How to Find Your Microwave’s Wattage
Updated: Jun. 21, 2019
Not sure how to find your microwave's wattage? You're not alone. This task is often not as easy as it should be—but we've got a solution.
You’ve seen it on package instructions, and it left you puzzled: “Microwave in a 1,250-watt microwave for 4 minutes.” You wonder, Aren’t all microwaves the same? Nope.
To ensure your food cooks properly, many packages (and even some recipes) specify different cook times for different microwave oven wattages. And misjudging a few hundred watts can really affect the end result. So, before you tackle one of these recipes to make in the microwave or even just a simple mug cake, ask yourself: Do you know how to find microwave wattage?
If like me the answer is no, don’t spend hours looking for your owner’s manual. Instead, try this simple trick.
How to Find Microwave Wattage
Yes, some manufacturers are kind enough to put wattage information on the front of their appliances. And others put it on a small sticker on the inner part of the door or on the back of the oven. But some make it more of an informational scavenger hunt.
The good news is that finding your microwave’s wattage is not necessarily an impromptu research project. All you need is a glass container, a measuring cup and some ice-cold water. (We’re not kidding. Add ice cubes to a cup of water and let it sit in the fridge until the water is REALLY cold.)
Then, pour 8 ounces of the cold water into a glass measuring cup or similar container and pop it in the microwave. Set your display to 4 minutes on the highest setting. Now, all you need to do is watch and wait. Once the water boils, you’ll have your answer! (Here are more microwave tricks every cook needs to know).
The charts may vary slightly, but according to Microwave Cooking for One, these results should give you a good idea of what you’re cooking with:
- 500 watts — water boils at 3:30 minutes
- 600 watts — water boils at 2:55 minutes
- 750 watts — water boils at 2:20 minutes
- 1000 watts — water boils at 1:45 minutes
- 1250 watts — water boils at 1:25 minutes
- 1500 watts — water boils at 1:10 minutes
And there you have it! A super-easy way to find your microwave’s wattage. And as long as you have that boiling water handy, this might be a good time to clean your ‘wave.
Microwave Oatmeal Bars
My mother shared this speedy recipe with me. There are not a lot of ingredients, and these microwave treats are easy to fix in the microwave. —Annette Self, Junction City, Ohio
Honey-Lemon Chicken Enchiladas
Honey, lemon and chili flavors blend wonderfully in enchiladas. My family devours this dish, so I also use the chicken filling for soft tacos with toppings. —Kristi Moak, Gilbert, Arizona
15-Minute Microwave Meat Loaf
I combined a few awesome-tasting recipes to create this flavorful microwave meat loaf, which my husband loves. And because it's made in the microwave, the entree is ideal for busy nights. —Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
Fruit & Granola Crisp with Yogurt
Here's an easy recipe you can feel good about. Blueberries and peaches are such a delightful flavor combination. —Sue Schmidtke, Oro Valley, Arizona
Microwave Egg Sandwich
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Zucchini Ham Frittata
This frittata is so quick to make--it cooks in the microwave in just minutes! Add a red pepper garnish for a colorful look. —Mildred Fox, Fostoria, Ohio
Microwaved Parmesan Chicken
This quick way to prepare chicken has been a family staple ever since a friend gave me the recipe. It's too good not to share. — Michael Herman, Carney, Michigan
Cod Delight
I used to make this in the oven, but then I discovered that microwave lets me enjoy it even faster. It's a pretty dish to serve company. In fact, many of my friends and family now cook this at home. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Dressed-Up Meatballs
Frozen meatballs and a jar of sweet-and-sour sauce make this microwave meal a last-minute lifesaver when racing against the clock. The flavorful sauce is dressed up with a hint of garlic and nicely coats the colorful mixture of meatballs, carrots, green pepper and onion. —Ivy Eresmas, Dade City, Florida
Breakfast Potatoes
These cheesy potatoes are a super morning side dish. I prepare them often for my husband and myself. They go great with just about any breakfast main dish. —Judy Dupree, Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Deli Roast Beef Sandwiches with Mashed Potatoes
Just like Mom or Grandma used to make—but so much quicker! Store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy and deli roast beef help you turn out this heartwarming combination before you can say, “Order up!” —Ruth Ann Bott, Lake Wales, Florida
Salmon with Tarragon Sauce
Here’s a fast and foolproof microwave method for tender salmon steaks covered with a distinctive Dijon and green onion sauce. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Minted Beet Salad
We have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint will tone down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Coconut Acorn Squash
Save yourself some time in the kitchen and toss the squash in the microwave for a truly quick dish. Sometimes squash can be a bit tasteless. I conquer this by adding a bit of mango chutney and coconut. It really makes the flavor pop. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Microwave Beef & Cheese Enchiladas
Every time I make these enchiladas, they go really fast. Fix them for a speedy weeknight meal, a neighborhood potluck or even a tailgate. —Karen Moore, Jacksonville, Florida
Quick Poached Salmon with Cucumber Sauce
There’s no reason to shy away from cooking fish at home with a recipe as effortless as this one. Besides basil, try using dill, fennel or coriander in the herby sauce. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Microwaved Chicken Kiev
I fix these microwave-easy chicken breasts all the time and love the taste. —Dorothy LaCombe, Hamburg, New York
Chipotle Ranch Chicken Tacos
Chop, chop...or not. These tacos are easy on the cook with ready-to-use produce, pico, dressing and cheese. Thinly slice the radishes and hot peppers, and your fiesta is ready. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Italian Chicken Cordon Bleu
Streamline any weeknight with this pretty main dish full of pleasing flavors. Chop the pepper ahead and pick up sliced mushrooms, and you’ll have this microwaved in moments. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Mini Burgers with the Works
I started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont
Super-Stuffed Mexican Potatoes
These taters are packed! Your whole family will enjoy these hearty stuffed Mexican potatoes. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Turkey Enchilada Stack
As a child, my husband was one of the pickiest kids around, but my mother-in-law could always get him to dig in to this enchilada dish. —Ashley Wolf, Alabaster, Alabama
Granola Cereal Bars
These sweet peanut butter bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert or anytime as a quick snack. You can add raisins instead of chocolate chips if you prefer. —Helen Velichko, Kansas City, Missouri
Chicken and Rice Soup Mix
The recipient of this gift will have one hearty bowl of soup, that will chase away the chills on a blustery winter's day. Suggest they have it with a salad or roll for a satisfying meal.—Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Bart's Black Bean Soup for Two
This soup is made in minutes. We enjoy it with Herbed Dinner Rolls from an older issue of Simple & Delicious. Add a salad for a complete meal that’s really tasty! —Sharon Ullyot, London, Ontario
