Microwaves are a fantastic way to heat food quickly and efficiently. However, there may be occasions when you want to heat something more gently; perhaps you’re warming an infant’s bottle, for example.
On these occasions, lowering the wattage is the perfect way to do this. There are various different types of microwaves on the market; some have high-end features that can also be found in other appliances like ovens, while others are more entry-level and have less advanced options.
The majority of microwaves have a fixed wattage as standard but it is possible to change it if necessary. Can You Change The Wattage On A Microwave? In this article we explain how you can change the wattage on a microwave and why you might need to do so.
Related Article: Do Microwaves Need To Be Vented?
What is a Microwave Wattage?
The wattage of a microwave oven is the amount of energy it uses when heating food. The higher the wattage, the quicker it will heat food.
The wattage of a microwave will be shown on the underside of the appliance, either printed on the metal or on a label. The wattage will be shown in kilo-watts (kW). The higher the number, the quicker it will heat food.
Microwave wattage is measured in kilowatts (kW). So it’s not a huge leap to assume that if you want to change the wattage of your microwave you need a lower wattage.
In order to do this, you need to be able to lower the wattage of the microwave. You can do this by changing the magnetron’s wattage.
A magnetron is the core part of a microwave that produces the microwaves that are needed for cooking. The magnetron’s wattage can be changed in order to reduce the amount of power your microwave puts out.
How to Change the Wattage on a Microwave
You will need to remove the microwave from its mounting. This can be done by removing the screws that hold it in place. You may need a screwdriver to do this.
Once the mounting has been removed, you can access the electrical components in the base of the microwave. The wattage of the microwave is dictated by a specific electrical component called the magnetron.
The magnetron is situated in the lower section of the microwave. The magnetron has a number printed on it that shows its wattage. To change the wattage of the microwave, you need to change this number.
There are generally two ways to do this: – Change the fuse – Some microwaves have fuses that can be changed.
If yours does, you can switch to a lower-wattage fuse, which will reduce the wattage of your microwave.
– Change the magnetron – If your microwave does not have a fuse, you can change the magnetron, which will lower the wattage of the microwave.
Why Change the Wattage on a Microwave?
There are various reasons why you might want to change the wattage on a microwave. Perhaps you need to heat something more slowly, or you want to reduce the amount of energy being used.
Whatever the reason, there are benefits to lowering the wattage of your microwave. Some of these include: – Heating food more slowly
– If you need to heat something more slowly, reducing the wattage of the microwave will help.
– Reducing energy usage – If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly and reduce your carbon footprint, lowering the wattage of your microwave will help.
– Using less electricity – This can be helpful if you’re on a budget and trying to save money on your electric bill.
Can You Change The Wattage On A Built-in Microwave?
If you have a built-in microwave, you will not be able to change the wattage on it. However, you can change the cooking settings so that the food is heated at a lower wattage.
Every microwave is slightly different but you can often do this by pressing a couple of buttons.
You may need to consult the manual for your microwave to find out which buttons you need to press to change the cooking settings.
If you do have a built-in microwave and you need to change the wattage, you’ll need to buy a new microwave.
Change the Microwave’s Wattage Via the Panel
If you want to change the wattage of your microwave without any other pieces of equipment, then you can do it from the panel.
This is usually only possible if your microwave is less than 10 years old. So, if you’ve had your microwave for quite a long time, then you might be able to do this.
When you open up the panel on your microwave, look for the wattage rating. It’s usually found inscribed on the inside of your microwave.
If you don’t see it, then check the owner’s manual for your microwave. You might be able to find it there. If you find the wattage rating on the inside of your microwave, then you can change it to higher wattage.
For example, if your microwave is rated at 1000 watts and you want it to be 1300 watts, then you can change it.
Use a Higher Watt Dryer Or Oven
Another way that you can change the wattage of your microwave is by using a higher watt dryer or oven. This might sound extreme, but it could be the most effective way of boosting the power of your microwave.
If you have a dryer or oven with a higher wattage rating than your microwave, then you can trick your microwave into thinking that it’s working at a higher wattage.
For example, if your microwave has a 1000-watt power rating and you have a dryer with a 1200-watt rating, then you can set the microwave to run at 1200 watts. This way, it will be as powerful as your dryer!
Increase the Microwave’s Wattage Using a Timer
If you only need to increase the wattage for one or two uses of your microwave, then you might be able to do it using a timer. This won’t permanently change the wattage of your microwave.
You can change the wattage on your microwave by setting the timer to run at a higher wattage for one or two minutes.
For example, if you want your microwave to run at a higher wattage, then set the timer to 30 seconds instead of 10 seconds.
Add an Extension Cord and Heater
Another way that you can change the wattage of your microwave is by adding an extension cord and a 1000-watt heater.
You can do this by finding a high-wattage extension cord and then plugging it into your microwave. Next, wrap a 1000-watt heater in tin foil and put it at the end of the extension cord.
When you plug your microwave in, it will run at the wattage of the extension cord. However, when the heater reaches 1000 watts, it will automatically shut off.
Increase the Microwave’s Wattage With a Humidifier
If you want to increase the wattage of your microwave, but you don’t want to use any other pieces of equipment, then you can use a humidifier.
You can increase the wattage of your microwave by placing a humidifier at the end of your microwave’s cord. When the humidifier reaches a certain temperature, it will automatically shut off.
This is a great way to add power to your microwave if you only need to do it once. After that, you can remove the humidifier and go back to using your microwave normally.
Use A Microwave Extension Cord
One of the easiest ways to increase the wattage of your microwave is by simply using a microwave extension cord. This is a great option if you only need to boost the power of your microwave for one or two uses.
You can simply unplug the microwave extension cord and go back to using your microwave normally afterwards. Microwave extension cords are usually rated for 800 or 1000 watts.
So, if you plug your microwave into one, then it will run at that wattage. However, some brands of microwave extension cords can run at up to 1200 watts.
So, you might want to look for one of these if you want to increase the wattage of your microwave.
Try A Different Microwave Or Brand
If all of these hacks don’t work, then you might want to try a different brand of microwave. Alternatively, you could try a microwave with a higher wattage rating.
For example, if you have a 1000-watt microwave, but you want it to be more powerful, then try a microwave with a 1200-watt rating. You can change the wattage on your microwave by using one of these techniques.
You might need to try a few before you find the one that works best for you and your microwave! One thing to keep in mind is that microwaves should be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
These outlets are designed to trip when there is a problem. This may cause your microwave to trip when it is supposed to be at its maximum power, but it is better than a fire.
FAQS
What wattage should my microwave be?
Microwaves work by changing the frequency of the waves they emit rather than their power. So what should you do if your food seems like it’s not cooking well? It’s time to read on!
Can I change the wattage of my microwave?
The answer is no, because microwaves work by changing the frequency of the waves they emit rather than their power. So what should you do if your food seems like it’s not cooking well? It’s time to read on!
Conclusion
There are many ways to change the wattage on a microwave. You can change the fuse in some microwaves or change the magnetron in others. Whatever microwave you have, there is a way to lower the wattage, which will help you to heat food more slowly or use less electricity. If you have a built-in microwave, you will not be able to change the wattage on it. However, you can change the cooking settings so that the food is heated at a lower wattage.
