If you are looking for a new microwave, you might be wondering how much power you need. Microwaves come in different wattages, ranging from 500 to 1200 watts. The wattage of a microwave affects how fast it can heat up food and how evenly it can cook it. But does that mean you need the highest wattage possible? Not necessarily.
In this blog post, we will explore whether 700 watts is good for a microwave and what factors you should consider when choosing a microwave.
What Does Wattage Mean for a Microwave?
Wattage is a measure of how much electrical power a microwave uses. The higher the wattage, the more power the microwave has. This means it can generate more heat and cook food faster. For example, a 1000-watt microwave can heat up a cup of water in about one minute, while a 700-watt microwave might take about two minutes.
However, wattage is not the only factor that affects how well a microwave cooks food. Other factors include:
- The size and shape of the food
- The type and amount of food
- The container and cover used
- The placement and rotation of the food
- The cooking time and power level settings
These factors can influence how evenly the heat is distributed throughout the food and how much moisture is retained. For example, if you cook a large piece of meat in a small container, it might not cook evenly or thoroughly. If you use a plastic wrap to cover the food, it might trap steam and make the food soggy. If you place the food in the center of the turntable, it might not rotate properly and cause hot spots or cold spots.
Therefore, wattage is not the only thing you should look at when buying a microwave. You should also consider how you plan to use the microwave and what kind of foods you usually cook.
What Are the Benefits of a 700-Watt Microwave?
A 700-watt microwave is considered a low-power microwave. It might not be as fast or powerful as a higher-wattage microwave, but it has some benefits that make it suitable for certain situations. Some of the benefits of a 700-watt microwave are:
- It is cheaper than higher-wattage microwaves. If you are on a budget or don’t use the microwave very often, a 700-watt microwave might be enough for your needs.
- It is more energy-efficient than higher-wattage microwaves. A 700-watt microwave uses less electricity than a 1000-watt or 1200-watt microwave, which can save you money on your energy bills.
- It is less likely to overcook or burn food. A 700-watt microwave heats up food more gently and gradually than a higher-wattage microwave, which can prevent overheating or drying out the food.
- It is easier to control the cooking time and power level. A 700-watt microwave has fewer power levels than a higher-wattage microwave, which can make it simpler to adjust the settings according to your preferences.
What Are the Drawbacks of a 700-Watt Microwave?
A 700-watt microwave also has some drawbacks that might make it less convenient or effective for some users. Some of the drawbacks of a 700-watt microwave are:
- It takes longer to heat up or cook food. A 700-watt microwave might take twice as long as a higher-wattage microwave to heat up or cook the same amount of food. This can be frustrating if you are in a hurry or have a lot of food to prepare.
- It might not cook food evenly or thoroughly. A 700-watt microwave might not have enough power to penetrate deep into thick or dense foods, such as meat or potatoes. This can result in uneven cooking or cold spots that might affect the taste or safety of the food.
- It might not work well with some recipes or instructions. Many recipes or instructions for microwavable foods are based on higher-wattage microwaves, such as 1000 watts or more. If you use a 700-watt microwave, you might need to adjust the cooking time or power level accordingly, which can be tricky or confusing.
How to Choose the Right Microwave for You?
There is no definitive answer to whether 700 watts is good for a microwave. It depends on your personal preferences, cooking habits, and budget. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you choose the right microwave for you:
1. How often do you use the microwave? If you use the microwave frequently or for large quantities of food, you might want a higher-wattage microwave that can handle more tasks and save you time.
2, What kind of foods do you cook in the microwave? If you cook mostly simple foods that don’t require much heat or time, such as popcorn, soup, or frozen meals, you might be fine with a lower-wattage microwave that can do the job without wasting energy or overcooking your food.
3. How much space do you have in your kitchen? If you have limited space in your kitchen or countertop, you might prefer a smaller and lighter microwave that can fit easily in your available space. A lower-wattage microwave tends to be smaller and lighter than a higher-wattage one.
4. How much money do you want to spend on a microwave? If you have a tight budget or don’t want to spend too much on a microwave, you might opt for a cheaper and more economical option that can still meet your basic needs.
Conclusion
A 700-watt microwave is not necessarily bad or good. It has its pros and cons that make it suitable for different users and situations. Ultimately, the best way to decide if 700 watts is good for your microwave is to consider your own needs and preferences and compare them with the features and performance of different microwaves.
