DESIGN DEEFCT IN LG 808war. Review on LG MC-808WAR

I was suprised to find t most readers have given a good rating to this product. My experience with this brand has been bad.

In September 2005, I purchased an LG Microwave, Model MC-808WAR from Em Dee Electronics, Delhi Cantt. The dealer demonstrated it by heating a glass of water. Soon afterwards, we noticed that it was not heating properly. Fortunately, we have two other microwaves in the house (my son and daughter stay with us, with their families). When we compared the LG with the other two, we found that it takes almost twice as long to heat the same amount of food e.g. a bowl of dal or rajma. Also, the heating was not uniform. The food near the sides of the bowl was hot, but that in the centre of the bowl was comparatively colder.

The matter was reported to the LG Service Centre in Gurgaon. After several visits, they took away the microwave on 22/11/05. It was returned on 7/12/05 (after 15 days), but the defect remained. They took it away again on 13/12/05. Having failed to rectify the defect, they arranged for a new oven, which was delivered to me on 9/1/05 (after 28 days). We thought our troubles are over. But we were surprised to find that the new oven had exactly the same defect.

I have compared the specifications of the three microwaves that we have in the house. The specifications are as under: -

Brand & Model Output Capacity Input Power (Watts)

(Watts) (Litres) MW Grill Total

SAMSUNG 900 26 1500 1300 2800

CE-945G

KENSTAR 1000 34 1500 1600 3100

OM-34ECR

LG 900 28 1350 1250 2650

MC-808WAR

From the above, it is apparent the input power used in the LG, for microwave as well as grill, is less than the other two. LG service engineers feel that the heating is less because of the large size of the 808 WAR.However, the argument of LG that because their model is larger than Samsung, the heating is less does not appear to valid, since the Kenstar is much larger at 34 litres, and is still quite efficient, even with the same power (1500 w) for microwave input. In any case, why should a consumer pay a higher price for a product that is less efficient?

I wrote about this to CONSUMER VOICE magazine. The letter has been published in the issue of March-April 2006. I also wrote to the CMD of the company. After this, the company has taken back the microwave and given me a full refund. But I feel they should recall the product. The defect will not be noticed by others unless they make a comparison. If anyone is planning to buy this microwave, I suggest he should test it by heating some food item (not just water) Also check whether the heating is uniform. Most important, keep the same quantity of food in another microwave and compare the heating, with a thermometer, or by putting your finger in the bowl or glass.