The Russell Hobbs RHM2017 is a 20-litre microwave oven designed for household use, offering a range of cooking, reheating, and defrosting functions. Its user-friendly control panel and various pre-set programs make it a versatile appliance for everyday kitchen tasks.
Function Description
The primary function of this microwave oven is to heat or cook food using microwave energy. It features a magnetron that generates microwaves, which are then evenly distributed through the food as the glass turntable revolves, ensuring uniform cooking. The microwaves are absorbed by the food up to a depth of approximately 1 inch (2.5cm), with cooking continuing as the heat dissipates throughout the food.
The oven offers several cooking modes:
- Microwave Cooking: This is the standard mode where users can manually set the cooking time and power level. The longest cooking time that can be set is 60 minutes. The power level can be adjusted from 100% down to 0% in steps, allowing for precise control over the cooking process.
- Auto Defrost: This feature allows for the automatic defrosting of food based on its weight. Users input the food's weight (ranging from 100g to 1800g), and the oven automatically adjusts the defrosting time and power. The defrosting process is divided into stages, with the oven pausing to prompt the user to turn over the food for even defrosting.
- Auto Cook: The oven includes eight pre-set auto-cooking programs for popular food items such as milk/coffee, rice, spaghetti, potatoes, auto reheat, fish, popcorn, and pizza. For these programs, users only need to select the food type and its weight or number of servings, and the oven automatically determines the cooking time and power level.
- Quick Start: This function provides a convenient way to start cooking immediately at 100% power for 30-second intervals. Each additional press of the Quick Start button adds another 30 seconds to the cooking time, up to a maximum of 12 minutes.
Usage Features
The RHM2017 is designed with several features to enhance ease of use and safety:
- Control Panel: The control panel includes a menu action screen that displays cooking time, power, action indicators, and clock time. It features dedicated buttons for Power, Auto Cook, Auto Defrost, Clock, and Stop/Cancel, along with a TIME/WEIGHT dial.
- TIME/WEIGHT Dial: This dial is used to enter the oven clock time, input cooking time, or specify food weight/number of servings for auto programs.
- START/QUICK START Button: This button initiates a cooking program or allows for express cooking in 30-second increments.
- STOP/CANCEL Button: This button is used to cancel settings, reset the oven, temporarily stop cooking, or cancel cooking altogether. It also plays a role in setting the child lock.
- Clock Setting: The oven's clock can be set in either a 12-hour or 24-hour cycle, allowing users to choose their preferred time format.
- Child Lock: For safety, the oven includes a child lock feature that prevents unsupervised operation. It can be activated and deactivated by pressing the Stop/Cancel button for more than 3 seconds.
- Turntable System: The oven is equipped with a glass turntable and a turntable ring assembly, which must always be used during cooking to ensure even heat distribution. The turntable rotates clockwise or anti-clockwise randomly, which is normal operation.
- Food Packaging Symbols: The manual highlights microwave food packaging symbols (A, B, C, D, or E) that indicate the IEC power output rating for cooking instructions, helping users understand how to interpret packaging guidelines.
- Standing Time: The appliance emphasizes the importance of allowing an appropriate standing time after cooking to allow heat to distribute evenly throughout the food, preventing unevenly cooked results.
- Utensil Compatibility: The manual provides clear guidelines on materials that can and cannot be used in the microwave oven, including a "Utensil Test" procedure for users to check if a non-metallic utensil is microwave-safe.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the RHM2017. The manual outlines several key maintenance practices:
- Regular Cleaning: The oven cavity should be cleaned regularly to prevent food splatters or spilled liquids from adhering to the walls. A damp cloth with mild detergent is recommended for cleaning the inside, while abrasive cleaners, sprays, or harsh chemicals should be avoided as they can stain, streak, or dull surfaces.
- Exterior Cleaning: The outside surfaces, including the door and window, door seals, and adjacent parts, should be wiped frequently with a damp cloth. Care must be taken to prevent water from seeping into the ventilation openings.
- Control Panel Cleaning: The control panel should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth, and the oven door should be left open during cleaning to prevent accidental activation.
- Glass Turntable and Roller Ring: The glass turntable and roller ring assembly should be cleaned regularly to avoid excessive noise and ensure proper rotation. These parts can be washed in warm sudsy water or a dishwasher. Users are cautioned to handle the turntable carefully to avoid chipping or scratching.
- Odor Removal: To remove odors from the oven, a simple method involves microwaving a cup of water with lemon juice and skin for 5 minutes, then wiping the cavity thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Ventilation: The oven requires adequate clear space around its intake and outlet vents to prevent damage. Users are advised not to block these openings.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section to help users identify and resolve common issues, such as the oven not starting, arcing, unevenly cooked food, or the oven light not glowing. For persistent problems, users are advised to contact an authorized service center.
- Bulb Replacement: If the interior light bulb fails, it should be replaced by a qualified service engineer, as attempting to remove the outer casing can expose live components.
- Disposal: The product features a "Crossed-out Wheelie Bin Symbol," indicating that it should not be disposed of with general household waste but rather through separate collection schemes for electrical and electronic equipment recycling.
The RHM2017 is designed to be a reliable and easy-to-maintain appliance, provided that the safety instructions and maintenance guidelines are followed carefully.