Microwave Ovens

How is a 12V/24V microwave connected to a power source?

Will a 12V/24V microwave oven damage my battery?

What are the advantages of a 12V/24V microwave oven over a 230V unit used with an inverter?
How is a 12V/24V microwave connected to a power source?
Because they draw so much power - up to 90 Amps on 12V - D.C. microwave ovens must be connected directly to a battery, usually a deep-cycle (leisure) battery. Suitable cable - as supplied by us - must be used and the length of cable shouldn't exceed 12 ft. / 4 metres.

Will a 12V/24V microwave oven damage my battery?

Running a 12V or 24V microwave oven directly from a battery will do no more harm to the battery than running a 230V unit via an inverter. However, like any appliance which consumes a great deal of power, a microwave oven can have an adverse effect on a battery which is not capable of dealing with the sudden, heavy discharge. By using a suitable battery such as one of the Elecsol models, any potential problems will be avoided.

What are the advantages of a 12V/24V microwave oven over a 230V unit used with an inverter?

Because a microwave oven can be bought in a High Street store for as little as £60 or so, some people are attracted by the idea of using one with an inverter. In principle, this shouldn't be a problem but remember that even an inverter rated at 1000 watts may not be powerful enough to start and run a microwave oven. A good 1500 watt inverter plus a cheap 230V microwave oven will come to not much less than the price of a D.C. oven.

Furthermore, D.C. ovens are designed specifically for D.C. operation. A 230V oven used with a modified sine wave inverter may not run as it would on mains voltage, causing it to be noisier and much less efficient. Combined with the inverter's own power consumption, it will probably use more electricity too.

However, if you need an inverter for other purposes too, you may consider it worth putting up with the disadvantages.