The Russell Hobbs 23L Grey Digital Microwave with grill and convection oven is a very modern looking machine at a respectably low price. It has a number of features that wouldn’t look out of place in the specifications of a high microwave. Appearance-wise, the RHM2361GCG is clean and simple, favouring square buttons and straight lines. The digital display carries more information than most microwaves, and the grey colour scheme allows for a low profile presence.
Russell Hobbs 23L Microwave Features
The Russell Hobbs RHM2361GCG is a 23L capacity microwave, which is a decent capacity for most small families. For large plates, however, you may want to consider a bigger capacity.
The front panel of the RHM2361GCG is mostly featureless, with the control buttons aligned down one side of the front, and the display panel just beside it. The front of the microwave is almost an edge-to-edge glass panel, with an elegant looking curved handle.
There are five power levels to choose from when cooking your food, and a range of automatic programmes. The option to defrost by weight is also available. As you’d expect from a microwave with a digital display, there is a timer which can be set for up to 95 minutes.
Power-wise, the microwave portion of the Russell Hobbs RHM2361GCG is rated at 800W, while the grill and convection oven are both rated at 1200W.
Overview of Features:
- 23 Litre capacity
- 800W microwave
- 1200W grill
- 1200W convection
- 5 power levels
- Auto cook menus
- Weight defrost settings
- 95 minute timer
- Glass turntable
- Child safety lock
- Grey/Black pull handle and Grey panel
- Grey housing with Mirror finish door
Reviews of this Microwave
The Russell Hobbs RHM2361GCG seems to have split reviewers down the middle, getting a middling average rating. Upon further inspection, it would seem that most of the negative ratings have been the result of a faulty unit. To Russell Hobbs credit, those same reviewers say that the unit was replaced (sometimes with discount), but it suggests, at the very least, a poor batch of units, if not poor build quality overall.
Here’s what people liked:
- Smart appearance
- Quick to get to temperature
- Simple to operate
As mentioned, most of the negative points revolved around faulty equipment, overheating or not working to begin with, but here are a few negative points about the microwave when the unit isn’t faulty:
- Noisy fan
- Can’t see through door in daylight
- Requires one side of microwave to be entirely open (not covered or against wall/cupboard)
Russell Hobbs RHM2361GCG Conclusion
The Russell Hobbs RHM2361GCG would, on the face of it, seem to be a great deal in terms of what you get for the price. However, the fact that so many people seem to have stories of faulty microwaves would suggest build-quality problems with this model.
Still, those who were lucky enough to get a working unit seemed to have no complaints, and it is one of the better looking microwaves.