Russell Hobbs RHMM701B 17 L 700 W solo microwave with 5 power levels, defrost and timer
Product description
Quick overview
A solo microwave aimed at everyday kitchen jobs, the Russell Hobbs RHMM701B is built around simple controls and a practical 17 L capacity. On paper it looks like one of those models you buy for the “no-fuss” stuff: reheating leftovers, warming up ready meals, and handling quick defrosting when you’re running a bit late.
It’s not trying to be a smart countertop appliance, and it won’t suit everyone. If you want lots of advanced cooking modes or heavily automated performance, you may find this more basic than you’d like. But if you prioritise straightforward operation and a microwave that’s easy to live with, this one can make sense.
What it’s for (and where it fits)
This is a solo microwave with a listed 17 L capacity and 700 W power output. In real-life terms, that typically places it in the “small household” and compact kitchen category. It’s the sort of size that usually works for a couple of people, students, or anyone who doesn’t need a huge cavity.
Because the controls are described as easy to use with large dial controls, the RHMM701B is the kind of microwave you can hand to someone else without a long learning curve. A practical scenario: you come home, put a covered bowl in, turn the dial to a suitable power level, set the timer, and you’re back to making tea while it warms through.
Worth noting that capacity and wattage are only part of the story—how evenly food heats can depend on food shape and coverage, so it’s sensible to stir or rotate for thicker portions when you can.
Key takeaways
The microwave focuses on a handful of features that actually get used:
- Five power levels so you can avoid always running full blast. That’s helpful for things like reheating delicate items (where high power can overdo the edges).
- Defrost setting for frozen items, which is often the difference between “thawed enough” and “still icy in the middle”.
- Timer and ringer to let you know when it’s done—useful if you’re not standing right beside it.
- Easy clean design intent, which matters more than people think. A microwave that’s easier to wipe down tends to get kept clean.
What you’ll notice day to day
The standout here is the straightforward user experience. Large dial controls are generally a good sign if you want something that’s comfortable to operate—especially in a busy kitchen.
The combination of power levels plus a defrost setting also suggests the manufacturer is aiming at practical variety rather than complicated cooking programmes. Ten seconds of decision-making is what you want, not five minutes reading a manual.
That said, this model is described as “solo”, and that can be a limitation if your cooking plan involves grilling or more specialised functions. If your idea of a microwave includes those extra modes, you may end up looking elsewhere.
Tech specs
- Type: Solo microwave
- Capacity: 17 Litre
- Power output: 700 W
- Power levels: 5
- Defrost setting: Included
Is it worth it?
It’s a good fit if you want a compact solo microwave for everyday reheating and basic defrosting, and you prefer large, manual dial controls over touchscreen-style operation. The 17 L capacity and 700 W output, combined with five power levels and a timer/‘ringer’, make it suited to small households and simple routines.
It may not suit you if you’re looking for a more feature-heavy microwave (for example, grilling or more advanced cooking options), or if you need a larger cavity to fit bigger dishes regularly. Also, if you’re particularly sensitive to clean lines and maintenance, the “easy clean” point is promising—but you’ll still want to wipe it down promptly after use to keep it at its best.
Mini FAQ
How many power levels does the Russell Hobbs RHMM701B have?
It’s listed with 5 power levels, which should give you some control over how quickly (and intensely) your food heats.
Does it have a defrost option?
Yes. The RHMM701B includes a defrost setting, which is designed for thawing frozen items.
What size is the microwave cavity?
The capacity is listed as 17 Litre, which is aimed at smaller households and smaller dishes.
Is this microwave easy to operate?
The product description specifically mentions easy to use large dial controls, suggesting a simple, manual approach to setting power and time.
Does it include a timer and alert?
Yes, it includes a timer and a ringer to signal when the cycle finishes.