Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S Review, Prices & Score
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🏆 Review & price summary
The Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S microwave is a deliberately uncomplicated 23-litre solo model with a flatbed cavity, four-button control system and timed defrosting. It is well suited to everyday reheating and cooking, particularly where a turntable-free interior is useful, but it does not offer grilling, convection cooking, automatic menus or adjustable microwave power levels. The official manual verifies the exact model and the main functional specifications; no formal energy label or standby-consumption figure is published in the reviewed documentation.
✓ Key strengths
- ✓ Flatbed cavity provides an unobstructed base without a rotating turntable
- ✓ Simple four-button control layout is easy to understand
- ✓ 23-litre capacity suits everyday reheating, cooking and defrosting
- ✓ Timed defrost function operates at a documented 35% power level
- ✓ Screen display and a maximum 60-minute timer are clearly documented
Worth considering
- Timed defrost operates at 35% power and requires food to be turned during the cycle for more even results
- There are no automatic cooking menus, so timings must be selected manually
Key Specifications
- Colour
- Silver
- Weight
- Approximately 13.3kg
- Display
- Screen display
- Controls
- Four buttons
- Door finish
- Mirror door finish
- Installation
- Freestanding only; not built-in
- Product type
- 23-litre flatbed solo microwave
- Rated supply
- 230–240V, 50Hz
- Cavity design
- Flatbed; no turntable
- Cooking modes
- Microwave and timed defrost
- Defrost power
- 35% power
- Oven capacity
- 23 litres
- Microwave type
- Solo
- External dimensions
- 304 × 502 × 418 mm (H × W × D)
- Maximum cooking time
- 60 minutes
- Normal cooking power
- Full power only
- Manufacturer guarantee
- 12 months
- Rated microwave output
- 750–800W
- Manufacturer product code
- RHEM2301S
Who Should Buy It?
- ✓ You want a straightforward freestanding microwave for reheating, cooking and timed defrosting.
- ✓ You prefer a flatbed cavity without a rotating turntable.
- ✓ You value simple button controls over automatic cooking menus and adjustable power settings.
- ✓ You have enough worktop space for a microwave measuring 304 × 502 × 418 mm.
Microwaves to compare with the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S microwave
These alternatives are selected from our current ranked microwaves, prioritising shared verified comparison traits and comparable BestBuysUK Scores.
| Model | BestBuysUK Score | Profile | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Miele M 6012 SC Stainless Steel Freestanding Microwave Oven
|
89/100 | Freestanding · Large Capacity | Compare review → |
 LG MH6336GIB
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83/100 | Compact | Compare review → |
 Smeg FMI017X Universal Built In Microwave with Grill
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80/100 | Integrated · Compact | Compare review → |
The retailer’s supplied information describes the microwave as 800W, while the manufacturer's manual gives a rated microwave output of 750–800W; the manufacturer's range is used here.
Design and installation
The Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S microwave is a freestanding-only appliance, so it is designed to sit on a suitable worktop rather than being fitted into a cabinet. The official manual also specifies ventilation clearances, including 7.5cm at the sides and 30cm above.
Its silver finish and mirror door give it a more contemporary appearance, while the documented approximate weight of 13.3kg means it is substantial enough to require a stable, level surface.
Controls and cooking
This is a deliberately simple solo microwave with four main button controls for microwave cooking, timed defrost, start and stop/cancel. Normal microwave cooking runs at full power, with the timer adjustable up to 60 minutes.
The 750–800W rated microwave output is suitable for everyday reheating and cooking. Timed defrost operates at 35% power, but the manual instructs users to turn food during the cycle for more even results.
Flatbed cavity and capacity
The 23-litre cavity uses a flatbed design rather than a rotating turntable. This leaves the full base available for dishes and avoids the size restrictions imposed by a turntable, while also giving the interior a simpler layout to wipe clean.
The screen display shows the cooking time and activity indicators. The design is practical for routine microwave use, although the absence of automatic programmes means timings need to be selected manually.
What the specifications mean in practice
The main strength of the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S microwave is focus: it covers standard microwave cooking and timed defrosting without adding complicated menus. That makes it approachable for users who want a simple control system.
The trade-off is limited versatility. It has no grill or convection function, no selectable microwave power levels for normal cooking and no automatic cooking menus. It is best viewed as a capable everyday solo microwave rather than a multi-function cooking appliance.
Efficiency and documentation
The official documentation confirms the rated output, 230–240V supply and core operating functions, but does not provide an appliance energy label or a standby-consumption figure. The efficiency assessment is therefore based conservatively on the documented 750–800W microwave system and straightforward operating design rather than on a formal energy class.
The exact model is supported by a matching Russell Hobbs EASI microwave manual, which verifies the 23-litre capacity, flatbed construction, control layout and freestanding-only installation.
Research note: this BestBuysUK assessment is based on the manufacturer's published specifications and other reputable technical sources. Specifications and retailer availability can change, so verify critical details before purchase.