With its capacity for quick reheating and cooking/baking functions. It is really hard to imagine any kitchen without it. However, knowing its electrical consumption is imperative for safe and effective use. We will offer some useful information such as how many amps microwaves use, for 1500, 1000, and 800 watt models.
How Many Amps Does a Microwave Use?
The average microwave consumes between 600 and 1200 watts, which amounts to 5–10 amperes per 120 volts. Therefore, for 240 volts only half of the amperage is between 2.5 to 5 amps. Not many, considering how convenient it is in the kitchen and also in comparison with the energy used by some other devices at home.
How Many Watts Does a Microwave Use?
Normally, microwaves use approximately 600 – 1000 Watts. One would expend on average 6.1 kilowatt-hours per month, as well as 73 kilowatt-hours annually by using an average size microwave for 15 minutes each day.
The number of watts a microwave consumes depends on that particular model’s energy efficiency along with how often the microwave is used. The power needed by a microwave oven that is switched on for five minutes a day is less when compared to a restaurant one which operates for a minimum of two hours or a maximum of three hours every day. Most microwaves on the market fall into one of the following categories based on their energy consumption:
1. Microwave – compact ( 600 – 800 Wh): It refers to microwave counters. However, although it has less cooking power, it consumes the least amount of electricity among this type of microwave. For a small family or just one member household, students too it is an ideal.
2. Microwave – standard (800 – 1000 Wh): This refers to bigger microwaves used in ordinary houses. They are adequate for a family of four or bigger, and they use more energy and cook more than other models. Nowadays, standard microwaves are commonly referred to as the modern microwaves.
3. Commercial (more than 1000Wh): This oven consumes over 1,000 hours of energy which takes the least possible cooking time. This can be found in restaurants, and hospitals and it can heat lots of food within a short period. Nevertheless, they consume huge amounts of energy— typically above 1kWh per hour of operation.
Also See: Will a 750 Watt Inverter Run a Microwave?
How Many Amps Does a 1500-Watt Microwave Use?
A 120-volt microwave of 1,500 watts will take upwards to 12.5 amps (amps), while the same appliance at 240 volts and 110 volts will require around 6.25 amps.
However, be cautious when connecting it. Furthermore, the 12.5A at 120V exceeds the maximum rating of household circuitry. This will require you to attach it to a 20-amp circuit breaker.
Also, check out our blog – Can a 1500-Watt Inverter Run a Microwave?
How Many Amps Does a 1000-Watt Microwave Use?
Your typical 1000-watt microwave should take 8.3 amps of electricity in an American household. However, in other countries using a 240-volt system, this would be equivalent to approximately 4.2 amps. It would draw about 9.1 amperage at 110 volts (it would draw the highest amperage).
Also See: How Many Amps Does a Dryer Use?
How Many Amps Does an 800-Watt Microwave Use?
A 120-volt 800-watt equivalent microwave will pull 6.7 amps, while a similar unit drawing 240 volts with 1 kilowatt of equivalent power requires 3.3 amps. The amperage will be 7.3 amps in a 110-volt system.
Amperage draw becomes higher as the wattage of an appliance goes up at constant voltage. Therefore, if you do not manage to get an 800-Watt and your alternative is to install a 700-Watt device, the amperage will be higher than required.
Microwaves tend not to consume power in large quantities. Therefore, you should see only a minor hike in your electric bills when you use it consistently. Click here to find how many amps does kettle uses