Russell Hobbs has built a strong reputation for no-nonsense, good-value microwaves, and if you are watching the pennies in 2026 there are still some very solid options in the range. This guide focuses on the cheapest Russell Hobbs microwave ovens that are still worth having on your worktop.
We have deliberately stuck to lower-priced freestanding models that cover the everyday basics: reheating leftovers, defrosting meat, and cooking simple meals without fuss. The aim is to save you money without pushing you towards something so basic that you end up frustrated.
Each microwave here involves a small trade-off, whether that is finish, extra features or the very latest styling. But they all represent sensible, budget-friendly choices from Russell Hobbs rather than false economies.
These recommendations are based on real-world information: prices, customer ratings and the core features Russell Hobbs offers at the cheaper end of its microwave range. We look carefully at owner satisfaction and long-term feedback, not just what looks good on paper.
We also focus on how these microwaves will feel to live with day to day. That means considering ease of use, simple controls, straightforward cleaning and whether the capacity is genuinely practical for typical households. Low price alone is not enough; a budget model has to be pleasant and reliable to use as well.
By weighing up cost against what you actually get, we highlight Russell Hobbs microwaves that keep your upfront spend down but still feel like a sound purchase in 2026.
We started by looking at the lower-priced Russell Hobbs microwave ovens currently available, filtering out anything that pushes too far into mid-range territory on price. From there, we removed very poorly reviewed models, focusing instead on those with consistently good scores or long-running popularity.
Within that shortlist we compared capacity, basic functions and ease-of-use features. For these simple freestanding microwaves, having a sensible 20-litre cavity, intuitive controls and reliable performance matters more than flashy extras.
We also aimed to include a mix of designs so you can choose between the very cheapest workhorse, slightly smarter finishes, and more stylish options that still sit firmly at the budget end of the Russell Hobbs range. The result is a small set of models that all keep costs down but offer different strengths depending on your priorities.
Below are the Russell Hobbs microwave ovens we think offer the best value at the cheaper end of the range in 2026. They are all compact 20-litre freestanding models, so the differences come down to styling, small feature tweaks and how much you are willing to spend over the bare minimum.
The first pick is the best balance of price and proven reliability, while later models cost slightly more for smarter looks or newer designs. All of them, however, remain firmly on the budget-friendly side for a Russell Hobbs microwave.
A very affordable 20-litre microwave with an excellent long-term rating, ideal if you want a proven Russell Hobbs workhorse at one of the lowest prices.
For around £69, the RHM2076B is one of the very cheapest Russell Hobbs microwaves you can buy while still enjoying a very strong 4.6 out of 5 rating from well over 1,900 owners. That long track record of positive feedback is reassuring if you simply want something that works and keeps on working. The 20-litre capacity is spot on for everyday use, big enough for a standard dinner plate without taking over the worktop.
It is a straightforward freestanding model with simple controls, so there is no learning curve or fiddly interface to get used to. As a budget pick, its combination of low cost, compact size and proven reliability makes it excellent value in the Russell Hobbs line-up.
As one of the cheapest options, the RHM2076B is fairly basic, so you should not expect fancy auto-cook menus or combination cooking modes. The black finish is practical but may not suit every kitchen aesthetic, especially if you prefer silver or more premium styling. Compared with newer models, the design and interface may feel a little dated, although that will not bother anyone who just wants something simple that works.
Ideal if you want a rock-bottom-priced Russell Hobbs microwave that has already proved itself in thousands of homes. It suits students, renters and busy households who prioritise reliability and simplicity over fancy looks or extra functions. If you just want an inexpensive, compact microwave that does the basics well, this is a standout choice.
A slightly newer 20-litre model that costs a little more than the absolute cheapest but offers a fresh design and superb early feedback.
The RHM2027B sits just above the very cheapest models, but for only a few pounds more you are getting a microwave with a superb 4.8 out of 5 rating, even if the review count is still small. Like the others here, it has a 20-litre capacity, which is ideal for students, couples or smaller homes. The slightly higher price suggests a fresher design and up-to-date controls, which will appeal if you want something that looks that bit smarter on the worktop.
Because it remains firmly under the £100 mark, you are still in clear budget territory while benefiting from early but very positive owner feedback. It is a good choice if you can stretch just past the absolute minimum price for a more modern-feeling microwave.
Because the RHM2027B is a relatively new model, the review count is still very low, so its excellent rating is based on limited feedback so far. You are also paying slightly more than the absolute cheapest Russell Hobbs microwaves while still getting a fairly standard 20-litre, no-frills feature set. If every pound counts, you might prefer to step down to the very lowest-priced option instead.
Best for buyers who can stretch slightly beyond the absolute cheapest price to get a fresher, newer design with excellent early feedback. It is an appealing pick for small households or first-time buyers who want something modern-looking but still clearly budget-friendly. If you like the idea of a current model rather than an older workhorse, this one fits the bill.
Still firmly in budget territory, this compact 20-litre microwave offers great reviews and a neat look for only a modest step up in price.
The RHMT2005B offers a nice balance between price and perceived quality, coming in under £80 while earning a strong 4.7 out of 5 from over 130 reviews. That combination shows it has impressed a decent number of owners without costing much more than the very cheapest models. Its compact 20-litre size makes it easy to position and appropriate for most everyday heating, defrosting and simple cooking tasks.
As a budget option, it manages to feel a little more upmarket than entry-level units while still being kind to your wallet. If you are happy to pay slightly more than rock-bottom prices in exchange for a neat design and reassuring feedback, it represents very good value within the Russell Hobbs range.
The RHMT2005B costs a touch more than the very cheapest Russell Hobbs microwaves, so if you simply want the lowest possible outlay, it is not the outright bargain of the range. It remains a straightforward solo microwave without grills or advanced features, so it will not replace a full oven or satisfy those who like to cook more complex dishes in the microwave. Design is neat but not as distinctive as the Bronte range or as coordinated as some silver models.
A good fit if you have a tight budget but are happy to pay a little more than the minimum for a microwave that feels a bit smarter and has strong owner feedback. It suits small families or couples who want a dependable everyday unit that does not look too basic on the worktop. If you want value but also care a bit about appearance, this strikes a nice middle ground.
The silver sister to the top pick, giving you the same core strengths in a more premium-looking finish for a little extra money.
The RHM2076S delivers the same 20-litre practicality as the top pick but in a silver finish that looks more premium in many kitchens. It remains cheap by overall microwave standards, usually only a little more than the black version. With a 4.6 out of 5 rating from around 1,900 reviews, it is clearly a tried-and-tested model with a long history of satisfied owners.
If you want your microwave to match stainless steel or silver appliances without moving into mid-range pricing, this is a smart way to do it. You are essentially paying a small uplift for a more upmarket look while retaining simple, dependable performance.
You are effectively paying a small premium for the silver finish compared with the almost identical black model, without gaining extra capacity or advanced features. If your priority is purely price, the black RHM2076B usually works out better value. The styling, while smarter than plain black, is still fairly conventional, so it will not stand out in the same way as the Bronte design.
Perfect if you like the idea of the popular 20-litre Russell Hobbs design but want a silver finish to match your other appliances. It suits style-conscious buyers who still need to keep costs down and do not need advanced cooking modes. If you are updating a kitchen with stainless steel or metallic accents on a budget, this is a sensible choice.
A stylish Bronte design that keeps to a 20-litre capacity and basic features but focuses on traditional looks, aimed at those who want a smarter budget microwave.
The Bronte RHMM833B stands out mainly for its styling, offering a more classic, traditional look than the plainer budget models, while keeping the same 20-litre footprint. At around £89 it is still affordable and well under £100, particularly considering the more distinctive design. For many buyers, that smarter appearance will justify the modest extra spend over the most basic microwaves.
If you want a Russell Hobbs microwave that looks more like part of a coordinated set of countertop appliances, this Bronte model gives you that without jumping to high-end pricing. You are paying for aesthetics as much as function, but for some kitchens that is money well spent.
At around £89, the Bronte RHMM833B is the priciest microwave in this budget-focused line-up, despite offering similar capacity and core functions to cheaper models. You are mainly paying for the traditional design and brand styling rather than additional cooking power or features. If you are not fussed about how your microwave looks, one of the less expensive options will heat food just as effectively.
Best for those who care most about how their microwave looks, perhaps in a more traditional or country-style kitchen, but still want to stay under £100. It is a good match for buyers who already own other Bronte or retro-style appliances and want everything to coordinate. If you are willing to spend a touch more within the budget bracket to get a distinctive design, this is the one to go for.
