Most of us rarely think to adjust the microwave’s settings when we’re heating up leftovers. But pros say that’s a mistake. As it turns out, the microwave’s power button may be key to heating food evenly and avoiding hot or cold spots. It can also ensure you don’t accidentally overcook something, which can make food taste rubbery or dried-out.
“Most people use their microwave on full power all the time, but full power isn’t always the right setting. It’s similar to cooking on the stovetop—you wouldn’t cook everything on high heat,” says Steph Chen, founder and CEO of microwave cookware company Anyday.
Many microwaves have low, medium, and high power settings. While most people don’t bother adjusting the power setting, different foods are better heated using different settings. For instance, pros say you should use the low power setting if you’re melting butter, but you should use the high power setting if you’re looking to steam vegetables.
Ahead, learn more about why food pros say you shouldn’t overlook the microwave’s power button, how to use yours, and when to use each setting. For more tips on getting the most from your kitchen appliances, read up on how to use the defrost setting on your microwave and how to use your oven’s air fry setting.
How do microwave power levels work?
Microwaves heat food by emitting invisible energy waves. These waves cause water molecules to vibrate, which generates heat. Every microwave has a maximum wattage, or amount of energy it can produce, but adjusting the power levels changes how that energy is delivered.
At lower power levels, traditional microwaves cycle on and off instead of running continuously,” says Chen. “Those short pauses give heat time to redistribute more evenly throughout the food. That helps prevent hot spots and keeps the outside from overcooking before the inside is fully heated.”
If your microwave has inverter technology, changing the power level actually reduces the amount of energy being delivered continuously, explains GH Reviews Analyst Eva Bleyer, who regularly tests microwaves for the Kitchen & Cooking Lab. “Instead of turning on and off like a traditional microwave, it steadily supplies less power the whole time, which helps food cook more evenly.”
How do you change the power setting?
Every microwave is slightly different, so it’s best to check your manufacturer’s instructions for exact instructions. In general, however, you can start by looking for a button labeled Power or Power Level, or a Features or Settings menu.
“You can change the power level on most microwaves I tested by pressing the Cook Time button and entering how long you want it to cook. Then press Power Level,” says Bleyer. “The screen will usually show 10, Full Power, or 100%, which means it’s set to the highest setting by default. From there, use the number pad to choose the power level you want (for example, 5 for 50%). Once you’ve picked your setting, press Start, and you can start cooking.”
Note that you likely can’t adjust the power level if you’re using a cooking preset, such as the popcorn function.
When should you use a less powerful microwave setting?
You’ll want to reduce the power level for foods that benefit from gentle heat or are at risk of burning. Anything that separates or burns easily, like custards, chocolate, or high-sugar or dairy-based sauces and soups, needs a lower heat setting and frequent stirring—like every 15 seconds.
Delicate proteins like seafood and chicken should be cooked on a lower setting to prevent drying out. If you’re cooking eggs in the microwave, you’ll also want to reduce the power level or risk a rubbery breakfast. The same goes for cooking rice, oats, and other grains, which need a longer, slower cooking process.
The bottom line, according to Chen, is, “Lower power allows heat to move through the food more gradually, which improves both texture and consistency.”
When should you use medium power?
Setting your power to 50 percent will help you reheat leftovers without drying them out. Chen says that this slower heating process helps your food gently steam and reabsorb some of its lost moisture. Each time your microwave pauses, the heat dissipates further into the food, so you don’t just torch the surface.
It’s especially important to use medium power for frozen foods or ones that can’t be easily stirred (like a casserole, pot pie, or burrito).
When is full power best?
Crank your microwave up to maximum power to heat anything with a high water content, like veggies, soups, or sauces. Just be sure to cover the dish to prevent splatters, and remember that the bowl can get very hot! To protect your hands, put the bowl on a plate and use oven mitts to retrieve it.
You can also cook pasta in the microwave on high power. “High power works well when you’re bringing something to temperature quickly, but medium to low power gives you more control and consistent results when reheating,” says Chen.
