Ever stare at a microwave oven and wonder what all those numbers mean? You see “700 Watts,” “900 Watts,” or even “1200 Watts,” and it feels like a secret code. It’s not just about how loud it is; these numbers actually tell you how powerful your microwave is and how well it will cook your food.
Choosing the right wattage can be tricky. Too low, and your popcorn might stay unpopped, or your leftovers might still be cold in the middle. Too high, and you might burn your food before it’s even cooked through. This can be frustrating when you just want a quick, tasty meal. Understanding microwave wattage helps you avoid these cooking mishaps and get the best results every time.
In this post, we’ll break down what microwave wattage really means. We’ll explain how different wattages affect cooking times and results. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out a microwave that perfectly fits your needs and your kitchen. Let’s dive in and decode the power of your microwave!
Our Top 5 Watts For Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Watts For Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS countertop microwave. This sleek, silver appliance boasts a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space and a large 12.4-inch turntable, perfect for fitting even larger dishes. Its smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food is always heated perfectly.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power. This means no more overcooked or undercooked meals!
- It offers 6 preset menu options for quick cooking of popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks.
- Defrosting is easy, whether you choose to defrost by weight or by time.
- The “One-Touch Start” feature lets you quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Function is a nice touch so you don’t have to listen to beeps.
- An ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might prefer a wider variety of options.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves, so be mindful of your circuit breaker.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen, offering advanced features for effortless cooking.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that brings smart cooking and convenience to your kitchen. Its sleek black design fits well on any counter. This microwave boasts 1000 watts of cooking power, making it efficient for heating and cooking a variety of foods. It also features a large 12.4-inch removable turntable, perfect for fitting larger dishes. The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your meals are just right.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor cooks food perfectly by automatically adjusting time and power.
- It offers 12 auto menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- You get 10 power levels for flexible cooking.
- Defrosting is easy by weight or time.
- The one-touch start feature quickly begins cooking for 1-6 minutes.
- The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer by holding the “8” button.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- It comes with a large 12.4-inch glass turntable.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions 12 auto menus, but the features list highlights 6 preset menus. This could be clearer.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than many microwaves and might be a consideration for some electrical setups.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart features and good cooking power for its size. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use countertop microwave.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven, a powerful and smart kitchen helper. This microwave boasts a sleek black stainless-steel finish that looks great in any kitchen. It’s designed for families, with a large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity that can fit a 13-inch pizza. The 1200-watt power cooks food quickly. Plus, it has smart features that make cooking easier.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor menus take the guesswork out of heating common foods like pizza and vegetables, giving you better textures.
- Its large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is perfect for family-sized meals, and the 13.6-inch turntable easily fits large dishes.
- The innovative Position Memory Turntable brings your food back to the starting spot, making it safer and simpler to remove.
- It offers many convenient features like auto defrost, fast cooking, a memory function, and a child safety lock.
- You can turn off the annoying buzzer sound by holding down the “8” button, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- The stylish black stainless-steel design adds a modern touch to your kitchen decor.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the keypad has a protective film for shipping, it’s important to remember to remove it before the first use.
This TOSHIBA microwave combines smart technology with user-friendly features and a stylish design. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen looking for performance and convenience.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a compact powerhouse designed for quick and easy meal prep. Its 700 watts of power, combined with 10 adjustable power levels, lets you go from melting butter to rapid cooking in no time. Six handy cooking presets, including popcorn and pizza, mean your favorite foods are just a touch away. Plus, smart features like Eco Mode and a Mute Button make it a user-friendly addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six popular presets make cooking a breeze. You can also simply press number keys for quick minute settings.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: 10 power levels give you control, from gentle melting to fast cooking.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: Easy to set time and power. The +30 seconds button adds extra time instantly.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program your favorite settings for one-touch cooking.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental openings. You can also lock the control panel.
- MUTE OPTION: Turn off beeps with the Audio Button to keep things quiet.
- MODERN DESIGN: Its sleek black finish and compact size fit well in any kitchen. Eco Mode saves energy and dims the display.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety. It comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or for heating very large dishes.
- While the presets are convenient, advanced users might desire more customizable preset options beyond the six offered.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking convenience and functionality in a small package. Its thoughtful features and user-friendly design make it a great value.
5. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a super handy appliance that makes cooking fast and simple. It’s got 1000 watts of power, which means it heats up food quickly. This microwave is just the right size for smaller kitchens or even an office. Plus, it has cool features like auto-cook settings and a defrost option.
What We Like:
- It’s really powerful with 1000 watts, so your food cooks fast.
- It has ten different power levels and multi-stage cooking for lots of control.
- Six one-touch buttons are great for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, making meal prep a breeze.
- The 1.1 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces but still cooks like a bigger microwave.
- The inside and outside are easy to clean, which is a big plus.
- A clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- The interior light lets you see your food while it’s cooking.
- A child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
- Quick start buttons for 1-6 minutes and an “Add 30 Seconds” button are super convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, some users might prefer an even larger capacity for family-sized meals.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and may require frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering power, convenience, and smart features. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use countertop microwave.
Choosing the Right Watts for Your Microwave
Microwaves are kitchen helpers. They warm up food fast. But not all microwaves are the same. The “watts” number is important. It tells you how powerful the microwave is. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a microwave, check these things:
Wattage
This is the most important feature. Wattage measures power. Higher watts mean faster cooking. Most microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts. A 1000-watt microwave cooks faster than a 700-watt one.
Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one or two people. Big ones can cook more food at once. Measure your counter space before you buy.
Preset Cooking Options
Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or reheating. These make cooking easier. They set the time and power for you.
Turntable
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves have one. Some have a larger turntable for bigger plates.
Child Lock
This feature keeps kids from turning on the microwave by accident. It adds safety.
Important Materials
Microwaves are made of different parts.
Outer Casing
The outside is usually made of metal. This is strong and lasts a long time. Some have plastic parts too.
Interior Coating
The inside has a coating. This coating should be easy to clean. Ceramic or enamel coatings are good choices. They resist scratches and stains.
Glass Door
The door has a glass window. You can see your food cook. The glass should be strong. It also helps keep the microwaves inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better or worse.
Build Quality
A well-built microwave lasts longer. Check if the door closes tightly. Listen for loud noises when it runs.
Ease of Cleaning
A microwave that is easy to wipe down is better. Non-stick interiors help a lot. Removable turntables are also easier to wash.
Even Cooking
The best microwaves cook food evenly. This means no cold spots. Higher wattage and good design help with this.
Noise Level
Some microwaves are very loud. A quieter one is more pleasant to use, especially in open-plan homes.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters.
Quick Meals
For busy people, a higher wattage microwave is best. It heats food very quickly. This saves time during lunch breaks or after work.
Small Kitchens
If you have limited space, a compact microwave is a good choice. It still offers enough power for most tasks.
Family Cooking
Larger families might need a microwave with a bigger capacity. This lets you heat up more food at once. Preset options can also help with cooking different types of meals.
Specific Needs
Some people only use the microwave to reheat leftovers. Others bake or cook full meals. Think about what you will do most often.
Microwave Watts: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how much power the microwave uses. More watts mean it cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: What is a good wattage for a microwave?
A: Most people are happy with a microwave between 900 and 1200 watts. This offers a good balance of speed and cooking ability.
Q: Do I need a high-wattage microwave if I only reheat food?
A: Not always. For simple reheating, a lower wattage (like 700-900 watts) can work fine. But higher wattage will still do it faster.
Q: Can a microwave with too many watts be bad?
A: Not really bad, but a very high-wattage microwave might cook some foods too quickly if you’re not careful. It’s about learning how to use it.
Q: How does wattage affect cooking time?
A: Higher wattage means less cooking time. A 1200-watt microwave will cook something faster than a 700-watt one.
Q: Is a 700-watt microwave good enough?
A: A 700-watt microwave is okay for basic tasks like reheating drinks or small snacks. It will take longer to cook larger portions.
Q: What’s the difference between 1000 watts and 1100 watts?
A: The difference is small but noticeable. An 1100-watt microwave will cook about 10% faster than a 1000-watt one.
Q: Should I choose a microwave based on its size or wattage?
A: Both are important. Think about how much space you have and how you will use it. Then pick the wattage that fits your cooking needs.
Q: Do fancy features matter more than wattage?
A: Wattage is usually the most important factor for cooking performance. Fancy features add convenience, but they don’t change how fast your food cooks.
Q: Where can I find the wattage of a microwave?
A: The wattage is usually listed on the product’s box, in the manual, or on the manufacturer’s website. It’s often on a sticker on the back of the microwave too.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!