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.
How to Find Your Microwave’s Wattage
Updated Jun. 21, 2019
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.
Zap Any of These Delicious Recipes
Microwave Oatmeal BarsMy 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 EnchiladasHoney, 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 Meat LoafCozy, comforting meat loaf can be tonight's dinner—even at the last minute. This nifty microwave recipe makes it possible.
Fruit & Granola Crisp with YogurtHere's an easy recipe you can feel good about. Blueberries and peaches are such a delightful flavor combination. —Sue Schmidtke, Oro Valley, Arizona
Zucchini Ham FrittataThis 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
Dressed-Up MeatballsFrozen 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
Hot Roast Beef SandwichHot, open-faced sandwiches with velvety roast beef and rich gravy are a comfort food classic. This recipe uses pantry staples and convenient ingredients for a quick and delicious meal. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and horseradish for an extra kick!
Salmon with Tarragon SauceHere’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 SaladWe 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 tones down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Coconut Acorn SquashSave yourself some time in the kitchen and toss the squash in the microwave for a quick dish. Sometimes squash can be a bit tasteless, so I conquer this by adding a bit of mango chutney and coconut. —Dierdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Microwave Beef & Cheese EnchiladasEvery 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
Chipotle Ranch Chicken TacosThese shredded chicken tacos are quick, easy and on the table in just 20 minutes.Â
Italian Chicken Cordon BleuStreamline 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 WorksI 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 PotatoesThese taters are packed! Your whole family will enjoy these hearty stuffed Mexican potatoes. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Turkey Enchilada StackAs 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 BarsThese 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
Bart's Black Bean Soup for TwoThis 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
Originally Published: June 21, 2019
