LG 32L Charcoal Convection Microwave (MJEN326UHW) Review: The Ultimate All-in-One Smart Cooking Station
Positioned as the flagship model for large families and culinary enthusiasts, the LG 32L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven (MJEN326UHW) is a true all-in-one cooking powerhouse. It takes all the acclaimed features of its smaller sibling—like the Charcoal Lighting Heater™, Diet Fry™, and Motorised Rotisserie—and enhances them with a larger 32-litre capacity and the addition of a dedicated Steam Chef function. Fully integrated with LG’s ThinQ Wi-Fi platform, this oven is designed for those who refuse to compromise, offering unparalleled versatility for grilling, frying, baking, roasting, and steaming, all in one sophisticated black appliance.
The Pinnacle of Cooking Technology
Steam Chef: Healthy & Moist Cooking
The standout addition is the Steam Chef feature. Using a dedicated steam accessory, this mode allows you to cook incredibly moist and healthy dishes, from steamed vegetables and fish to dumplings. It’s a healthier cooking method that preserves nutrients and flavor, adding another dimension to your culinary repertoire.
Charcoal Heater & Motorised Rotisserie
The core Charcoal Lighting Heater™ provides natural, deep-cooking heat for crispy, juicy results. In the larger 32L cavity, the 360° Motorised Rotisserie excels at handling larger portions, ensuring perfect, restaurant-quality roasted chicken and kebabs every time.
Expanded Health & Indian Menus
Beyond Diet Fry™, this model includes over 30 Heart Friendly Auto Cook Recipes, making healthy eating effortless. It also perfects Indian kitchen staples, allowing you to make ghee in just 12 minutes, along with paneer, curd, and a wide variety of rotis.
Total Smart Control with ThinQ
The fully-featured LG ThinQ™ app allows you to start, stop, and monitor cooking from anywhere. The Scan-to-Cook feature and a huge library of downloadable recipes turn complex cooking into a simple, automated process.
Full Specification Table
General
- Brand: LG
- Model: MJEN326UHW
- Capacity (L): 32
- Type: Convection
- Color: Black
- Installation Type: Countertop
Power & Performance
- Microwave Power Output (W): 900
- Grill Power Consumption (W): 1250
- Convection Power Consumption (W): 2400
- Total Power Consumption (W): 2400
- Power Supply: 230V / 50Hz
- Cavity Material: Stainless Steel
- Turntable Size (mm): 340
Cooking Modes & Smart Technology
- Key Technologies: Charcoal Lighting Heater™, Diet Fry™ (Air Fry), Steam Chef, 360° Motorised Rotisserie
- Cooking Functions: Convection Bake, Grill, Steam Cook, Air Fry, Defrost, Warm, Dehydrate
- Control Type: Glass Touch with LED Display
- Smart Features: ThinQ (Wi-Fi), SmartDiagnosis, Scan-to-Cook
- Auto Cook Menus: Yes (including 30 Heart Friendly)
- Child Lock: Yes
Dimensions & Weight
- Product Dimensions (WxHxD, mm): 530 x 323 x 517
- Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD, mm): 368 x 240 x 357
- Product Weight (kg): 21.8
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
Pros:
- Unmatched Versatility: Adds Steam cooking to an already feature-packed oven (Grill, Bake, Fry, Roast).
- Generous 32L Capacity: Perfect for large families, hosting parties, and cooking large dishes.
- Superior Cooking Results: The Charcoal Heater and Rotisserie deliver authentic, delicious food.
- Complete Smart Integration: ThinQ Wi-Fi control and Scan-to-Cook make it a truly smart appliance.
- Multiple Health-Focused Options: Offers both low-oil frying (Diet Fry) and oil-free steaming (Steam Chef).
Cons:
- Significant Investment: This is a top-of-the-line model with a price tag to match.
- Very High Power Consumption: At 2400W, it requires a robust power supply and will be a significant power user.
- Large and Heavy: Takes up considerable counter space and is heavy (21.8 kg), making it difficult to move.
Who Is This Oven For? Specific Recommendations
The LG MJEN326UHW Microwave Oven is the ultimate choice for:
- Large Families & Entertainers: The 32L capacity is designed to handle large meals and party cooking with ease.
- The “Do-It-All” Home Chef: Someone who wants a single, powerful appliance for every cooking style, from healthy steaming to robust grilling.
- Smart Home Enthusiasts: Users who want to integrate their kitchen appliances into a seamless, app-controlled ecosystem.
- Buyers Seeking the Best: For those who are looking for the most feature-rich, versatile, and capable microwave oven on the market.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
You might want to consider a different model if:
- You Have a Smaller Family or Kitchen: The 32L size and large footprint might be excessive. The 28L version (MJEN286UBW) is a better fit.
- Your Budget is a Primary Concern: This is a significant investment. Less expensive models are available if you can forgo steam or smart features.
- You Don’t Need Steam Cooking: If you don’t plan to use the steam function, the 28L model offers better value.
Competitive Edge: What Sets It Apart
The competitive edge of the LG MJEN326UHW is its unparalleled feature density in a large capacity oven. It uniquely combines three distinct and highly desirable cooking technologies: Charcoal Grilling for flavour, Air Frying (Diet Fry™) for low-oil crispiness, and Steam Cooking (Steam Chef) for moist, healthy meals. No other single appliance typically offers this trifecta of advanced cooking modes, especially when paired with a full suite of smart ThinQ features. This makes it less of a microwave and more of a complete, multi-functional smart oven.
Final Verdict: The Undisputed King of Kitchen Versatility
The LG 32L Charcoal Convection Microwave (MJEN326UHW) stands at the apex of countertop cooking appliances. It is a masterclass in versatility, flawlessly executing every cooking task from steaming to grilling. The combination of its large capacity, innovative Charcoal and Steam features, and seamless smart integration makes it the perfect centerpiece for a modern, busy, and health-conscious household. While the price and power draw are substantial, they are justified by its sheer capability to replace multiple other kitchen gadgets. For the serious home cook who wants it all, there is simply no better or more complete option on the market.
Overall Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0