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
- Mute function and sensor cooking included.
- Big cooking chamber.
- Not as fast as similar microwaves.
- Controls can block view into chamber.
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.
- Mute function and sensor cooking included.
- Big cooking chamber.
- Not as fast as similar microwaves.
- Controls can block view into chamber.
Changelog
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Updated Jul 14, 2026:
We added a link to the Samsung Bespoke ME90H1780R in the In-Use Noise box for users who want a microwave that operates more quietly.
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Updated Jun 26, 2026:
Added a note that the Samsung ME17R7021ES heats food faster in Popular Comparisons.
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Updated Jun 04, 2026:
We mentioned the Sharp R1214TY in the Internal Capacity box for users looking for an over-the-counter microwave with buttons located along the bottom edge.
- Updated Feb 24, 2026: Version 1.1 of our microwave test bench adds a score for Internal Capacity and adds tests for Ease of Use and In-Use Noise. For a more detailed breakdown of the changes, see our full changelog.
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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 similar microwaves, like the Samsung ME17R7021ES and GE JVM6175SKSS.
If you're looking for a recommendation, check out the best over-the-range microwaves and the best microwaves.
If you're considering both over-the-range and over-the-counter microwaves, and trying to decide between the Sharp R1214TY and the LG MVEL2033F, the LG is a better bet. Although the Sharp is more powerful and cooks a bit quicker, the LG is easier and more pleasant to use, which will make a bigger difference for most people. The LG, an over-the-range model, is larger, giving you more space to reheat bigger dishes. It has a glass touch panel that is more responsive than the Sharp's membrane touch panel and lets you start simple cooking programs with a single button press. It's also easier to adjust the power level or set a specific cook time with the LG, and it has dedicated buttons to mute or lock the controls.
Test Results
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), the buttons block your view, especially for shorter people. That said, if you prefer the controls in this orientation, you may also like the Sharp R1214TY, an over-the-counter microwave that can be installed under a 24-inch wall cabinet.
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.
- Mounting plate
- User guide and installation guide
- Turntable
- Turntable roller
- Screws, bolts, clamp, and wall anchors
- Cover plate for ventilation
- Extra grease filters
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.
This microwave operates quietly, but if you're looking for an over-the-range model that's even quieter, consider the Samsung Bespoke ME90H1780R.
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.
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.