Introduction

We will study about the Russell Hobbs Compact Digital Microwave RHM2031 in this tutorial. This multipurpose 20-liter gadget serves as a convenient answer to all of your cooking requirements by combining grilling and microwave cooking capabilities. It is a necessary addition to every kitchen since it guarantees speedy and effective meal preparation with its 800-watt microwave and 1000-watt grill.

Spare Parts

To check the availability of spare parts, please refer to the manual or contact customer service.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

1. Safety interlock latches
2. Door assembly and window
3. Oven cavity
4. Wave guide cover (do not remove)
5. Screen display
6. Control panel - buttons and dial
7. Turntable coupling
8. Roller ring
9. Glass turntable
10. Grill rack

Detailed Specifications

The Russell Hobbs Compact Digital Microwave RHM2031 has the following key features:

• 5 cooking functions: grill, roast, bake, toast, and defrost
• 750 watts of power
• 4 heating elements for even cooking
• 30-minute timer with auto shut-off
• Removable crumb tray for easy cleaning
• Cool-touch handle and housing
• Non-stick grill plates for easy food release
• Adjustable temperature control up to 230 degrees Celsius
• Indicator lights for power and preheat
• Compact size: 14.6 x 11.4 x 7.9 inches

Description

With its many cooking options, the compact and effective Russell Hobbs Compact Digital Microwave RHM2031 can help you produce wonderful meals. This oven is capable of baking a pizza, toasting bread, grilling steaks, and roasting chickens. The 30-minute timer guarantees that your food is cooked to perfection, and the adjustable temperature control lets you select the ideal heat for your dish. With its removable crumb tray, this appliance's cool-touch handle and casing offer a secure and comfortable grip while simplifying cleaning. Your food will release easily from the non-stick grill plates and not stick. This oven's modest size makes it ideal for RVs, flats, and tiny kitchens.

ABOUT YOUR MICROWAVE

The Russell Hobbs RHM2031 microwave has a sleek and professional design. As well as an appealing look, this appliance also includes impressive functionality, with 800 watts of microwave power and a 1000 watt grill providing quick and convenient cooking in your home. The RHM2031 from Russell Hobbs is a 20-liter cavity capacity microwave, comfortably fitting a standard size of dinner plate. It comes with a removable and dishwasher safe glass turntable for easy cleaning. Pre-programmed auto cook menus, such as pizza (reheat), fish, and popcorn, allow you to cook all your favorite foods at the push of a button. What’s more, there are automatic defrost settings meaning all you have to do is input the weight of the food, and the microwave selects the ideal defrost time, saving you time and effort. Moreover, combination setting and 5 microwave power levels enable tailoring of your cooking experience. Additional features include a handy digital clock and countdown timer, and for added peace of mind, the RHM2031 comes with a child safety lock option.

How do microwaves work?

Microwaves are high-frequency electromagnetic waves similar to radio waves. While radio waves may vary in length from one meter to many kilometers, microwaves are very short (less than 12.5 centimeters.) Microwaves do not make any heat themselves but cause water molecules in food to vibrate. This vibration produces heat that cooks the food. This is why your food will come out of the microwave piping hot, while your utensils inside the oven stay much cooler. The microwaves do not stay in the air or in the food when you open the microwave oven door. The microwave oven will work using an ordinary household electrical socket. Inside the microwave oven is the magnetron, which turns the electrical energy into microwaves. Microwaves cannot travel through metal, so the inside of the oven is lined with metal. The door is lined with a fine metal mesh which stops microwaves from getting through. This means that when the microwave oven door is shut, there is no possibility that microwaves can be released.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Rated Voltage: 230-240V/50Hz
• Rated Output Power (Microwave): 800W
• Rated Output Power (Grill): 1000W
• Oven Capacity (liters): 20*

*Internal volume is calculated by measuring the maximum width, depth, and height. The actual capacity for holding food is less.

UNPACKING THE MICROWAVE

Before you use your microwave oven:

1. Remove all the packaging. Do not remove the large piece of mica board from the right-hand side of the cavity wall (Refer to the below image). This is called a wave-guide cover and allows the microwaves to pass through to cook the food. 

   

   Please ensure you keep this cover clean at all times by wiping with a damp cloth. Do not remove/place in a dishwasher.

2. Check the oven after unpacking for any visual damage such as:
   • A misaligned door
   • Damage to the door
   • Dents or holes in the door window and screen
   • Dents inside If you can see any damage do not use the oven.

This microwave oven must be put on a horizontal surface that is strong enough to support its weight. The oven must be placed away from high temperatures and steam. Do not put anything on top of the microwave oven.

MICROWAVE OVEN INSTALLATION

• Place the oven as far away from radios and televisions as possible. Using the oven may cause interference with the reception.

• Plug the oven into a suitable 13 amp mains socket, make sure the voltage is the same as on the rating label (do not use extension cables or mains socket adaptors).

  

• The microwave oven should be used freestanding only and must not be built-in or used in a cabinet.
• Select a level surface that provides enough space for the outlet vents.

The minimum installation height is 85cm. A minimum clearance of 7.5cm is required between the oven and any adjacent walls. Leave a minimum clearance of 30cm above the oven.

WARNING: DO NOT install the oven over a cooker or other heat or steam-producing appliance as this will damage the microwave oven.

TURNTABLE INSTALLATION

• Before first use, check that any securing tape and all packaging have been removed from the glass tray and turntable ring assembly.
• These parts must never be restricted from rotating.
• Never place the glass tray upside down.
• To assemble the turntable, follow the steps below in number order.

STEP 1) The turntable coupling should slot into the center of the microwave.

STEP 2) The turntable ring slots into the indents in the microwave base.

STEP 3) The glass tray should align with the turntable coupling. 

The glass tray, turntable ring, and turntable coupling assembly must always be used during cooking (as shown below).

• Do not place food directly onto the glass tray, always place it on or in suitable microwaveable cookware. Please check that the crockery is microwave-safe before using it.
• If the glass tray or turntable ring assembly has been damaged in any way.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

WARNING:

• This appliance is intended to be used in the household and general domestic applications. It is not intended to be used in industrial or commercial applications.
• This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
• If the door or door seals are damaged, the oven must not be operated until it has been repaired by a competent person.
• It is hazardous for anyone other than a competent person to carry out any service or repair operation that involves the removal of a cover which gives protection against exposure to microwave energy.
• Liquids and other foods must not be heated in sealed containers since they are liable to explode.
• A minimum clearance of 7.5cm is required between the oven and any adjacent walls. Leave a minimum clearance of 30cm above the oven.
• Use only cookware and utensils that are approved for use in a microwave oven.
• When heating food in plastic or paper containers, keep an eye on the oven due to the possibility of ignition.
• This microwave is intended for heating food and beverages only. The drying of food or clothing and heating of warming pads, wheat bags, slippers, sponges, damp cloth and similar is extremely dangerous and may lead to risk of injury, ignition or fire.
• If materials inside the oven smoke or catch fire, keep the oven door closed to stifle the flames, turn the oven off at the wall switch, or shut the power off at the fuse or circuit-breaker panel. If smoke is emitted, switch off or unplug the appliance and keep the door closed in order to stifle any flames.
• Microwave heating of beverages can result in delayed eruptive boiling, therefore care must be taken when handling the container.
• The contents of feeding bottles and baby food jars shall be stirred or shaken and the temperature checked before consumption, in order to avoid burns. Do not heat baby bottles with the teat left on. Remove it if replacing the bottle back into the oven.
• Eggs in their shell and whole hard-boiled eggs should not be heated in microwave ovens since they may explode, even after microwave heating has ended.
• The oven should be cleaned regularly and any food deposits removed. Failure to maintain the oven in a clean condition could lead to deterioration of the surface that could adversely affect the life of the appliance and possibly result in a hazardous situation.
• The microwave oven should be used freestanding only and must not be built-in or used in a cabinet.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.
• To avoid fire, electric shock, or injury, never immerse the microwave, cord, or plug in water or liquid.
• Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer. Only use thermometers approved for use in microwaves.

CONTROL PANEL

• Screen Display: Cooking time, power, action indicators, and clock time are displayed.
• Power level: Press this button a number of times to set a cooking power level.
• Grill/Combi: Press to set a grill or combination cooking program.
• Clock: Press this button to set the time.
• Pre-Set: Press to set a pre-set cooking program.
• Auto cook: Press to select the kind of food you want to cook from the Auto menu.
• Stop/Cancel: Press to stop/cancel the cooking process.
• Weight/Time: Turn the dial to input a cooking time and to set the weight for the defrost function.
• Start: Press to start a cooking program and simply press it several times to set a quick start cooking time.

HOW TO USE THE MICROWAVE

Setting the clock (24 hour)

1. Press the 'Clock' button. The display will show ‘12H', and the clock symbol will be displayed. Press the 'Clock' button again, and the display will show ‘24H’.
2. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial clockwise until the display shows '8:'.
3. Press the 'Clock' button. The display will show '8:00'.
4. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial clockwise until the display shows '08:30'. Press the 'Clock' button to confirm. The clock is now set.

Note

• Before setting a cooking program, the clock needs to be set.
• If the clock is not set, the clock will not function when powered.
• During the process of clock setting, if you press the ‘Stop/Cancel’ button, the oven will return to the previous status.

Microwave Cooking

Once you have correctly installed the unit, turned on the power, and set the clock, you are ready to start cooking. Your microwave has 6 power levels, the lowest at 0%, then 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, up to 100% (or full power). Most recipes are cooked on full power – this should be indicated on the packaging of microwavable food.

1. To select a power level, press the ‘Power Level’ button:
   • When pressed once, the screen display will show 100%
   • When pressed twice, the screen display will show 80%
   • When pressed three times, the screen display will show 60%
   • When pressed four times, the screen display will show 40%
   • When pressed five times, the screen display will show 20%
   • When pressed six times, the screen display will show 0%
2. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial clockwise to set the required time.
3. Press the ‘Weight/Time' dial to commence cooking.
4. Please note: 'End' will be displayed, and 2 beeps will be heard every 2 minutes until the oven door is opened or the 'Stop/Cancel' button is pressed.

Note:

• The maximum cooking time is 95 minutes.
• Do not operate the oven empty, as this can cause irreparable damage.

Pausing Cooking

1. If you want to pause the cooking to turn over or stir contents, simply open the door, then close it again and press the ‘Weight/Time' dial to continue the cycle. 
2. If you wish to stop cooking with time left on the display, take out the contents, close the door, and press the ‘Stop/Cancel’ button once to clear. 
3. When the cooking process has finished, 'End' will be displayed, and 2 beeps will be heard every 2 minutes until the oven door is opened or the 'Stop/Cancel' button is pressed.

Quick Start Function

For quick and easy microwave cooking, you can press the ‘Weight/Time' dial to automatically add 30 seconds of cooking time. This can be pressed multiple times for cooking up to 10 minutes on full power. Note: This function does not work for defrost, auto menu, grill, combi, or during the cooking process.

Weight Defrost

• The microwave generally penetrates 4cm into most foods. Therefore, you must ensure food is thoroughly defrosted before starting the cooking process. 
• For even defrosting results, ensure you turn the food over during the cycle. 
• Defrosting generally takes longer than the cooking time of food. 
• Defrosted food should be consumed as soon as possible; do not put it back in the fridge or freeze again.

As an example, to defrost 400g of poultry:

1. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial anticlockwise – ‘100g’ will be displayed.
2. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial clockwise until you reach the desired weight ‘400g’.
3. To commence defrosting, press the ‘Weight/Time' dial.
4. Approximately two-thirds of the way through the defrosting time, the oven will beep and pause. This is to allow you to turn over the food for even defrosting. Turn over or rearrange the food and press the ‘Weight/Time' dial to resume defrosting. To defrost fatty meat, defrost intermittently until defrosted. Ice should be removed at all times.
5. Please note: 'End' will be displayed, and 2 beeps will be heard every 2 minutes until the oven door is opened or the 'Stop/Cancel' button is pressed.

Note: Ensure food is thoroughly defrosted before starting the cooking process.

Auto Cooking Function

There are 9 auto menus you can use for easy cooking, automatically calculating the cooking time based on the type of food and weight. To access the menus, press the ‘Auto Cook‘ button. For guidelines, please see the Auto menu table on the following page.

1. Place the food in a container suitable for use with microwave ovens and put it into the oven.
2. Choose the 'Auto' menu you want by pressing the ‘Auto Cook‘ button. The 'Auto' symbol will be displayed.
3. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial to choose the weight or quantity. The display will show the weight in grams or amounts, and the 'Start' symbol will flash.
4. Press the ‘Weight/Time' dial. The oven will now start to cook the food.
5. When the food has finished cooking, the oven will beep 2 times to let you know, and the word 'End' will be displayed.

Note: 'End' will be displayed, and 2 beeps will be heard every 2 minutes until the oven door is opened or the 'Stop/Cancel' button is pressed. 

Please note: It is advisable to stir and turn food where needed to ensure even cooking, be sure to handle hot food with care.
You will need to use your discretion regarding food type, temperature and weight as times may vary – the table on the next page is a guideline for each auto cooking setting:

Pre-set Cooking Function

You can set your microwave to start cooking at a pre-set time, without the need to be present to input the programs. Make sure your food is in the microwave and prepared when you program the pre-set function. 

You will need to set the clock and the cooking menu and time

It is possible to input a maximum of 2 cooking stages. Do not use the defrost function in the pre-set function. The auto menu can be set for a single stage only.

Pre-set cooking function example: If the current time is 12:30, and you want the microwave to cook on 80% power for 7 minutes at 14:20:

1. Press the ’Power Level’ button twice for 80% microwave power – ’80%’ is displayed.
2. Turn the ‘Weight/Time’ dial to adjust the cooking time to 7 minutes.
3. After the above steps, DO NOT press the ‘Weight/Time’ dial, but do as follows:
4. Press the ‘Pre-Set’ button; the current time displays, and the hour figures flash.
5. Turn the ‘Weight/Time’ dial to adjust the hours to display ‘14:’ or ‘2’. Press the ‘Pre-Set’ button, and the minute figures will flash along with the hour figures. Turn the ‘Weight/Time’ dial to adjust the minutes to display ‘20’. This sets the start time.
6. Press the ‘Weight/Time’ dial to finish setting. The oven will automatically start to operate at 14:20.

Note: 'End' will be displayed, and 2 beeps will be heard every 2 minutes until the oven door is opened or the 'Stop/Cancel' button is pressed. If you wish to cancel the pre-set cooking, press the ‘Stop/Cancel’ button.

Grill

For example, if you want to grill food for 12 minutes

1. Press the ‘Grill/Combi’ button once, the grill icon will be displayed, and the time will show ‘00:10’.
2. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial until the display shows ‘12:00’.
3. Press the ‘Weight/Time' dial. The oven will now start to cook the food.

Note:

• The longest grilling time is 95 minutes.
• When the food has finished cooking the oven will beep 2 times to let you know and the word 'End' will be displayed.

Please note: 'End' will be displayed and 2 beeps will be heard every 2 minutes until the oven door is opened or the 'Stop/Cancel' button is pressed.

Combination Cooking

Combi 1: This setting will microwave the food for 30% of the cooking time and grill the food for 70% of the cooking time. This can be used for cooking fish, cottage pie, etc.

Example: If you wanted to microwave and grill your food on this setting for 25 minutes:

1. Press the ‘Grill/Combi’ button twice, the display will show ‘combi 1’, and the time will show ‘00:10’.
2. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial until the display shows ‘25:00’.
3. Press the ‘Weight/Time' dial. The oven will now start to cook the food.

Note: The longest cooking time is 95 minutes.

When the food has finished cooking, the oven will beep 2 times to let you know, and the word 'End' will be displayed.

Combi 2: This setting will microwave the food for 55% of the cooking time and grill the food for 45% of the cooking time. This can be used for cooking baked potatoes, omelettes, pudding, etc.

Example: If you wanted to microwave and grill your food on this setting for 12 minutes:

1. Press the ‘Grill/Combi’ button 3 times, the display will show ‘combi 2’, and the time will show ‘00:10’.
2. Turn the ‘Weight/Time' dial until the display shows ‘12:00’.
3. Press the ‘Weight/Time' dial. The oven will now start to cook the food.

Note:

• The longest cooking time is 95 minutes.
• When the food has finished cooking, the oven will beep 2 times to let you know, and the word 'End' will be displayed.

Please note: 'End' will be displayed, and 2 beeps will be heard every 2 minutes until the oven door is opened or the 'Stop/Cancel' button is pressed.

Child Safety Lock

This function is to prevent children from using the microwave oven.

• To activate the child lock, press and hold the 'Stop/Cancel' button for 3 seconds. You will hear a beep, and the lock symbol will be displayed.
• To deactivate the child lock, press and hold the 'Stop/Cancel' button for 3 seconds. You will hear a beep, and the lock symbol will disappear.

Utensil Information

• Do not use metal pans or dishes with metal handles.
• Do not use anything with a metal trim.
• Do not use paper-covered wire twist-ties on plastic bags.
• Do not use melamine dishes as they contain a material that will absorb microwave energy. This may cause the dishes to crack or burn and will slow down the cooking speed.
• Use only cookware that is approved to be used in a microwave oven.
• Do not cook using a container with a restricted opening, such as bottles, as they may explode.
• Do not heat baby bottles with the teat left on. Remove it if replacing the bottle back into the oven.
• Only use thermometers that are approved for microwave ovens.
• Do not use the microwave oven for heating utensils.

Setup Guide

To use the Russell Hobbs Compact Digital Microwave RHM2031, follow these steps:

1. Plug in the oven and turn it on using the power switch.
2. Select the desired cooking function using the control dial.
3. Adjust the temperature and time using the corresponding dials.
4. Place your food on the grill plates or in a baking dish.
5. Close the oven door and wait for the oven to preheat.
6. Monitor the cooking process using the indicator lights and the timer.
7. When the food is done, turn off the oven and use the cool-touch handle to remove the food.

Cleaning the Microwave

• Before you clean the oven, turn it off and unplug it.
• Keep the inside of the oven clean. When food or liquids stick to the oven walls, wipe with a damp cloth. We recommend that you do not use harsh detergents or abrasives.
• On the right-hand side wall of the cavity is the waveguide cover. Microwaves are passed through this to enable your food to cook. It is important that this waveguide cover is kept clean at all times. To do this, wipe with mild detergent and water, then dry.
• You should clean the outside of the oven with a damp cloth. Do not allow water to seep into the ventilation openings.
• Do not allow the control panel to become wet. Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use detergents, abrasives, or spray-on cleaners on the control panel.
• If steam builds up inside or around the outside of the oven door, wipe with a soft cloth. This may happen when the microwave oven is used in humid conditions.
• Regularly remove the glass turntable to clean it, and wash it in warm soapy water. Regularly clean the turntable support and oven floor. Simply wipe the bottom surface of the oven with mild detergent and water, then dry. You can wash the turntable support in mild soapy water.
• When removing the turntable support of the oven, make sure you put it back properly.
• If the inside of the oven smells, put a cup of water with the juice and skin of one lemon in a deep microwave bowl. Microwave it for three minutes, wipe thoroughly, and then dry with a soft cloth.
• Failure to maintain the oven in a clean condition, especially if liquid is left under the turntable, could lead to deterioration of the surface that will adversely affect the life of the appliance and may result in a hazardous condition.

Russell Hobbs Problem-Solving

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, always unplug the microwave before performing maintenance or troubleshooting checks. The microwave oven may cause interference to your radio, TV, or similar equipment. If this happens, you can stop the interference by moving the radio, TV, or equipment as far away from your microwave oven as possible.

Russell Hobbs Compact Digital Microwave RHM2031 Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Versatile and convenient
  • Compact and efficient
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Adjustable temperature control and timer
  • Cool-touch handle and housing
  • Removable crumb tray
  • Non-stick grill plates
• Cons:
  • May not fit large dishes or roasts
  • May take longer to cook certain dishes compared to a full-size oven
  • May emit a plastic smell during the first few uses (this should dissipate over time)

Guarantee

This product is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of the original purchase. If any defect arises due to faulty materials or workmanship, the faulty product must be returned to the place of purchase.

Customer Reviews

The Russell Hobbs Compact Digital Microwave RHM2031 has received positive reviews from customers for its small size, adaptability, and simplicity of use. They have cooked many other things with it, such as pizza, bread, poultry, fish, steaks, and burgers. Although some people have noticed that some foods take longer to cook than they would in a full-size oven, they are generally satisfied with the appliance's performance. The most common complaints are related to the plastic smell during the first few uses and the limited size of the oven.