Question: how much electricity does a microwave use when not in use?
Answer: A modern microwave in standby mode consumes around 3W of electricity, costing 0.08c per hour. If left on standby for 24 hours a day, this will cost you 2.06c per day, or $1.98 per quarter at a usage rate of 28.7c/kWh. While that isn't much, it is still money wasted.