Ever stared at a microwave oven, wondering what all those numbers mean? You see “1000 Watts” or “700 Watts” and think, “Does it really matter?” The truth is, the wattage of your microwave is a big deal when it comes to cooking your food perfectly.
Choosing the wrong wattage can lead to frustration. Maybe your popcorn never pops right, or your leftovers are still cold in the middle. It’s like having a super-fast car that only goes 30 miles per hour – it just doesn’t work as well as it should! This can make mealtime a headache instead of a treat.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what microwave wattage is all about. You’ll learn how different wattages affect cooking times and how to pick the best one for your kitchen needs. Get ready to say goodbye to unevenly cooked food and hello to delicious meals, every time.
Our Top 5 Wattage For Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Wattage For Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.6 Cubic Foot Microwave with 6 Power Levels
Rating: 8.9/10
Need a quick and easy way to heat up your meals? The COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.6 Cubic Foot Microwave in classic white is here to help! This compact microwave is designed for busy lives, letting you enjoy delicious food without the wait. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office.
What We Like:
- Powerful 600-watt heating for fast cooking and reheating.
- Six different power levels let you choose the perfect setting for any food.
- Easy-to-use mechanical dial controls make setting the 30-minute timer a breeze.
- A convenient grip handle makes it easy to open and close the door.
- The included turntable ensures your food heats evenly.
- Its compact size (0.6 cu. ft.) fits easily on most countertops.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 600-watt power might be a bit slow for larger meals or tougher defrosting jobs compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- Mechanical dial controls, while simple, may not offer the same precision as digital controls for very specific cooking times.
This microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a straightforward and reliable way to heat food quickly. It’s a practical appliance that gets the job done efficiently.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven is a stylish and powerful kitchen helper. Its sleek black and stainless steel design looks great on any countertop. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food super easy with its many helpful features.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 1000-watt power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels for precise cooking.
- The 1.1 cubic foot size is roomy enough for most dishes.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The push-button door is easy to open.
- The large LED display is simple to read.
- It includes a clock and kitchen timer for convenience.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior can show fingerprints easily.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great performance and convenient features for everyday kitchen tasks.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a powerful 1000W countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating food a breeze. Its spacious 1.2 cubic feet interior can fit a 12-inch pizza, and the large 12.4-inch removable turntable ensures even heating. This microwave is designed for convenience with its smart humidity sensor and 12 pre-programmed auto menus. You can easily select the right setting for everything from pizza to vegetables. Plus, the sleek black design looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The 1000W power quickly heats food.
- It has a generous 1.2 cubic feet capacity and a 12.4-inch turntable.
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of reheating.
- 12 auto menus offer quick options for popular foods.
- The mute function lets you silence the annoying beeps.
- ECO mode helps save energy.
- The easy-clean interior makes wiping up messes simple.
- It has a modern and stylish black exterior.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel can be a bit cluttered for some users.
- It requires peeling off a protective film from the keypad before first use.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance. Its user-friendly design and powerful performance make it a great addition to most kitchens.
4. Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt with LED Lighting
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware FM11BKA Compact Countertop Microwave Oven brings convenience and power to your kitchen. This sleek black microwave, with its 1.1 cubic feet capacity and 1100 watts of power, is designed for quick meal preparation and everyday use. Its compact size makes it a great fit for any home or office kitchen.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast with 1100 watts of power.
- You can start cooking right away with express cooking and a plus 30-second button.
- It has a memory function to save your favorite cooking settings.
- It offers 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking for full control.
- Six one-touch cooking programs make cooking popcorn, potatoes, and pizza super easy.
- You can defrost food by weight or by time.
- The LED display and interior light let you see your food clearly while it cooks.
- It has a child safety lock for extra peace of mind.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- It looks stylish with a black front and handle.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might prefer even more wattage for very rapid cooking.
- The compact size, while a pro for space-saving, might be too small for very large dishes.
Overall, this Farberware microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a great balance of power, convenience, and style. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly microwave.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave 1000 Watts, 1.1 cu ft is a fantastic appliance for anyone needing a reliable and efficient microwave. Its sleek stainless steel finish makes it look great in any kitchen, apartment, or dorm room. This microwave is designed to make your life easier, whether you’re heating up leftovers or cooking a quick meal.
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of power, which means it heats food quickly and evenly.
- The 1.1 cu ft capacity is a good size for small spaces, offering plenty of room for most dishes.
- It comes with six one-touch cooking options, like popcorn and potato, making cooking even simpler.
- The LED lighting inside lets you easily see your food as it cooks.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety, which is great for families.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, giving you flexibility.
- Express cooking controls let you start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes with just one press.
- The Add 30 Seconds button is super handy for giving your food a little extra time.
- The stainless steel exterior is easy to clean, saving you time and effort.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many features, the user interface might take a little getting used to for some.
- The exterior, while easy to clean, can show fingerprints easily.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for its convenience and power. It’s a great addition to any home or small living space.
Choosing the Right Microwave: Power Matters!
When you’re looking for a new microwave, one of the most important things to consider is its power, measured in watts. This guide will help you understand what wattage means and how to pick the best microwave for your kitchen.
Why Wattage is Key
Microwave wattage tells you how strong the microwave’s cooking power is. Higher wattage means your food will cook faster and more evenly. Think of it like a car’s engine – a bigger engine usually means more power and speed.
Key Features to Look For
- Wattage: This is the most important feature. Microwaves typically range from 600 to 1200 watts.
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes, measured in cubic feet. A small microwave might be around 0.7 cubic feet, while a large one can be 2.0 cubic feet or more. Choose a size that fits your kitchen counter and the amount of food you usually cook.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a rotating glass plate. This helps your food cook evenly by turning it as it heats.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These settings can make cooking easier.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital screen and easy-to-use buttons make operating the microwave simple.
Important Materials
- Interior: The inside of a microwave is usually made of metal, often stainless steel or coated steel. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Some microwaves have a ceramic enamel coating, which is also easy to clean and scratch-resistant.
- Exterior: The outside can be made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and is very durable. Plastic is usually more affordable.
- Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. It also has a metal mesh inside to block microwave energy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Higher Wattage: Generally means better cooking performance. Food heats up faster and more evenly.
- Even Cooking: A good turntable and well-designed interior help food cook evenly.
- Durability: Sturdy materials like stainless steel for the interior and exterior make the microwave last longer.
- Ease of Cleaning: Non-stick interior coatings and smooth surfaces make cleaning much easier.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention quiet operation.
User Experience and Use Cases
A microwave is a versatile kitchen tool. Here are some ways people use them:
- Quick Reheating: Heating up leftovers is a common use. A higher wattage microwave will reheat your food faster.
- Cooking Simple Meals: You can cook things like baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even some simple pasta dishes.
- Defrosting: Microwaves are great for quickly defrosting frozen foods.
- Making Popcorn: Many people use their microwave to make fresh popcorn.
- Snack Preparation: Heating up frozen snacks or making instant oatmeal is easy.
A higher wattage microwave is great for busy people who want their food ready fast. If you mostly just reheat drinks or pop popcorn, a lower wattage microwave might be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Wattage
Q: What is the best wattage for a microwave?
A: For most households, a microwave with 900 to 1000 watts is a good choice. It offers a balance of fast cooking and even heating.
Q: Will a higher wattage microwave cook food faster?
A: Yes, a higher wattage microwave uses more energy to heat your food, so it cooks faster.
Q: Is it okay to use a lower wattage microwave?
A: Yes, it’s okay. Food will just take a bit longer to cook compared to a higher wattage model.
Q: Can I tell the wattage by looking at the microwave?
A: Usually, the wattage is listed on a sticker on the inside of the microwave door or on the back of the unit. You can also find it in the product description.
Q: Does wattage affect how evenly food cooks?
A: Wattage plays a role, but so does the microwave’s design, like the turntable. Higher wattage can help with even cooking when combined with a good design.
Q: Are microwaves with over 1200 watts common?
A: Microwaves above 1200 watts are less common for home use. They are usually found in commercial settings.
Q: Does wattage affect the price of a microwave?
A: Generally, microwaves with higher wattage tend to be more expensive.
Q: What happens if I use a microwave with a wattage lower than what a recipe suggests?
A: You’ll need to cook the food for a longer time to achieve the same results.
Q: Is there a minimum wattage I should look for?
A: For most everyday cooking and reheating, a minimum of 700 watts is recommended. Anything lower might be too slow for practical use.
Q: Can I adjust the wattage on my microwave?
A: Some microwaves allow you to adjust the power level, which is different from the maximum wattage. This lets you cook at a lower power setting when needed.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!