What is the Average Microwave Wattage? [Answered]

The average microwave wattage ranges from 800 to 1,200 watts. Lower-power models start at 600 watts, while high-end and commercial microwaves can reach up to 2,000 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster and more evenly; lower wattage takes longer but uses less energy.

A 1,000-watt microwave is the ideal balance of speed and efficiency for home kitchens. Commercial microwaves can reach 1,500 watts or more. They are commonly used in restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains. Industrial microwaves can exceed 2,000 watts and provide faster cooking for large-scale food preparation.

In this post, you will learn how wattage affects cooking performance and energy efficiency. You’ll also be able to choose the right microwave according to your needs.

Common Microwave Wattage Ranges

Microwave wattage affects cooking speed, energy use, and efficiency. Choosing the right microwave wattage will help you reheat leftovers, cook family meals, or run a restaurant efficiently.

Low-Wattage Microwaves

A low-wattage microwave ranges from 600 to 800 watts. These microwaves are commonly found in tiny homes or dorm rooms. They are great for heating small portions, warming beverages, or reheating leftovers. However, these microwaves take longer to cook or reheat food, so you may need to add an extra 1 or 2 minutes.

The benefit of this model is that it uses less electricity compared to bigger models. You can use it for warming beverages, defrosting small amounts of food, or reheating small plates of leftovers.

Standard Microwaves

Mid-range microwaves range from 900 to 1,200 watts. These microwaves are the most popular for everyday use in many households. They work well for heating frozen meals, cooking popcorn, and warming dinner plates.

The mid-range microwaves are perfect for families with regular cooking uses. These microwaves cook faster than low-wattage variants. These microwaves can also be used to prepare simple meals or steam vegetables without long cooking waiting periods.

High-Wattage Microwaves

High-wattage microwaves start around 1,500 watts and can go beyond 2,000 watts. These models are the most commonly used in restaurants or cafeterias but can also be found in some homes.

A high-wattage microwave is an excellent choice to cook large meals quickly. It can handle big dishes like roasts and casseroles easily. These devices save time but use more electricity, which can increase your energy bill if used frequently.

How Many Watts Does a Microwave Use?

Microwave wattage shows how much power a microwave uses to heat food. Higher wattage means faster and evener cooking. Most home microwaves have a wattage between 800 and 1,200 watts, but the wattage varies by type.

Standard Wattage for Home Use

Most homes use microwaves that are between 800 and 1,000 watts. This type of microwave is strong enough to heat food quickly without using too much electricity.

An 800-watt microwave is best for simple tasks like warming drinks or heating small portions. A microwave between 900 and 1,000 watts is more efficient and cooks meals evenly in less time.

Wattage Differences Based on Microwave Type

Microwave wattage also depends on the type of microwave. The most common microwave types are:

Countertop Microwaves

These microwaves are the most commonly used in homes. They can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. The power they use can range from 700 to 1,100 watts. Smaller models have less power, and larger models can cook faster.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

These microwaves are installed above the stove. They are stronger than countertop models and usually range from 900 to 1,200 watts. Some over-the-range microwaves have built-in ventilation. It makes them useful for saving space.

Microwave Drawers

Microwave drawers are built into cabinets, which gives your kitchen a modern and stylish look. Most of these microwaves run at 1,000 watts and provide enough power for daily cooking and reheating.

Built-In Microwaves

Built-in microwaves are installed into walls or cabinets. They are one of the most powerful microwave models, usually starting at 1,200 watts or more. People who cook often prefer these microwaves for their speed and even heating.

Energy Usage Breakdown by Time

The amount of energy a microwave uses depends on daily cooking time. Here’s an estimate of how much electricity different usage times consume:

Microwave Wattage	Hours Per Year Run	Yearly kWh of Electricity
600 W	91.3	54.8 kWh
650 W	91.3	59.3 kWh
700 W	91.3	63.9 kWh
750 W	91.3	68.5 kWh
800 W	91.3	73.0 kWh
850 W	91.3	77.6 kWh
900 W	91.3	82.2 kWh
950 W	91.3	86.9 kWh
1,000 W	91.3	91.3 kWh

 

A higher-wattage microwave will consume more electricity per minute but may cook food faster and reduce overall usage time.

Factors That Affect Energy Consumption

Microwave Wattage

Higher-wattage microwaves use more electricity because they produce more heat. But they also cook food faster in a short period of time. A 600-watt microwave will take longer to heat food compared to a 1,200-watt microwave. The actual energy use depends on how long you keep it running.

Cooking Time and Frequency

Using your microwave more often means using more electricity. Reheating food once or twice a day uses less energy than cooking multiple meals. An energy-efficient model can help save money if you use it a lot.

Standby Power Mode

Some microwaves use electricity even when they are off. Features like clocks and lights still use power. It may not seem like much, but it adds up over time. You can unplug the microwave when not in use to save energy or choose a device that uses less standby power.

How to Find Your Microwave Wattage?

Knowing your microwave’s wattage helps you understand its cooking power and use. There are a few simple ways you can see how much wattage your microwave uses:

Checking the Manufacturer’s Label

The easiest way to find the wattage is by looking at the manufacturer’s label. This label is usually inside the microwave door or the back panel. It will list important details about your microwave, including the wattage, model number, and voltage. If you can’t find the label, check the user manual or look up your microwave model online.

Using a Power Meter

A plug-in watt meter can measure the actual energy your microwave uses. To check wattage with this method:

• Plug the watt meter into an electrical outlet.
• Plug your microwave into the watt meter.
• Turn on the microwave at full power and check the wattage reading.

This method is useful because some microwaves may use slightly more or less power than what’s stated on the label.

Wattage vs. Cooking Time Test

If you can’t find the wattage label and don’t have a power meter, you can estimate it with a simple boiling water test.

1. Fill a microwave-safe cup with 1 cup (about 240 ml) of water.
2. Place it in the microwave and heat it on full power.
3. Time how long it takes for the water to boil.
   

Less than 2 minutes: Your microwave is 1,000 watts or higher.
About 2.5 minutes: Your microwave is around 800 watts.
More than 3 minutes: Your microwave is 700 watts or lower.

This test isn’t exact, but it gives a good idea of your microwave’s power.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Microwave?

How much it costs to run a microwave depends on its wattage, how long you use it, and electricity prices in your area. Higher-wattage microwaves use more power, and the cost per kWh depends on where you live.

Microwave Cost Calculation Formula

To estimate how much it costs to run a microwave, use this simple formula:

Microwave Energy Use (kWh) = Watts Used × Hours Used

For example, let’s calculate the energy cost for a 900-watt microwave:

1. If used for 1 hour, it consumes 0.9 kWh (900W × 1h = 0.9 kWh).
2. If used for 10 minutes per day, divide by 6 (since 10 minutes is 1/6 of an hour). 0.9 kWh ÷ 6 = 0.15 kWh per day
3. Multiply this by 30 days to get monthly usage: 0.15 kWh × 30 = 4.5 kWh per month
4. Multiply by the electricity rate in your state to find the cost.

Here’s a table showing how much it costs per month and year to run a microwave based on average state electricity rates.

State	Average Electricity Rate	Cost Per Month	Cost Per Year
California	22.00 ¢ / kWh	$1.34	$16.06
New York	20.59 ¢ / kWh	$1.25	$15.03
Texas	12.56 ¢ / kWh	$0.76	$9.17
Massachusetts	22.59 ¢ / kWh	$1.37	$16.49
Florida	12.21 ¢ / kWh	$0.74	$8.91
Virginia	12.58 ¢ / kWh	$0.77	$9.18
New Jersey	16.20 ¢ / kWh	$0.99	$11.83
Maryland	14.48 ¢ / kWh	$0.88	$10.57
Washington	10.38 ¢ / kWh	$0.63	$7.58
US Average	14.19 ¢ / kWh	$0.86	$10.36

Running a microwave can be expensive in states like California or Massachusetts, where it can cost around $16 per year. It’s much lower in states like Texas or Florida when it can cost about $9 per year.

Impact of Wattage on Cooking

Microwave wattage affects how fast and evenly food cooks. High-wattage microwaves heat food quickly and evenly. Low-wattage microwaves take longer and may need extra cooking time.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Microwaves with lower wattage need more time to cook food properly. If you switch from a high-wattage microwave to a lower one, you may notice that meals take longer to heat.

For example, A 1,200-watt microwave can heat food in 2 minutes, but a 700-watt microwave might take 3 to 4 minutes for the same food. If your microwave has lower wattage, cook food a little longer and check if it's hot enough before eating.

Food Texture & Even Heating

Higher-wattage microwaves heat food more evenly. They produce more substantial microwave energy that helps food cook without cold spots.

Food may heat unevenly in lower-wattage microwaves. It leads to cold spots in the middle and overcooked edges. Stirring or letting food sit for a few seconds after heating can help even the temperature.

Safe Reheating Practices

High-wattage microwaves can overheat food and cause burns or uneven heating. Low-wattage microwaves can leave cold spots and make some foods unsafe to eat.

To reheat food safely:

1. Stir halfway through the heating to distribute heat evenly.
2. Use a microwave-safe cover to prevent splattering and retain moisture.
3. Check the internal temperature; food should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe.

You can arrange food in a ring shape on the plate and leave the center empty. It distributes the heat better and avoids cold spots.

Choosing the Right Wattage Microwave

Picking the correct microwave wattage depends on how often you use it and what you cook. A lower-wattage microwave works well for simple tasks, and a higher-wattage model is better for frequent cooking.

For Small Households & Dorms

600-800W model is good if you use the microwave for light reheating. These microwaves are small, affordable, and work well for heating leftovers, making popcorn, and warming drinks. They take longer to cook food than other microwaves.

Best for: College dorms, studio apartments, or people rarely use a microwave for cooking.

For Families

A microwave in the 800-1,000W range is ideal for families and regular meal prep. It heats food quickly, cooks frozen meals evenly, and balances speed and efficiency. Most home microwaves are in this range because they are strong enough for daily use but don’t use too much electricity.

Best for: Families, home cooks, and people who use a microwave for more than reheating.

For Commercial Use

Restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses need microwaves that can handle large portions and heavy use. A microwave with 1,000 watts or more ensures fast cooking times and even heating for big meals. These microwaves are standard in commercial kitchens.

Best for: Offices, restaurants, or anyone cooking large amounts of food regularly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microwave wattage comes down to how you use it. If you only need to warm up leftovers or heat a cup of coffee, a 600W-800W microwave will do the job.

An 800W-1,000W microwave is the best choice for everyday cooking and reheating. It’s fast, reliable, and great for most households.

You can go for 1,000W or more if you need a powerful and fast-heating microwave. These microwaves handle large meals and cook food quickly. The best microwave is the one that fits your needs.