Microwave power

Microwave power is one of the main characteristics that determine the capabilities of this kitchen assistant. From this parameter depends on how much you can heat the oven, what dishes you can cook at a particular set value.

It is an obvious fact: to heat sandwiches or prepare dishes from raw meat products requires different temperatures and different cooking times.

What you need to know about the main characteristics of the microwave oven in order to properly navigate this issue?

Microwave energy consumption

How much energy does a microwave consume? This issue is of concern to many people when buying a device. To answer it correctly, you need to know the power of the microwave oven you are going to purchase. This parameter is measured in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW).

The greater the volume of the microwave, the greater its power and the more it consumes electricity.

The maximum value of power consumption and operating modes of the device must be indicated in the instructions.

Modern microwaves are equipped with power regulator. This concept in relation to the microwave is different from the usual. For example, if you set the regulator to 100%, and the timer to 60 minutes, then in this case magnetron will work for an hour continuously. And if you set the regulator to 50%, then the magnetron will work instead of 60 minutes for only 30, turning on and off several times during a given time interval.

Types of microwave

Depending on the equipment, modern microwaves are divided into three groups:

1. Conventional models (solo), performing a minimum of functions, are used to heat the finished food, cooking hot sandwiches and defrosting products.
   

2. Microwave equipped grill, are intended for cooking.
   
3. The models equipped with a grill and by convectionused for cooking and baking.
   

The values ​​of the total power consumption of the devices are shown in the table below.

It should be noted that modern microwave ovens, even in standby mode, still consume electricity.

How much electricity is consumed if the device remains connected to the network? It would seem that the consumption of electricity should be negligible. As if not so! Depending on the model and manufacturer consumed from 1.5 to 4 watts per hour.

Modes of operation of the microwave

Power consumption depends on the mode of use of the oven and the cooking speed:

1. Fast cooking - about 1 kW.
2. Measured cooking and heating of the finished food - about 700-800 watts.
3. Defrosting products - 300-400 watts.
4. Fast warming up of ready meals - approximately 100 watts.

The figures given are average values. Of course, the power consumption depends on from volume processed products: for example, to heat a 0.5 liter soup bowl less electricity is consumed than for 1 liter.

Practical advice

When buying a microwave, you should always remember about maximum total power devices: will the electrical network in your apartment withstand this load?

If the microwave oven is planned to be used only for heating ready meals, then you should not buy a powerful device that will consume many times more electricity than a regular microwave.