How Many Amps Does a Microwave Use? [Microwave Amps]

A microwave is one of the most convenient appliances in the kitchen. And to ensure your microwave operates efficiently and safely, it is important to know how many amps it uses. How many amps does a microwave use?

A standard microwave uses about 5 amps of current during its operation. Nevertheless, manufacturers recommend that you plug the microwave into at least 15 amps on its own circuit.

It is important to observe these precautionary measures to avoid mishaps or damaging your microwave.

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

How Many Amps Does a Microwave Use?

A microwave uses around five amps each time you use it. However, to avoid mishaps, manufacturers advise you to plug it into at least 15 amps on its own circuit.

The watts that you should use for your microwave oven are typically shown on its serial number plate. To get the amps, divide the number of watts by your line voltage. This computation is derived from the formula, P (power) = V (volts) x I (current).

So, if the oven’s watt is 1,500 watts, divide it by 110 volts (which is the usual volts used in the U.S.), and the answer would be the required amps.

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

However, take note that most microwaves require 120 to 125 volts of electricity and a dedicated 20-amp circuit for safety measures.

You could also measure the actual current using a clamp-on ammeter or refer to the user manual that comes with the microwave.

If still uncertain, you may want to call up the microwave’s seller or visit the website and directly ask the question.

How Does a Microwave Work?

A microwave is electromagnetic radiation that has its own short wave. The waves are similar to the radio or TV; only they are shorter.

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

A microwave oven works by the microwaves’ direct action generating intermolecular friction between the water and the food’s molecules. The molecules’ vibration produces heat that cooks the food.

You have to press certain buttons to start cooking or reheating, and you could quickly prepare a meal within a few minutes.

You may be wondering how the microwave turns electricity (microwave amp) into heat. This action is possible when the magnetron inside the oven generates high-powered microwaves from electricity. The magnetron then directs these microwaves into the slowly revolving food turntable.

The microwaves bounce back and forth from the food compartment’s wall and penetrate the food. This occurrence will cause the food’s molecules to vibrate more quickly. The vibration of these molecules against each other causes heat produced by friction, thereby heating or cooking the food.

It is like starting a fire through friction; by rubbing flammable things together, you can begin kindling fire.

What Is the Highest Temperature a Microwave Can Reach?

Are Microwaves Safe?

Microwaves can significantly burn living cells and tissues upon prolonged direct exposure, like when you touch the heated food with bare hands. So, be careful not to burn yourself. Nevertheless, there are no extensive empirical studies that prove how much damage microwaves can cause.

There was a study about microwave radiation effects on the brain, but the data had poor reproducibility, and the researchers recommended more intensive studies.

To play safe, avoid exposing yourself to microwave radiations until scientists can prove that the microwave’s effects on the brain are insignificant.

By contrast, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) stated that standing near a microwave will not put you at risk. This is because the radiation from the microwave is below the level that tends to harm people.

The WHO (World Health Organization) agreed to this finding, citing that microwaves’ electromagnetic radiation is not that powerful to cause significant damage when standing next to it or a leaking microwave.

Only prolonged exposure to higher-power radiation than that of the microwave would inflict thermal damage to your body.

Take note, though, that direct contact with the heated food can burn your hands or body. Nonetheless, when operated properly, the microwave is a relatively safe home appliance.

But don’t play with your microwave oven. Follow the users’ manual and instructions carefully. You may want to read the tips on safely operating the microwave oven listed in this article.

How many amps does a microwave use? To operate efficiently, a microwave requires about five microwave amps of current. However, manufacturers advise you to plug it to at least 15 amps of current to avoid mishaps.

Microwave Safety Tips

1. Never Open the Microwave During Operation

Microwaves may not inflict significant damage based on some researches, but you still have to be careful as experts have yet to complete extensive studies. The manufacturers built the appliance’s wall strongly to prevent the microwaves from escaping for a reason.

Researchers should conduct more comprehensive studies on a microwave’s effect on the body’s different parts, like the brain.

So don’t open the microwave oven door until it automatically turns off or when you turn it off. You would not want any portion of your body exposed to this electromagnetic radiation, no matter how small it is.

2. Cut Food into Smaller Pieces

The microwaves cannot penetrate more than one or two centimeters, so you should cut food into smaller pieces. Even though the inner part would be cooked by induction, it would facilitate cooking if the food pieces were just the right sizes and shapes.

3. Observe the Cooking and Standing Time

Most microwaves indicate the food’s cooking and standing time. You have to follow these specified times correctly. The cooking time will specifically produce microwaves enough to cook the food you choose.

On the other hand, the standing time would allow the food to cool from the inside, as the internal temperature may be higher than the outer portion.

So, take note not to bite the middle portion immediately after you microwave the food. This inner portion could be hotter than the outer area. Let it stand for a while, as recommended, before eating.

4. The Microwave Must Have a Dedicated Circuit

If the microwave is bigger, it must have its own dedicated outlet and circuit. Ensure that it is properly grounded. Avoid plugging it into an extension cord or in a shared outlet, as this represents potential safety hazards.

Most often, a microwave oven would need sufficient power to operate it efficiently. 700 to 1,000 watts is sufficient to cook speedily. The higher the wattage, the quicker the microwave could cook. But do not go over the recommended wattage as the excess watts could cause problems too.

5. Wear Protective Gear

Many people don’t wear any protective gear when drawing out the microwave’s heated or cooked food. You may tolerate the heat, but to make sure that you don’t get burned, always wear cooking gloves or a dishrag whenever getting food from the oven.

Anything that involves heat and electricity is a potential hazard and could be a source of accidents.

6. Replace Leaking Microwaves Immediately

There is a reason why the microwave is contained within a sturdy wall – to prevent leakage. Even though a leaking microwave is of no significant health concern because it only produces small amounts of electromagnetic radiation, you still have to replace it to prevent unexpected mishaps.

7. Use the Microwave Responsibly

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

Since scientists are still studying more about microwaves, you may want to use natural means to heat some of the things you put into your mouth. Do not overwork your microwave. Even machines need some rest.

8. Clean the Glass Turntable Regularly

You may not place the food directly into the microwave’s turntable, but you still have to clean it regularly. Mildew and microbes grow rapidly on leftover food left in a warm and moist place. Clean the microwave’s walls as well, taking care not to scratch or damage them.

Ascertain that you have turned off the microwave before cleaning it. You could unplug it to doubly ensure your safety.

9. Do Not Let Children Operate the Microwave

Although the microwave procedure is quite simple, do not let children operate it. As previously mentioned, scientists still have to conduct an extensive and intensive study on the microwave’s effect on the brain.

Children can be susceptible to electromagnetic waves, and their developing brains may be affected. Until further studies are conducted to provide empirical data, it is best to follow precautionary measures, especially for children.

Benefits of Microwave Ovens

1. Convenience

You can quickly reheat or cook your food within a few minutes. The procedure is easy, turn on the microwave, place your food inside, press the correct buttons, and – presto – within minutes, your food is ready.

This setup is most especially advantageous for people living alone. It is also convenient for heating or cooking leftovers. If you’re going to cook for your family or several people, the microwave oven may not be able to accommodate large food volumes.

2. Low Electricity Cost

You consume less electricity because you do not have to reheat the microwave oven like an ordinary oven. Besides, you can directly control the cooking time by simply pressing the display ‘buttons.’ You can choose a shorter time as a cost-saving measure.

If you want to save money, energy, and effort, learn how to use the microwave wisely and how much microwave oven amps it’ll require.

3. Preserves Nutrients

The microwave preserves more fruit and vegetable nutrients than other cooking methods. You can eat more nutrients in their natural form than having them lose their health benefits because of overcooking or over stirring.

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

Examples are water-soluble and heat-sensitive substances, such as thiamine, Vitamin B, and C. They usually leach out of vegetables, leaving no active substance left in the food.

Conclusion – How Many Amps Does a Microwave Use?

A microwave usually uses five amps to operate efficiently. However, manufacturers recommend that you plug the microwave to at least 15 amps on its own circuit.

You have to do this precautionary measure to guarantee sufficient power for the microwave to operate correctly and efficiently. It is also important to use the right amps so as to avoid damaging mishaps or even electrocution.

If you are not sure what amps to use, you can visit the manufacturer’s website to gain some information. You can also call them up to inquire directly.

Ensure your safety by making sure you are using accurate amps, and you are operating the microwave correctly.