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Russell HobbsRHEM2301B

Freestanding
Solo Microwave
Flatbed

£119View retailers

Test score

Lowest available prices

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Russell Hobbs has opted for simple controls on its RHEM2301B flatbed microwave, so instead of a long list of programs, it has just one power option and a defrost setting. As there's no turntable, you get lots of space inside and fewer crevices to clean around. Find out from our detailed review whether this microwave is speedy and can cook and defrost evenly.

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
How well does it warm up food?
How well does it defrost food?
How easy is it to use and clean?
Is there anything else I should know?
Should I buy it?

KEY TEST RESULTS
Single use
Manual Defrost
Ease of use

Oct 2024Last checked by Which?
Feb 2018First reviewed by Which?
Aug 2016Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test microwaves

9 Sept 2024

Single use

How we test single use

We test how quickly and evenly microwaves heat in microwave mode and we record how much water is lost from the food during cooking. This is the overall score for microwaves heating one dish, from cold, in microwave mode.

Speed of heating

How we test speed of heating

We test how quickly the microwaves can heat up when cooking in microwave mode.

Evenness of heating

How we test evenness of heating

We check for hot and cold spots in food to make sure it's evenly cooked.

Quality of food

How we test quality of food

We test how much water is lost from food when heating in microwave mode.

Continuous use

How we test continuous use

This is the overall score for microwave heating when the microwave has previously been in use and has warmed up. We test how quickly and evenly microwaves heat in microwave mode and we record how much water is lost from the food during cooking.

Manual Defrost

How we test manual defrost

How evenly the microwaves defrost minced meat on a manual setting.

Steaming

How we test steaming

How well the microwave steams a meal of fish, potatoes and veg.

Ease of use

How we test ease of use

This includes setting the clock, opening and closing the door, loading and unloading the oven, using the power and time controls, reading the display, cleaning, and the instructions and information provided by the manufacturer.

Cleaning

How we test cleaning

How easy it is to clean inside the microwave and the exterior casing.

Quietness

How we test quietness

We test how noisy each microwave is in microwave heating and defrosting mode.

Energy efficiency

How we test energy efficiency

How much energy is used in microwave mode to heat a ready meal.

General
Type	Solo Microwave
Freestanding or built-in	Freestanding
Turntable or flatbed	Flatbed
Colour	Black
Height	31cm
Width	50cm
Depth	42cm
Max plate size	32cm
Type of controls	Touch
Review information	We are continually making improvements to our tests. We last changed our test program in February 2018 which means that, if you’re looking at results for microwaves tested before and after this date, they will not be directly comparable.

Power
Stated Microwave Power (watts)	800
Number of power levels	1

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