How Many Amps Does a Microwave Use?

A compact microwave oven typically uses between 5 to 15 amps. But if you are wondering how many amps a microwave uses, then you should understand that it depends on the microwave's size, built quality, power settings, and model. By understanding the amperage of your household microwave, you ensure safe operation and can even manage your household's energy consumption in the right way.

In this detailed guide to understand how many amps a 1000-watt microwave uses during startup, we will analyze how the amp varies across different types of microwaves and shed some tips on how to calculate it so you can make well-informed decisions. Moreover, if you plan to reduce your electricity bill, you can check out Jackery Solar Generators and learn the role of these solar-powered generators in powering up your microwave ovens.

Key Takeaways

• Most household microwaves typically draw between 5 to 20 amps, depending on their wattage and type. Higher-wattage models like convection or commercial microwaves might require more power.
• Always understand the difference between startup and running watts and amps to ensure your electrical circuit can handle the microwave's load.
• You can calculate your microwave's amperage using the formula Amps = Wattage / Volts or get a microwave power meter for accurate readings.
• Cooking in batches and using solar energy can help you reduce your monthly electricity bill.

How Many Amps Does a Microwave Use?

A microwave oven of 600 - 800W draws typically 5 amps during regular operations. A midsize microwave oven of 800 - 1200W draws 10 amps, and a full-sized microwave of 1200 - 1800W uses 15 amps. A commercial microwave of 1800 - 2200W can use 20 amps or more.

As you can see, a microwave's exact amperage depends on its wattage, design, and additional features like grilling or convection.

Definition of Amps, Volts, Watts, Running Watts

Before we learn how many amps a small microwave draws on startup, you should first learn the basic terminologies that play an important role in learning about microwave usage. This way, you can ensure your kitchen circuit can safely accommodate the microwave's power needs without overloading.

Amps: In the context of a microwave, amps indicate how much electrical power the appliance requires to function. If your microwave has higher wattage, then it will draw more amps.

Amps = Watts ÷ Volts

Volts: Volts measure the electrical potential difference that drives the electric current through the microwave's circuits. In the United States, most household electric appliances operate at 120 volts.

Watts: Watts is a measure of power, which indicates the exact rate at which energy is generated. For a microwave, the wattage tells you how much power the appliance uses to heat and cook food.

Watts = Volts × Amps

Running Watts: Running watts refers to the power consumed by the microwave while it is in continuous operation. By understanding a microwave oven's running watts, you can determine its long-term energy use and how it will impact your electricity bill.

Running Watts = Volts × Running Amps

If you want to learn more about amps, watts, and volts so you can make a well-informed decision while pivoting toward a sustainable source of energy, check out the detailed guide, which depicts the formulas and calculations in detail.

How Many Amps Does a Solo, Grill, Convection Microwave Oven Use?

There are different types of microwave ovens available in the market, and their amperage varies depending on their type and power rating. For instance, a solo microwave with a power rating between 600 and 800 watts would use 5 amps. If you have a grill microwave with a power range of 800 to 1200 watts, then it would draw 10 amps. Similarly, a convection microwave that offers a more versatile cooking option draws 15 amps.

How Many Amps Does a Microwave Draw on Startup?

When you first turn on a microwave, it will draw a higher amount of current for a short period. This sudden surge or power spike is known as a startup amp and is necessary to overcome any initial resistance the small or large microwave faces while operating.

So, if you want to understand how many amps a microwave draws on startup, you must first understand the difference between startup and running watts and amps. By analyzing startup and running amps, you can accurately assess your microwave's power requirements.

Startup Watts vs. Running Watts

As the name suggests, startup watts refer to the maximum power your household or commercial microwave would draw during the initial power-up. It should be noted here that the startup surge is higher due to internal components, like magnetron and the built-in fan.

Whereas running watts of a microwave oven is the power consumed by it during continuous operation after it is powered up using a traditional power source or a solar generator. Once the microwave starts running, its initial power surge decreases to a level close to its rated wattage.

In most cases, a microwave surge power can be significantly higher than its running watts. So, if you have a microwave oven of 1000W, then it may draw a minimum of 1800W during startup. Learn more about how many watts does a Microwave use here.

Startup Amps vs. Running Amps

Similarly to the startup wattage, a startup amp represents the peak current that the microwave draws during the first few seconds of its operation. Suppose you want to know how much a 1000-watt microwave uses during startup than on a 120-volt circuit, then the startup amps can easily be calculated as follows:

Startup Amps = Startup Watts ÷ Volts = 1800W ÷ 120V = 15 amps.

If you want to understand the running amps, then you will need to note that they represent the steady current drawn by a grill or a convection microwave during normal operation. For the same 1000-watt microwave, the running amperage can be calculated as follows:

Running Amps = Running Watts ÷ Volts = 1000W ÷ 120V = 8.33 amps.

How to Calculate Your Microwave Amps

By learning how many amps your microwave uses, you can make crucial decisions about managing your kitchen's electrical load and even prevent accidents related to circuit overloads. If you are wondering how to calculate your microwave amps, you can check out different methods; each comes with its own level of accuracy and convenience.

Method 1: Manufacturer Details - Energy Star Rating

One of the simplest ways to find out how many amps your microwave uses is to refer to the manufacturer's details, typically found on the label or in the user manual. Due to the rise in electricity bills, most households have started to prefer Energy Star-rated appliances.

The labels on Energy Star-rated appliances list the wattage and voltage information that can help you determine the amperage. For instance, if your household microwave is rated 1200W and 120V, then the label might already indicate the corresponding amps.

Method 2: Determine the Amps from the Wattage

If you know the wattage of your microwave but don't have the amperage listed, you can easily calculate. For example, if your microwave has a wattage of 1200 watts and operates on a 120-volt circuit, you would calculate the amps as follows:

Amps = Wattage ÷ Volts = 1200W ÷ 120V = 10 amps

As you can see, this is a very straightforward method for calculating microwave amps. You can even use this method to calculate your daily amp usage.

Daily Amps = Daily Watt Hours ÷ 120V

The understanding of daily amps consumption is important if you are monitoring your overall energy usage and wish to understand how much microwave affects your electricity bill.

Method 3: Microwave Power Meter

There will be moments when there is a power fluctuation, which will affect the amp usage of your microwave oven. So, if you are looking for the most accurate measurement, you can go ahead with a specialized microwave power meter that can be directly plugged into the outlet. The meter displays the real-time readings of the wattage and amperage, including both the startup and running amps.

Tips to Save Your Electricity Bill

Microwave is one such kitchen appliance that is not operated 24 hours. So, if you can use it efficiently, then it can significantly reduce your electricity bill. Moreover, going ahead with energy-efficient ones over traditional ovens is highly recommended. Some of the most common tips to save on your electricity bills are:

• Try to cook or reheat multiple items at once so you will not have to use the microwave on different occasions.
• Try to use the lower power settings in your microwave for the times that do not require high heat, like defrosting.
• Always wipe down the interior of your microwave to reduce energy usage.
• Connect your microwave to solar generators that can reduce your dependency on on-grid power.

Solar Generators for Microwave Oven

If you are looking for sustainable ways to reduce your electricity bills while looking for a long-term solution, you can always go ahead with Jackery Solar Generators. These solar generators come with high-capacity batteries that can power up your microwave and other high-wattage appliances, like air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, and more.

Jackery Solar Generators come with Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. These solar panels are made of monocrystalline silicon solar cells that harness solar power. These solar cells absorb solar radiation and convert it into electricity. This converted DC electricity is then transferred to power stations that convert it into usable AC electricity.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

If you frequently travel in your RV or go on extended camping trips and are looking for a lightweight power backup solution, check out Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. With an IP68 waterproof rating and an operating temperature of -4-149°F (-20-65℃), this battery backup for home is ideal for powering compact microwave ovens.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an ideal battery backup solution for those who live completely offered or in such areas that face frequent power cuts. What helps it stand out from the rest is its capability to expand so you can even power heavy-duty appliances while you are at the construction sites. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus provides a cost-effective and fume-free operation, ideal for those who live in apartments.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is 18% smaller than the others, making it more portable and easy to carry around. This portable power station is capable of running high-power essentials. So you can easily power your refrigerators, kettles, microwaves, and air conditioners. Additionally, this solar generator features USB-A/C Ports and can simultaneously charge and power multiple devices without causing any load.

FAQs About Microwave Amps

Can a microwave be on a 15 amp breaker?

Yes, a microwave can be turned on a 15-amp breaker. That said, it all depends on its wattage. For example, a typical microwave of 1000W would use 8.3 amps. But if you have a microwave of 1400W, then it will use 12 amps, and it may overload a 15-amp breaker.

How many amps does a 1500-watt microwave use?

On a standard 120-volt circuit, a 1500-watt microwave typically uses around 12.5 amps when operating. It's important to understand that no other appliances draw power from the same circuit.

How many amps is a 1200-watt microwave?

A 1200-watt microwave typically draws about 10 amps on a 120-volt circuit. Such amperage is within the capacity of most American household circuits, but just to be on the safe side, one should ensure that no other high-power devices are connected on the same circuit.

How many amps does a 1000W microwave use?

A 1000-watt microwave typically uses around 8.3 amps when connected to a 120-volt circuit. This is manageable for most American household circuits, including those that come with a 15-amp breaker.

Conclusion

By understanding how many amps a microwave uses on a daily basis, you can easily analyze the power consumption of your microwave. If you are aiming to switch to a more sustainable power source, like a solar generator, then by calculating the amps your microwave will use, you can reduce your electricity bills and even prevent potential electrical issues. When moving towards solar energy, you can always check out Jackery Solar Generators. The powerful battery and high power output wattage ensure that your microwave remains operational without causing any issues to the built-in circuitry.