Yes, a microwave oven uses a small amount of electricity when it is turned off but still plugged in. This is due to a feature called standby power, also known as phantom power or vampire power.
Many appliances, including microwave ovens, have standby power to enable features such as clock displays, timers, or sensor functionality. Even when the microwave is not in use, these features require a small amount of electricity to operate.
The amount of electricity consumed in standby mode is typically minimal compared to when the microwave is actively being used. However, standby power consumption can accumulate over time, especially if multiple appliances are left plugged in.
To reduce standby power consumption and save energy, it is advisable to unplug the microwave oven when it is not in use or utilize a power strip with an on/off switch to easily disconnect power to multiple appliances at once. Additionally, energy-efficient microwave ovens may have lower standby power consumption compared to older models.