On Thu, 14 Jul 2005 17:38:35 +0100, Martin Angove
wrote:

In message ,
Jim Michaels wrote:


Google does not seem to find any UK microwaves over 1,000 watt output.
US full size units are also 1,000 watt output.


An interesting statement that. Of course you are aware that 1000W
microwave output usually translates into about 2000W absorbed energy, in
which case, presumably the "full size" US units you refer to have to be
specially catered for rather than just plugged into a standard circuit?

Sounds a bit unlikely, a 1kW microwave at 50% efficiency would also
generate the same heat as a 1kW fan heater! That would require a lot
more ventilation than they appear to have.

My combi oven is about 66% efficient, the Panasonic ones using an
inverter are about 80% efficient:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId= 93565&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=700000000000 0005702&surfModel=NN-S505WF&catGroupId=25069&surfCategory=Standard%20Co unter%20Top&displayTab=O


The very smallest microwave you can generally get in this country is
650W output which probably makes for 1300W energy consumption, which is
interestingly close to the nominal 1500W capacity of a standard 120V US
circuit.


The above 1200W oven can run off a single 15A supply in the US, not
bad for about 50 quid!

cheers,
Pete.