Microwave power: 5 ways to find out how many kW a microwave oven consumes

What is the maximum total power consumption of a microwave oven?

The load on the home electrical network depends on this value. When buying any electrical appliance, you need to consider the capabilities of your wiring. Many models of microwave ovens, in addition to the microwave mode, are also equipped with a grill and a convector.

Of course, the more elements that consume electricity are involved, the higher the kW consumption:

You also need to take into account the energy consumption of fans - there may be one or more of them in a microwave device. Fans are needed for convection, cooling the emitter and for air exhaust.

Another consumer is an electronic microprocessor computer, necessary for the implementation of auto programs and the “smart cook” mode. The microwave usually indicates which mode needs to be turned on to heat porridge, defrost meat or boil sausage. Therefore, you don’t have to waste extra energy on solving small problems.

Maximum total power consumption

This is a quantity that affects the home electrical network. Before purchasing any electrical device, you need to take into account the wiring capabilities. Many models of microwave ovens are equipped not only with a microwave oven, but also with a grill and a convector.

Fans, of which there may be more than one in a device, also consume energy. They are necessary for convection and cooling of the emitter.

Another consumer of electricity is a microprocessor computer, which is needed in order to implement auto programs and various modes.

Operating principle[edit | edit code]

In the furnace, dielectric heating of substances containing polar molecules occurs. The electrical component of electromagnetic waves accelerates the movement of molecules having a dipole moment, and intermolecular interaction leads to the absorption of electromagnetic radiation and an increase in the temperature of the substance.

Most household microwave ovens operate at a frequency of 2450 MHz, and some industrial models in the United States operate at a frequency of 915 MHz. The frequency was chosen for practical and design reasons:

• The frequency must lie within the absorption spectrum of water (it is wide and varies with temperature; in the range that is interesting from a practical point of view, absorption increases with frequency);
• On the other hand, the penetration depth of radio waves into a heated object should be in the region of several centimeters (the lower the frequency, the greater the penetration depth [2]);
• The radiation source - a magnetron - with a power of 500 W or more must have acceptable efficiency, cost, and dimensions;
• The frequency must be in the authorized allocated radio frequency range. In this case, ISM range (English)Russian. was isolated in 1947[3], shortly after the invention of the microwave oven.

Furnace power[edit | edit code]

The power of household microwave ovens varies from 500 to 2500 W and higher. Almost all household ovens allow the user to adjust the power used for heating. To do this, in inexpensive oven models, the heater (magnetron), according to the set power value, is periodically turned on and off, changing the average amount of energy supplied (this method is also widely used in many other heating devices, for example, irons, heaters).

How to find out the microwave power

Each device comes with an instruction manual . It contains all the technical characteristics and parameters that will help determine what power the microwave has.

The power value can also be found on the stove itself . A label or sticker is attached to one of the panels indicating the model, power and volume of equipment.

If the purchase was made by hand and the technical passport is not included in the kit, and the label is missing for some reason, you can find out the indicators on the Internet . To do this, you must correctly enter the model and type of microwave oven.

How to find out power

This parameter is specified in the instructions. But usually it is written directly on the body, because this is a key characteristic of the device. You need to look for a sticker - on the front or on the back wall.

Measurement is in watts and kilowatts. Designation - W (kW), in the international system - W. Often kilowatts are indicated in the model name.

To check the rated power, you can conduct an experiment. If you put a glass of cold water in the chamber, it will heat up to a boil:

Knowing this dependence, you can make adjustments to the recipe to achieve the desired result.

Maximum total power consumption. What does it depend on and why know it?

The maximum rating indicates the load that your home network will experience when the microwave is turned on at full power. This value is measured in watts and kilowatts: in Russian W (kW), in the international notation system - W. What load will be on the network depends on the input and output power:

• magnetron (microwave radiation generator) - 500–1500 W;
• grill (quartz, heating element) - increases to 1500–2800 W;
• convection (the operation of the convector and fan is taken into account) - increases power to 2000–3000 W;
• microprocessor (“artificial intelligence” of modern models).

We conclude: the more “bells and whistles” a microwave oven has, the more powerful it is and the higher the electricity consumption will be. Therefore, if you only need the stove for heating and defrosting a small amount of food, it is advisable to choose the solo option. But if you have a large family and like to experiment, buy a multifunctional microwave. Such an electric oven will not always work at full capacity, because electricity consumption also depends on the selected mode. To avoid disappointment after installing a new microwave oven, make sure in advance that your network can withstand the appropriate load and prepare a separate grounded outlet.

What does power depend on?

The magnetron is the main element of the furnace. An electron tube generates centimeter wavelengths using a magnetic field. Microwaves loosen water molecules and heat up. The more the lamp shakes the molecule, the more power the microwave has.

Products prepared using microwave waves taste like boiled ones. Although the cooking method is considered beneficial for the stomach, not everyone will enjoy such food.

Manufacturers began to equip microwave ovens with additional devices for processing products. To fry and create a crispy crust, the technology developers added a grill to the device. To allow the oven to bake, a convection fan was installed. To accommodate strict diets, a steam generator was built into the device.

With each additional system, the power consumption of the microwave oven increased. The volume of the cooking chamber and energy consumption have increased.

The microwave was equipped with a minicomputer for preparing complex dishes with programming of timers and automatic mode switching.

Microwave oven performance is affected by 3 factors:

• magnetron strength;
• additionally installed devices;
• product volume.

Different power levels are used to reheat a batch of soup or cook a turkey. Therefore, there was a need to regulate it.

There are multifunctional devices that, when switching the power level, can work as a separate solo oven, independent grill, convection oven or autonomous steamer.

Each mode consumes different power:

The data in the table is approximate and varies between brands.

Types of microwave ovens

You can adjust the microwave power on the control panel. Control systems are of the following types.

Mechanical

The easiest way to regulate energy consumption. Present mainly in solo models. The panel has 2 round rotating switches that allow you to select the operating mode, which directly determines the number of kilowatts consumed per month and the operating time of the timer.

Push-button

The controls are a little easier to use. Presented as a set of buttons located on the instrument panel. They are equipped with models with the ability to operate in several modes.

Sensory

The device is also equipped with buttons, only not mechanical, but touch ones, with which the operating mode is set. Touch control allows you to program the microwave, which eliminates the need to enter the necessary parameters before each use of the device. Touch control also has a drawback due to excessive sensitivity to strong mechanical influences and sudden changes in the electrical network.

How to find out how many watts the MVP consumes:

1. Read the instructions on the technical specifications page.

1. Check the sticker on the case (most often on the back wall).

1. Pay attention to the switches on the control panel. Usually there is a scale from minimum to maximum value.

1. Conduct an experiment with a glass of water.

Measuring rated power using water:

• Fill a heat-resistant glass with water (not completely, so as not to spill when boiling). Record the heating time to boiling (100 C in degrees) in minutes:

1. Use a special meter (wattmeter).

With its help, you can find out the network voltage and consumed watts of any electrical device, no matter whether it is Samsung or Panasonic.

Multifunctional or solo?

The simplest microwave ovens use only microwaves; they are called solo. Models with grill, convection and steam allow you to cook a variety of dishes, from muffins to steam cutlets, but they are also more expensive.

• Solo

  They are mainly used for heating ready-made food. They don't know how to fry or bake. They are easy to care for, affordable and compact - easy to place even in a small kitchen.

• With grill

  You can fry food in them until golden crisp, bake fish with cheese or bake Idaho potatoes. The set often includes a grill grate. They usually place a container underneath for grease to make it easier to clean the microwave. Grills come in several types.

• The heating element
  is a curved tube. Heats up to 650 degrees in 3 minutes, cooks food quickly and evenly. There may be a quartz element at the bottom for additional heating. Heating elements are difficult to clean from carbon deposits and grease.

Quartz
- the heating element is hidden behind a panel with holes, due to which there is more usable space in the oven and it is more convenient to clean. Heats up to 800 degrees in 1 minute. Consumes less electricity and costs more than heating elements.

• Carbon
  - The carbon filament is installed at the top of the microwave, usually next to the quartz heater. The heating principle is similar to natural fire, which makes dishes more flavorful.

Select from the catalog

General information about microwave power

• The power source is a magnetron - a very important element of every microwave oven. It is similar to a light bulb. When the mode is turned on, this part begins to produce ultra-high-frequency waves. They are responsible for heating food.
• Power determines the capabilities of the microwave . This parameter determines how strong the kitchen assistant can be heated and what dishes can be prepared.
• Measurement occurs in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW).
• The indicator directly depends on the size of the structure . The larger the volume of the furnace, the greater the needs of the device. Accordingly, this increases electricity consumption.

Maximum performance is the main consideration when purchasing. The indicator level ranges from 600 to 1,500 watts. The higher this criterion grows, the more efficient the work and the wider the functionality.

Several microwave functions directly affect the amount of power generated:

• volume of equipment;
• equipped with built-in functions.

For example: a solo microwave, equipped for heating food and defrosting food, emits the least amount. Varieties of models also intended for grilling and baking consume the greatest amount.

Power of different types of microwaves

The modern market is constantly updated with new models of equipment. Microwave ovens are no exception. Manufacturers regularly release new inventions with a growing list of features.

Among the wide variety, several categories of household appliances can be distinguished.

Microwaves solo

The most popular and budget option. Small inventions with the smallest amount of productivity. This oven is suitable for heating food, preparing hot sandwiches and light desserts, and defrosting.

Thanks to its small size, it consumes minimal electricity .

With grill

Equipped with a grill are suitable for preparing more complex dishes.

The amount of power and energy burned becomes greater.

With convection

Models with grill and convection are the main assistant for any housewife. Suitable for preparing a wide range of dishes and baked goods.

Efficient to use due to high power level .

With steam generator

Microwave oven with grill functionality, convection and steam generator. The most powerful and expensive type in the microwave category.

Includes 4 devices at once:

• Microwave;
• grill;
• oven;
• double boiler.

Thanks to the inverter mechanism, it should regulate power and, accordingly, save energy.

You should choose a microwave oven based on its use. If the purchase is made solely for heating food, there is no need to purchase a model with a steam generator. A solo microwave oven is perfect for this.

Help : The magnetron starts immediately when the device is plugged into the network. To avoid unnecessary costs for electricity, experts recommend disconnecting equipment from the network at times when it is not in use.

Inverter microwave ovens

In classic microwave ovens, the magnetron always operates with the same power, periodically turning off.
As a result, the surface of the food overheats, while the center remains cold. Therefore, for example, it is not recommended to heat milk for infants in microwaves - if the liquid is not stirred, the child may get burned. An inverter oven works differently. It delivers waves continuously, gradually reducing their power towards the end of cooking. This allows you to heat food evenly, preserving its structure and nutrients. Such ovens are more convenient for defrosting meat or for preparing muffins in a mug. Inverter microwaves are usually lighter and larger in volume, and use more electricity. They cost more than regular ones and are more difficult to repair.

Why do you need a rotary table?

The turntable is used in microwave ovens that have the magnetron located on the side.
It heats food on one side only. To ensure that food was heated evenly, they came up with the idea of ​​placing it on a round rotating tray in the center of the oven. When choosing such a microwave, consider the diameter of the turntable. The largest plate in which you heat food should fit comfortably on it. There are microwave ovens where the magnetron is located at the bottom or at the top. A wave distributor is hidden in the housing, which ensures uniform heating, so there is no need for a turntable. Such microwaves consume less energy and are easier to clean.

How does the mode affect

When choosing a microwave oven model, it is useful for the buyer to outline the purposes for which an express oven is purchased, and based on this, select an option designed for the corresponding kW value. For example:

Undoubtedly, the larger the dish, the slower the heating - a small bowl of soup will always heat up faster than a larger one.

Which grill is more economical?

The quartz option is more economical. The heating element pulls from 0.9 to 2 kW. By purchasing a model with a quartz grill, you can save a lot on electricity. And the main thing is to fry the food until crispy. And if the thing is also equipped with convection, then it will not only bake meat perfectly, but also make perfect baked goods. Owners of such microwave ovens do not need a gas or electric oven with an oven - microwave technology will fully replace the usual equipment.

The only disadvantage of convection stoves is their high energy consumption. A convector is a kind of fan that takes up space and consumes a lot of electricity. Devices with convection are easy to recognize even by their appearance - they are much larger and more expensive than conventional microwave ovens. If necessary, the convector can be turned off and only use the microwave mode or grill.

Should I give up the “crispy crust”?

It is enough to look at the number of kilowatts consumed by the grill and convection to understand how expensive it is to operate the device in three modes at the same time.

There is an opinion that electric kettles, microwave ovens and heaters waste the most electricity. But this is not true at all. The nature of this opinion lies, most likely, in the similarity of the principle of energy conversion - the operation of all these devices is accompanied by heating.

A microwave oven cannot cause serious damage to the budget, unless, of course, you bake chickens every day.

On a note! The most important consumer in the house is the refrigerator; it really “eats” the lion’s share of kilowatts, especially if its energy consumption class is below grade A.

How much electricity is spent

Previously, microwave ovens were produced in which it was impossible to change the power mode. The magnetron periodically turned on and off, and the food lost its taste. Today, the adjustment is carried out using a special device - an inverter. In devices with inverters, there is no need for shutdowns, the dish is heated without pauses, and the food turns out tastier.

To estimate the contribution of a microwave oven to your electricity bill, let’s calculate how much an average microwave oven consumes per month:

To save energy, it is recommended:

• Remove the plug from the socket after completing the process.
• For heating, use economical solo ovens.

Determination of energy expenditure

Let's look at each indicator on which microwave consumption depends.

Modes and their consumption

Below is a table of modes and their average consumption in kW/hour

Consumption calculations depending on power

To determine the power of your microwave, find a sticker or packaging on it that says: power xxxx (value 850) W, kW or W.

Let’s say that we have a 1000-watt stove in our house, which means it consumes ≈ 1000 W or 1 kW/hour in one hour of operation in maximum mode.

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To determine kilowatts for 1 minute of operation you need: 1000(power)/60(minutes per hour) ≈ 16.7 W ≈ 0.0167 kW/per minute.

If the food is heated for 3 minutes: 0.0167 * 3 = 0.0501 kW/ for one heating lasting 3 minutes.

For example, we reheat food 4 times a day: 3(number of minutes of operation) * 0.0167 kW(per 1 minute of operation) * 4(number of reheats) = 0.2004 kW/per day.

Consumption per month with such work will be : 0.2004 (consumption per day) * 30 (days per month) = 6.012 kW/month.

To calculate the amount you need: 6,012 * 3.5 rubles (tariff for 1 kW/hour, in each region, district, city and village there are different tariffs) = 21,042 rubles you will have to pay for using the microwave.

Do not forget that we calculated the consumption for a microwave oven at 1000 W. Other furnaces with more or less power will have different meanings and costs!

Microwave equipment

A table is provided with equipment (grill and grill + convection) and consumption for 1 hour of operation. The data is within the limits because everything depends on the power, for example, an 800 W oven consumes 0.8 kW/hour, and if it has a grill, then the consumption will increase to 1.8 kW/hour.

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Literature[edit | edit code]

• Stuart O. Nelson, Ashim K. Datta.
  Dielectric Properties of Food Materials and Electric Field Interactions // Handbook of Microwave Technology for Food Application / Ashim K. Datta. - Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2001. - P. 69-114. — 536 p. — ISBN 0-8247-0490-8. (English)
• Ashim K. Datta.
  Fundamentals of Heat and Moisture Transport for Microwaveable Food Product and Process Development // Handbook of Microwave Technology for Food Application / Ashim K. Datta. - Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2001. - P. 115-172. — 536 p. — ISBN 0-8247-0490-8. (English)
• Elder, R. L. Gundaker, WE
  Microwave ovens and their public health significance // Journal of Milk and Food Technology. - 1971. - Vol. 34, no. 9. - P. 444-446.
• Ivanenko V.P., Musaev A.F., Kuzmin V.V., Dobryakov A.B., Azaev R.A., Zuev N.A.
  Microwave ovens and the safety of their operation // Scientific journal of the National Research University of Ivanovo - 2007 . - No. 1. - P. 444-446.