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Step 1
Understand each microwave is different. More powerful microwave ovens will take a few minutes shorter to cook things than less powerful microwaves. Even two microwaves of the exact same make will have different cook times depending on how old they are, how they have been used and other minor differences.
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Step 2
In general, a single baked potato should be baked about 4-7 minutes (depending on the power of the microwave). This is assuming the potato is whole and medium sized and that you have punched holes in the potato with a fork or knife so the potato does not explode.
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Step 3
If the potatoes are small or pealed and cut into cubes, then it will need to cook for less time.
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Step 4
If you cut deep groves into a raw potato before baking it in the microwave, it will also take less time to cook. For example, make vertical line down the center of the potato and horizontal lines going across all the way down. This method will allow the heat to penetrate better through the potato so it will cook faster.
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Step 5
If you are baking more than one potato at a time, then do not assume you should double the amount of time the potatoes need to be microwaved for. For example, to microwave two potatoes, it only takes about 1 1/2 the time it takes to microwave a single potato if both potatoes are separated and not touching. If you are microwaving many potatoes together, you should move them around a few times in the middle so that the potatoes get done evenly and the areas that are touching do not take extra long to cook.
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Step 6
After the potato(es) are finished microwaving, let them sit in the microwave a few more minutes. Leaving them to sit will complete the baking process.
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Step 7
Since there is no easy answer as to how long to microwave baked potatoes, the best way to determine if you have microwaved a baked potato for long enough is to put a knife through the middle and feel if it goes through smoothly. You can also try sticking a fork through the center and do the same thing. Also, try touching the potato from all sides. If there are areas which do not feel soft to touch, the potato needs to be microwaved for longer.
