Buying guide for Best LG microwaves
The microwave oven has been around since the 1960s. You can use it to cook dinner, make snacks, and warm leftovers. You can use it to bake a cake. Pro chefs use them to dry, defrost, and warm foods.
Using a microwave is easy, but you may be surprised at how many features the newest ones have.
Convection microwaves let you bake, brown, and cook from scratch. Some have sensors that stop the microwave when your food is done. For features like these, look no further than LG.
LG offers a great lineup of built-in, over-the-range, and countertop microwave ovens. There are several sizes, power levels, and finishes to choose from.
With so much choice, it helps to check in with experts before shopping. We did the research so you don’t have to. For the best microwaves, read this buying guide. Don't forget to check out the microwaves pictured here as well.
Key considerations
Traditional vs. convection
Traditional: This oven heats food with microwave energy. Traditional microwaves are common and cost less than other options.
Convection: A fan circulates hot air to cook food evenly. You get very good results with little effort. These microwaves are bigger than regular microwaves.
Capacity
Do you cook just for yourself? A family of four?
Where will you put your new microwave oven?
LG sizes range from 0.9 to 2.2 cu.ft in capacity.
The outside dimensions also matter, especially if you want to put it above the stove or on a counter. Use a tape measure to figure this out.
Power
The amount of power a microwave has affects how fast it cooks. It also affects the meal size it can make.
Microwave power is measured in watts. Look for microwaves between 700 and 1,500 watts. The higher the wattage, the faster food will cook.
Some units have variable power settings so you can change wattage as you go.
When thinking about power, note that a large microwave cooks slower than a modest one with the same wattage.
LG makes countertop and built-in microwaves. Built-ins fit flush to your range, countertop, or drawer.
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Features
Presets
LG offers preset functions. You can use variable power levels, sensor cook, defrost, and programs for different foods.
Sensors
A sensor is common on high-end microwaves from LG. It monitors steam inside the oven and adds or subtracts cook time as needed.
The volume and density of food can throw off a sensor, so you should still check your food from time to time as it cooks.
EasyClean
LG microwaves with an EasyClean interior have a coating that makes them easy to clean. It only takes a few wipes to remove baked-on food from these ovens.
Some models have fingerprint resistant stainless steel. The specs will tell you if this is an option.
Other kitchen appliances from LG also have a printproof stainless steel exterior, including some cooktops, ranges, and refrigerators.
QuietPower ventilation
Advanced microwaves may need more ventilation than normal models. Ventilation creates more noise than you may want.
To soften the noise, LG makes some models with QuietPower vents.
LG NeoChef turntable
Regular turntables can be flimsy and weak. They can come off track with heavy items.
This offering has a hexagonal stabilizer ring. The ring has six rather than three support wheels.
DID YOU KNOW?
No matter which microwave you buy, keep the manual. You may need it someday for part numbers or other information.
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LG microwave prices
Inexpensive
Expect to pay $150 to $200 for a small countertop unit. Many of these are quite basic.
Mid-range
For $250 to $350, you can get a larger and more powerful LG countertop model or a small over-range model. Stainless steel finishes are common here. You can also find a few radiant heat and sensor cooking microwaves.
Expensive
Expect to spend $400 to $500+ for the biggest built-in microwaves. These come in more finishes. They often have fingerprint resistant stainless steel and sensor cooking.
For built-in and over-range microwaves, you may need an LG trim kit to cover gaps. Choose from classy finishes including black stainless steel.
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Tips
- Check the plug and vents. Make sure the air vents are not blocked and the plug has three prongs.
- Pierce foods that have skins. This will prevent potatoes, sausage, and other foods from popping and splattering.
- Elevate foods with a rack when cooking with radiant heat. This helps air move around under the food for more even results.
- Wipe the interior dry. This helps prevent mold growth.
- Note that LG offers some rebates. Rebates often come in bundles. For example, you might be able to get a rebate on a kitchen appliance bundle with a cooktop, range, refrigerator, and microwave. Check here for details.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best way to clean my microwave?
A. Microwaves get grimy fast! But cleaning them is not hard.
The first step is to unplug the microwave. This reduces the risk of electric shock.
Check your manual. Most messes can be cleaned with a damp paper towel or sponge.
For grease, use baking soda, soap, or a product made for cleaning the inside of a microwave.
Do not use commercial oven cleaners, abrasives, ammonia, or bleach.
For baked-on food, heat 1 cup of water for a few minutes. The steam will help soften the food.
Q. How can I tell if my dishes are microwave safe?
A. Look for a box with a set of wavy lines on the dishes. This symbol represents a microwave. If you see it, you’re good to go.
If the container has a #5 on it, it is made of polypropylene and likely safe.
CPET #1 is another label that suggests safety. It is found on bakery trays and some packaged meals.
Q. Does LG offer a warranty?
A. The typical warranty they offer is one year on parts and labor. In the first year, the company will pay to fix the oven or replace parts.
Sometimes, a customer will not qualify for a warranty. This is true of any appliance you buy, whether a microwave, washer, or air conditioner.
Check with the retailer for info.
