How Many Watts Does A Microwave Use? (Answered)

You can learn about microwave wattage in this blog post, along with tips on how to cook food more efficiently.

Do you know how many watts does a microwave use?

• Small microwaves, such as the compact microwave (600–800 watts), are typically found in RVs or hotel rooms.
• A standard microwave (800–1000 watts) is what you might typically find in a home or break room.

One of the most widely used appliances in homes is the microwave. Due to how useful they can be for quickly heating or reheating your favorite foods, most kitchens have microwaves. You might be surprised at how quickly your microwave uses energy, despite the fact that many people rely on them for cooking. To learn more, continue reading.

What Is The Cost Of Running A Microwave?

The cost of operating your microwave can now be calculated now that you know how much energy it uses at any given time. By multiplying the usage by your costs per kWh, we will just add one more step to the formula above.

(Kilowatts/hour) x (time running) x ($ per kilowatt-hour) = Energy cost to run appliance

An applied to our earlier example:

1kW x 1/12th = .0833kWh

.0833kWh x $0.10kWh = $.0083

What Wattage Should Microwave Be?

While there isn’t a “best wattage” rating for a microwave, your unit’s energy usage is one of the most critical factors next to internal capacity.

Fortunately, microwave wattage is typically consistent across most models. Microwaves with 600–1000 watts are available in countertop and range models. Lower wattages are more cost-effective, but microwave dinners can be made effectively and quickly with any power level between 800 and 1000 watts.

You should also be aware of the materials that make up your microwave if you want to prevent common microwave problems.

Related Reading: How Many Amps Does A Microwave Use?

Tips For Saving Energy When Using A Microwave

Microwaves are generally low-cost devices that reduce the time and energy required to cook or reheat food. However, they do use some electricity to operate.

Even though microwaves are generally energy-efficient appliances, there are a few things you can do to cut your power usage even more.

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can save when it comes to your microwave’s wattage:

• 1) Use the microwave only as needed. The oven or stovetop are more energy-efficient options than the microwave if you can reheat or cook food there.
• 2) Use of the timer feature is discouraged. The microwave uses energy every minute that the timer is on.
• 3) Heat only what is necessary. It may seem obvious, but this point merits reiteration. There is no need to use your microwave’s full power if you are only reheating a small amount of food. Simply choose a lower setting or cook the food for fewer minutes.
• 4) Smaller items, such as popcorn or coffee, only require a brief period of heating; there is no need to leave them in for longer.
• 5) Make use of smaller bowls and plates. Many people mistakenly believe that food must occupy the entire plate or bowl in order to be properly heated. The wattage consumption of your microwave can actually be decreased by using smaller dishes.
• 6) Do not prematurely open the door. When the door is opened, heat escapes, making the appliance work harder to reheat the food.
• 7) Purchase a model that uses less energy. Consider an Energy Star-certified model if you’re shopping for a new microwave. These microwaves consume 10–25% less energy than other models available.
• 8) As always, one of the simplest and best ways to save energy is to unplug your appliances when they’re not in use. Therefore, save money by turning off your microwave when it’s not in use.

You can reduce the amount of power used by your microwave and cut your utility costs by remembering these suggestions.​

How To Choose The Right Microwave For Your Needs?

The best microwave for your needs can be found by taking into account a number of factors when shopping for one. These encompass wattage, size, features, and other factors.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting a microwave:

1. Size

The unit size should be your first priority. From tiny countertop models to larger over-the-range appliances, microwaves come in a variety of sizes. Choose a size that will comfortably fit in the designated spot in your kitchen after taking into account the amount of space you have available.

2. Wattage

The microwave’s wattage rating is a further crucial factor. This number, which can be found on the product’s packaging or in the owner’s manual, denotes how much power the appliance consumes.

In general, models with higher wattages will heat food more quickly than models with lower wattages. Therefore, pick a model with a higher wattage rating if you want to cook food quickly.

3. Type Of Food

The type of food you’ll be cooking or reheating in the microwave is another thing to consider. Different foods respond differently to microwave cooking.

For instance, while fresh vegetables and raw meat can occasionally turn out rubbery or tough when reheated in the microwave, frozen meals and leftovers typically reheat well.

4. Additional Features

Additional features that can be useful in the kitchen are offered by some microwaves. These might include a defrost setting or a keep warm feature, which adjusts the cooking time based on the amount of moisture in the food.

Pick a model with the features you require after considering which ones would be most useful to you.

5. Budget

Finally, when looking for a microwave, it’s critical to take your budget into account. Finding a microwave that meets your needs without breaking the bank is crucial because prices for microwaves can range from $40 to $500.

You should be able to find the ideal microwave for your kitchen by keeping these considerations in mind. Happy cooking!​”>>

How To Use A Microwave Safely?

Food can be quickly cooked or reheated using microwaves, which are practical kitchen appliances. However, in order to prevent mishaps or injuries, it’s crucial to use them safely. Here are some tips to help you use your microwave safely:

1. Read The Manual

Read the owner’s manual thoroughly before putting your microwave to use for the first time. By doing so, you’ll be able to use the appliance safely and steer clear of any dangers.

2. Check For Recalls

Microwaves are occasionally recalled because of security issues. Check the U.S. before using your microwave. To find out if your model has been recalled, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

3. Inspect The Interior

Check the interior of your microwave for any signs of damage or wear before cooking or reheating food. Do not use the appliance and get in touch with the manufacturer for more information if you notice any cracks, holes, or other damage.

4. Use Proper Cookware

Not all cookware can be used in a microwave. Use only cookware that has been specifically designated as microwave-safe.

5. Don’t Overheat Food

Food heated unevenly in a microwave oven can develop hot spots that can burn your hands or mouth. Cook food more quickly and at a lower temperature to prevent this.

6. Avoid Metal

Metal items should never be put in a microwave because they can start fires or sparks. Reheat food in a microwave-safe dish first if it needs to be heated up in a metal container.

7. Use Caution When Opening The Door

When opening the microwave, be careful because hot steam could escape from the food that has been heated. To keep your hands from getting wet from the steam, use an oven mitt or towel.

8. Let Food Cool Before Eating

Before eating food that has been cooked or reheated in the microwave, give it a little time to cool. This will aid in avoiding burns from hot spots that may have developed while cooking.

You can use your microwave safely and prevent any potential mishaps or injuries by following these recommendations.