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LG MVEL2033F  Microwave Review

Reviewed Jul 10, 2024 at 10:13am
Retest Jul 16, 2025 at 09:04am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
LG MVEL2033F
 4

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
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jul 16, 2025: 

      We've updated our Differences between Variants and Power sections to include information on regional variants for this microwave.

    2.  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.
    3.  Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.

    Check Price

    Black Stainless SteelMVEL2033D
    SEE PRICE
    BestBuy.com
    Stainless SteelMVEL2033F
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    This microwave is only available in 'Stainless Steel'. There are a couple of regional variants which differ in power output. We tested the Canadian version, which has a 900-watt power output, while the American version is rated at 1050 watts. See our unit's label for more details.

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

    Popular Microwave Comparisons

    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
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    Category:
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    Design
    Body
    Installation
    Over-The-Range
    Height16.2" (41.2 cm)
    Width29.9" (76.0 cm)
    Depth Without Handle
    15.7" (40.0 cm)
    Depth With Handle
    N/A
    Power Cord Length3.25 ft (0.99 m)
    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.

    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.

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

    Depending on your region, this microwave is available with 900 W (Canada) or 1050 W (United States) power output. However, despite the differences in advertised output power, performance should be similar overall; the only notable difference is that the higher output variant will heat food slightly faster. For more details, see our investigation into 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.

    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.