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LG MVEL2033F Microwave Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Jul 10, 2024 at 10:13 am
Latest change: Writing modified Jul 24, 2024 at 10:55 am

The LG MVEL2033F is a higher-end over-the-range microwave. Its design is a bit different from other microwaves since its controls are along the bottom of the door, and you open the door by pulling on it instead of using a button or handle. Unlike some cheaper over-the-range options from LG, you can mute its controls, and it has some sensor cooking options. It connects with an app that lets you send cook time and power information to the microwave. Like most over-the-range models, it has a wide cooking chamber suitable for containers like casserole dishes.

Our Verdict

7.3 Power

The LG MVEL2033F is a 900-watt microwave, so its output power isn't as high as others. Cheaper 1000-watt microwaves like the LG LMV1764ST and LG MVEM1825F can heat food faster.

Pros
  • Mute function and sensor cooking included.
  • Big cooking chamber.
Cons
  • Not as fast as similar microwaves.
  • Controls can block view into chamber.

Performance Usages

  • 7.3 Power
  1. Updated Jul 24, 2024: Added a note that it's sometimes advertised as a 1050-watt microwave under power. The actual output power of our unit is 900 watts.
  2. Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

This microwave only comes in one 'Stainless Steel' variant. You can see the label for the unit we tested here.

If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Microwaves

The LG MVEL2033F is a big over-the-range microwave with plenty of features. The fan and cooktop light are adjustable, you can turn off the turntable rotation, and it has sensor cooking modes and a mute function, which cheaper models like the LG LMV1764ST lack. Its controls are found along the bottom of the door, which is meant to allow for a wider view into the cooking chamber but may also block your view into it unless you're quite tall. It also won't heat food quite as fast as some microwaves. The GE JVM6175SKSS and Whirlpool WMH32519HZ are both faster microwaves with a mute option and sensor cooking modes for a more automatic microwaving experience. However, they have somewhat smaller cooking chambers.

If you're looking for a recommendation, check out the best over-the-range microwaves and the best microwaves.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Body
Installation
Over-The-Range
Height 16.2" (41.2 cm)
Width 29.9" (76.0 cm)
Depth Without Handle
15.7" (40.0 cm)
Depth With Handle
N/A
Power Cord Length 3.25 ft (0.99 m)
Design
Cooking Chamber
Advertised Chamber Volume
2.0 cu. ft.
Turntable Diameter
14.2" (36.0 cm)
Chamber Height
10.2" (25.9 cm)
Chamber Width
22.0" (55.8 cm)
Chamber Depth
14.4" (36.5 cm)
Measured Chamber Volume
1.9 cu. ft. (0.05 m³)

This microwave has a 'WideView' window, which means its window is wide and narrow, with buttons on the bottom instead of along one side. The light inside is bright, but if looking into the chamber from below (like when it's installed above your oven), buttons block your view, especially for shorter people.

Design
Controls And Functions
Door Release
Recessed Handle
Cooking Sensor
Yes
Popcorn Button
Yes
Defrost Button
Yes
Add Time Button
Yes
Kitchen Timer
Yes
Mute Sounds Button
Yes
Lock Controls Button
Yes

The LG MVEL2033F is one of LG’s high-end over-the-range microwaves. Since it's an over-the-range microwave, it has a cooktop light and fan. The fan has four speeds, while the cheaper LG MVEM1825F's fan only has two. You can program the fan to turn off automatically after a certain amount of time.

It has a few unusual cooking modes: kids meal (you can choose from mac and cheese, corndog, or chicken nuggets), steam (there are several different programs for different vegetables), and simmer (different options for rice and different kinds of pasta).

Separately, there are many sensor cooking options. Unlike the modes mentioned above, with steam sensor modes, the microwave detects steam and automatically adjusts the cooking time.

You can choose to turn off the turntable rotation, which isn't the case for all microwaves.

Finally, it also connects with an app called 'LG ThinQ.' You can't actually start the microwave in the app, but you can send a cook time and power to it, set a timer, and turn the fan and cooktop light on and off and adjust them, along with a few other functions. You can see a video of the app here.

Design
In The Box

  • Mounting plate
  • User guide and installation guide
  • Turntable
  • Turntable roller
  • Screws, bolts, clamp, and wall anchors
  • Cover plate for ventilation
  • Extra grease filters

Performance
7.3
Performance
Power
Inverter Technology
No
Advertised Microwave Output Power
900 W
Tested Heating Rate At 100% Power
624 W

This model is advertised as a 1050-watt microwave on LG's website. However, our unit's label and manual indicate that it's a 900-watt microwave.

Performance
Shallow Dish Heating Uniformity
Area Of Underheated Dinner Plate
30%
Grayscale Range Dinner Plate
14
Area Of Underheated Turntable
43%
Grayscale Range Turntable
19

There's no noticeable difference between microwaves when it comes to evenly heating shallow plates of food. Instead, evenness depends on what you're heating up and in what amount, among other factors. Read more about our investigation into microwave performance here.

Performance
Deep Dish Heating Uniformity
Min. Food Temperature (100% Power)
98 °F (37 °C)
Food Temperature Range (100% Power)
105 °F (58 °C)
Min. Food Temperature (50% Power)
102 °F (39 °C)
Food Temperature Range (50% Power)
103 °F (57 °C)

You won't notice a difference between how evenly microwaves heat deeper dishes of food. Heating uniformity depends on what kind of food you're heating, in what amount, and in what container. You can read more about microwave performance here.