After the cooking or heating time has completed on a microwave, the microwave itself typically stops generating microwaves and the timer stops counting down. However, the microwave oven may continue to consume a small amount of standby power, similar to other electronic devices in standby mode. This power is used to maintain the clock display, keypad functions, and other features that may remain active when the microwave is not in use.
The standby power consumption of a microwave is generally low, usually a few watts. While this amount may vary depending on the specific model, it is typically negligible compared to the power consumed during actual cooking or heating. However, if you're concerned about energy efficiency, you can unplug the microwave when it's not in use to completely eliminate any standby power consumption.
It's important to note that leaving the microwave oven plugged in does not pose a safety risk once the cooking or heating cycle has completed. However, as with any electrical appliance, it's always a good idea to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.