Is a 700-Watt Microwave Enough?| Microwave Power Explained

Is a 700-Watt Microwave Enough

A 700-watt microwave is sufficient for basic heating and cooking tasks, but it may take longer to cook certain foods compared to higher-wattage models. When shopping for a new microwave, one of the key specifications to consider is the wattage or the microwave’s power rating.

With most models ranging from 500 watts to over 1000 watts, 700 watts sits right in the middle. But is a 700-watt microwave enough for most kitchen needs? Let’s take a closer look at what wattage means and how a 700-watt microwave typically performs.

What Does Wattage Mean for Microwaves?

A microwave’s wattage refers to its power output and essentially how much microwave energy it can produce. The higher the stated wattage, the more powerful the microwave. More watts means the microwave can heat food faster and more efficiently.

Here’s an overview of common microwave wattages:

• 500-700 watts – Considered low to medium power
• 750-900 watts – Medium power
• 1000-1200 watts – High power

Is a 700 Watt Microwave Enough?

For most households, a 700-watt microwave provides sufficient power for everyday cooking and reheating needs. Here are some benefits of a 700-watt microwave:

Good for Most Foods

A 700-watt microwave can easily handle reheating leftovers, defrosting foods, melting butter, warming beverages, and cooking oatmeal or frozen dinners. It provides enough heat to cook and warm a decent amount of food at one time.

Multiple Power Settings

While the maximum power is 700 watts, most microwaves also offer lower power levels, like 50% or 30% power. This allows you to adjust the cooking time and power level for foods that need gentler heating.

Suitable for Most Spaces

700-watt microwaves are designed for countertop use. They take up minimal space with internal capacities ranging from 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet. The compact size is suitable for apartments, dorms, offices, or anywhere with limited space.

Affordable Price Point

Microwaves with 700 watts tend to cost less than higher-wattage models. You can find basic 700-watt microwaves for around $70-$120, making them budget-friendly.

When to Consider a Higher Wattage

While 700 watts is sufficient for many, there are some instances when a more powerful microwave is beneficial:

Households that frequently cook large batches of food or use the microwave heavily may prefer 900-1000+ watts for faster heating times.

Microwaves with 1100+ watts are ideal for quickly cooking frozen foods, making popcorn, reheating beverages, and other tasks requiring intense heat.

Larger families may want higher wattage to accommodate more substantial portions.

People who regularly heat up cold items from the fridge benefit from higher wattages to restore foods to piping-hot temperatures.

Key Features to Look for in a 700-Watt Microwave

When selecting a 700-watt microwave, keep an eye out for these convenient features:

• 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet capacity – Gives you the flexibility to heat single servings or larger dishes.
• Turntable – Rotates food for even heating throughout.
• 10 power levels – Allows adjusting the intensity of microwave energy.
• Express cooking controls – Quick buttons for adding 30 seconds or starting 1-6 minutes of cooking.
• Auto-cook menus – One-touch settings for popcorn, baked potatoes, frozen vegetables, and more.
• Multi-stage cooking – Programs different cooking modes and times in sequence.
• Sensor cooking – Automatically adjusts time and power based on the amount of steam produced.
• Removable glass turntable – Makes cleaning the inside simple.

Microwave Wattage Recommendations by Food

To give you an idea of appropriate wattages for various microwave cooking tasks, here are some general guidelines:

• 700 watts – Reheating leftovers, baked potatoes, frozen meals, melting butter, warming milk.
• 900 watts – Cooking vegetables from fresh, making popcorn, heating beverages.
• 1000+ watts – Quickly reheating cold items, defrosting meat and poultry, boiling water.

Of course, wattage needs can vary based on portion sizes, specific foods, and your personal preferences. But a 700-watt microwave can certainly handle most day-to-day cooking and reheating jobs for the average home.

FAQ 

Is a 700-watt microwave enough?

It depends on your needs and preferences. A 700-watt microwave is considered to be on the lower end of the wattage scale for microwaves. While it may be sufficient for basic heating and reheating tasks, it may take longer to cook certain foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves. If you frequently cook or want faster cooking times, you may want to consider a microwave with higher wattage.

Is a 700-watt microwave good enough to pop popcorn?

Yes, a 700-watt microwave should be able to pop popcorn. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time compared to a higher-wattage microwave. It is also important to follow the instructions on the popcorn packaging for the best results.

What is the power rating of a 700-watt microwave?

The power rating of a 700-watt microwave is 700 watts. This rating indicates the amount of electrical power the microwave consumes and determines its cooking strength.

What is the difference between a 700-watt microwave and a 1200-watt microwave?

The main difference between a 700-watt microwave and a 1200-watt microwave is the power rating. A 1200-watt microwave has a higher power rating, which means it can cook food faster and more efficiently compared to a 700-watt microwave. However, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting a microwave.

Is a 700-watt microwave good for cooking frozen food?

Yes, a 700-watt microwave can be used to cook frozen food. However, it may take longer compared to higher-wattage microwaves. Follow the instructions on the food packaging and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What type of microwave should I buy?

The type of microwave you should buy depends on your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as size, features, wattage, budget, and brand reputation when making your decision. It is also helpful to read customer reviews and compare different models before making your purchase.

Is a 900-watt microwave better than a 700-watt microwave?

Generally, a 900-watt microwave is considered to be better than a 700-watt microwave in terms of cooking speed and efficiency. However, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Can a 700-watt microwave pop popcorn?

Yes, a 700-watt microwave can be used to pop popcorn. However, it may take longer compared to higher-wattage microwaves. You may need to adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired popcorn consistency.

What is the right wattage for a microwave?

The right wattage for a microwave depends on your needs and preferences. Higher-wattage microwaves generally offer faster cooking times and more powerful heating capabilities. However, they may also be more expensive. Consider the types of food you typically cook in the microwave and how often you use it when determining the right wattage for your needs.

What is a low-wattage microwave?

A low-wattage microwave refers to microwaves with a lower power rating, typically below 900 watts. These microwaves may take longer to cook food compared to higher-wattage models. However, they can still be effective for basic heating and reheating tasks.

Conclusion

When searching for a user-friendly, budget-friendly countertop microwave for your home, a 700-watt model offers a nice balance of power and affordability. With the flexibility of multiple power levels and capacities ranging from 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet, a microwave with 700 watts can accommodate most reheating, cooking, and defrosting needs for individuals or smaller families.

 Just be prepared to allow a few extra minutes of heating time compared to 1100+ watt models. Focus on finding a reliable 700-watt microwave with user-friendly preset programs and features like sensor cooking within your budget.