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 on 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
Microwave Egg SandwichIf 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 FrittataThis zucchini frittata is perfect for a quick breakfast and effortless to prepare. Add a side salad or freshly baked bread and you have yourself a heartier weeknight meal.
Parmesan-Crusted ChickenMaking Parmesan-crusted chicken involves dredging chicken in bread crumbs and cheese to yield crisp, browned exteriors with juicy, tender meat inside.
Cod DelightI 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
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour MeatballsEnjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with these easy-to-make slow-cooker sweet and sour meatballs. Featuring a delicious sauce for Crockpot meatballs, this dish is sure to become a regular.
Breakfast PotatoesThese 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
Hot Roast Beef SandwichThis hot roast beef sandwich will remind you of the classic version, but store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy and deli roast beef help you make this heartwarming combination much more easily.
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
Beef EnchiladasOur crowd-pleasing beef enchiladas recipe features a homemade enchilada sauce and a spiced ground beef filling. Don't be fooled by the ingredient list. It's actually quite simple to prep!
Chicken KievThis chicken Kiev recipe is stuffed with chive butter and rolled in cornflake crumbs. The melted butter in the center makes it impressive for entertaining, but it's easy enough for any day of the week.
Chipotle Ranch Chicken TacosThese shredded chicken tacos are quick, easy and on the table in just 20 minutes.
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
