When a microwave oven is turned on but not actively being used, it typically consumes a small amount of electricity to power its internal components, such as the control panel, clock, and any standby features it may have. The exact power consumption can vary depending on the specific make and model of the microwave oven.
On average, microwave ovens consume around 2-7 watts of electricity when they are in standby mode. This power usage is relatively low compared to when the microwave is actively heating or cooking food, where the power consumption can range from 600 to 1,200 watts, depending on the microwave's wattage rating.
It's worth noting that some modern microwave ovens are designed to enter a low-power or sleep mode after a certain period of inactivity to further reduce energy consumption. This helps minimize the standby power usage and makes the microwave more energy-efficient when not in use.