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====== Microwave ovens ======

Microwave ovens can be useful where shore power is available or in warmer climates where you don't want extra heat. However they draw a //lot// of power when operating, and can draw significant [[electrical:12v:phantom load|phantom power]] loads.  For camper use models with mechanical timers and power settings may be more appropriate.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Too-much-or-too-little-Solar?pid=116218#pid116218))

The benefit to microwaves is that while they draw a lot of power, it's typically only for a short period of time (rarely do people need to run a microwave for more than 5 minutes, while stoves or ovens might draw that power for hours and hours at a time).  Therefore it is possible to power a microwave off grid without overbuilding the electrical system.


Smaller microwaves typically draw 700-1000w and larger residential models are commonly 1500w. As such you will need a fairly large [[electrical:inverter|inverter]], but might not need too outrageous of a battery if you're only using it for a few minutes per day. See [[electrical:12v:intro#how_much_power_do_i_need|How much power do I need?]] for estimations.

===== power rating =====

Microwave power ratings ("700w") are cooking power, not the amount of power the microwave will consume to operate.  It will take ~50%((https://ecocostsavings.com/microwave-wattage/)) more inverter rating than cooking power to operate.  Example:   a "700w" MW requires a ~1000w inverter, PSW preferred.

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