Russell Hobbs RHM1731 INSPIRE White 17 Litre Manual Microwave

The essentials (and what it’s really like day to day)

Russell Hobbs’ RHM1731 INSPIRE is a compact, manual microwave aimed at everyday jobs: reheating leftovers, warming drinks, and defrosting the odd ingredient when you’ve left it a bit late. The 17-litre capacity keeps it in the smaller, space-saving bracket, so it’s more about convenience in a tight kitchen than fitting big dishes.

On the outside, it leans into a more contemporary look for this size category, with a textured top casing and a mirror-finish door. It’s the sort of appliance that doesn’t look out of place on a countertop, even if you’re not going for a fully “matched” kitchen aesthetic.

Key points

If you want something simple to operate (not app-driven, not fiddly), this one leans heavily on manual dials. You choose the power and set the time, then let it run. That direct control can be a plus if you don’t want presets cluttering up your choices.

It also includes 5 microwave power levels plus a defrost setting, which matters in real use: leftovers often need different treatment than frozen items. And the 30-minute timer gives you a decent range for day-to-day heating, though it’s still very much a standard microwave timer rather than anything “smart”.

There’s one limitation worth noting up front: with 17 litres on the smaller side, it may feel restrictive if you regularly cook or reheat in large bowls or plates. It’s not the type you buy to “fit the biggest thing you own”.

The essentials for choosing the right size

This model is designed around compact dimensions (26.2 x 45.2 x 35.0 cm), which makes it a sensible consideration if you’re dealing with limited counter space. Before buying, it’s worth measuring your available spot and also thinking about your usual containers: a smaller internal space often means more reliance on smaller glassware and bowls.

If your routine is more “quick warm-up” than “big meal reheats”, the 17-litre size is typically a comfortable match. But if you frequently reheat family portions in wide dishes, you may find yourself transferring food into smaller containers.

What stands out in use

The most noticeable thing is how straightforward it feels. With easy-to-turn dials, selecting power and setting the timer is quick, and there’s less guesswork than on microwaves that rely heavily on programmes you don’t use. For example, if you’re reheating curry from the fridge, you can pick an appropriate power level and set the time manually, then adjust based on how it looks after the first run.

The defrost option is also the practical touchpoint here. Defrosting can be hit-and-miss on basic models, so having that dedicated setting alongside multiple power levels gives you more control than “one button and hope”. That said, because it’s manual, you’ll still be doing a bit of checking and restarting if your portions are uneven.

Tech specs

• Capacity: 17 Litre
• Manual operation with easy-to-use dials
• Microwave power levels: 5
• Defrost setting: Yes
• Timer: up to 30 minutes
• Dimensions: 26.2 x 45.2 x 35.0 cm
• Colour/finish: White, textured top casing and mirror-finish door

Who it suits (and who should look elsewhere)

It makes sense if you want a compact microwave with simple manual control, and your main use is reheating and basic defrosting in normal household portions. It’s particularly well-suited for flats, smaller kitchens, bedrooms, or any setup where you want something clean-looking and uncomplicated rather than feature-heavy.

It may not suit you if you regularly need a larger cavity for bigger plates, casseroles, or wide dishes. Also, if you prefer fully automatic cooking programmes or a more hands-off experience, the manual nature may feel like a step backward.

Buying verdict

Worth considering if you’re buying a compact microwave for everyday reheating and occasional defrosting, and you like controlling power and time yourself. It’s the sort of model that fits well when space is tight and you don’t need anything fancy.

Skip it if you know you’ll struggle with the 17-litre footprint—especially if your go-to dishes are large—or if you strongly prefer preset-based cooking without manual adjustments. In short: this is a practical “kitchen workhorse” in a smaller size, and it does best when your expectations match that reality.

Mini FAQ

Is this microwave good for reheating leftovers?

Yes—on paper it’s built for everyday heating with manual power levels and a time dial, which lets you adjust based on what you’re reheating.

Does it have a defrost function?

Yes, it includes a defrost setting alongside 5 power levels.

How much can you set the timer to?

The timer is up to 30 minutes.

Is 17 litres enough for larger dishes?

It can feel tight for bigger plates or bowls. If you use larger containers often, it’s worth checking your typical dish sizes against the compact footprint.