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Microwave on PSW vs MSW Inverter- Results

BFL13
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have been using a MSW inverter to run the microwave for several years now, and decided to try a PSW inverter. I expected the microwave to run a little better and for the inverter to draw more amps from the battery. But how much?

The microwave is a 2001 Kenmore (LG) output 1100w, input label says 1510w, so expecting about 150 amps draw using the times 10 rule. Battery bank is 450AH of deep cycle AGMs and appropriate wiring. The MSW inverter has worked just fine with that running this microwave.
I did a straight swap with the same wiring.

So the results are:

MSW- 123 amps, PSW- 162 amps (so it must want more than that 1510w)

Cooking power difference at full power doing a cup of cold water for two minutes, then check temp of water.

MSW- 150 degrees F, PSW- 175 degrees F

New inverter is this one:

https://www.amazon.com/PowerMax-2000-Watt-Power-Inverter/dp/B07DQTW1SW/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=15331...

(In the ad, Inverters-R-US can't spell "complement" for some reason ๐Ÿ˜ž )

The MSW I have been using is this one (except it was on sale for $200)

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-eliminator-power-inverter-with-bonus-cables-3000w-19999...
1. 1991 Oakland 28DB Class C
on Ford E350-460-7.5 Gas EFI
Photo in Profile
2. 1991 Bighorn 9.5ft Truck Camper on 2003 Chev 2500HD 6.0 Gas
See Profile for Electronic set-ups for 1. and 2.
23 REPLIES 23

pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
Hi BFL13,

Thanks for taking the time to do this test.

Did you note the "under load" voltage output from the two inverters? (i.e. AC voltage).
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
BFL13 wrote:
(In the ad, Inverters-R-US can't spell "complement" for some reason ๐Ÿ˜ž )
Or use "its" correctly.
"If I'm wearing long pants, I'm too far north" - 2oldman

GordonThree
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for the observation. One set of measurements shouldn't be considered an indication of anything. That's just my observation.

Congrats on the gear upgrade, hopefully the install went smooth.
2013 KZ Sportsmen Classic 200, 20 ft TT
2020 RAM 1500, 5.7 4x4, 8 speed

BFL13
Explorer II
Explorer II
GordonThree wrote:
Ed_Gee wrote:
GordonThree wrote:
Strange that it would have any impact on the RF output. how many times did you run each test, at least 10 I hope?


Not strange if one assumes the microwave oven would run more efficiently on a proper sine wave rather the the stepped square waves of the cheaper Inverter.


The important part of the microwave runs off DC, stepped ac or otherwise would get sorted by the boost transformer and hv rectifier.


We have had many threads about microwaves on MSW. They run slower, some moan and groan, some won't run at all. It is all about the power you get with the wave forms. Many run ok and cook ok, just take longer.

I am just reporting here how much the difference is in this case. It is important if you do swap and find the existing wiring or battery set-up can't handle the extra load, so you need to expect that.

Before you could make MW popcorn while watching the movie and now you can't! Have to make the popcorn during intermission with PSW ๐Ÿ™‚
1. 1991 Oakland 28DB Class C
on Ford E350-460-7.5 Gas EFI
Photo in Profile
2. 1991 Bighorn 9.5ft Truck Camper on 2003 Chev 2500HD 6.0 Gas
See Profile for Electronic set-ups for 1. and 2.

GordonThree
Explorer
Explorer
Ed_Gee wrote:
GordonThree wrote:
Strange that it would have any impact on the RF output. how many times did you run each test, at least 10 I hope?


Not strange if one assumes the microwave oven would run more efficiently on a proper sine wave rather the the stepped square waves of the cheaper Inverter.


The important part of the microwave runs off DC, stepped ac or otherwise would get sorted by the boost transformer and hv rectifier.
2013 KZ Sportsmen Classic 200, 20 ft TT
2020 RAM 1500, 5.7 4x4, 8 speed

Ed_Gee
Explorer II
Explorer II
GordonThree wrote:
Strange that it would have any impact on the RF output. how many times did you run each test, at least 10 I hope?


Not strange if one assumes the microwave oven would run more efficiently on a proper sine wave rather the the stepped square waves of the cheaper Inverter.
Ed - on the Central Oregon coast
2018 Winnebago Fuse 23A
Scion xA toad

BFL13
Explorer II
Explorer II
SidecarFlip wrote:
Your math is fishy.....


I'll bite! What math?
1. 1991 Oakland 28DB Class C
on Ford E350-460-7.5 Gas EFI
Photo in Profile
2. 1991 Bighorn 9.5ft Truck Camper on 2003 Chev 2500HD 6.0 Gas
See Profile for Electronic set-ups for 1. and 2.

GordonThree
Explorer
Explorer
Strange that it would have any impact on the RF output. how many times did you run each test, at least 10 I hope?
2013 KZ Sportsmen Classic 200, 20 ft TT
2020 RAM 1500, 5.7 4x4, 8 speed

SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Explorer III
Your math is fishy.....
2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB