What Wattage to Look for in a Microwave: A Simple Buying Guide

When shopping for a microwave, wattage is one of the most important specs to understand. It directly affects how quickly and evenly your food heats. Here's what you need to know.

What Does Wattage Mean in a Microwave?

Wattage measures the power output of the microwave. Higher wattage means faster, more powerful cooking. Lower wattage means slower heating. It's similar to horsepower in a car — more power generally means better performance.

Microwave Wattage Ranges

600–700W (Low Power)

Budget microwaves and very compact models typically sit in this range. They're fine for warming leftovers or defrosting, but they cook slowly and can heat unevenly. Generally not recommended for regular cooking.

800–900W (Mid Range)

This is the most common wattage range for home microwaves. An 800W or 900W microwave handles all typical tasks — reheating, defrosting, cooking vegetables and simple meals — at a reasonable speed. Good for most households.

1000–1100W (High Power)

Microwaves in this range heat quickly and evenly. They're ideal for households that use the microwave frequently for cooking rather than just reheating. Many combination microwave-ovens and convection models sit in this range.

1200W+ (Commercial Grade)

These are typically commercial or semi-commercial models. They heat very quickly but are overkill for home use and usually much more expensive.

What Wattage Should You Buy?

• Basic reheating only (1–2 people): 800W is sufficient
• Regular home cooking (family): 900–1000W is ideal
• Frequent cooking + speed matters: 1000–1100W is the sweet spot

Other Features to Consider

Turntable

Most microwaves have a rotating glass turntable that helps heat food evenly. This is important for consistent results.

Sensor Cooking

Some mid-to-high-end models have moisture sensors that automatically adjust cooking time and power. These produce better results with less guesswork.

Combination Microwave (Microwave + Convection Oven)

Combination models let you microwave and use convection heat simultaneously or separately. They're great for small kitchens where you need a second oven function without the full appliance.

Inverter Technology

Some premium microwaves use inverter technology to deliver consistent power (rather than cycling on/off). This results in more evenly cooked food, particularly for defrosting.

Find Your Microwave at Oceania Appliances

We carry a range of microwaves from Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Westinghouse and more. All with free delivery across Sydney and a minimum 3-month warranty.

Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park — open 7 days, 10am to 8pm
Phone: 0493 142 999