Power source: Power consumption: 220-240V / 50Hz / 1100W (microwave) Output: 700W.
When choosing an inverter, you need one that can accommodate the start-up draw. A 2,000-watt (running watts) inverter may have a peak (or surge) output of 3000 watts. This inverter could easily handle both the 900 running watt and the 2,700-watt surge (starting draw) requirements of your microwave.
RHM2076B 20 Litre 800 W Black Digital Solo Microwave with 5 Power Levels, Automatic Defrost, 8 Auto Cook Menus, Clock and Timer, Easy Clean.
Most microwaves range from about 600 to over 1,200 watts. In general, the higher the wattage, the more cooking power you get for faster cooking, more powerful heating and often a wider range of settings and features to work with.
Microwaves up to about 1,200 watts can run on a 15-amp circuit. If the microwave is above 1,200 watts, a 20-amp circuit is recommended. Naturally, you should calculate the total load of all appliances to determine the right circuit for your microwave.
The microwaves we recommend feature power levels between 1,050 and 1,250 watts. (You can see the watts in the full view of our microwave ratings by sliding the Ratings & Specs bar to the right.) The usable capacity and wattages presented below are based on our tested models.
Small Kitchens
Naturally, for smaller kitchens, we would recommend a standard or compact microwave (20L or less) to save space on your kitchen worktops.
As a general guideline, consider choosing a microwave with around 1,000 watts as this is a standard power for most recipes. It's important to be selective about your microwave's functions and choose a model with wattage, shortcuts and functionality suited to how you use a microwave.
Yes, a standard dinner plate generally fits in a 20L microwave because they are designed for typical dishware, usually with turntables around 24-27cm that accommodate plates, but you should always check the specific internal dimensions (width, depth, and height) for your plate and microwave model to be sure, as actual space varies.
Disadvantages of inverter microwaves include higher initial cost, complex and expensive repairs, potential for premature inverter board failure, and some user reports of Wi-Fi interference or whistling noises, with critics also questioning real-world performance benefits over high-end traditional models for simple tasks.
You should avoid running high-power heating elements (hair dryers, irons, kettles, space heaters), large motors (refrigerators, air conditioners, power tools), and sensitive electronics (laser printers, some medical devices) on a standard inverter, especially a modified sine wave one, due to high power draw or waveform incompatibility; always match the appliance's wattage and type to your inverter's rating and use a pure sine wave model for sensitive electronics.
The ideal wattage for most microwave recipes is 1,000 watts for versatility in defrosting, reheating and cooking. Select models such as the 1,000-watt Whirlpool® over-the-range microwave have a Steam Cooking feature that's convenient for when you want to get tasty, tender veggies on the table in minutes.
They are also great additions to outdoor adventures, like camping, backpacking, and other activities. A 2000-watt generator can charge most household items, including lights, toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, etc.
Microwaves generally last 7 to 10 years, but this varies greatly with usage; heavy use by large families might see them last only 4-5 years, while light use with good maintenance (keeping vents clear, cleaning spills) can push them to 10 years or more, with some high-end models lasting 15+ years. Factors like brand quality and repairability also play a big role in longevity.
In the realm of performance and efficiency, inverter microwaves take the lead, especially when you need to defrost food evenly without hot spots. These microwaves, known for their constant power output, ensure evenly cooked food every time. There's no more worrying about cold spots or overcooked edges.
There's no single "best," but Panasonic, Toshiba, and LG consistently rank high for overall performance, reliability, and features like inverter technology (even heating). Panasonic often leads in overall testing, while Toshiba excels in value and basic functions, and LG offers strong performance with features like inverter tech. Other strong contenders include Breville for feature-rich models and Sharp, known for power.
Belaco 800W Microwave Compact Size Microwave Oven with Manual Control, 5 Power Levels, 20L Capacity, Timer Function, Easy Clean Interior Ideal for Home or Office Use.
A guide to internal microwave capacity
Small microwaves usually offer 15-20 litres of capacity, while medium models range from 20-25 litres. Large microwaves provide 25-32 litres of space, and extra-large models offer 32+ litres, perfect for family cooking.
Microwaves with higher wattage levels, typically those boasting 900 watts or more, can heat and cook food significantly faster than their lower-wattage counterparts. This can be a valuable time-saving feature for households with busy schedules.
Let's break down the top energy-consuming appliances in most homes and what you can do to keep costs under control.
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Check the inside of the oven's door, on the serial number plate on the back of the oven, or in the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for the wattage. To estimate wattage you can do a "Time-to-Boil Test:" Measure 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) water in a 2-cup glass measure.