LG NeoChef MS4296
Verified439 reviews
Like other reviewers, microwave rusting inside despite being less than 3 years old and infrequently used. Mine has rusted bottom corner edge of door. Clearly not fit for purpose. Fobbed off by LG as maintenance issue despite it otherwise being in… Read more
pristine condition. My last microwave lasted over twenty years with no issues so I think I know how to maintain a microwave. Customer service appalling. Refused to let me speak to a manager. Despite clearly reading from a script and having to go off and check the answers to my questions several times such as at whose cost they could send someone to assess (my cost) insisted "I am the manager". LG crossed off my list of brands I'll buy in the future as I would rate the quality of their product and their "customer service" as poor.
Follow-up · Update: Emailed 22/07/2026 in response to request for me to contact them, provided my phone number and heard nothing back. Emailed again 17/08/2026 stating I wanted to give them the opportunity to respond before updating my post. Heard back from Kyla S 19/08 requesting a photo so they could review which I sent. Again heard nothing back. Followed… Read more
Magnetron failed after 32 months. Fought with LG for them to cover all costs. 32 months later, it has failed again. Now only part will be covered and we must pay for assessment and labour...which means this is bound for recycling... What a lie the 10 year warranty is... does not cover labour nor assessments so it makes it wholly uneconomical to… Read more
repair... And who would want to pay 50% of the original value on repairs?
It was a nice microwave while it worked, but once you're outside the 1-2 year standard warranty...you're out of luck with LG.
Hi there! We appreciate you taking the time to share this with… Read more (+1 reply)
Only lasted 3 years, so out of warranty. No wonder our landfills are filling up and finding space for rubbish tips is becoming a problem! BECAUSE WE ARE NOT MAKING PRODUCTS THAT LAST ANYMORE MORE, 3 YEARS ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH LG. Show details
Hi Matt, thanks for sharing your feedback. We're disappointed… Read more
Reviews with attachments
Bought oven Nov 2022, and developed a big area of rust under the paint (paint fall off during cleaning). LG customer service said their specialist determined it was not cleaned correctly. Will never buy another LG again. Show details
Hi there! Thank you for your review. We regret that your… Read more
Following my daughter’s exact same microwave failing after 2 years I was expecting something to go wrong. My microwave rusted out internally and is now too dangerous to use. It’s clear to all that the finish to the inside box is inferior, I would avoid this like the plague there are obviously major quality control issues. Sadly LG suggested it was… Read more
my fault because of lack of maintenance, I can assure you that was not the case, the problem was lack of a quality finish and that is held up by the number of people that have posted with the same issue.
- +1
HIGHLY RECOMMEND LG 42L 1200W NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave White MS4296OWS – As I was cleaning this microwave today, I realized I hadn’t reviewed it yet. After two years of heavy use multiple times a day, it still looks and works like new! Just check the photos. Before this, we always bought Kmart microwaves, but they would rust out quickly, even though we kept the door open to dry them. My microwave is stored in the… Read more
pantry.
I chose the LG 42L 1200W NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave (White, MS4296OWS) mainly for the "soften" setting for butter, which has been fantastic.
As for the fancy defrost settings, they’re nothing special, I’ve stopped using those due to the typical cooking the edges before defrosting the food issues.
While it’s more expensive than a Kmart microwave, if you’re replacing those every year, this is a much better investment in the long run. Highly recommend!
Love this microwave! – I purchased this Microwave because I wanted one I could use to cook meals as opposed to just thawing and reheating. This microwave has exceeded my expectations. There are many options available yet also amazingly easy to navigate and find them. Reheat, sensor cook, soften, melt, proof, keep warm, inverter defrost. With 1200W It leaves my old 700W… Read more · 1
behind. Looks. Well it certainly does not look like most microwaves as it has a single piece tempered glass door which not only looks good but makes cleaning easy. I can access the plus and minus button as well as start stop without opening the door. The remining functions are accessible via a panel when the door is opened. There is a list of menu instructions on the top rim of the microwave which can be hard to read sometimes but I use the one in the included book instead. The book is quite easy to follow and I found myself confidently using various options very quickly. The hexagonal ring under the glass plate makes it more stable and the Anti-Bacterial Easy Clean interior coating makes cleaning a breeze. Using this microwave is so easy and the results are very impressive. I wanted to be able to use it where possible instead of my stove as my old solid plate electric stove takes forever to heat water to boil/steam my few vegetables I cook and the oven heats my whole unit long before it has heated my leftovers. I have poached an egg (yes, it can be done) with success and steamed vegetables right in a fraction of the time. I have cooked risotto which is a fair and tasty alternative to stove top version. It turned my frozen meal into something close to freshly made without the usual overcooked and/or cold spots, it was delicious. Butter from the fridge softens, not melts, ready to use and food is defrosted evenly. And when it is done there is no “beep”, instead, it plays a little tune! I have not used all the functions yet however so far; I am happy with what I have used. Can it completely replace my stove? No, but it can do many tasks that previously would take a whole lot more time and power than doing them on the stove. I would certainly recommend this Microwave.
Latest follow-ups
Purchased this microwave from JBI Hi Fi in July 2022. Rust started appearing a year ago but was mild. Now the interior surface has bubbled and rust on the door surface. LG states it maybe a manufacturing fault and to take it to a LG service provider… Read more
to be assessed. All White Goods at Wetherell Park, who say I must pay $70 up front for a report.I believe it is obvious a faulty interior surface and the unit needs to be replaced. LG is not interested and have been sent in circles
Follow-up · To answer questions , cleaning always after spills and regular weekly . Left door open to air as well. Cooked mainly veges and reheating dishes.. Only soap and water used, Koh is main cleaning product.
I purchased my LG 25litre microve in September last year, so it's not even l year old. Although the time shows on the outside panel and it can heat, when l open the door (which one has to do to avail ones self access to the functions) none of the… Read more
functions are working, it's like it's dead. I informed Appliances On Line of this and today l had a call from LG service centre. I was on the phone for 15minutes explaining and all l got from him was that l should take it to a service centre in Wetherill Park, which happens to be FIFTY FOUR KMS from where l live. When l explained that l'm an 86yr old woman who walks with a stick, he said that's okay, you can courier it in!!! So l'm expected to pay for a 54 km courier to their warehouse and another 54km back. Are they insane, that would probably cost more than the microwave. OMG l've just read LG reviews here and they are so negative that l wish l'd read them before purchasing this microwave. It replaced my last microwave which was fantastic for 10 years. This microwave is still under guarantee and l cannot get it fixed. I've emailed AOL with my grievance and l'm waiting on their response. I have purchased every main and small appliances from them and they have been fantastic, so l'm hoping for good news. When l told the person from LG, that l was gonna leave a review, l had no response, so l ended the call. His answer was to send me a text with the address in Wetherill Park. Disgusting attitude and l'll NEVER buy anything from LG. The photo shows the door open with the time but ALL those functions do not work♀️
Follow-up · My follow up is ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ as my neighbour's son,. who is an electrician, kindly offered his service. I don't know what he did but after a few minutes he came out of the kitchen smiling and said it was now working! I was so thankful and in my excitement forgot to ask him what was the problem. After a few days l made myself familiar with this microwave… Read more
Positive reviews
Bought it new since July 2025 and so far it has been great.
Grabbed this microwave and gotta say, it’s a solid bit of kit. Sleek design, dead easy to use, and heats stuff evenly without turning your leftovers into lava on the outside and frozen in the middle. The sensor cook’s a game change. Quiet too, which is a nice touch. Show details
Nice thing to have – Easy to use. Can manage easily and warm my food every time. So cool to have this.
Find out how LG NeoChef MS4296 compares to other Microwaves
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Negative reviews
Have had replaced 3 times. Last unit did not last for even 18 months. They are unreliable and rust buckets. Even when taking appropriate care after use. Avoid. Show details
Inverter microwave lasted just over 2 years , rarely used . The defrost and reheat functions do not work . Was suppose to have 10 year warranty on the Neo Chef Inverter models but my receipt says it only has 1 year warranty .When researching… Read more
products prior to purchase I normally research LG , Samsung , Fisher & Paykel and Breville . I will be taking LG out of the equation.
Follow-up · Replaced the faulty LG product with a Breville all in one Air fryer , griller , convection oven and microwave oven , total game changer , the Breville works brilliantly at all functions . Goodbye LG
I purchased this microwave thinking it would be of reasonable quality but its rust inside not quite 3 years old Show details
Recent reviews
Significant rust found ! Recently discovered rust formulating in the interior of the microwave. The microwave is out of warranty by two months of the two year warranty period. I’ve contacted the Lg customer services department and have had a reply requesting more information and there response with regard to the rusting issue as follows - … Read more
“Humidity and Steam: High moisture levels from cooking can accelerate rust formation. - Food Spills and Residue: Leftover food particles and liquids can trap moisture, leading to corrosion. - Lack of Cleaning: Regular maintenance helps prevent rust by removing moisture and food debris. Also note that the Customer Service department have asked whether the oven is still heating.
As many other consumers who have posted about this product., I’m concerned about the potential safety outcomes of further use.
I will update this review when I get a reply back from the Customer Service department with their final decision having read other reviews regarding rust on this product , I don’t hold out much hope of a positive resolution with LG .
To update LG as suspected failed to give a positive resolution, and have ceased email communication, my customer service experience has been appalling, I contacted the OFT for there assistance of which to my knowledge LG ignored their communication.
I hope this review is helpful to other consumers and that they might think twice before buying LG products, I will certainly never buy anything from LG again.
- +2
This Microwave Oven completely rusted out at 3 years old. As you can see in the photos it's rusted all over. My previous microwave lasted 24 years before it failed with an electrical fault. Don't see why this one should rust so quickly. I contacted LG support about the issue. They saw the photos and agreed it was rusted. They asked what I… Read more
was heating in the microwave and what was the 'moisture content' of the food. They then said it was caused by improper use by the customer due to heating up food that was too wet. I only said I was heating up leftovers. When I asked to speak to a manager, they changed their story and want me to drop it off to a repair centre for inspection when they already know what the fault is.
They not only have a faulty product, but their policy is also to lie to customers on the first instance, and then to make it as difficult as possible to get a faulty item replaced. A good company would just offer a replacement or refund.
We purchased this microwave 8 months ago to replace an “old faithful”. First impression was good until we discovered that you can only set times off the front panel in 10 second increments. With a 1.2kw output, 5 seconds can make a difference! The REAL issue was when 8 months later, it blew up. That’s when we discovered the debacle that is LG… Read more
“after sales service”. Basically, there isn’t any. After speaking to an off-shore call centre, we were referred to a local repair centre, more than 35 minutes drive from our home. Only 2 in metropolitan Perth, miles from anyone living in the eastern suburbs. Two calls to the centre went unanswered. We then sent a text (on a suggested number) and still nothing. We’ll get it fixed when we have the 1.5 hours spare to drive there - but have bought a replacement (NOT LG!) because we need one urgently.
Don't waste your money. We bought an LG magnetron microwave 2 years ago, now has a significant rust spot (which means it can't be safely used) and LG service said "it's not a manufacturing issue". Were going back to sharp microwaves which I've had for close to 10 years previously without problem. I won't buy an LG product again. Show details
I bought this microwave 4 years ago and it replaced a Panasonic microwave that i had for 20 years. It never really heated up the food quickly or evenly, it takes far longer than expected. It's gotten worse as time has gone on, about a year ago part of the clock digits have started to disappear and won't come back, I've got no idea how or why this… Read more
is happening, it just started for no reason, I will never buy another lg microwave again and I'll replacing it with another panasonic microwave.
We purchased this microwave 2 1/2 years ago and last week it filled with smoke and no longer heats. I spoke to LG warranty as it has 2 years parts and labour and a further 8 years parts only. LG said they would call me back with the nearest service agent but after 2 days I called them again and spoke to somebody else who gave me the information I… Read more
needed. I was offered to return it to a nearby store who would send it to the repairer to assess and provided it was the magnetron I would only have to pay the service agent's $89 fee. All in all pretty good service. However, given so many other reviews suggest 2 years is the approximate lifespan, the unknown amount of time it would take to get it back (as we live regionally) plus it has always disrupted the WiFi. Much to my kids relief, the WiFi killing microwave is no more.
Find out how LG NeoChef MS4296 compares to other Microwaves
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LG - Life’s not so good – I had an identical model microwave that had to be replaced under warranty when it started overheating and making a loud noise. The LG service agent replaced one part and was going to replace another before LG approved its return to the retailer. I returned the faulty microwave to the retailer. Thinking that I was unlucky to have a faulty unit,… Read more
I selected and purchased an identical microwave as a replacement. I took delivery early December2024. The new microwave was noisy. It wasn’t immediately obvious where the noise was coming from, and I gave it a few days to maybe settle down. It didn’t, so I rang LG customer care. I let them hear the noise over the phone and they told me to take it to their service centre. The microwave was also occasionally very hot after only brief usage, and I told them about that too. After a couple of weeks the service agent said they could find no fault, and I collected it. LG tried to get me to pay for the non-existent service but eventually withdrew that request.
When I got home the noise was immediately obvious. It had got worse, and could be heard from the rear fan area, I took it back and had the microwave operating in front of the technician, who agreed it was noisy. After another couple of weeks I got a call and picked it up. When I got it home I found the vibration had not been fixed.
I took it back again and after a week or so got a call to collect it. This time the vibration was not to be heard. At that point, my new microwave had been in our kitchen for just two weeks in the two months we had owned it. In addition to many phone calls to LG, we had made multiple trips to and from the service agent, taking significant time and fuel. In a series of emails to LG Customer Care I queried whether they had any mechanism for dealing with these circumstances, even if it was just extending the warranty. They don’t.
Two weeks have passed and the vibration has returned. It is intermittent, increasing as use time increases. I am beyond frustrated. The vibration comes from the fan housing at the back of the microwave. The most recent (and only successful) attempt at repair has now failed. I emailed Customer Care once again, requesting approval to return the machine. Their response was that their ‘reclaim policy’ dictates that I must take it back to the service centre. Again!
Enough is enough. So far, Customer Care has proven to be an inaccurate name, as has the term ‘Service Centre’. The time and inconvenience over a brand new, albeit low cost appliance has been over the top. The impression I have received is that this is just not important, and being in the LG system means little individual consideration can be expected.
This review is as much about LG’s customer service as it is about the quality of this model of microwave. The quality of both have much room for improvement.
doesnt heat well and malfunctioned after afew years – Doesn't heat food well and started emitting sparks and a loud buzzing noise from inside after afew years of use. would not reccomend!
Don’t expect it to last much beyond the manufacturer’s warranty and don’t bother chasing it up – I purchased the LG Neochef 42L smart inverter microwave oven from Bing Lee Bankstown in October 2021, with two years warranty. In January 2025 I was cleaning the microwave when I noticed that the paint underneath the turntable had bubbled up and a rust spot was present. This defect meant that the microwave was no longer safe to use. I contacted… Read more
LG and spoke to a resolutions team member. After discussing the issue he told me that he does not know how the defect may have occurred, “Maybe food got caught under the turntable”. I told him if that was the case why is the defect confined to only one spot? Would it not have dragged along and created a circle of rust? I also told him that I was not happy with his response and I will be going to Fair Trading. His reply was that the microwave was out of warranty and I can do whatever I like. I contacted fair trading and was advised to go back to the seller, Bing Lee Bankstown which I did. I was attended to by a gentleman whose name I cannot recall. He advised me to contact LG. When I told him that Fair Trading advised me to go back to the store where I purchased the microwave he offered to take photos of the defect and send them to LG and he added that the microwave is now out of warranty and he cannot do anything about it. I emailed LG customer support Australia, Fair Trading also attempted to contact LG customer support but it seems we both have been ghosted by LG Electronics. I will never waste my money on an LG product again and I would think twice about purchasing from Bing Lee Bankstown.
Unit did not heat food – Bought this unit in August 2017 from JB HIfi in DFO. It worked well until the 14th November 2022.When I spoke to LG Support Centre person explaining the problem on the next day, I received a email from their local repair shop in East Keilor requesting I bring the Oven but have to outlay $66.00 on drop off and that fee would go to the cost of the… Read more
repair if I chose to proceed with repair. The unit has 10 year warranty stamped on the Oven. So why do I have to pay for anything if it is under 10 years.
It will sing you the song of its people - day & night – Works fine as a microwave, it heats your food. But if you get frequent power outages or power surges, avoid it like the plague. Whenever the power comes back on, it plays its loud, obnoxious beepy song. Not a welcome 2am wake up. Ours lasted 5yrs before it died, and good riddance.
Display segments not working - a common problem and its not old – After 2.5 years (not long out of warranty) one display segment stopped working. 6 months later a 2nd has stopped working and its becoming unusable. Around $100 for the part only plus service fee and it's cheaper to buy another one. That's just silly LG. Before this I had 2 Panasonics and they both lasted 20 years. Show details
Warnimg very cheap quality – Do not biy thos item It os very cheqp amd nasty Never jadd a prbkem with samsung The temlered glass they us it very flimsy and breaks It seems cheap but be very carful Show details
Wouldn’t recommend and terrible customer service – We bought this microwave in August 22. Recently it has started losing power inconsistently and not heating food through. We know another family with the same issue and they were given a replacement. Contacting LG with a video of the fault that have said that they’re not sure if it would be covered by warranty and we have to drive an hour each way… Read more
to a service centre - where they will tell us if we will get charged for a repair or not. Then I suppose we would need to leave it there and make another long round trip.
Having had a few LG appliances over the years this seems to be consistent with how they treat their customers. Highly recommend that you avoid this microwave and other LG products.
Twice bitten!! – After about 2 years Magnatron died and replaced under warranty. 18mths later and magnatron has died again. Interior has also unexplainably rusted - no children at home anymore to blame for lack of cleaning after use!
Beware of faulty microwave ovens – BUYER BEWARE. I bought this microwave from Harvey Norman just over 2 years ago because of the raving positive reviews and reputation. Unfortunately it has started to decline - making loud buzzing sounds and won’t heat food. Called LG and because it’s over 2 years old I have to pay out of pocket to fix it. Called the repair company with an estimate… Read more
of $300 plus to fix it. $70 initial cost just to diagnose the problem. I paid $300 for the microwave - which is a fair expense. For it only to last 2 years is disappointing. I expected more being an LG loyal customer and user. Won’t be purchasing LG products again moving forward.
LG microwave rusty interior – Hi. We bought an LG MS4296OWS Microwave from Retravision in Albany WA on September 30th 2020. This is what I have conveyed to LG, but they are not interested. "It has been a great machine and the reason we chose it was because of the 10 year warranty sign on the glass door. I realise now that it is only for the inverter. The unit has interior… Read more
coating flaking off and rust appearing. We have kept it clean without abrasive products and it has failed. I spoke to a team member and was told that this is not considered a manufacturing fault. We have many household appliances of other brands which are 15 years old and still going well, such as Fisher and Paykel and Samsung. I am disappointed that a top of the line unit has failed this early. A replacement unit will cost us more than a weeks aged pension. I have given many products glowing reviews online and it is a shame that this is the first negative review I will have to do. I am happy to receive a call regarding this matter, if you decide to back up your product reputation. Thank you. James Watkiss."
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Hi Jill! We appreciate you sharing your feedback with us. We… Read more