Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L 700W Cream Solo Microwave with Timer, Ringer & Defrost
Product description
The essentials
If you’re after a compact solo microwave for everyday jobs, the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C is the sort of model that fits naturally into a busy kitchen. It’s designed for heating and cooking meals “in minutes” and, on paper, it does the basics without over-complicating things: a 30 minute timer, a ringer to alert you when the cycle finishes, and a defrost setting for getting frozen food ready faster.
This is also a microwave you can live with day to day. The easy-clean approach is simple—just wipe with a damp cloth—so it’s less of a chore to keep it looking tidy. Is it the kind of unit that will impress with lots of advanced modes? Not really. It’s more of a practical, straightforward choice if you value control and convenience over extra features.
Key features that matter in daily use
The RHMM701C is a solo microwave with 5 power levels, which is a sensible way to tailor cooking to different recipes without needing a long list of preset programmes. For example, you might use a lower setting to warm something gently (like a plated meal) and a higher level for quicker heating.
There’s also a defrost setting. That’s useful when you’re cooking from frozen and you want a faster start than waiting for things to fully thaw on the worktop.
The 30 minute timer with ringer function is another small but real-life benefit. When you’re multitasking—washing up, finishing dinner prep, or dealing with kids—having an audible alert to tell you the cycle is done helps reduce the “did I forget it?” moments.
Tech specs
- Name: RHMM701C 17L 700W Cream Solo Manual Microwave with 5 Power Levels, Ringer & Timer, Defrost Setting, Easy Clean
- Type: Solo microwave (countertop)
- Capacity: 17L
- Power: 700W
- Timer: 30 minute timer
- Power levels: 5
- Defrost setting: Yes
- Installation type: Countertop
- Dimensions: 25.6cm x 45.1cm x 32.6cm
- Included components: 1 x RHMM701C
What you’ll notice day to day
Setup is straightforward for a countertop microwave: you position it on the counter, place your food in suitable cookware, open the door, put it on the turntable, and run the cooking cycle.
In use, the manual side of this unit can be a plus if you prefer having control rather than relying heavily on automatic buttons. That said, it may feel a little basic if you’ve grown used to microwaves with lots of specialised presets or more hands-off cooking.
One limitation to keep in mind: with a 17L capacity, it’s better suited to everyday portions rather than extra-large dishes. If you often cook for bigger households or use very large cookware, it could feel tighter than models with more interior space.
Who it suits (and who should look elsewhere)
It makes sense if you want a compact Russell Hobbs microwave for heating, cooking, and simple defrosting without paying for functionality you won’t use. If your routine is things like warming leftovers, reheating ready meals, quick cooking of side dishes, or occasional defrosting, this is the kind of microwave that can do the job with minimal fuss.
It might not be the best match if you regularly rely on advanced cooking programmes, need a roomy cavity for larger dishes, or you’re specifically trying to minimise manual input every time you use the microwave.
A solid way to decide is to check how often you’ll use the 5 power levels and whether the 30 minute timer covers your typical cooking windows. If your usage is mostly quick bursts, that’s usually fine.
Care and cleaning
Keeping it fresh is straightforward. The easy-clean guidance is to wipe it with a damp cloth to maintain performance. That simple approach is ideal if you’d rather not get into heavy cleaning routines.
Mini FAQ
Should I buy this Russell Hobbs microwave for defrosting?
If you need a defrost setting for frozen food and you’re happy to use it as part of a simple routine, yes—it’s built for that purpose.
How does the timer work on this model?
It has a 30 minute timer, and the ringer function sounds to alert you when the cooking cycle finishes.
Is the 17L capacity limiting?
It can be, depending on your cookware and portion sizes. For smaller plates and typical home portions, it’s usually manageable, but it may not suit very large dishes.
Is it easy to clean?
On its design and usage guidance, cleaning is meant to be low effort: wipe with a damp cloth.
Where it fits best
If you’re weighing up a basic countertop microwave versus a more feature-heavy one, the RHMM701C leans towards straightforward control: 5 power levels, a defrost setting, and an alert when time’s up.
When it makes sense
Buy the Russell Hobbs RHMM701C if you want a compact 17L solo countertop microwave for everyday cooking and reheating, and you’ll benefit from manual control via 5 power levels plus the practical 30 minute timer and ringer.
Skip it if you regularly need more interior space for larger cookware or you specifically want a microwave with more advanced preset-based convenience. In short: it’s a sensible, no-nonsense pick for day-to-day use, but it stays in the “do the basics well” lane rather than aiming to be the most feature-rich option.