When a microwave oven is plugged into a power socket but not in use or not actively running a cooking cycle, it typically consumes a very small amount of electricity. This consumption is often referred to as standby power or phantom power.
The exact amount of standby power consumption can vary depending on the specific model and its energy efficiency. In general, the power consumption of a microwave oven in standby mode is relatively low, usually ranging from a few watts to around 10 watts.
While the standby power consumption of a microwave oven is relatively minimal compared to its power usage during cooking, it is still advisable to unplug the appliance when not in use for extended periods. This can help reduce overall energy consumption and contribute to energy conservation efforts. Additionally, unplugging the microwave can eliminate any standby power consumption entirely.