Ideal Wattage for Microwaves

When purchasing a new microwave, one of the most important factors to consider is the wattage. But what exactly is microwave wattage, and how do you determine the ideal wattage for your needs?

Microwave wattage refers to the cooking power level. It measures the rate at which microwaves can heat and cook food. Higher wattage microwaves can cook faster, while lower wattages take longer but tend to heat more gently and evenly. Selecting the right wattage depends on your usage habits, types of food cooked, and size constraints.

Factors That Determine Best Microwave Wattage

Several key factors impact what microwave wattage works best:

Microwave Use Frequency

How often do you use your microwave? Frequent users who rely daily on the microwave for cooking meals and reheating leftovers may prefer a higher 1100+ watt model. The extra power speeds up cooking times so you spend less time waiting around for your food.

Lighter users who occasionally reheat coffee or popcorn can likely get by with a lower 700-900 watt microwave. You'll sacrifice a bit of speed, but if you don't use the appliance much, slower cooking won't matter as much.

Types of Food Cooked

Microwaving a cup of soup or bowl of oatmeal needs far less power than reheating a frozen entree or steaming broccoli. Lower wattage microwaves around 500-800 watts work well for liquids, delicate foods, and simple reheating tasks. High-density frozen foods and vegetables require more intensity for thorough, even cooking--900+ watts helps here.

If your microwave duties involve a mix of different food types, aim for a unit in the mid-upper range of standard wattages. Models rated at 1000-1100 watts accommodate both gentle and intense heating needs.

Microwave Size

Larger microwave ovens need more power to effectively cook food placed throughout the interior. Standard 0.7-1.0 cubic foot microwaves often come equipped with 1000+ watts. Smaller personal units with just 0.5-0.8 cubic feet of space can still reheat and cook with only 700-900 watts.

Consider where you plan to position the microwave. Compact office kitchens and dorm rooms match best with lower wattage smaller capacity options. Family or commercial kitchens need an extra powerful, higher wattage microwave.

High vs Low Wattage

Higher wattage microwaves provide faster cooking times by emitting more microwave energy to heat and excite water molecules in your food. This intensity translates to quicker steam generation and hotter temperatures.

Lower wattage microwaves operate at less intense energy levels. You sacrifice speed, but the gentler warmth often leaves less chance of overcooking. For example, a 1400-watt model might bake a potato in 8 minutes, while an 800-watt unit would need 12-15 minutes.

Recommended Wattage By Microwave Size

Most standard microwave ovens fall into three size categories, each with an ideal wattage range:

Less Than 0.7 Cubic Feet

Compact personal microwaves under 0.7 cubic feet work well in small spaces like offices, dorms, or boats. Their limited interior capacity removes the need for extra high wattage. Models rated at 700-900 watts sufficiently heat and reheat single servings in these small microwaves.

0.7 - 1.0 Cubic Feet

Mid-size 0.7-1.0 cubic foot microwaves maintain enough power at 1000-1100 watts to quickly cook larger portions. With extra interior space to fill, increased wattage helps food cook evenly regardless of placement within the microwave.

Over 1.0 Cubic Feet

Extra capacity calls for extra power. Spacious microwave ovens over 1.0 cubic feet often support family or commercial kitchens. Their additional interior space benefits from high 1200-1400 watt units that blast food with enough microwave energy for rapid, thorough heating.

Benefits of Higher vs Lower Wattage

Higher and lower microwave wattages both carry pros and cons:

Speed of Cooking

Higher wattage microwaves heat up and cook food significantly faster thanks to increased microwave energy output. You'll save time and avoid impatience with 1100-1400 watt models.

Even Heating

Lower wattage microwaves tend to heat food more gently and evenly, reducing chances of cold spots or overcooked edges. Frozen meals, vegetables, and reheated leftovers cook through gradually.

Food Texture

Lower wattages around 500-800 watts excel at delicate heating. Foods like chocolate, butter, cheeses, and breads retain better moisture, shape, and texture. High temperatures in 1100+ watt units often overbake these items.

Finding Right Balance for Your Needs

Choosing your optimal microwave wattage requires honest assessment:

Assess Cooking Habits

Frequent users should consider 1100+ watts for saved time. Occasional users can manage with 700-900 watts. If your microwave duties fall in the middle, 1000 watts splits the difference.

Consider Types of Food Cooked

Creamy soups, chocolate, breads, and frozen pizzas need gentler lower wattage treatment. Tough root vegetables, frozen dinners, and large casseroles benefit from intense 1000+ watt high-power.

Test Different Wattages

Many microwaves let you manually adjust wattage levels for different cooking needs. Lower power works well to melt butter or chocolate without burning. Crank it up when you want piping lasagna in minutes.

Microwave wattage determines cooking speed and intensity. Frequent microwave users who cook large portions of dense frozen foods do best with extra high 1100+ watt appliances. Occasional users focused on reheating leftovers or melting butter can still cook comfortably with just 500-800 watts.

Take stock of your expected microwave duties, size constraints, and cooking habits. Finding the right balance of power saves time and delivers better texture when microwaving different foods. With so many options on the market, you can easily locate an appropriately powered unit to match your kitchen's needs.