or anything that needs lots of room, you may find a compact format restrictive. Similarly, while 5 power levels and 8 presets help for everyday items, you may still need to experiment slightly for dishes outside the presets.

Also, the input suggests a removable turntable and dishwasher-suitable parts, which is convenient. Just keep in mind that not every spill will be totally painless—how quickly you clean still affects how stubborn marks become.

Tech summary that affects cooking

The essentials are straightforward: 700W cooking power, 8 preset modes, 5 power levels, and a 60-minute timer. There’s also a defrost function with both weight and time options.

If you like a more hands-on approach, you might appreciate the power levels, if you prefer low-effort operation, the presets and quick start are likely to be the most used features.

Who it suits (and who should look elsewhere)

It makes sense if you want a compact countertop microwave for a flat, bedroom, caravan, or an office kitchen—places where a full-size unit is overkill. It’s also a decent fit for people who mainly reheat, defrost and cook common everyday items, because the preset modes cover a good spread of typical foods.

It may not suit you if you need lots of interior space or you often cook larger meals that won’t fit comfortably. If your cooking revolves around more precise multi-stage microwaving, you could find that this style of microwave keeps things basic.

How to get the most from it

A practical way to use this is to treat the presets as your starting point and then adjust in small steps. For example, if you’re heating leftover pasta, select the pasta preset first, then if it’s slightly underdone, add a little time using the timer rather than jumping straight to much longer cooking.

For defrosting, using weight-based defrost is often the more controlled option—while time-based defrost can work when you’re in a hurry or you don’t have accurate weight information.

Is it worth it?

Worth buying if you’re after a compact, easy-to-operate microwave with presets, simple controls, and a removable turntable for easier cleaning. It’s the sort of model that fits modern, space-conscious setups and suits everyday reheating and straightforward cooking.

You may want to skip it if you regularly need a larger cooking space, or if you’re expecting premium customisation beyond basic power levels and preset programs. Before deciding, double-check that the compact format works for your usual dishes and that the preset foods match what you cook most often.

Mini FAQ

How many cooking modes does it have?

It includes 8 preset modes.

Does it have power levels?

Yes, it offers 5 cooking power levels.

Can you defrost using weight?

Yes, it supports defrosting by weight or by time.

Is the turntable easy to clean?

The microwave includes a removable glass turntable, and the glass turntable parts plus the roller ring are described as dishwasher-suitable.

What timer range is available?

The timer is up to 60 minutes.