What does this tool do?
Microwave recipes assume a particular wattage. If your oven is more or less powerful, the same food needs a different time to absorb the same amount of energy. This calculator scales the time by the ratio of the two power ratings.
The Formula
New time = old time × old power ÷ new powerFrequently Asked Questions
Why does a lower-wattage microwave need more time?
Microwave power is the rate at which energy is delivered. A 700 W oven delivers less energy per second than a 1000 W oven, so the same food needs roughly 1000 ÷ 700 more time.
Does this work for defrosting?
Only as a rough guide. Defrosting depends on food shape and freezer temperature, and most ovens cycle power automatically. Use the defrost program and check the food frequently.