What microwave wattage do you need?

A microwave oven can streamline dinnertime so you can spend more time enjoying your meals, rather than making them. Understanding microwave wattage is an important factor when choosing a microwave to fit your family’s needs. You can use this microwave wattage guide to learn about what microwave wattage is and how the right wattage can help you create delicious and healthy meals in a short amount of time.

How many watts does a microwave use?

In general, the wattage of a microwave can vary in range from 600 watts to 1,700 watts and above. Different wattages come with different cooking power levels and settings. The watts of a microwave can depend on the type of microwave and model. Learn more about how to use a microwave.

Does microwave wattage matter?

Microwave wattage matters because it shows your cooking power. A higher wattage offers more versatility in the recipes you can prepare, and your meals can cook quicker. For larger families or if you frequently entertain, you may want to consider a higher wattage to defrost, cook and reheat sizeable dishes.

Standard microwave wattages

Modern microwaves have evolved to handle just about anything with features like convection cooking, steaming, broiling, grilling and frying. However, your microwave’s functions and capabilities can depend on the wattage. Read on to learn more about the general ranges of microwave wattages. 

Learn more about the history of the microwave.

1,000–1,700+ watts

If you have a larger family size or you enjoy entertaining, you may want to consider a higher wattage. A microwave with 1,000 watts or higher is designed to cook more complex recipes and bigger meals. Select models with a higher wattage, such as Whirlpool^® convection microwaves have functions to steam, crisp, grill, bake, broil and roast. 

What is the difference between a 1,000 and 1,100-watt microwave?

With a 1,100-watt microwave being slightly more powerful than 1,000 watts, you may find that it cooks your meal quicker.

Shop Whirlpool^® 1000–1,700 watt microwaves

800–1,000 watts

The ideal wattage for most microwave recipes is 1,000 watts for versatility in defrosting, reheating and cooking. Select models such as the 1,000-watt Whirlpool^® over-the-range microwave have a Steam Cooking feature that’s convenient for when you want to get tasty, tender veggies on the table in minutes.

Is a 900-watt microwave powerful enough?

A microwave with 900 watts typically can be powerful enough depending on how you use your microwave for the meals you prepare and the size of your family. 

Shop Whirlpool^® 800–1,000 watt microwaves

600–800 watts

A microwave with 600 to 800 watts may require additional cooking time as it has less cooking power than those in the higher ranges. If you generally use your microwave for smaller tasks such as reheating leftovers, warming drinks and cooking frozen meals, this microwave wattage may work well for your cooking habits.

Will a 700-watt microwave pop popcorn?

A 700-watt microwave should be powerful enough to pop popcorn. You can usually find a Popcorn setting on a microwave with this wattage. Simply follow the instructions on your bag of popcorn, place the popcorn bag in the microwave and press the Popcorn button on your appliance.

Shop Whirlpool^® 600–800 watt microwaves

How to find the wattage of a microwave

You’ll want to check your microwave user’s manual to find the wattage of your microwave. The wattage may also be found on a serial number plate on the door inside your microwave oven.

To find out more about your Whirlpool^® microwave or get support, head over to the Owner’s Center and enter your model number.

What wattage is best for a microwave?

The best microwave wattage can depend on how you and your family prepare meals in a microwave. For larger families or if you entertain frequently, you can benefit from a microwave with a higher wattage for more cooking power. Keep in mind that many microwave recipes usually require 1,000 watts.

You can use this microwave buying guide to help you choose the right microwave oven, or explore the Whirlpool^® Appliance Finder to help narrow down your options.

Shop Whirlpool^® microwaves

You can find the right Whirlpool^® microwave with the right wattage to fit your family's needs with over-the-range, countertop, low profile and built-in models to choose from. With features like variable cooking power, convection options and food-specific cooking settings on select Whirlpool brand microwaves, you can easily create delicious meals that the entire family will enjoy.