Can I run my microwave off of battery power?

[3TV]

I'm almost afraid to ask this, because this might just break the space-time continuum and cause irreparable harm to the ozone layer.
But, ... using my 2000 watt inverter, can I run my 1000 watt microwave oven off of my dual 6 volt batteries long enough to cook a frozen TV dinner (4 minutes).

[ktmrfs]

vermilye wrote:

DrewE wrote:
If you're interested in microwaving at all frequently from battery power, I would suggest getting a Panasonic Inverter microwave. The reason is that using lower power levels on it actually lowers the peak power consumption, rather than simply cycling full power as other microwave ovens do. With a barely sufficient battery bank that can make a substantial difference.

I think they generally work well on MSW inverter power, too, without much if any cooking power loss.

2X on the Panasonic Inverter Microwave. I ran a 600 watt microwave off 2 6V batteries in my previous trailer without problems, but got tired of adjusting cooking times.

I added the 950 watt Panasonic Inverter microwave in my new trailer (still 2 6V 220 amp hour batteries) and if the batteries are low, use reduced power settings. On full power, 5 minutes (130 amp draw) works OK with full batteries.

3x on the panasonic true inverter. In fact we run ours on a 1000W PSW inverter, just set the power to 50%. takes about 25% longer than full power but works great.

Now even with that, GC batteries have high enough internal resistance that a pair is marginal unless near full charge, while 4 work great down to around 50% SOC

[road-runner]

DrewE wrote:
If you're interested in microwaving at all frequently from battery power, I would suggest getting a Panasonic Inverter microwave. The reason is that using lower power levels on it actually lowers the peak power consumption, rather than simply cycling full power as other microwave ovens do. With a barely sufficient battery bank that can make a substantial difference.

I think they generally work well on MSW inverter power, too, without much if any cooking power loss.

Have you actually run a Panasonic "inverter" microwave on MSW? I wouldn't want to make a broad statement from a single trial, but I can say that the one time I tried it, the microwave didn't cook at all, on any power level.

[Tiger4x4RV]

You might consider an alternative to a microwave if the batteries don't do it for you.
Hot Logic Mini - electric lunchbox
This little appliance can be used both for cooking and for heating frozen dinners. It can run on 12V. It will take 3 hours instead of 3 minutes, so you'd have to plan ahead. I have not tried mine in the camper yet, but have used it several times at home on 110V and been very pleased with the results.

I think that Road Pro makes a similar 12V product.

[Lwiddis]

As nightshift said, yes with adequate batteries, wire and inverter.

[camperdave]

nightshift wrote:
I nuke every day with my two 6v 435ah batteries. No genny, just 600w solar.

No fair though, that's a huge battery.

[vermilye]

DrewE wrote:
If you're interested in microwaving at all frequently from battery power, I would suggest getting a Panasonic Inverter microwave. The reason is that using lower power levels on it actually lowers the peak power consumption, rather than simply cycling full power as other microwave ovens do. With a barely sufficient battery bank that can make a substantial difference.

I think they generally work well on MSW inverter power, too, without much if any cooking power loss.

2X on the Panasonic Inverter Microwave. I ran a 600 watt microwave off 2 6V batteries in my previous trailer without problems, but got tired of adjusting cooking times.

I added the 950 watt Panasonic Inverter microwave in my new trailer (still 2 6V 220 amp hour batteries) and if the batteries are low, use reduced power settings. On full power, 5 minutes (130 amp draw) works OK with full batteries.

[DrewE]

If you're interested in microwaving at all frequently from battery power, I would suggest getting a Panasonic Inverter microwave. The reason is that using lower power levels on it actually lowers the peak power consumption, rather than simply cycling full power as other microwave ovens do. With a barely sufficient battery bank that can make a substantial difference.

I think they generally work well on MSW inverter power, too, without much if any cooking power loss.

[jplante4]

I have 4 6v batteries and a 2000w MSW inverter. I've used the microwave for short bursts like defrosting with no issues. It sounds like it's unhappy but the amp draw was within expectations.

I did notice that the clock runs faster on the inverter.

[BFL13]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

road-runner wrote:
The odds are better if the inverter is MSW because the microwave will run at a lower power level on MSW power.

I disagree with this completely ! Pure sine wave only for microwaves !!

Not me.

Pure Sine Inverter vs. Modified Sine - Microwave Oven Test

I did my own test on that using a Kenmore 1100w output (1510w input) microwave (made in 2001.)

Test was to run it for two minutes with a cup of cold water (same starting temp in each case), measuring amp draw with Trimetric, and water temp in the cup afterwards.

2000w MSW Inverter. 123 amps draw, 150F water temp
2000w PSW Inverter. 162 amps draw, 175F water temp

I ran the test before I swapped out the old inverter for my new PSW one. Reason to swap is because the 1991 Dometic "RV" microwave that came with this Class C would not run at all on the MSW. Various brand newer MW I have tried all ran just fine on MSW, but with lower power of course. No big deal.

In fact several years ago on here I posted that you drew fewer AH to "cook" a spud with MSW than with PSW because the extra time was less of a factor than the higher amps.

Full-mosey reported some time back that his AGMs have less of a voltage drop with inverter than Wets do, and it was clear that if you can only carry two batteries, they should be AGM if you want to run a 2000w inverter for running a microwave.

The lower amp draw with MSW also means less of a voltage drop towards inverter alarm time.

Another factor, but it varies by type and brand of AGM, is where the AGM has a higher voltage per SOC than a Flooded. That helps keep the loaded voltage above the inverter's alarm. (Some AGMs have about the same voltage per SOC as Flooded)

[larry_cad]

You didn't say if your inverter is a pure sine or mod sine. Many microwaves don't like to run on mod sine inverters. If this is your situation, you will know VERT quickly as the microwave will holler loudly. It won't hurt it so go ahead and find out.

[wa8yxm]

You really need two pair of six volt batteries for that inverter... but to answer your question.. Been there.. Done that. It worked NEW batteries.

Not so sure it would work with ay 4 year old batteries.

[boogie_4wheel]

Probably will work.

I have a 750-800W microwave on my work truck (Walmart $29). It is powered by an isolated single deep cycle and either a 1500 or 2000W inverter.

Sometimes it will run 3+ minutes without a low voltage alarm, others I won't make it 30s. It seems to depend on what is in the microwave. If I've got a ways to go to get my lunch heated, I just start the truck to eliminate the voltage alarm.

[theoldwizard1]

road-runner wrote:
The odds are better if the inverter is MSW because the microwave will run at a lower power level on MSW power.

I disagree with this completely ! Pure sine wave only for microwaves !!

Not me.

Pure Sine Inverter vs. Modified Sine - Microwave Oven Test

[road-runner]

Dual flooded golf cart batteries may well have too much internal resistance, resulting the the inverter tripping off from low voltage. Dual AGMs would have a better chance of working. The odds are better if the inverter is MSW because the microwave will run at a lower power level on MSW power.

[MitchF150]

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