Microwaves are a must-have appliance in a kitchen. Most homeowners would be concerned about the energy consumption of microwaves and other small devices.
The good news is that unless you’re running your microwave every meal and for a long time, it contributes only a few cents to your total energy bills.
Let’s look at some of the factors that determine how much electricity your microwave consumes.
Factors that Determine How Much Electricity a Microwave Uses
The exact amount of energy your microwaves use depends on these factors.
Frequency of usage
The more you press that start button, the more energy bills your microwave contributes to the total energy consumption.
Wattage
The more watts a microwave has, the more energy it consumes. Most household microwaves have a wattage ranging between 600 – 1600.
Commercial microwaves have 1800 watts and above. Most manufacturers will indicate the wattage on the microwave.
Power settings
You can set your microwave to work in energy save mode. By doing so, you prevent the appliance from operating at the highest power levels, contributing to higher energy bills.
Factors to Consider When Buying Energy Efficient Microwave
Now that we know what contributes to power consumption when using microwaves, here are some factors to consider before actually buying one.
1. Aesthetics
There is a way we all want our homes to look. We want our appliances to match our themes. Before buying your microwave, you need to consider whether it matches the existing décor. This is in terms of color and design.
2. Size
The size of your kitchen determines what size of a microwave or any other appliance you can buy. Make sure to buy a product that can seamlessly fit in your existing space.
3. Settings
Most modern microwaves come with pre-programmed settings to help you cook or warm food much faster. Some of these settings include the defrost function, grill, and oven.
Depending on whatever you want to do with the appliance, a simple press of a button should have your meal evenly cooked within a few minutes.
4. Safety
Electronics make work easier but can be a risk to homeowners. Microwaves, just like other appliances, can be a source of danger if not used properly.
It’s better to buy microwaves with a child lock mechanism to prevent any burns on the little hands if you have small children.
Almost all microwaves that we know of cannot heat when the door is open. However, a child may open the door with the hot food inside. Hence, a microwave that can prevent this accidental cases would be preferred.
5. Noise
Not every customer is sensitive to noise, but you need to confirm this before purchase for those that get irritated by loud noises.
Some microwaves are noisier than others. You can read online reviews because if the appliance is very loud, customers will most likely comment about it.
Top Energy Efficient Microwaves to Buy in 2021
#1 Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
This Toshiba microwave oven comes with a compact stainless steel design that can match any home décor. The model uses 1,100 watts and comes with ten pre-programmed settings to ensure that your foods cook evenly within the shortest time possible.
The appliance also has a kitchen timer so that you don’t have to worry about your food getting burned or overcooking. This makes it ideal for people who cook while handling other chores in the house. The timer will turn off once the food is cooked.
The microwave also has a large display screen that makes it easy on the eyes. You can read the timing and settings even from a distance.
You don’t have to use this microwave’s full wattage because it comes with a power-saving mode that uses less energy. You can also minimize up to 50 percent of standby power usage on your microwave by switching on ECO mode. You can now cook without dealing with escalated energy bills.
Microwaves can get greasy and difficult to clean but not with this Toshiba microwave. It has an easy to clean cavity that is scratch and stain resistant. You only need to use a damp cloth, and the dirt will come off easily.
✅ Ideal for kitchens with limited space
✅ Easy to use
✅ Doubles as an oven
✅ The finish doesn’t show fingerprints
⛔️ Doesn’t have a reminder beep for the multi-taskers
#2 COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven
This sleek stainless steel microwave uses 700 watts and 11 power levels. The appliance also comes with pre-programmed easy-cooked options for simple meals like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. If you live alone and don’t fancy cooking complicated meals, then this is your go-to solution.
The microwave also comes with a big 12.4-inch glass turntable. It also has a big display with interior lighting to make it easy for your eyes. The control panel is also easy to read and operate.
You can also save on energy costs by turning on ECO mode, saving about 50 percent standby power usage. This makes the microwave oven energy efficient.
✅ It comes with an instruction book
✅ The glass turntable is removable, making it easy to clean
✅ It has a child lock safety feature
✅ Ideal for small kitchens
⛔️ It takes longer to cook or heat because it has low wattage
#3 Farberware Classic Microwave
You can zap your meals within minutes using this classic microwave. Whether you want simple snacks or a heavy meal, this is hands down the best microwave for your needs.
Fitted with the LED display, the appliance makes it easy on your eyes as you can observe the control panel and the kitchen timer. The timer comes in handy to help you monitor your meals without overcooking them or burning them. Besides, the microwave has interior lighting that helps you keep an eye on your meal as it cooks.
The microwave has a speed cooking feature that helps you cook food within 1 – 6 minutes. The microwave also has a memory that helps you save your most used settings. This way, you can cook your favorite meals with one press of a button.
✅ It has a child lock safety feature
✅ It blends in well with existing décor as it has a sleek finish
✅ Easy to use
✅ Small making it ideal for small apartments
⛔️ It doesn’t come with any instructions or a user manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Do microwaves save energy?
According to the Federal Government Energy Star Program, microwaves save up to 80 percent of energy. Compared to ovens and other cookers, microwaves are more energy efficient.
Are new microwaves more energy efficient?
New microwaves are definitely more energy efficient compared to older ones. Newer models with better energy-saving features are even better than older models that didn’t have an energy-saving mode.
How much power does a 1000w microwave use?
A 1000 watts microwave uses about 1 kilowatt of power per hour. Depending on how long you use your appliance, the energy consumed could either increase or decrease.
Do microwaves reduce nutrients in food?
Contrary to the common misconceptions, microwaves don’t reduce the nutrient levels in food. In any case, microwaves kill any microbes present in food as it cooks.
Conclusion
Kitchen appliances make work easier for homeowners. However, energy efficiency is a major concern for most people. Microwaves are no exception.
Some use more energy than others. Use this guide to help you know the best energy-efficient microwaves in the market.