Last Updated July, 2020
What do microwave ovens have in common with computers? To some extent, they’re computers themselves embedded computers to be specific. That’s why you’re able to press buttons or touch a digital screen and feed in commands or instructions to the microwave oven.
You can, for instance, set the exact time (in minutes) to heat your leftover noodles from last night’s dinner or the number of hours to defrost your turkey before roasting it.
Microwave ovens have been around since the early 1940s, with the prototypes being as huge as a 750-pound refrigerator. Of course, subsequent variants have since gone through several tweaking phases to portable size ovens for ease of moving around the kitchen. Or outdoors, for example, in a recreational vehicle when you’re out with family on a camping expedition.
As it stands right now, there’re two types of microwave ovens in the market: ordinary microwaves that use magnetic coils or transformers to heat the oven and inverter microwave ovens that have built-in inverters to regulate the power supply to the oven.
What about convection microwave ovens? By definition, a convection microwave is one that uses a high-velocity fan to ensure the hot air fully spreads throughout the entire cooking cavity of the microwave to maximize the heat dispersion.
Convection microwaves were initially high-end kitchen appliances out of reach of the ordinary consumer. But popularity and few entry barriers have seen more microwave oven manufacturers venture into this technology resulting in lower price points.
You can now get a convection microwave at close to the price of a conventional one. Knowledge tip: The convection heat transfer is more of an oven feature than a standalone microwave category.
Usually, convection-enabled microwaves will be the inverter or conventional microwave ovens fitted with a high-velocity fan. They also tend to be larger all-in-one units that accommodate the properties of a microwave as well as a convection oven.
Fitting casserole pan dishes and even king-size (12 inches) pizzas isn’t much of a problem in most standard parameter convection microwaves. Still, you might want to double-check the space available on your kitchen countertop before buying a 6-slice, 1-foot interior capacity convection microwave oven.
What is Inverter Technology?
Inverter technology stems from power inverters that change the direct current (DC) of a power source to alternate current (AC). The technology may be relatively recent in microwave ovens, but for quite some time, it has featured in several legacy brand refrigerators and air conditioners.
In an air conditioner, for instance, an inverter serves the purpose of controlling the frequency of the electric current that powers the motor that runs the air compressor.
It enables the air conditioner to regulate its cooling and heating capacity as per the desired room temperature. Non-inverter air conditioners can only work at maximum performance, switch off upon attaining the set temperature and then turn on again when there’s a temperature drop.
The resulting start-stop cycle consumes more energy. The same goes for compressors in inverter refrigerators. And inverters pretty much have a similar operational impact in microwave frequencies, which sums up to one word-efficiency.
Unlike conventional microwave ovens, inverter ovens use an electromagnetic AC after passing the DC through the conversion process of a rotary apparatus inverter or static electronic circuitry inverter (depending on the oven’s inverter make).
The inverter itself produces no power, but it enables better oversight of input and output voltage, and consequently, the microwave frequency levels. Typically, a microwave oven utilizes an average of 1100 watts (W) of electricity to produce roughly 700 W of microwave power. But the watts can be altered in inverter microwaves to provide graduated power in line with the type of food on the oven plate.
Both inverter and conventional microwaves have electromagnetic fields that create electrons and channel them to an electron tube that connects to a magnetron.
A Magnetron is the microwave compartment responsible for generating and amplifying the microwave frequencies that interact with molecules (tiny particles in food) to warm it up or cook it all together.
Inverters automatically adjust the output voltage, which means the microwaves can be varied to considerably high or reasonably low capacity.
Conventional microwave ovens use a transformer/electromagnetic coil to conduct electricity hence lack the voltage step up and step down characteristics of inverter-based microwaves. As a result, the magnetron is always at its full power any time the oven is up and running.
On the contrary, inverters work as a power adapter to regulate the power supply going into your oven and maintain it at an optimum level. Non-inverter microwaves turn the maximum power on and off repeatedly while the power level in inverter microwaves stays precise and continuously adjusted.
It ensures an even supply of electricity as per the microwave's current consumption. You can never have an inflated electric bill from overconsumption by your inverter microwave.
Inverter technology enables accurate power control, meaning you can cook, heat, or defrost certain types of foods at precise output power wattage.
It’s a feature that can see you heat your bowl full of soup without any splattering at all, roast steak, fix some shrimp, or prepare smaller food portions at optimized cooking power in relatively short cooking time.
You already know that the inverter feeds power to the magnetron to create radio waves in the oven’s cooking chamber. But what path do these microwaves follow from the source to the intended destination (the food), especially where a convection fan is absent?
The microwaves travel through the cooking compartment in a channel called the waveguide. Inverter microwaves generally have a larger oven capacity compared to ordinary microwaves, so the radio waves have more than enough room to bounce of the metallic walls of the oven’s interior before landing on the food to vibrate its molecules and heat it.
The dynamic power control plays a crucial role in evening out the waveguide to ensure whichever type of food you place on the turntable gets enough microwaves for uniform heating or defrosting all through.
Look at these instances of unevenly cooked food items. If you want to avoid this unfortunate eventuality, go for inverter microwave ovens, preferably one with a convection fan, although you’ll do just fine with a plain inverter microwave option.
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD372S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 0.8 Cu. Ft, 950W
More Detailsarrow_forwardPanasonic microwave: this 950 watt high power, 0.8 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor
arrow_forwardInverter technology with turbo defrost: Patented inverter technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; Advanced inverter turbo defrost speeds up defrosting time
arrow_forwardCompact design: This countertop microwave with 11 1/4 inch turntable is thinner, lighter and more efficient, allowing you to devote less space to electronics and more to interior capacity; Internal dimensions (h x w x d): 8 1/8 inch x 12 3/8 inch x 13 7/8 inch
arrow_forwardSmart cooking settings with genius sensor: Built in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods; Other advantages include preset menu items, quick minute timer, delay start and child safety lock
arrow_forwardKeep warm feature: This inverter microwave keeps soups, gravies or desserts warm and fresh until ready to serve; Power source 120 v, 60 hz
Panasonic Countertop / Built-In Microwave Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology and 1250W of Cooking Power - NN-SD975S - 2.2 Cu. Ft (Stainless Steel / Silver)
More Detailsarrow_forwardCyclonic wave microwave at every temperature level, cyclonic wave circulates heat in precise ultra efficient 3d waves for easier more versatile food preparation, even with more complex food textures
arrow_forwardMicrowave controls: 20 preset sensor cook menu items, inverter turbo defrost, delay start and timer, more/less control, child safety lock, quick 30 sec and popcorn button with 3 cooking levels
arrow_forwardMinimum countertop footprint smart, compact design devotes less space to electronics and far more interior capacity; up to eight pounds lighter than conventional microwave ovens
arrow_forwardSensor invertor turbo defrost: Utilizes a microwave sequencing system based on inverter's continuous power delivery method to thaw foods more evenly and quickly
arrow_forwardKeep warm feature microwave keeps foods like vegetables, soups, hors d'oeuvres, gravies, sauces and desserts warm and delicious in the oven until they're ready to serve
Panasonic NN-SD755S / NN-SD765S Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology Microwave Oven, 1.6 cu. Ft, Stainless (Renewed)
More Detailsarrow_forwardEnjoy faster cooking times with 1250 watts high power
arrow_forwardCavity dimensions (H x W x D) 9 x 16 7/16 x 18 1/2 inches,Unit dimensions (H x W x D) 11 15/16 x 21 7/8 x 19 15/16 inches.Microwave Inverter technology delivers a seamless stream of cooking power
arrow_forwardAdvanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time
arrow_forwardAutomatic sensor adjusts power and times for different foods
Farberware Black FMO11AHTBSJ 1.1 Cu. Ft 1100-Watt Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor Cooking, Inverter Technology, ECO Mode and Blue LED Lighting, Black Stainless Steel
More Detailsarrow_forwardWith 1.1 Cubic Feet of cooking capacity and 1100 Watts of output power, this countertop microwave delivers power, style, and convenience with a sleek Black Stainless Steel and Black body wrap design to complement your kitchen
arrow_forwardSmart Sensor technology monitors the temperature and amount of steam coming from the food to judge how much water remains and how long it should continue heating with 6 One-Touch cooking programs: Sensor Reheat, Frozen Pizza, Frozen Vegetable, Potato, Meat, and Popcorn. It also includes 3 Pre-Set cooking menus: Melt, Soften, Stew
arrow_forwardInverter Precision Cooking Technology produces even temperatures, consistent textures and prevents overcooking and loss of nutrients. Your food can be prepared to perfection with minimal hot spots and burn risks. Inverter defrost allows you to defrost foods such as meat, poultry and seafood simply by entering the weight, while preventing cooked edges
arrow_forwardMulti-Stage cooking functionality adjusts cooking level mid-cycle allowing for the perfect finish. Additional features such as a Memory function for customized settings, 1-3 Minute Express Cooking, a +30-Seconds control button, 10 power control levels, Child Safety Lock function, Blue LED display and Interior LED lighting make this a perfect fit for any kitchen
arrow_forwardExterior Product Dimensions- 20.2 x 16.9 x 12.1 inches (Width x Depth x Height); Interior Cavity Dimensions- 14.49 x 13.9 x 9.09 (Width x Depth x Height); Turntable Diameter- 12.4 inches; Voltage- 120V/60hz
Panasonic NN-ST696S Countertop/Built-In Microwave with Inverter Technology, 1.2 cu. ft. , Stainless (Renewed)
More Detailsarrow_forwardPatented Inverter Technology delivers a seamless stream of cooking power even at low settings for precise cooking that preserves that flavor and texture of your favorite foods
arrow_forward1200 Watts of High Power with a 1.2 cubic foot capacity; Membrane keypad and 5 menu buttons for easy programming, 10 Power Levels; push-button door release
arrow_forward14 Preset Auto Cook Menu Items, 13.4-inch turntable; Delay Start and Timer; More/Less Control; Quick Minute, Popcorn Key
arrow_forwardComplies with 2016 DOE Energy Conservation Standards
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W
More Detailsarrow_forwardPanasonic Microwave: This 1200 Watt high power, 1.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor
arrow_forwardInverter Technology with Turbo Defrost: Patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time
arrow_forwardCompact Design: This countertop microwave with 13.4 inch turntable is thinner, lighter and more efficient, allowing you to devote less space to electronics and more to interior capacity; Internal dimensions (H x W x D): 9 15/16 inch x 15 13/16 inch x 14 3/8 inch
arrow_forwardSmart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor: Built in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods; Other advantages include 14 preset menu items, quick minute timer, delay start and child safety lock
arrow_forwardKeep Warm Feature: This inverter microwave keeps soups, gravies or desserts warm and fresh until ready to serve. Power Source 120V / 60Hertz. Power Consumption 1480W
Panasonic NN-SN936W Countertop Microwave with Inverter Technology, 2.2 Cubic Foot, 1250W, White
More Detailsarrow_forwardPanasonic microwave: This 1250-watt high power, 2. 2-Cubic-foot capacity black countertop microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor
arrow_forwardInverter technology With Turbo defrost: Patented Inverter technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; Advanced Inverter Turbo defrost speeds up defrosting time. Power source- 120V/ 60Hz. Power consumption- 1460W
arrow_forwardLarge family size: This countertop microwave with 16-1/2-inch turntable is thinner, lighter and more efficient, allowing you to devote less space to electronics and more to interior capacity; Internal dimensions (H x W x d): 10-15/16-inch x 18-7/16-inch x 18-1/2-inch
arrow_forwardSmart cooking settings with Genius sensor: Built-in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods; Other advantages include 14 Preset menu items, quick-minute timer, delay start and child safety lock
arrow_forwardKeep Warm feature: This inverter microwave keeps soups, gravies or desserts warm and fresh until ready to serve
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN766S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.6 Cubic Foot, 1250W
More Detailsarrow_forwardPanasonic Microwave: This 1250 Watt high power, 1.6 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor
arrow_forwardInverter Technology with Turbo Defrost: Patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time
arrow_forwardCompact Design: This countertop microwave with 15 inch turntable is thinner, lighter and more efficient, allowing you to devote less space to electronics and more to interior capacity; Dimensions: Interior HxWxD :9 x 16.4375 x 18.5 inches, outside HxWxD:11.9375 x 21.875 x 19.4375 inches
arrow_forwardSmart cooking settings with Genius sensor: Built-in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods; Other advantages include 14 Preset menu items, quick-minute timer, delay start and child safety lock
arrow_forwardKeep Warm Feature: This inverter microwave keeps soups, gravies or desserts warm and fresh until ready to serve. Function key is available
Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven with 1200 Watts of Cooking Power, Sensor Cooking, Popcorn Button, Quick 30sec and Turbo Defrost - NN-SN67KS - 1.2 Cubic Foot (Stainless Steel / Silver)
More Detailsarrow_forwardMicrowave cooking made easy space-saving, 1. 2 Cu. Ft. 1200W stainless steel countertop oven with 11 power levels, smart controls and LED, 3 level popcorn button, 13. 4 inches turntable, easy clean interior, auto and manual controls
arrow_forwardInverter technology generates a seamless stream of microwave cooking power for evenly heated foods edges to center. Cavity Dimensions (H x W x D)- 9 15/16 x 13 15/16 x 14 3/8 inches
arrow_forwardSmart cooking settings with genius sensor automatically adjusts power and times to take the guesswork out of everyday cooking; includes 16 sensor cook settings; Sensor reheat warms evenly to retain nutrients and texture in leftovers
arrow_forwardInverter Turbo defrost for all your frozen foods, Turbo defrost accelerates defrosting time to thaw more quickly and thoroughly for more flavorful foods
arrow_forward3-Level popcorn button popcorn lovers can choose the optimal popping temperature and time for different microwave bag capacities (3.2, 2.7, or 1.5 ounce ) for Hot, sumptuous snacking
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