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What Microwave Power Rating Do I Need?

Choosing the right microwave power rating can make all the difference in your kitchen. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking a full meal, the wattage of your microwave affects speed, efficiency and energy use. But how much power do you really need?

In this guide, we’ll explain microwave watts, compare power levels, and help you choose the ideal model for your cooking habits and household size.

What Is Microwave Power Rating?

The microwave power rating refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in watts) the appliance uses to heat and cook food. In simple terms, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your microwave will cook.

Most household microwaves range from 600 watts to 1200 watts, but what’s best for you depends on your usage. While a 1200W model can cook a ready meal in minutes, a 700W model may take longer but use less energy.

Microwave Wattage Comparison Table

Wattage	Cooking Speed	Best For	Downsides
600–700W	Slow	Reheating, small meals, travel	Longer cooking times
800–900W	Moderate	General household use	May take longer for large meals
1000–1100W	Fast	Families, bulk cooking, frozen meals	Uses more energy
1200W+	Very Fast	Frequent heavy use, large households	Can overcook smaller meals

Compare microwave wattage to find the right balance of power, speed, and energy use.

How to Choose the Right Microwave Power Rating

Here are key factors to help you decide:

Type of cooking: Do you just reheat leftovers, or cook full meals?
Household size: More people usually means more power needed.
Microwave size & budget: Compact models often have lower wattage.
Energy efficiency: Lower wattage uses less energy but may take longer.

700W vs 1000W Microwave – Which Should You Choose?

Feature	700W Microwave	1000W Microwave
Cooking Speed	Slower	Faster
Best For	Light use, reheating, student kitchens	Family meals, frozen dinners, regular cooking
Energy Use	Lower	Higher per minute, but faster
Cost	Cheaper models	More premium options
Cooking Results	May cook unevenly	More even heating

Does Higher Wattage Mean Higher Running Costs?

Not necessarily. Although higher-wattage microwaves consume more power per minute, they cook food faster — which can make them more efficient overall. For example, a meal that takes 10 minutes in a 700W model might take just 6 minutes in a 1000W model, using similar total energy.