How many amps does a microwave use? [Microwave Booster] - HowChimp (2023)

A microwave is one of the most practical appliances in the kitchen. And to ensure your microwave is working efficiently and safely, it's important to know how many amps it draws. How many amps does a microwave use?

A standard microwave uses about 5 amps of electricity during its operation. Nevertheless, the manufacturers recommend that the microwave be connected to its own circuit with at least 15 amps.

It is important to follow these precautions to avoid any breakdown or damage to your microwave.

Read on to learn more about how many amps a microwave uses and tips for operating a microwave safely.

How many amps does a microwave use?

A microwave uses about five amps each time it is used. However, to avoid breakdowns, manufacturers advise connecting it to its own circuit of at least 15 amps.

The wattage you should use for your microwave oven is usually listed on the serial number plate. To get amps, divide the watts by your line voltage. This calculation is derived from the formula P (power) = V (volts) x I (current).

So if the wattage of the oven is 1,500 watts, divide it by 110 volts (that's the common volts in the US) and the answer would be the amps required.

For example a 1,500 watt oven / 110 volts = 13.636 amps or 14 amps.

Note, however, that most microwave ovens require 120 to 125 volt power and a dedicated 20 amp circuit for safety precautions.

You can also measure the actual current with a clamp-on ammeter or refer to the microwave's instruction manual.

If you are still unsure, you can call the seller of the microwave or visit the website and ask the question directly.

How does a microwave work?

A microwave is an electromagnetic radiation that has its own short wave. The waves are like radio or television; only they are shorter.

They may be shorter but they are strong because they can cause severe burns. This is the electromagnetic radiation used in a microwave oven.

A microwave oven works by the direct action of the microwaves, which creates intermolecular friction between the water and the food molecules. The vibration of the molecules creates heat that cooks the food.

You need to press specific buttons to start cooking or reheating, and you can quickly prepare a meal within minutes.

You may be wondering how the microwave converts electricity (microwave booster) into heat. This action is possible when the magnetron inside the oven generates high-power microwaves from electricity. The magnetron then directs these microwaves into the slowly rotating food plate.

The microwaves bounce off the food compartment wall and penetrate the food. This event causes the food's molecules to vibrate faster. The vibration of these molecules against each other causes heat generated by friction, which heats or cooks the food.

It's like starting a fire through friction; By rubbing flammable things together, you can start igniting fires.

What is the highest temperature a microwave can reach?

Are Microwaves Safe?

Microwaves can significantly burn living cells and tissues with prolonged direct exposure, e.g. B. if you touch the heated food with your bare hands. So be careful not to burn yourself. However, there are no extensive empirical studies that show how much damage microwaves can do.

There was onelearnon the effects of microwave radiation on the brain, but the data were poorly reproducible and the researchers recommended more intensive studies.

To be on the safe side, avoid exposure to microwave radiation until scientists can prove that microwave effects on the brain are insignificant.

In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has stated that you do not endanger yourself by being near a microwave oven. This is because the radiation from the microwave is below the level that is more likely to harm people.

TheWER(World Health Organization) agreed with this finding, stating that the electromagnetic radiation from microwaves is not so strong that it could cause significant damage when standing near it or a leaking microwave.

Only prolonged exposure to higher than microwave radiation would cause thermal damage to your body.

However, be aware that direct contact with the heated food can burn your hands or body. Nevertheless, the microwave is a relatively safe household appliance when operated correctly.

But don't play with your microwave. Follow the user manual and instructions carefully. You may want to read the tips on how to operate the microwave oven safely, listed in this article.

How many amps does a microwave use? To work efficiently, a microwave requires about five microwave amperes of electricity. However, the manufacturers advise you to connect it to at least 15 amps of electricity to avoid breakdowns.

Microwave Safety Tips

1. Never open the microwave oven while it is in use

Based on some research, microwaves cannot cause significant harm, but you still need to be careful as experts have yet to complete extensive studies. The manufacturers have built the wall of the device strong to prevent the microwaves from escaping for a reason.

Researchers should conduct more comprehensive studies on the effects of microwaves on the different parts of the body such as the brain.

Therefore, do not open the microwave door until it turns off automatically or when you turn it off. You do not want any part of your body to be exposed to this electromagnetic radiation, no matter how small.

2. Cut food into smaller pieces

The microwaves cannot penetrate more than an inch or two, so you should cut food into smaller pieces. Even if the inner part were cooked by induction, it would make cooking easier if the food pieces were just the right size and shape.

3. Observe the cooking and resting time

Most microwaves display the cooking and standing time of the food. You must comply with these specified times correctly. The cooking time specifically generates enough microwaves to cook your chosen food.

On the other hand, the standing time would allow the food to cool down from the inside as the inside temperature can be higher than the outside portion.

So be careful not to bite the middle part immediately after you put the food in the microwave. This inner part could be hotter than the outer area. Leave for a while before eating as recommended.

4. The microwave must have its own circuit

If the microwave is larger, it must have its own outlet and circuit. Make sure it's properly grounded. Do not plug it into an extension cord or into a shared outlet as this poses potential safety hazards.

Most of the time, a microwave oven needs enough power to run efficiently. 700 to 1,000 watts are enough to cook quickly. The higher the wattage, the faster the microwave can cook. However, do not exceed the recommended wattage as the excess wattage could also cause problems.

5. Wear protective gear

Many people don't wear protective gear when pulling the heated or cooked food out of the microwave. They can handle the heat, but to make sure you don't burn yourself, always wear cooking gloves or a dishcloth when removing food from the oven.

Anything involving heat and electricity is a potential hazard and can lead to accidents.

6. Replace leaking microwaves immediately

There's a reason the microwave is housed in a sturdy wall - to prevent leakage. Even though a leaking microwave is harmless to your health because it emits small amounts of electromagnetic radiation, you still need to replace it to avoid unexpected mishaps.

7. Use the microwave responsibly

You don't have to heat everything in your microwave. When heating a cup of water or coffee, you can always use a small kettle or a coffee or kettle.

As scientists continue to study more about microwaves, you may want to use natural means to heat some of the things you put in your mouth. Don't overload your microwave. Machines also need rest.

8. Clean the glass turntable regularly

You must not place the food directly on the microwave turntable, but you still need to clean it regularly. Mold and microbes grow quickly on leftover food left in a warm and humid place. Also clean the walls of the microwave, being careful not to scratch or damage them.

Make sure you turn off the microwave before cleaning it. You could unplug it to double ensure your safety.

9. Do not let children operate the microwave oven

Although the microwave process is quite simple, do not let children operate it. As mentioned earlier, scientists have yet to conduct a large and intensive study of the effect of microwaves on the brain.

Children can be vulnerable to electromagnetic waves and their brain development can be affected. Until further studies are conducted to provide empirical data, it is best to take precautions, especially for children.

Advantages of microwave ovens

1. Convenience

You can quickly reheat or cook your food within minutes. The process is simple, turn on the microwave, put in your food, press the right buttons and - whoops - within minutes your meal is ready.

This facility is particularly beneficial for those living alone. It's also handy for heating up or cooking leftovers. If you want to cook for your family or several people, the microwave oven may not be able to accommodate large amounts of food.

2. Low electricity costs

You use less electricity because you don't have to reheat the microwave oven like you would with an ordinary oven. You can also control the cooking time directly by simply pressing the display "buttons". You can choose a shorter time for cost reasons.

If you want to save money, energy and effort, learn how to use the microwave wisely and how many microwave oven amps it uses.

3. Preserves nutrients

The microwave preserves more fruit and vegetable nutrients than other cooking methods. You can eat more nutrients in their natural form rather than lose their health benefits from overcooking or overstirring.

When vegetables are overcooked, the essential nutrients are sometimes converted into less useful end products or substances.

Examples are water-soluble and heat-sensitive substances such as thiamine, vitamins B and C. They are usually leached out of vegetables, leaving no active ingredient in the food.

Conclusion – How many amps does a microwave use?

A microwave typically draws five amps to operate efficiently. However, manufacturers recommend plugging the microwave into its own circuit of at least 15 amps.

You must take this precaution to ensure sufficient power for the correct and efficient operation of the microwave. It is also important to use the right amplifiers to avoid damaging breakdowns or even electrocution.

If you are unsure about which amps to use, you can visit the manufacturer's website for some information. You can also call them to inquire directly.

Stay safe by making sure you are using accurate amperes and operating the microwave correctly.

Related reading:

How to Boil Water in the Microwave - Safely - 7 Steps

Can you put glass in the microwave? how safe is it

How long does it take to boil water in the microwave?

Can you heat paper plates in the microwave? Is it safe?

What is the Difference Between Microwave Vs. Microwave?