Home » Product Reviews » Ovens » Microwaves » Beko Compact Solo MOC20100BFB 20 Litre 24cm High, Freestanding Small Standard Microwave Oven review
The Beko Compact Solo MOC20100BFB is a straightforward 20-litre microwave designed for people who just want to reheat, cook basics and defrost without wading through lots of buttons. With 700W of power, manual dials and a compact footprint, it focuses on practicality over fancy extras.
Beko is well known in the UK for affordable, reliable home appliances, and this model sits firmly at the budget end of the microwave market. It’s ideal if you’d rather save money than pay for grills, convection modes or smart features you may never use.
A user rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 1,100 reviews suggests most owners are very happy with it, especially for the price, while accepting its more basic spec.
This compact 20-litre microwave is a strong fit for smaller households: singles, couples, students or anyone short on worktop space. At just 24.3 cm high and 44.6 cm wide, it will tuck neatly into most kitchens, bedsits or annexes without dominating the room.
It’s a sensible choice if you’re on a budget and mainly use a microwave for reheating leftovers, warming drinks, cooking ready meals or defrosting food. With simple dial controls and up to 6 settings, it’s easy to get along with even if you’re not especially tech-savvy.
First-time renters, student houses and busy families wanting a secondary microwave in a utility room or garage will appreciate how intuitive it is. There are no complex programmes to learn – just select the power level and time, and you’re done.
If you regularly cook large dishes, batch-cook in big containers or want grilling and oven-style cooking from your microwave, this 20-litre solo model will feel limiting. It’s designed as a compact everyday helper, not an all-in-one cooking centre.
The 20-litre capacity strikes a good balance for smaller kitchens, offering enough space for dinner plates and bowls without swallowing your worktop. The 24.5 cm turntable will comfortably take most standard plates.
Manual dial controls make it incredibly straightforward to use. There’s no faffing about with menus or touchscreens – you simply turn the dial to select one of the power levels and set the cooking time.
With 700W of power and multiple heat levels, it handles day-to-day reheating and cooking reliably. It may not be the most powerful on the market, but for everyday tasks, it’s more than adequate.
The built-in defrost function is a real time-saver if you’re thawing meat, bread or meals from the freezer, removing the need to plan as far ahead.
Owners also benefit from the reassurance of a well-reviewed product, with a strong 4.4/5 rating from a large number of users, and a 1-year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.
At 700W, cooking and reheating will be a little slower than on higher-powered microwaves, so you may need to add an extra minute or two to some timings.
This is a basic solo microwave with no grill or convection oven function. If you want to brown food, crisp up toppings or bake, you’ll still need a separate oven or grill.
The mechanical timer and dial controls, while simple, don’t allow for ultra-precise timings to the second, and there’s no digital display to show the exact remaining time.
The interior is metal rather than a high-end non-stick or ceramic coating, so while it’s easy enough to wipe down, it doesn’t offer the very slick cleaning experience seen on more premium models.
Finally, the 1-year warranty is standard but not generous; some rival brands offer longer cover on certain models.
Day to day, the Beko MOC20100BFB is refreshingly straightforward. You open the left-hinged glass door, pop your plate on the 24.5 cm turntable, choose your power level with the top dial, then set the mechanical timer with the bottom dial. There’s very little to get wrong, making it friendly for all ages.
Its compact design means it doesn’t hog worktop space and is easy to reposition if you like to shuffle appliances around. The modest height of 24.3 cm also helps it sit neatly under wall cupboards.
The mechanical timer gives you an audible cue when your food is ready, and because there are up to 6 settings, you can quickly switch between gentler heating for things like soup and higher power for full meals. It feels like a set-and-forget appliance rather than something you need to monitor constantly.
Cleaning is straightforward: the turntable lifts out for a quick wash in the sink, and the metal interior can be wiped with a damp cloth. Keeping splatters under control with a cover or regular wipe-down will help it stay smart with minimal effort.
With a maximum microwave power of 700W, this Beko isn’t chasing top-spec performance, but it’s entirely capable for reheating, cooking ready meals and defrosting. You might find you add a little extra time compared with more powerful models, but the results are consistent once you get used to it.
The 20-litre cavity and 24.5 cm turntable are well judged. They’ll take standard dinner plates, bowls and most microwave-safe dishes without wasting space inside. For single portions, light meals and sides, it feels perfectly sized.
There are multiple power levels and up to 6 settings available via the dial, giving you the flexibility to warm delicate foods gently or blast leftovers at full power. The mechanical timer is simple but reliable, offering an easy way to set short bursts or longer cooking times.
A dedicated defrost function adds important everyday convenience. Rather than leaving food on the counter or in the fridge for hours, you can safely thaw items straight from the freezer, which is handy for busy weeknights.
You don’t get extras like auto-cook menus, weight sensors, grills or convection heating, but that’s reflected in the price and straightforward design. Within the basic solo microwave category, it delivers the core performance most people actually use, without distractions.
At around £64, this Beko sits firmly in the budget-friendly bracket for compact solo microwaves. You’re not paying for advanced features or premium finishes, but you are getting a practical, easy-to-use appliance from a recognised brand.
The strong user rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 1,100 reviews indicates that most owners feel they’ve had good value for what they spent. Reliability at this price point is particularly important for students, renters and anyone fitting out a home on a tight budget.
If you want a simple workhorse for reheating and defrosting, the feature set is appropriate for the cost. Those who crave grills, convection cooking or sensor programmes will need to spend more, but for basic everyday use, it offers a solid return on your money.
The Beko Compact Solo MOC20100BFB is a sensible, wallet-friendly choice if you want a compact microwave that just gets on with the job. It’s easy to use, small enough for tight spaces and well-liked by a large number of owners, which speaks volumes for its day-to-day reliability.
Its limitations are clear: 700W power means slightly slower cooking, there’s no grill or convection option, and the manual dials won’t suit those who love digital precision. But if your priority is straightforward reheating and defrosting at a low price, these compromises are unlikely to bother you.
Overall, it’s a very good buy for smaller households, students, renters and anyone needing a basic, dependable spare microwave. Heavy users and keen cooks may want to look higher up the range, but as a simple solo model, it does exactly what it promises with minimal fuss.