Advertisement
100% x 90

Microwave Wattage Converter

Convert cooking times between different microwave wattages and power levels

Microwave Time Converter

Food Label Information

Wattage specified on food packaging

Total time: 5 minutes at 1000W

Your Microwave

Check your microwave's label or manual

Effective power: 800W

Results

Adjusted Cooking Time

6:15
For your 800W microwave (800W at 100% power)

Similar Power Range

Your microwave wattage is close to the recipe recommendation.

5 minutes
Original Time
1000W
6:15
Your Time
800W

Time Conversion Chart

Quick reference for converting from 1000W to 800W:

30 seconds38 seconds
1 minute1:15
1:301:53
2 minutes2:30
3 minutes3:45
4 minutes5 minutes
5 minutes6:15
7 minutes8:45
10 minutes12:30

How It Works

Time Conversion Formula

New Time = (Original Time × Original Wattage) ÷ New Wattage
This ensures the same amount of energy is delivered to the food
Example: 5 minutes × 1000W ÷ 800W = 6:15

Energy Conservation

Energy (Wh) = Power (W) × Time (h)
Both microwaves deliver the same total energy to cook the food properly

Power Level Adjustment

Effective Wattage = Rated Wattage × (Power Level ÷ 100)
Lower power levels extend cooking time but provide more even heating
Advertisement
100% x 250

Common Microwave Wattages

Compact
600W
600W
Small
700W
700W
Medium
800W
800W
Medium
900W
900W
Standard
1000W
1000W
Large
1100W
1100W
High Power
1200W
1200W
Commercial
1300W
1300W
Commercial
1400W
1400W
Industrial
1500W
1500W

Microwave Cooking Tips

🔥

Power Level

Use 70-80% power for even heating of dense foods

🔄

Stirring

Stir or rearrange food halfway through cooking

Standing Time

Let food stand 1-2 minutes after cooking

🌡️

Temperature Check

Use food thermometer for thick foods

💧

Moisture

Cover foods to retain moisture

Find Your Microwave Wattage

📋

Check the label inside the door or on the back

📖

Look in the user manual or documentation

🔍

Search the model number online

🧪

Use our "Find Wattage" calculator mode

Understanding Microwave Wattage

How Microwaves Work

  • Electromagnetic Waves: Microwaves emit EM waves at ~2.45 GHz frequency
  • Dipolar Polarization: Water molecules rotate and create friction heat
  • Power Rating: Higher wattage = more energy transmitted per second
  • Hot/Cold Spots: EM wave interference creates uneven heating

Why Wattage Matters

  • Cooking Speed: Higher wattage cooks food faster
  • Energy Delivery: More watts = more energy per second
  • Recipe Accuracy: Following package instructions requires wattage matching
  • Food Safety: Proper cooking time ensures safe internal temperatures

Microwave Categories

Compact

600-700W

Small countertop units

Standard

800-1000W

Most common household size

Large

1100-1200W

Family-size units

Commercial

1300W+

Restaurant/industrial

Advertisement
100% x 250