"You may be interested to learn that microwave oven digital displays are responsible for the lion's share of their power draw -- 80 percent, by one reckoning. (This means unplugging microwaves when they're not in use is a good way to increase their efficiency and decrease your overall energy use. Ditto for other home appliances and electronics.)"
http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2007/02/26/boiling/index.html
