How to Find a Microwave Oven's Wattage

A microwave's wattage may be printed on the door label.

Knowing the wattage of your microwave oven may give you more success when following microwave recipes. Lower-wattage microwaves take more time to cook, while those with more power require less cooking time. There are a few simple ways you can figure out the wattage of your appliance.

Things You'll Need

• Use and care manual
• 2-cup measure

Instructions

1. Look for the wattage listed in the microwave's use and care manual. If you don't have the manual, continue to Step 2.

2. Check the inside edge of the microwave's door for a label that specifies the wattage. If it's not on the label, look on the back of the oven for a serial-number plate that may show the wattage.

3. Search the manufacturer's website, using the model and serial number from the plate on the back of the oven to find the microwave's wattage. Some manufacturers have downloadable manuals for late-model appliances on their sites.

4. Conduct what the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service calls a "Time-to-Boil" test, which will help you estimate your microwave's wattage. Add 1 cup of water to a microwave-safe 2-cup measure. Add ice cubes and stir until the water is icy cold. Pour out the excess water, leaving just 1 cup. Place the measuring cup inside the microwave. Set the oven for four minutes on high. Watch through the glass to see when the water boils. If it takes less than two minutes, the microwave is 1,000 watts or more; if it takes 2.5 minutes, the oven has a rating of 800 watts or more; if it boils in 3 minutes, the estimated wattage is 650 to 700.

References

• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Microwave Ovens and Food Safety