The Electra MWSM20LB is a small, freestanding 20-litre microwave designed for straightforward reheating and simple cooking tasks. With a 700W power output and basic mechanical controls, it aims squarely at people who want something easy to live with rather than packed with clever tech.
Electra generally sits in the budget-friendly end of the market, and this model follows that pattern. It focuses on core functions, avoiding extras like grills, convection cooking or auto menus to keep costs down.
Owners rate it very highly, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from a growing number of reviews, which is impressive for such an affordable, no-frills appliance.
The Electra MWSM20LB is ideal for smaller households, students, or anyone in a compact flat, studio or bedsit. The 20-litre capacity and 26.4cm height mean it fits easily on most worktops without dominating the space, while still handling everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or cooking ready meals.
If you’re on a tight budget and just need a reliable microwave for heating soup, defrosting bread or warming up a quick dinner after work, this model makes a lot of sense. It’s aimed at value-conscious buyers who don’t want to pay for features they’ll rarely use.
The simple knob controls and mechanical timer make it particularly good for first-time microwave users, older relatives, or shared houses where a basic, intuitive appliance is less likely to confuse or get damaged. There’s no digital display or complex programming to worry about.
It’s less suitable if you’re looking for an all-in-one cooking solution. There’s no grill, no convection oven function and no auto cook programmes, so keen home cooks or larger families wanting more versatility will be better served by a higher-spec model.
The 20-litre capacity is a sweet spot for small kitchens and one- or two-person households, offering enough space for standard dinner plates and bowls without taking over your worktop.
With 700W of microwave power and five power levels, it warms food quickly enough for day-to-day use, from reheating leftovers to cooking ready meals, without being overkill on energy use.
The mechanical timer and twin knob controls keep everything very simple. You just set the power level, twist the dial for the time and go – no menus or settings to scroll through, and nothing to reset if the power trips.
An interior light and rotating turntable help you see at a glance how your food is progressing, reducing the chances of cold spots. The push-button door release and side opening make it easy to pop open with one hand.
User satisfaction is a strong plus point: a 4.8 out of 5 rating suggests buyers find it reliable, easy to use and good for the money.
At 700W, this isn’t the most powerful microwave on the market, so larger portions can take a little longer to heat through compared with 800–900W models.
The feature set is very basic. There’s no grill, no convection cooking, no auto cook settings and no digital display, which some users might miss if they’re used to more advanced appliances.
There’s no child lock, so it’s not the best choice for households with very young children who might fiddle with the controls.
The manufacturer warranty is only 1 year, which is standard at this price but not generous if you’re hoping for longer-term peace of mind.
Living with the Electra MWSM20LB is straightforward from day one. The compact footprint (around 45.6cm wide and 32.6cm deep) makes it easy to slot onto most worktops or in a corner without rearranging your whole kitchen.
The twin knob layout – one for power levels, one for the mechanical timer – keeps day-to-day operation quick and intuitive. You can set it without looking at a manual, which is handy in busy or shared households.
During use, the interior light and turntable rotation let you check on food through the door, so you can stop and stir if needed. The push-button door opener feels familiar and doesn’t require much effort, useful if your hands are full.
Cleaning is as simple as you’d expect from a standard-cavity microwave: remove the turntable and wipe down the interior. There are no grills or racks to tackle, which keeps maintenance minimal.
Because it lacks complex electronics and a digital display, there’s little to faff with and less to go wrong – a plus if you value reliability and ease of use over advanced features.
Performance-wise, the Electra MWSM20LB focuses on the basics. The 700W maximum microwave power, combined with five selectable power levels, gives you enough flexibility for defrosting, gentle reheating and full-power cooking. It won’t win any speed records against higher-wattage models, but for everyday portions and ready meals it does the job.
The 20-litre cavity and approximately 25.5cm turntable diameter are well suited to standard dinner plates, pasta bowls and small casseroles. It’s a good size for singles and couples, but may feel restrictive if you regularly heat large dishes for a family.
Controls are purely mechanical. The timer dial lets you set cooking time without digging through modes, and the lack of a digital display means there’s no clock to set after a power cut. For many buyers, that simplicity is a genuine advantage.
Feature-wise, it’s intentionally stripped back. There’s no grill or convection oven, no steam or keep-warm function, and no auto cook programmes. What you do get is a standard microwave cavity with an interior light, rotating turntable and side-opening door – the core elements needed for reliable reheating.
For users who just want dependable, fuss-free performance with minimal learning curve, this balance of modest power and simple features works well. If you like experimenting with combination cooking, grilling or one-touch auto menus, you’ll need to look up the range.
Given its low asking price, the Electra MWSM20LB offers strong value for money. You’re not paying for advanced tech, but you are getting a compact, tidy microwave that covers everyday heating tasks very effectively.
The high owner rating of 4.8 out of 5 is a strong endorsement that, despite its basic spec, it delivers on reliability and ease of use. For a budget-friendly model, that kind of feedback suggests it punches above its weight.
You do sacrifice extras like a grill, auto programmes and a longer warranty, but if your priority is a simple, trustworthy microwave for a modest cost, this model represents very good value.
Those who want a more versatile, feature-rich appliance may find it better to spend more upfront on a combination or higher-powered microwave, but for straightforward reheating, this is a cost-effective choice.
The Electra MWSM20LB is a solid little workhorse for anyone who values simplicity and a low price over fancy features. Its 20-litre capacity, compact footprint and easy-to-use knobs make it a great fit for smaller kitchens, first homes, student digs and busy households that just need a reliable microwave.
Performance is perfectly adequate for reheating and basic cooking, and owner reviews strongly back up its reliability and ease of use. The lack of grill, convection functions and child lock, plus the modest 700W power and 1-year warranty, are the main compromises.
If you’re after an all-singing, all-dancing microwave that replaces your oven, this isn’t it. But if you need an affordable, straightforward appliance that does the essentials well and doesn’t take up much space, the Electra MWSM20LB is an excellent option to shortlist.
