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Thread ID: 80985 2007-07-11 20:48:00 Inverter. Cicero (40) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
568223 2007-07-12 08:28:00 Traditional microvaves use a bulky 50 Hz transformer to convert the 230 volts to the high voltages needed for the magnetron (the gizmo the produces the microwaves). Very heavy, lots of copper but extremely simple and reliable.

An "Inverter" converts the incoming mains to DC, then electronically switches that to a much smaller transformer (because the switched frequency is several thousand Hz, less copper and iron is needed) to produce the high voltage.

Hence less of a "thump" when turning on (the turn on can also be made slow in electronics) and also you should have noticed that the weight is less. You also notice a similar weight loss in your wallet, due to the higher costs of the technology.

Apart from that the outcome is the same, in terms of cooking.
But in an inverter microwave, the power level can be lowered in a linear manner, whereas in a non inverter type it is on-off at intervals to lower the effective power.

Thanks for that.
Not clear what the advantage is,less cost to run perhaps.

Not heard that they don't last as long b4?
Cicero (40)
568224 2007-07-12 08:36:00 The more complicated a machine is, in general, the sooner it breaks down, bad luck Cicero, ha ha.

K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid.
zqwerty (97)
568225 2007-07-12 08:43:00 Most heat pumps are inverter types, but be careful buying cheap ones from the Warehouse etc, because as far as I know they don't have inverters.
Trevor :)
Trev (427)
568226 2007-07-12 09:30:00 The more complicated a machine is, in general, the sooner it breaks down, bad luck Cicero, ha ha.

K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid.
Take my word for it Zq there is less stress with Inverter and therefore much longer life is expected.

Watch this kissing stuff,we might begin to suspect puffterism.
Cicero (40)
568227 2007-07-12 09:49:00 I knew you would take the bait, C. zqwerty (97)
568228 2007-07-13 01:58:00 also the less weight due to the lightweight inverter means less cost in shipping etc.

downside is there are some comman faults with them and they do die a lot quicker.


Yes, my panasonic inverter microwave died after only 2 years, due to the magnatron dying (made in china). Retailer said that they aren't made like they used to be made. I would recommend another brand.
robbyp (2751)
568229 2007-07-13 02:05:00 I still use a Mitsubishi Cube Microwave oven purchased in 1987. Still going strong. Quite pricey in those days, about $800 for a 750 watt MW oven.
Trevor :)
Trev (427)
568230 2007-07-13 05:01:00 A magnetron wouldn't die prematurely just because it has an inverter supply. It would die because it's at the short end of the failure curve.

Doesn't everyone know that all magnetrons are made in the northern hemisphere? Of course you need an inverter to make them work in the southern hemisphere. :cool:
Graham L (2)
568231 2007-07-13 08:35:00 An inverter microwave is like a regular microwave except the microwave radiation is on the outside instead of the inside. So you put things you want to cook next to the microwave. :D :p pine-o-cleen (2955)
568232 2007-07-13 09:14:00 Ask Chill about inverter microwaves R2x1 (4628)
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