A higher-wattage microwave uses more electricity per minute, but it does not necessarily consume more total energy for a given task. Because they cook food faster, a 1200W unit may consume similar or less energy than a 700W unit to heat the same item, as it runs for a shorter duration.
In general, the higher the wattage, the more cooking power you get for faster cooking, more powerful heating and often a wider range of settings and features to work with.
Key points: Definition: Microwave wattage measures cooking power. 900 W is a mid-to-high power level for consumer countertop microwaves (commonly 700--1200 W). Cooking speed and time: 900 W cooks faster than 700--800 W and slower than 1000--1200 W. Expect roughly 10--20% longer cook times than a 1000 W oven.
A higher wattage indicates the light source uses more electricity, and vice versa. Traditionally, a higher wattage also meant a brighter bulb, but modern lighting technology has changed this assumption. Especially with LEDs, you can have low wattage (low energy consumption) but high brightness.
Pay attention to wattage when buying a new microwave.
Lower-wattage microwaves are sufficient for most cooking tasks, but they may require additional cooking time, which can cut into their energy efficiency advantage.
Heating and cooling (HVAC) typically runs up an electric bill the most, often accounting for around 40% of energy usage, followed by water heating, large appliances like refrigerators and clothes dryers, and lighting. The biggest energy drains are systems that change air temperature (furnaces, air conditioners) and appliances that heat water (showers, dishwashers) or run for extended periods (dryers, fridges).
Age and Efficiency
Older microwaves (10+ years) typically consume 15-25% more electricity than newer models due to: Magnetron degradation reducing efficiency. Worn door seals allowing energy loss.
Heating and cooling (HVAC) typically runs up an electric bill the most, often accounting for around 40% of energy usage, followed by water heating, large appliances like refrigerators and clothes dryers, and lighting. The biggest energy drains are systems that change air temperature (furnaces, air conditioners) and appliances that heat water (showers, dishwashers) or run for extended periods (dryers, fridges).
High wattage means that an appliance uses more electricity than one that is rated at lower wattages. For example, a 100-watt light bulb is brighter and provides more illumination than a 20-watt bulb. More power is consumed when the wattage on appliances is higher.
Basic terms of how to choose the right power supply. Running for sustained periods at full capacity also creates stress to the electronic components, increasing the potential for failure. Therefore, it is better to run a higher wattage unit at half capacity than a lower wattage unit at full capacity.
The wattage of a microwave is the primary factor influencing its power usage. Compact models, popular in smaller kitchens, typically range from 500 to 800 watts, while medium to large models use 800 to 1800 watts.
Microwaves generally last 7 to 10 years, but this varies greatly with usage; heavy use by large families might see them last only 4-5 years, while light use with good maintenance (keeping vents clear, cleaning spills) can push them to 10 years or more, with some high-end models lasting 15+ years. Factors like brand quality and repairability also play a big role in longevity.
Selection tip: Wattage is another important factor when choosing a microwave to fit your family's needs. Wattage indicates cooking power, with most models ranging from 500-1200 watts. The higher the wattage, the more quickly the microwave generally cooks food.
The "best" microwave depends on your needs, but top types include Convection Microwaves for baking/browning versatility (acting as a second oven) and Inverter Microwaves for more even cooking/defrosting at lower power levels, notes this review from CHOICE and this guide from Appliances Online. For basic tasks, a standard Freestanding model is simple, while Built-in offers a sleek, integrated look, and Flatbed models provide more usable space than turntables, says CHOICE and this guide from The Good Guys.
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.
A white or cream microwave may be the best option if you want to give your kitchen a brighter feel, but a stainless steel or black microwave can also provide a polished and modern look to your kitchen.
Heating and cooling (HVAC) typically runs up an electric bill the most, often accounting for around 40% of energy usage, followed by water heating, large appliances like refrigerators and clothes dryers, and lighting. The biggest energy drains are systems that change air temperature (furnaces, air conditioners) and appliances that heat water (showers, dishwashers) or run for extended periods (dryers, fridges).
Higher wattage means high energy consumption and lower wattage means low energy consumption for a given amount of time.
On average, a U.S. household consumes about 877 kWh per month—or roughly 10,500 kWh per year. Which means, running a 1,000-watt appliance for an hour uses 1 kWh of electricity.
Incandescent lights should be turned off whenever they are not needed, because they are the least efficient type of lighting. 90% of the energy they use is given off as heat, and only about 10% results in light. Turning lights off will also keep a room cooler, an extra benefit in the summer.
Plug-In Watt Meter
By measuring the watts of electrical devices, a watt meter helps you find your home's energy hogs and their costs. These inexpensive, easy-to-use meters can be found online or in hardware stores, and come as handheld devices or in the form of power strips.
The primary reason why ceiling fans save energy is simple: By moving air, ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect in which the air feels cooler to the skin than the actual temperature. This means thermostats can be turned up to a warmer setting and the air in the room will still feel as if it were being cooled.
In short, yes, unplugging your microwave can help you save electricity and money on your energy bills. However, the actual savings may be minimal depending on how often you use your microwave. There is a lot of information on unplugging your microwave to save energy that you should know about.
Pick your microwave power
The higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. If you're looking for a standard microwave to reheat food, you'll probably only need from 800W to 900W. For combination microwaves, or ones with the added benefit of a grill, you should be looking for 900W+.