Microwave: how much battery you need
Microwave draws about 900 W (600–1200 W range), runs 100% of the time and uses 225 Wh per day. Start-up surge: 1200 W.
The box rating is cooking power; the plug draws about half as much again. Champion lists 600–1200 W running; we use the middle for energy and the top starting figure (1200 W) for the peak.
Battery needed
| Hours | Wh | Battery (Wh) | Inverter (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| For 8 hours | 75 | 114 | 991 / 1200 |
| For 24 hours | 225 | 341 | 991 / 1200 |
| For 72 hours | 675 | 1023 | 991 / 1200 |
Open in calculator with this appliance →
Stations that fit (24 h)
Shop links are affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Picks are based on your numbers, not on commission.
FAQ
How many watts does a Microwave use?
Typically 900 W while running, with a range of 600–1200 W depending on model and age. Start-up surge can reach 1200 W.
How long will a 1000 Wh power station run a Microwave?
About 0.7 hours on the clock, allowing for the 100% duty cycle, inverter losses and a 20% reserve.
What size power station do I need for a Microwave overnight (8 h)?
About 114 Wh of battery and an inverter rated at least 991 W continuous with 1200 W surge.
Can I run a Microwave on solar during an outage?
You need roughly 150 W of panels in winter to replace a day's use (225 Wh), charging through a station with a big enough MPPT input.
Other appliances
1 Approximate values: estimated from motor or heater power and typical figures published online, not from a manufacturer chart. Check your appliance label.
Inverter efficiency 88%, usable depth of discharge 90%, reserve 20%. Full method: How we calculate. source