How Many Watts Does a Microwave Use? Saving Cooking Costs with Solar Generator

You own a microwave, don’t you? Well, everyone does. After all, today, microwaves are probably one of the most requisite devices found in all households, workplaces, hotels, and restaurants. With the advanced technological features of microwaves, you can use them not only for heating foods and drinks and defrosting purposes but also for cooking basic dishes and even baking. In short, microwaves equals quick and delicious food. 

Yet, with the rising electricity bills daily, you would want to save as much electricity as possible. Thus comes the question: how many watts does a microwave use? 

How Many Watts Does a Microwave Use?

The watts a microwave uses can easily range from a mere 600 watts to over 1700 watts. Which figure of watts the microwave is utilizing depends on the microwave’s model; which model you purchase depends on your microwave usage. 

Small microwaves - performing only the most basic functions - utilize low watts (600-700). As the model of microwaves gets bigger and more complex, they implement more functions, thus requiring more watts. Microwaves used in commercial settings have an even greater requirement of watts. They are also more complex and give you a wider range of food choices.

Where to Find the Wattage of a Microwave?

So, you're on a little treasure hunt, eh? Trying to find out the wattage of your microwave? Don’t worry; We've got you covered!

Now, there's no need to go on a wild goose chase because microwaves, like all our techy friends, come with a neat little label that spills all their secrets! Here's where you can find the golden info:

  • Start with the Door: The first place you should peek is your microwave door. Open it up and take a look at the edge, side, or even the bottom. Manufacturers often place a sticker with essential info, including your sought-after wattage. 
  • Check the Back Panel: If the door doesn’t have it, this might require stretching a little or moving the microwave forward (safety first!). Another label or sticker is often there, boasting all the technical details, including how many watts does a microwave use. It’s like the secret diary of your microwave!
  • Manual Magic: Remember that booklet you tossed in a drawer when you first got the microwave? Yep, the user manual! Dive into that drawer, rummage past old batteries and random pens, and you’ll likely find the wattage details in there. Manuals love bragging about specs!
  • Go Digital: If the physical search feels so 20th century, whip out your phone or laptop. A quick search of your microwave’s brand and model number will usually lead you straight to the specifications on the manufacturer’s website.

    Types of Microwave and Average Power Consumption

    Microwave

    Now, let's talk about microwaves, shall we? Microwaves are pretty much the unsung heroes of our kitchens. It’s great for quick popcorn, reheating coffee, and defrosting meat, etc.

    Now, not all microwaves are created equal. There are a few different types, and each has its own average power consumption. In other words,  how much watts does a microwave use is different for different types of microwaves. So let's dive in:

    Solo Microwave: 

    This is your basic home model, perfect for simple tasks like reheating and defrosting. No fancy bells or whistles here, but it gets the job done. When it comes to power, these typically consume 600 to 1200 watts. Think of it as a straightforward friend who's always reliable.

    Grill Microwave: 

    Want to grill a sandwich or perhaps get a crispy pizza crust? The grill microwave has an added grilling feature. While they still do everything a solo microwave can, they've got that extra grill power! They usually consume between 800 to 1200 watts. So, slightly more energy, but hey, crispy food!

    Convection Microwave: 

    Now we're getting fancy! These are the multitaskers of the microwave world. They can bake, grill, and microwave. Making cookies or even a cake in a microwave? Yep, it's possible with this one. Their power consumption is typically higher, ranging from 1000 to 1500 watts. But considering all the features, it's totally worth your money.

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    How Much Does It Cost to Run a Microwave?

    Want to determine the cost of running a microwave on your overall electricity bill? You, too, can calculate it easily. All you require is the information mentioned below, and then you can calculate according to the method provided.

    Data you need to find the cost of running a microwave in one day:

    • The total usage time of a microwave in a day
    • How many watts does a microwave use
    • The per kWh electricity rate of your state

    Method:

    • Suppose it is a 700W microwave.
    • Suppose it runs for 15 minutes (0.25 h) in a day.
    • Suppose the rate of electricity per hour is $0.20
    • Convert hours to minutes: 15 / 60 = 0.25 h
    1. Wh (watt per hour) = wattage of the microwave (W or kW) x running hours of the microwave (h)

                                           = 700 x 0.25

                                           = 175 Wh

    2. Converting the unit

              kWh = Wh / 1000

                       = 175 / 1000

                       = 0.175 kWh

    3. Average cost per day = kWh usage x kWh electricity price

                                              = 0.175 x 0.20

                                              = $0.035

    Therefore, the daily cost of a 700 W microwave, which runs for 15 minutes per day, is $0.035. 

    4. The monthly cost: 

          Cost per day x 30

          = $0.035 x 30 

          = $1.05.

    Therefore, the monthly cost of a 700 W microwave, running for 15 minutes a day, is $1.05.

    Now, with the availability of this method, what are you waiting for? Input your values and find out your monthly cost for a microwave.

    Saving Cooking Costs with Solar Generator

    Have you ever considered the synergy between sun-kissed tomatoes for your pasta and sun-powered energy for cooking that dish? Let me explain, (which, by the way, you could cook using solar energy too!).

    Firstly, you're already a genius for considering solar generators, especially with the rise in energy prices these days. Every time you switch on your stove or oven, those kilowatt-hours keep ticking. But what if I told you there's a great way to keep some of that money in your pocket? Enter the realm of solar generators!

    Now, let’s talk specifics. Imagine powering your kitchen appliances with the abundant and free energy from the sun! By using a solar generator like the BLUETTI AC200P (which is pretty fab), you’re transforming sunbeams into delicious meals. Cool, right? 

    Here's the breakdown:

    • Eco-friendly: You're drawing power from the sun, not fossil fuels. So, every time you cook, you're giving the Earth a tiny hug. 
    • Cost-effective: After the initial setup cost, the Sun doesn’t send you a monthly bill. Over time, the solar generator pays for itself. It's the gift that keeps on giving!
    • Consistency: With BLUETTI's solar generator, you get a reliable energy source. No more worries about power outages ruining your sous-vide steak.

        But wait! Before you think, "Well, what microwave or cooker can I use?" You'd be surprised. From slow cookers to electric grills, many kitchen gadgets can run off solar generators. And if you’re wondering about power, the BLUETTI Solar Generator Kit has enough juice to keep you cooking without a hitch. BLUETTI AC200P has a 2000W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity of 2,000 Wh. 

        Equipped with fast dual charging and 7 ways to recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar), you will thank us for suggesting this device to you.

        So, next time you’re simmering that tomato sauce or baking brownies, remember you could do it all with the sun's power. Sustainable, smart, and oh-so-tasty! Happy cooking, my green gourmet friend!

        A quick tip: If you’re diving into solar usage, start with energy-efficient appliances. Pair them with BLUETTI, and you’ve got a match made in eco-heaven. Speaking of BLUETTI’s solar generators, did you know that you can use solar generators for other purposes as well? For instance, running a diesel heater with a solar generator all night. Cool, isn’t it? 

        Oh, BLUETTI offers other great products as well! You will surely love the BLUETTI AC300 + B300 Combo. It has a 3,000W AC Pure Sine Wave, 3,072 Wh capacity, fast dual charging, and seven ways to recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead-acid Battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar). By using this solar battery, you can significantly reduce your electricity bill.

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        The BLUETTI EB3A Portable Power Station is like a cherry on top for your exhilarating camping trip. It has a 600W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and 268 Wh of capacity. Along with its 6 ways of fast charging and easy portability, this device will elevate your camping experience to another level.

        FAQs about Microwave Power Consumption

        Q. How much power does a 1000-watt microwave draw?

        When a microwave says it’s 1000 watts, it's mainly referring to its cooking power. So, if you plug it in and start cooking your favorite microwave popcorn or a piece of leftover pizza, it is going to use around 1000 watts of electricity. 

        However, remember that there might be a bit more power drawn because of things like the light, display, and all those fancy buttons it has. It's like when you buy a bag of chips and find out it's not full; there is some air (or watts) in there you didn't expect!

        Q. What wattage microwave should I get?

        It really depends on what you're going to use your microwave for. On the one hand, if you're simply warming up a mug of milk or reheating last night's dinner, a 700-800-watt microwave should do the trick. 

        On the other hand, if you plan to cook whole meals or defrost bigger chunks of frozen meat, aiming for 1000 watts or more would be a smarter choice. Remember, higher wattage means faster and more even cooking!

        Q. Can a solar generator power a microwave?

        It is definitely doable, but it also depends on your generator's capacity. Solar generators are super cool and earth-friendly, but they have limits. If you have a beefy solar generator that can handle a high wattage load (1500 watts or more), then it can definitely handle a microwave. But make sure to check your generator's specifications and ensure it can provide the necessary juice without draining completely.

        Final Thoughts

        Different microwaves have different wattage requirements. Once you have found out how many watts does a microwave use, you can now calculate the electricity consumed by your microwave and take measures to reduce it. 

        BLUETTI offers you a great package with its products, so be sure to check it out. BLUETTI’s solar generator is, especially, an attractive proposition for you to reduce your electricity bill.