Indesit vs Russell Hobbs Microwaves

Indesit and Russell Hobbs both sell affordable microwaves in the UK, with Russell Hobbs offering the lower entry prices. The Russell Hobbs RHM2076S is a 20-litre, 800W solo microwave at £79, while the RHM2076B in black costs £89.99. Indesit's MWI120GX is a 20-litre, 800W microwave grill at £179, and its IP252RXUK built-in with grill is £369 for 40 litres. The Russell Hobbs RHMM701B-N, a 17-litre, 700W manual model, costs £79.99.

Most of the difference is in cooking modes. The Indesit MWI120GX offers the same 800W and 20-litre capacity as the RHM2076S but adds a grill, which lets it brown and crisp food. The Russell Hobbs models are solo microwaves with manual controls for straightforward reheating, and the RHM2027 is a 20-litre, 800W white model at £79.99. Indesit's built-in IM K12 range is aimed at fitted kitchens, whereas the Russell Hobbs models here are freestanding solo units. For basic defrosting and reheating, a solo unit does what most households need. Households on a tight budget can also compare the RHM2027 at £79.99 with the MWI120GX, since both offer 20 litres and 800W.

Russell Hobbs suits renters, students and first-time buyers who need a simple, low-cost microwave for reheating and defrosting, and the 17-litre RHMM701B-N suits one-person households. Indesit suits buyers who want a grill in the same budget tier, or a fitted kitchen microwave. A typical UK household of two to four people will find the 20-litre capacity common to both brands sufficient, but anyone who cooks larger dishes should check the cavity before ordering.

Bottom line: choose Indesit if you want a grill microwave, such as the MWI120GX at £179, or a built-in unit for a fitted kitchen. Choose Russell Hobbs if you only need a solo microwave for reheating, where the RHM2076S at £79 is the cheapest option and saves £100 against the MWI120GX.