Microwaves are a key appliance in most kitchens. They offer a quick and efficient way to cook and reheat food. But have you ever stopped to wonder; how many watts does a microwave use? Have you considered what your microwave’s wattage means for your overall energy consumption? When you break down your microwave wattage and how many amps a microwave uses, you can optimize your appliance usage to help reduce your electricity costs. Curious to learn more about microwave wattage? Keep reading!

Understanding microwave wattage

Microwave wattage refers to how much power a microwave uses when it’s on. Microwave wattage can impact the cooking speed of your device, as well as its energy efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of typical microwave power levels:

Types of microwaves and their wattage

  • Compact Microwaves (600–800 Watts)
    These smaller units are perfect for basic tasks like reheating coffee or small meals. They consume less energy but take longer to cook.
  • Mid-Sized Microwaves (800–1,000 Watts)
    The most common household microwaves fall into this category. They offer a balance of efficiency and cooking speed.
  • High-Powered Microwaves (1,000–1,200+ Watts)
    These are often used in commercial kitchens or by those who frequently prepare full meals in the microwave. They cook food faster and more evenly but consume more power.

Higher wattage microwaves don’t have to run as long, they cook food more efficiently and can help you save energy over time. Generally, microwave wattage falls between 800 and 1,000 watts. To check the wattage of your microwave, consult the manufacturer's label or the microwave’s packaging. You can also look up your model online and find the wattage there.

How many amps does a microwave use?

You can use this simple formula to determine how many amps a microwave uses:

Microwave amps calculator:

Amps (A) = Watts (W) / Voltage (V)

In the U.S., standard home voltage is 120 volts. Using this formula, here are some common microwave power ratings:

Microwave wattage Amps used (at 120 volts)
600 watts 5 amps
1,000 watts 10 amps
1,200 watts 15 amps

Microwave energy use and cost

You will typically see energy rates measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To understand how much your microwave is costing you, you can estimate the energy consumption in kWh per year and then multiply this by your local electricity rate.

Energy Consumption in kWh = (Microwave wattage * Hours Used)/1000

Annual Microwave Energy Cost = Energy Consumption * Electricity Rate

Let’s walk through an example together. If you had a microwave that uses 800 watts per hour, and you run it for 15 minutes every day, this is how you would calculate the energy consumption.

Daily Usage: (800 Watts x .25 hours) / 1000 = 0.2 kWh

Monthly Usage: .2 kWh x 30 days = 6 kWh

Yearly Usage: 6 kWh x 12 months = 72 kWh

Annual Cost: 72 kWh x $0.17/kWh (average electricity rate in the U.S.) = $12.24 per year 

Factors affecting microwave power consumption

While wattage determines cooking power, there are additional factors that impact a microwave’s energy efficiency:

  1. Usage Frequency – The more often you use your microwave, the more electricity it consumes.
  1. Cooking Time – Heating up a drink for 30 seconds uses significantly less energy that cooking something in the microwave for 10 minutes.
  1. Voltage Supply – While 120V is typical for most homes, some commercial settings use 240V, which affects amperage calculations.

Choosing the right microwave for energy efficiency

When choosing a new microwave, think about your unique habits and household needs to help determine which model is right for you.

Usage Recommended wattage Energy efficiency considerations
Basic reheating & defrosting 700-900 watts Uses less energy but takes longer to heat or cook food
General cooking & versatility 800-1,000 watts A good balance of energy use and efficiency
Fast cooking & large meals 1,000-1,200 watts Uses more energy but heats and cooks food more quickly

Offset microwave energy costs with community solar

If you’re looking to cut down on electricity costs, integrating solar into your home energy plan is a smart move. We recognize that not everyone can install their own solar panels which is why community solar is a great option! Signing up for Nexamp Community Solar comes at no up-front cost and will enable you to save 10-15% on your annual electricity costs. To learn more about community solar, visit: www.nexamp.com/blog/guide-to-community-solar!

By signing up for community solar, you can help offset the electricity used by your microwave and other appliances, reducing your energy bills.

Understanding microwave wattage and amperage helps you choose the right appliance while managing electricity consumption efficiently. By making smarter choices, you can save money on electricity while supporting clean energy solutions.