Is a 1.6 cu ft microwave big?
Yes. A 1.6 cu. ft. microwave is generally considered mid-size to large, and it typically fits full-size dinner plates and many casserole dishes. For the LG MHEC1737F microwave/hood combo specifically, the oven cavity capacity is 1.7 cu. ft., which is in that same roomy range (see the MHEC1737F owner's manual).
What “big” means in everyday use
A 1.6 to 1.7 cu. ft. microwave is a good choice when you regularly heat larger portions or use wider cookware.
- Fits most 10 to 12 inch dinner plates
- Handles medium casserole dishes and larger bowls
- Better for family-size reheats and meal prep
- More interior clearance than compact 0.7 to 1.1 cu. ft. models
- Still a common size for over-the-range installations
Size comparison (typical ranges)
| Microwave capacity | Common label | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 0.7 to 1.1 cu. ft. | Compact | Small kitchens, quick reheats |
| 1.2 to 1.6 cu. ft. | Mid-size | Most households, everyday cooking |
| 1.7 to 2.2 cu. ft. | Large | Larger cookware, frequent cooking |
Model-specific details for LG MHEC1737F
From the specifications for LG MHEC1737F, the cavity capacity is 1.7 cu. ft., and the overall dimensions are about 29 14/16 in. wide by 16 1/2 in. high by 16 3/8 in. deep. That footprint is typical for an over-the-range microwave/hood combo.
Why it matters
Capacity affects what you can heat comfortably (plate size, dish height, and how evenly food cooks). If you are replacing an over-the-range unit, exterior width and mounting style matter just as much as cu. ft. rating.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the disadvantage of a convection microwave oven?
A convection microwave like the LG MHEC1737F combines microwave energy with a convection fan, but the main disadvantage is limited usable cooking space and airflow clearance, so you typically cook fewer items at once than in a full-size oven. It also requires the right cookware and rack setup.
Common disadvantages (what you will notice day to day)
- Smaller capacity: Most convection microwaves handle one main dish at a time; tall or wide pans can block airflow.
- Cookware limits: You cannot use lightweight plastic, plastic wrap, or paper products during convection cycles.
- Accessory rules: You use the metal rack for convection cooking, but metal accessories are not used for microwave-only or combination cooking because arcing can occur.
- Heat management: Opening the door drops temperature quickly, which can affect browning if you check food too often.
- Fan behavior: On this model, the vent hood fan can turn on automatically at low speed during convection to protect the oven.
How to get better results on the LG MHEC1737F
We recommend following the convection guidance in the MHEC1737F owner's manual and using these best practices:
- Preheat for baked goods; many recipes expect it.
- Use the metal rack on the turntable for convection cooking.
- Do not cover the rack or turntable with foil; it restricts airflow.
- Choose pans that match the food: shiny for cakes and cookies, darker for breads and pies.
- Open the door as little as possible to keep heat stable.
Quick cookware and setup guide
| Cooking mode | Typical cookware | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Convection | Metal pans, heatproof cookware | No plastic, paper, or wraps |
| Microwave | Microwave-safe glass/ceramic, approved plastics | No metal |
| Combination | Often glass or glass-ceramic baking containers | Follow mode-specific limits |
Why it matters
Convection performance depends on airflow and heat retention. When the cavity is crowded or the wrong cookware is used, you can get uneven browning, longer cook times, or overheated accessories.
Last updated: January 2026
How long do convection microwaves last?
Most convection microwaves last 7 to 10 years with normal use and basic care. For the LG MHEC1737F microwave/hood combo, lifespan depends heavily on keeping airflow clear, avoiding empty operation, and addressing heating or door issues early; see the MHEC1737F owner's manual for model-specific use and safety guidance.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
A convection microwave combines microwave heating with a convection heater and fan, so wear comes from both cooking systems.
- Cooking frequency: multiple daily cycles shorten life faster than occasional use
- Ventilation and grease: clogged filters and poor airflow raise internal heat
- Door use: slamming the door can damage latches and interlock switches
- Empty operation: running empty can damage components (especially in microwave mode)
- Power quality: frequent surges or brownouts stress the control board and high-voltage parts
Signs it is nearing end of life
If you see these symptoms repeatedly, repairs become more likely.
| Symptom | Common area involved | What we recommend first |
|---|---|---|
| Food heats slowly or unevenly | High-voltage system, magnetron | Stop using if heating is inconsistent; schedule diagnosis |
| Loud buzzing or burning smell | High-voltage components | Unplug and have it checked |
| Runs but does not heat | Magnetron, capacitor, diode | Review safe troubleshooting steps in the manual |
| Display works but unit will not start | Door interlocks, control | Check door closure and latch alignment |
Care tips that extend life
These habits typically add years to a convection microwave/hood combo.
- Clean the cavity and door seals regularly; avoid harsh abrasives
- Keep the hood intake and grease filter clean; replace the filter when it will not clean up well
- Use cookware correctly for convection vs. microwave to prevent arcing
- Do not run the microwave empty (the manual notes empty operation can cause damage)
- Use shorter cook times with standing time instead of repeated long cycles
Why it matters
A convection microwave that is aging often becomes less efficient and less consistent at heating. Catching airflow, door, and heating problems early helps prevent secondary damage to expensive components.
Last updated: January 2026
Is LG a good brand for a microwave?
LG is a good brand for a microwave, including the LG MHEC1737F microwave/hood combo; you typically get strong feature value (sensor-style cooking options, easy-clean interiors, and smart features on some models) with modern styling and generally consistent heating for everyday use.
What “good” usually means for LG microwaves
We see customers choose LG when they want a balance of features and price. For the MHEC1737F series, the MHEC1737F owner's manual highlights core areas that matter most: safety interlocks, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and smart functions on Wi-Fi capable versions.
Common strengths:
- Useful cooking presets and sensor-style cooking convenience
- Quiet, smooth fan and venting operation on many over-the-range designs
- Easy-to-maintain interior and straightforward cleaning routines
- Smart features on supported models (LG ThinQ, monitoring, notifications)
Common pain points to watch for:
- Control panel or touchpad sensitivity complaints on some units
- Lighting or display visibility issues in low light on some designs
- Wear items (door switches, fuses, filters) needing replacement over time
How to judge your specific LG microwave (quick checklist)
Use this practical checklist before deciding whether to repair or replace:
- Does it heat normally at multiple power levels?
- Does the door close firmly and run only when fully latched?
- Is the vent fan moving air well and is the grease filter clean?
- Are there unusual noises (humming, buzzing, arcing) during operation?
- Do problems happen intermittently or every time?
If the unit runs but does not heat, start with our why is my microwave not heating guide; it walks through the most common causes and what to check first.
Parts that commonly affect performance
Many “brand quality” complaints trace back to a few serviceable parts rather than the whole microwave.
| Symptom | Often involved part | Example for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Runs but no heat | High-voltage components | Microwave diode 6851W1A002E |
| Dead or intermittent power | Fuse or door safety circuit | Microwave fuse 3B74133Q |
| Poor venting over the range | Grease filter or damper | Microwave grease filter 5230W1A012E |
Why it matters
A microwave/hood combo has two jobs: cooking and ventilation. When you keep up with cleaning and replace normal-wear parts as needed, LG units like the MHEC1737F typically deliver reliable day-to-day performance and good feature value.
Last updated: January 2026





