I recently upgraded from a GE Spacemaker XL with the purchase of an LG over-the-range microwave - 2 cubic ft., black, item number: LMV208SB.
the Good
- attractive to look at, matches my kitchen decor perfectly
- large LCD display is easy to see and read
- includes many advanced and basic settings
- has an "EZ-ON" feature which allows you to start cooking instantly with the press of this button
- has dedicated buttons for popcorn and hot dogs
- door opens on its own, there isn't another button that you need to press like on other microwaves for the door
- the price was exceptional and with Amazn's free shipping I defy anyone to find another retailer that can match their price
- comes with a 1-year warranty and if LG is anything like GE (I have no idea) they won't bat an eye if you call them for service even when the appliance is a few years old
- More/Less Arrows allow you to subtract or add time while the microwave is in operation
- tells you when to turn over food, when you're defrosting
- extra large cooking capacity, and with the wrack it nearly doubles in size
- 1100 watts of power
the Bad
- it is incredibly heavy and bulky (nearly 70 pounds), have at least 2 strong men who can lift it when you install it
- the door makes a loud clunking sound when it closes
- there isn't a "quick cook" button like GE had, the closest this has is EZ-On, however that automatically defaults to 30 seconds
- the unit doesn't constantly keep beeping to remind you that your food is ready
- sometimes foods tend to get slightly soggy when taken off the "hold warm" setting
- the rotation cannot be turned off if it is set to keep warm
- it's doing a number on my plastic dishes that are microwave safe, they're slightly bending, however since they're so inexpensive I do not mind too much
the Ugly
- it is a beast to clean/keep clean
- it is a fingerprint/dust magnet
- picks up streaks very quickly
- it can pick up scratches very, very easily
the Exceptional
- the Soften button allows you to soften butter, ice-cream, cream cheese and even frozen juice
- with the cooking sensors the microwave cooks everything to the perfect temp and then shuts off automatically, this is great for TV dinners
- with the Reheat button you can quickly heat up anything and the microwave will bring it to the perfect temp without any effort on your part
- dedicated defrost settings for vegetables, beef and chicken
- with the Hold Warm button I can now leave whatever I was cooking in it for up to 90 minutes and it will stay nice and hot, this'll save on power because I won't have to turn on the oven for this
- able to automatically turn on the Hold Warm feature to follow another cooking function
- EZ-On feature can be extended in 30 minute increments just by pressing it
- Custom Cook can be programmed to cook any single time you use the most often (my only complaint about this is you still need to press the Start/Enter button)
Things to Remember
- never use a brillo pad or abrasive sponge on this as it could scratch very easily
- although I don't know why you would want to, never turn the microwave oven on if nothing is inside it
- sometimes it makes slight crackling sounds as it's cooking, these are normal
If anyone has any suggestions on how to keep this looking perfect and nice and shiny and glossy please let me know. Right now I am using Mr. Clean Power Wipes on the outside, then I gently buff it with a dry paper towel to buff and shine it. But it's not very practical because it's a lot of work and lint, dust and fingerprints still seem to find a way all over the microwave no matter what I do or don't do.
**Update** I recently started using Fantastic Clean & Shine spray with a microfiber towel (on the outside door and on the inside-after I clean the inside with a sponge, as well) and it works very well. So far, this is the best product that I have found to keep it looking shiny and new (the outside mostly). Keep in mind there are different varieties of Fantastic Cleaner, you're going to want to get "Fantastic Clean & Shine" spray.
Overall this is a very useful item and one of the most used new appliances that I have purchased for my kitchen in ages.
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LG Over The Range MicrowavesProduct Description: Behind every LG OTR lives a high performance cooking machine. Our powerful 300 CFM exhaust system makes cooking more pleasant by reducing smoke and food odors. With LG's OTRs, expect the ultimate in premium styling . By adding stylish controls and a hidden venting system, we've elevated our OTRs to a new level of sophistication. Improved circulation of microwaves with top stirrer fan and rotation of the turntable ensure more even and thorough cooking and defrosting. Melt or soften your butter, cream cheese, or chocolate without boiling or scorching using this low wattage setting. You'll no longer have to let your butter sit on the counter to soften before you can cream it to make cookies.
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We bought a combo set:microwave, stove top, oven, and refrigerator.The stove and oven work fine, but the microwave went out only after a little over a year of usage.We payed a couple hundred dollars for the microwave and it went out!!I've bought cheap microwaves that do the job almost as good that have lasted more than 8 years!!
