How Many Watts Does A Microwave Use

When it comes to appliances, there are numerous factors you have to take into account when calculating how much energy they use. For example, a large freezer will consume more electricity than a small one. But what about microwaves? How many watts does a microwave use? And is it worth considering an Energy Star model? Keep reading to find out!

How much does it cost to run a Microwave?

The answer to this question really depends on how much you use the microwave. If you use it very often, then you could expect your energy bill to be higher than normal. But if you only use the microwave a few times a week, there’s no reason why it should have an impact on your electricity usage. However, keep in mind that some microwaves consume more power than others due to different features and heating methods. For example, some microwaves take longer to prepare food when compared with other models because they feature lower wattage or advanced time settings.

How many watts does an average Microwave use?

It varies depending on the size of the appliance and the type of cooking methods it provides. Typically, standard models will use between 700 and 1,000 watts. However, some higher-end models will consume up to 2,000 watts of electricity. Of course, the more wattage a microwave provides, the faster it will be able to heat food. So you may need to pay a little extra for an Energy Star model if you want quick heating capabilities without having to use too much electricity in your kitchen.

Is an Energy Star Microwave worth considering?

Absolutely! An Energy Star rated appliance is guaranteed to deliver a high level of energy efficiency and save you money in the long run. If saving money on your electric bill is important, then definitely consider purchasing an Energy Star model next time you’re shopping for a new microwave! And that’s all there is to know about how much a microwave uses!

How much does it cost to power a Microwave?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the amount it costs to power a microwave will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the appliance and how often you use it. Generally speaking, microwaves that are more powerful or have advanced heating capabilities may consume more electricity than standard models. However, if you are looking for an energy-efficient option, consider investing in an Energy Star model. These appliances are specifically designed to be highly efficient and save you money over time on your electric bill. So if saving money on your utilities is important to you, an Energy Star microwave could be a good choice!

What Wattage Should My Microwave Be?

For a microwave to be able to cook food properly and make your meal tasty, it has to have the right amount of wattage. Some microwaves go up as high as 1000 watts, but for most households, 700-850 watts is plenty. Any less than that, and you’ll probably need to spend some extra time in the kitchen waiting for your food to heat up or cooking it in stages instead of all at once.

The higher the wattage of the microwave, the quicker food will cook. This isn’t necessarily a good thing though because having such power means increased energy usage and overall cost to you over time. The lower-wattage models aren’t bad choices either if they are high quality and efficient.

There are a few different things to consider when deciding what wattage you need for your microwave.

Here are some key factors that should influence your decision:

Size of your family – How many people will be cooking in the microwave on a regular basis? If there are only 1-2 people in the household, you can get away with a lower wattage model and still enjoy satisfying meals. A larger family or someone who frequently cooks for large groups may want to choose one that is higher wattage just so they don’t have to wait as long for their food to heat up.

How quickly do you want/need your food to cook? – Depending on how fast or slow you want or need your food cooked, the wattage will influence how long it takes for your meal to actually be ready. For example, if you leave frozen meatballs in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, they will be ready. However, with a microwave, it will probably take several times as long since the wattage is much lower.

How often do you cook? – If you don’t often cook for yourself or others and are just reheating food at home that was purchased from a restaurant or store instead of making food from scratch then this won’t matter so much to you. On the other hand, if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen and like to prepare meals from scratch often then your decision may come down to which microwave has more total power.

Some other things to consider when choosing a microwave are how well it’s constructed, how easy it is to use and clean, etc. You should also make sure that the company you purchase your microwave from is reputable, since this will help ensure you don’t end up with a lemon.

Now, if all of these factors sound confusing or overwhelming to you, then there are some general guides out there that can help give you an idea of what wattage microwave to buy based on how many people and how often you cook. For example, the Consumer Reports website has a microwaves buying guide and reviews section where they recommend between 700-900 watts for families of 2-3 people who cook once or twice per day. They note that less than 700 watts may not be enough power for cooking faster foods such as popcorn, but it depends on model so definitely be sure to check reviews and customer feedback before making your final decision.

How Can I Save Energy When Using My Microwave?

One way you can save energy when using your microwave is to cook more than one item at a time if possible. This helps the oven maintain its temperature and wattage better so that the food heats up quicker and uses less energy overall. It will also reduce warming times, saving you even more energy because it won’t have to re-heat as long if some of your dishes are already warm.

You can also try cooking food on low power (or 50%) so that it cooks slower but uses less overall. Many microwaves actually allow this option, although in some models there may be small sacrifices made such as not being able to use the ‘full power’ setting for reheating items like pizza or popcorn but still allowing ‘low power’ for cooking things like vegetables or softening butter.

You should also try to choose foods that cook quickly and evenly, such as popcorn. Foods like rice, pasta, and hot dogs can actually take longer than it would have taken you to just boil water on the stove so they are not always a great choice if you are trying to save energy or time in the kitchen.

Overall, microwaves are a great tool for saving time (and therefore money) when preparing food at home. And with all of their benefits come some responsibility: eat your meal within 5-10 minutes of starting it and avoid using them for long periods of time unless absolutely necessary since this will reduce your overall cost and help preserve its lifespan.

If you want to learn more about how much it costs to run your microwave, check out our article that shows you the total cost of running a typical over for an entire year. This will give you a good idea of what your overall cost is when using a microwave and help you make better decisions on whether or not it’s worth it.

Or, if you want to read more and learn about other ways to save energy in the kitchen, check out our cost-cutting guides for ovens and fridges. You can also see how much it costs to run a dishwasher or a blender.

How Much Does A Microwave Cost?

When researching microwaves and what others are saying about them, one thing that often comes up is the price of different models. Regardless of whether or not the microwave has a lot of features or is small and simple, the cost tends to be similar based on the wattage so there’s not as much room for variation as there would be with an oven or fridge. However, some things that do affect price are the size, number of power and cooking levels, and the brand.

As an example, a typical under-the-cabinet or countertop model will cost between $50-100 depending on the size, extra features (such as turntables or ‘auto-reheat’), and brand name. A great priced model is the Whirlpool MWBH5421WW which you can currently find at Lowe’s for just over $70 (plus a 10% off coupon) and has over 2,400 reviews with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

If this is still too much for you to spend on a new microwave, then we highly recommend looking at your local thrift stores or retail outlets like Sears or Home Depot. These stores often discount older models to make room for new ones, and since microwaves don’t last more than 5 years anyway they may still be in good condition even if they are a few years old. A few things you should keep an eye out for though:

Make sure the microwave is working properly. If it can’t reheat leftovers then there’s likely something wrong with it which would indicate that it was improperly used in the past (or broken) so you want to look out for that as well.

Be wary of any sign of foreign objects inside the microwave, such as pieces of food stuck on the heating elements or copper coils. This could indicate that it was used in the past to dry clothes or inflame balloons which could cause a fire hazard.

Check for any damage, such as cracks in the casing or glass doors. These are signs that it has been dropped and abused at some point so even if it still heats food up properly you’re going to have to keep replacing parts quite often on a microwave like this.

Again, we highly recommend checking out our cost-cutting guides for ovens and fridges where you can learn more about other ways to save money when cooking at home. And if you want more information on microwaves specifically then be sure to check out our article comparing the top models sold today. You’ll also find some great tips on how to efficiently use your particular model.

How To Choose The Right Microwave For Your Needs?

Once you know the cost of running your microwave and how much it is going to cost you, then here are some things that can help you decide which model is right for you:

1) Size: Microwaves come in smaller sizes (around 0.5 cubic feet), mid-sized models (0.9 – 1.2 cubic feet), and larger versions (1.8 +). The bigger ones obviously have a greater capacity but they also tend to be more expensive upfront as well as require more power so if you’re just making quick snacks or heating up leftovers then I would highly recommend sticking with a smaller model. You’ll find that many medium models come with multiple power levels which allows for a wider range of cooking options (such as defrosting or warming up coffee) so it’s the ideal middle ground for most homeowners.

2) Wattage: The wattage is what produces the heat inside your microwave and is mostly determined by the size. So if you have a larger model then it will be more powerful and vice versa. Typically, anything around 700 watts is going to do a great job at quickly heating food while using less power than models with higher/lower wattage. For smaller models that use 1000 watts or more but only have 1 level of power then they might not be able to properly cook certain foods (like frozen dinners which need longer heating times). Most mid-sized microwaves range between 900-1100 watts which gives you the most versatility for different sized food and power levels. If your model is too small then it’s going to be hard to fit an entire dinner plate inside, but if it’s too big then then you need to make sure that your outlet can handle all of that wattage because otherwise, you will end up tripping breakers every time you turn on your microwave which is a real pain!

3) Keypad Layout: Many newer microwaves have electronic touch keypads instead of actual buttons. These are easier to clean since there aren’t any crumbs or liquid getting stuck under the number keys but they also often require some more pressure than the standard buttons to get them to work. And if you have a larger model then sometimes it’s hard to press these buttons without accidentally pressing multiple ones at the same time which can cause some frustration when trying to cook or reheat your food. If you have any type of touchscreen keypad on your microwave then make sure that it is responding properly, doesn’t require too much pressure and doesn’t allow you to accidentally hit more than one button at a time (which usually causes an error message).

4) Interior Lighting: You obviously want to keep an eye on your food as you’re cooking it or waiting for it to finish. Some microwaves have small light bulbs that will come on when the door is open and others can only be used when the door has been opened since they are located inside the unit (and sometimes behind metal panels which makes them impossible to see through). The latter are okay if you feel like keeping an eye on your leftover pizza while you’re walking around your home but if you’re always stopping by your microwave while it is working then I would recommend getting a model with some type of interior lighting. It just makes life easier, especially if you need to add more time in increments instead of having to wait for the whole cooking cycle to finish and open the door.

5) Carousel Turntable: Most microwaves have a spinning plate inside that allows you to evenly heat your food or leftovers around it. If this is too small (like under 11 inches in diameter) then it will cause some items to overheat while others don’t cook all the way through because they were resting on an empty space and not rotating as much. The carousel turntable moves up and down, travels along a track, or can spin 360 degrees which gives you even heating no matter what you want to warm up (well, within reason). This is especially important if you need to use different power levels since it will make sure that your food heats up properly and not just one spot.

6) Easy to Use: If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills microwave then all you really need is basic functionality, even if it means using the same power level over and over again until your food is fully heated or cooked. But if you want more flexibility with how the device operates then some microwaves will have preprogrammed cook cycles (like frozen foods or popcorn), others will let you input exact amounts of time so that you can use different levels of heating power but still cook something quickly without having to adjust the timer each time, while others also include options for defrosting or warming up leftovers from dinner last night. The more power options your microwave has then the more flexible it will be and the less likely that you’ll need to use another appliance to heat up something. For example, if you want a frozen burrito then you can either thaw it out in the microwave or throw it in the oven since they don’t require any actual cooking (just heating). And some microwaves even have settings for reheating coffee which is great if you want some hot water but not too much of it (you don’t want that thing to explode!).

7) User Guides: Some models come with user manuals and others only have quick start guides on their website so I would recommend getting a model that comes with an official manual as well just in case you need to refer to it for some reason. You can also look up instruction manuals online (for free) but I would recommend having something from the manufacturer just in case you need it later on.

8) Warranty: Most microwaves come with a standard 1 year warranty but if your microwave breaks down after that point then you’ll have to pay out of pocket which is why we always like getting devices with longer warranties. The best microwaves will come with at least a 2-year warranty since they are more reliable and less likely to break down due to normal wear and tear or if the device is overused. However, not all warranties are created equal since some manufacturers will only cover certain parts while others offer a full replacement. For example, a 1-year warranty could get you a new device while an extended 2-year or 3-year one will only cover the parts needed to fix the broken one which means that you’ll be without a microwave for at least a week or two (8 days if you mail it out on Monday).

9) Size and Dimensions: This might be obvious but your kitchen should have enough space to fit any model of microwave else you could end up with something that is either too big (or too small) for your countertop. The width and depth of the device are important since some microwaves can be quite large (even if they have smaller capacities) so make sure that you leave at least 4 inches of clearance around the microwave. However, if you don’t have a lot of space then there are some smaller and more compact models that can fit in even the smallest of kitchens (check out our full guide for the best small microwaves) with enough capacity to get all your cooking done quickly. And if you need something that is portable then consider getting one with a handle or an easily removable base since it will be much easier to move from room to room so that you can cook outside or in another kitchen as well.

10) Price: The price is, of course, important but for this comparison I would suggest going with either a mid-range to high-end model since they offer the most features and quality design and construction (check out some of the features above). High-end models are best if you want something that is future-proofed so that it will last years or even decades without any major issues. If you’re willing to spend upwards of $200 then you can get a high-quality model from a reliable brand like LG, Kenmore, GE, etc.

>> Next: Best Countertop Microwave 2023 (our top 6)

The Top 6 Best Countertop Microwaves for 2023 – Comparison Guide

Please note that this article is based on my personal opinion and research but I have tried to stay unbiased throughout. If there’s anything I should add in here then let me know in the comments below!

1) LG MS3092DRS By: LG

The LG MS3092DRS is a mid-range microwave oven with some really handy extras that will make your life easier. It has a very low profile design so that it can fit easily in even the smallest of spaces which makes it great for small kitchens or college dorm rooms. Plus, I like the fact that everything is contained within one unit (no ugly cords hanging out or anything like that) which gives off a nice clean look to any kitchen. And if you have limited space then check out our list of the best countertop microwaves for smaller kitchens since this model would be perfect for someone who doesn’t want to spend too much money and still wants a reliable, easy-to-use appliance.

But what I like most about the MS3092DRS is that it has a slide-out tray so that you can easily check on your food as it’s cooking (and rearrange anything if needed) without having to open the door every few minutes. Plus, there are 10 different power levels which means that you can cook your food to perfection and with all those options for speed and temperature then you won’t have any issues getting the exact setting you need for whatever type of food or meal that you’re making. And since this unit also comes with an LCD display and control panel as well as a child safety lock feature then everyone in your home will be able to easily use the microwave without accidentally changing the settings or making a mess.

2) Kenmore 73093 By: Sears

In terms of performance and features then the Kenwood 73093 is pretty comparable to the LG MS3092DRS with very few differences (they do offer different size variations as well). Both have similar dimensions, have 10 power levels as well as 6 various speed options for programming so that you can cook your food exactly how you want it in less time. And there’s also a child safety lock feature (great for homes with kids!) which will prevent any accidents from happening by locking out all buttons except the “start” button; perfect if you’re trying to keep an eye on a baby or toddler.

However, the big difference here is that the Kenwood 73093 has a glass plate instead of a plastic one (as seen in the image above) which means that it’s easy to clean and won’t scratch over time like most other microwave ovens with a plastic tray will. And as an added bonus, this model also includes an automatic “popcorn” button which you can program so that your popcorn is cooked perfectly every single time without having to set any additional features or power levels yourself.

3) Panasonic NN-SD745S By: Panasonic

The small profile design of the Panasonic NN-SD745S allows it to fit easily in any small kitchen space or dorm room which is perfect if you’re trying to conserve countertop or cabinet space. This unit has a sleek, modern design that would fit in perfectly with any contemporary-designed kitchen (or college apartment!). And it has a sleek touchscreen control panel on the front so that there’s no need to worry about buttons breaking off after years of use like with most other microwave ovens.

The Panasonic NN-SD745S also comes with 4 quick chef pre-programmed settings for things like popcorn and potatoes so that you can make those foods as quickly as possible. Plus, it will automatically adjust the cooking time depending upon how many bags of food you have inside; perfect for batches of popcorn during movie nights! And as an added bonus, there’s even a “keep warm” setting for your food so that it stays at just the right temperature until you’re ready to eat.

4) GE JES2051SNSS By: GE Appliances

The GE JES2051SNSS is another small microwave oven that would be perfect for a dorm room or small kitchen space thanks to its slim design and stainless steel exterior which will match any modern appliance already in place (and also makes it easy to clean!) This unit has 10 different power levels as well as 6 different speed options that let you program how fast and hot your foods cook (there are also buttons pre-programmed with quick settings for things like popcorn and frozen foods).

The GE JES2051SNSS also comes with a child safety lock to prevent any accidental food or messes from happening (great for homes with young children) but the biggest feature here is that this unit actually has a setting for “beverage” which will easily reheat your morning coffee or tea without over-heating it. And by using the “add 30 seconds” settings you can easily add more time to how long your food cooks as well.

5) Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Digital By: Hamilton Beach

If you need an extra large capacity then the Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Digital would be a great option. This unit is a bit on the larger side if you’re looking for something that would fit in a small space (because of its large capacity) but it is still relatively compact with a measurement of 15.8” x 19.3” x 11.4”. And it has an easy to use digital screen and touch-sensitive buttons that let you quickly program how long and hot your food cooks as well as how fast or slow, making this a great option for busy homes or people short on time for meals!

The Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Digital also comes with 7 different power levels so that you can easily adjust the heat and speed of the microwave according to what you are reheating (or cooking). But even though this is a large capacity, it’s still relatively energy-efficient with an Energy Star rating of over $450 in electricity savings (over the course of 5 years). And for added convenience, there are also 3 different defrost options as well.

6) Daewoo KOR7LMN Countertop Microwave By: Daewoo

If you want a unit that has super basic features but can still reheat food quickly then the Daewoo KOR7LMN would be perfect. This is one of the cheapest microwaves reviewed here thanks to its simplistic design and lack of advanced features (which also makes it easy to clean!). But despite its lower price tag, it still comes with a glass turntable for even cooking and a digital timer so that you can program how long your food cooks as well.

The Daewoo KOR7LMN also comes with 5 different power levels that let you easily adjust the heat (and speed) of your microwave as needed, making it great for reheating leftovers or warming up cups of soup while at work. And although this unit is pretty basic compared to the rest on this list, it still has an easy-to-use control panel with a child safety lock which is perfect for homes with younger children. Plus, this model also comes in both black and white so that you can choose which color best matches your other appliances!

So Which Is The Best For You?

If you are looking for a simple and basic unit to fit in your small kitchen or dorm room then the Daewoo KOR7LMN has the best price and one of the smallest sizes. But if you need something with more advanced features like pre-programmed options, defrosting settings, and a keep warm setting then the GE JES2051SNSS is our top pick!

FAQs:

What is a digital microwave?

A digital microwave is simply a microwave that has an easy-to-use screen or touch controller instead of simple knobs and dials. This means that you can program how long your food cooks in advance, as well as choose from multiple defrost settings and heating levels. Digital microwaves are great for busy families or people short on time who need to reheat their food quickly!

What’s the best time to run a microwave?

The best time to run a microwave is when you are reheating or cooking food quickly without overcooking it. This means that the best time would be in the morning if you want to quickly warm up your coffee – or at night if you need to heat up leftovers without drying them out! Most microwaves have timers that let you set how long they cook so simply choose how long your food will take and hit start. However, make sure that whatever you are reheating has reached room temperature before putting it in the microwave for safe usage!

How much does a microwave cost?

It depends on several different factors such as what type of design and features it has, as well as its brand and size. A basic unit will generally start around $40-$50, while advanced and large capacity models can cost closer to $100 or even several hundred dollars. However, it’s important to remember that a microwave is a long-term appliance that should last you at least 5 years (and possibly longer) so it’s worth investing in something of good quality instead of trying to save money with a cheaper model.

What size battery do you need to back up a microwave?

This depends on the type of battery that you purchase, but most microwaves require a standard 9-volt battery to keep them working at night or when the power goes out. However, it’s important to check your user manual before purchasing batteries in case you need larger or smaller ones – and always make sure you replace them frequently so that they don’t corrode and damage your appliance!

What are the different defrost settings on a microwave?

There are many different defrost settings available depending on what kind of food you want to reheat and how quickly you need it done. For example, some microwaves have a specific setting for frozen vegetables while others will let you choose from several different defrost levels depending on how frozen your food is. However, no matter what type of setting you have available it’s always important to make sure that the food has completely defrosted before cooking it, as otherwise it can end up being undercooked or unevenly heated. This will help prevent bacteria growth and ensure safe meal preparation!

How do I select a good microwave?

There are many different factors to look for when selecting a microwave, including its size, power level settings, advanced features like pre-programmed options and auto-defrosting, and overall brand quality. Some other things to consider include whether you want a countertop model or one that mounts over your stovetop (or even in your cabinet), as well as whether you need a built-in option to match your kitchen design. And of course, always make sure that whatever microwave you choose is easy to use with simple controls and a clear display screen. This will help ensure safe and convenient meal preparation every time!

What are ENERGY STAR appliances?

ENERGY STAR appliances are those that have been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy as using less energy and saving money, based on their performance in independent testing. This certification means that these appliances can be used for a variety of different purposes including cooking, cleaning, cooling and more – all while helping to save you money with lower utility bills each month!

Do microwaves contribute to global warming?

Microwaves use very little electricity so they might not seem like they contribute much to global warming problems – but they do add up over time! When added together with other household appliances such as televisions, computers, lights and other electronics it can become a significant percentage of your energy usage. And in turn, this energy usage can lead to pollution and environmental effects that can contribute to global warming issues. So while microwaves themselves do not directly cause global warming, they are an important household appliance that should be used carefully and conservatively!

What types of food are best reheated in the microwave?

There are many different types of food that can be safely reheated or defrosted in the microwave, including fresh meats and poultry, cooked casseroles and frozen vegetables. However it’s important to make sure that all foods have been heated fully before eating them – even if you think they might still be cold after microwaving them for a certain amount of time. This will help prevent bacteria buildup and ensure safe meal preparation!

How much electricity does a microwave use on standby?

The amount of electricity that a microwave uses on standby will depend on the model and size, as well as the surrounding conditions. Typically, most microwaves use 1-2 watts in standby mode, though certain models might be slightly higher or lower depending on their construction. No matter what type of microwave you have it’s always a good idea to unplug it completely when not in use to help conserve energy and avoid any unnecessary power surges that could damage the appliance over time.

What are ENERGY STAR appliances?

ENERGY STAR is a certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, meant to recognize and reward appliances that are more efficient and save energy in your home over time. These appliances can be used for a variety of different purposes across the kitchen, including cooking, cleaning, cooling and more – all while helping to reduce your overall energy usage each month!

Conclusion

How many watts does a microwave use? This question is often asked, but the answer may not be as simple as you think. The wattage of a microwave can vary depending on the model and age of the unit. Older microwaves tend to use more power, while newer models are more energy-efficient. If you’re concerned about your electricity consumption, try choosing a lower-wattage setting on your microwave or investing in a new, energy-saving model.