If you’re looking for a high capacity microwave with excellent features that’s easy to use then the brilliant Sharp R959SLMAA is a great bet.
Microwaves don’t really come much bigger in terms of cooking capacity than what the Sharp R959SLMAA offers. Its extra large 40 litre capacity means you can easily cater to the needs of your household and make large dishes with no trouble.
In addition the large size means it can take large dinner plates with no problem. It’s easy to see why it’s been chosen as our best microwave for family of 5.
This awesome machine is a combination microwave, oven and grill all in one brillaint device. This will give you lots of versatility in your cooking.
This 900W machine comes with 5 power levels giving you lots of options when cooking. At the same time you also have access to 8 preset cooking modes taking the guesswork out of getting your food exactly how you want it. These include options for cooking pizza, ready meals, rice/pasta and cake.
The 900W grill is equipped with quartz technology. The quartz heating elements get hot very quickly making them perfect for cooking and browning foods such as grilled cheese sandwiches, sausages and pizzas.
If that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a convection oven. These ovens are different to traditional models. They work by circulating heated air evenly around the interior of the oven. Unlike conventional ovens where you need to rely on the air rising, by passing hot air over the food it cooks more evenly and in a much faster time frame. It’s for these reason that they tend to consume less energy.
The convection oven can reach temperatures up to 250°C. With ten different temperature settings ranging between 40°C and 250°C, you’ll have plenty of options for making the perfect meal for your family of 5.
To help you get the most out of your various functions the Sharp R959SLMAA also has a combination (“COMBI”) mode allowing you to combine the microwave with either the grill or convection oven. This reduces cooking time and also means your food can come out with a crispy brown finish.
Quite helpfully instructions pop up on the control panel screen prompting you take action as it’s needed.
The silver trim finish gives this unit a real smart feel.
The Sharp R959SLMAA is designed for use on counter-tops or for built-in installation, rare versatility.
Due to its large capacity and size, it does mean that it takes up a lot of space.
Quite helpfully thought the minimum clearance above the oven unit is 13cm which compares well to a lot of other microwaves which need at least 30cm. This should give you some more flexibility if you are tight for space in your kitchen.
There is also an installation kit available from Sharp that allows the oven to be fitted within a kitchen unit. The oven also has an energy save mode allowing you to save on electricity when the oven is not in use.
Overall the Sharp R959SLMAA microwave offers a number of excellent features as well as a clean look and awesome cooking power. It’s extra large 40litre cooking capacity makes it a standout option if you need ample space for your cooking needs.
The brilliant Sharp R959SLMAA is our top pick for the best microwave for family of 5. If you’re looking for a high capacity microwave with excellent features that’s easy to use then this is it.
The Sharp R959SLMAA is by far the best microwave for a family of 5that we have come across. Its extra large 40 litre capacitymeans you can easily cater to the needs of your household and make large dishes with no trouble.
In addition the large size means it can take large dinner plates with no problem. It’s easy to see why it’s been chosen best microwave for family of 5.
We’ve also seen great reviews noting how well suited this model is for families of 5. Best microwave for family of 5? Absolutely!
This awesome machine is a combination microwave, oven and grill all in one brillaint device. This will give you lots of versatility in your cooking.
This 900W machine comes with 5 power levels giving you lots of options when cooking. At the same time you also have access to 8 preset cooking modes taking the guesswork out of getting your food exactly how you want it. These include options for cooking pizza, ready meals, rice/pasta and cake.
The 900W grill is equipped with quartz technology. The quartz heating elements get hot very quickly making them perfect for cooking and browning foods such as pizzas, grilled cheese sandiches and sausages.
The convection oven can reach temperatures up to 250°C. With ten different temperature settings ranging between 40°C and 250°C, you’ll have plenty of options for making the perfect meal for your family of 5.
To help you get the most out of your various functions the Sharp R959SLMAA also has a combination (“COMBI”) mode allowing you to combine the microwave with either the grill or convection oven. This reduces cooking time and also means your food can come out with a crispy brown finish.
Quite helpfully instructions pop up on the control panel screen prompting you take action as it’s needed.
The silver trim finish gives this unit a real smart feel.
The Sharp R959SLMAA is designed for use on counter-tops or for built-in installation, rare versatility.
Whilst this is definitely our first choice for best microwave for family of 5, due to its large capacity and size it does mean that it takes up a lot of space.
So if you are tight for space in your kitchen then you may need to look elsewhere like the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline below or checkout our picks of the best flatbed microwaves for another option.
Quite helpfully thought the minimum clearance above the oven unit is 13cm which compares well to a lot of other microwaves which need at least 30cm. This should give you some more flexibility if you are tight for space in your kitchen.
There is also an installation kit available from Sharp that allows the oven to be fitted within a kitchen unit. The oven also has an energy save mode allowing you to save on electricity when the oven is not in use.
The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave Oven is our pick for best microwave for family of 5 with small kitchen as well as our number 2 pick for the best microwave for family of 5.
It combines lots of cooking space with a microwave, oven and grill. In addition you also get a well thought out design that saves you lots of counter-space. That’s why this is the best microwave for a family of 5 with a small kitchen.
This is a 3-in-1 combination microwave, oven and grill – giving you everything you need for cooking for your family all in one great appliance. The combination is a great space saver as well as money saver.
One of the best things about the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ is the inverter technology. Most conventional microwave ovens use a method of cooking which means the power is at 100% all the time and simply alternates between on and off during a cycle.
With Panasonic’s inverter technology on the other hand, the power is steady. For example if you set it to 50%, the power will be maintained at that level for the whole time.
This precise power controls results in foods cooked exactly how you want them and much more evenly.
The technology also means you do not have to deal with cold spots when heating food and defrosting is done a lot more efficiently.
It also cooks and heats foods much more quickly than a conventional microwave oven. These benefits are all evident with the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ.
At 1000Watts you will also have a very powerful microwave oven that can have your food cooked quickly.
In conventional microwave ovens the cooling fan is located at the back of the machine. In the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ, the fan has been moved to the top of the oven resulting in a much smaller footprint (39.5cm depth). This leaves you with far more countertop space perfect for smaller kitchens. It also goes along way to making this model the best microwave for a family of 5 with a small kitchen.
Internally Panasonic have found a way to give you more space as well with a 34cm turntable meaning you can get even the biggest of dishes into the oven.
Overall you get 27Litre cooking capacity. If you have a large family (then this is one of the Best Microwave for Family of 5, it can also accomodate food for 7 or 8 people). This is one of the key reasons we think this is the best microwave for a family of 5 with a small kitchen.
The machine comes equipped with plenty of pre-set cooking programmes including a kids menu to encourage healthy eating. You simply enter the weight of the food and the oven does the rest.
Quite helpfully the control panel is wipe clean meaning even if it does get smudged or grubby whilst using, its an easy job to wipe it down.
In all we think the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ would make a great addition to your kitchen especially if you have a large family but are tight on space.
The Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ flatbed microwave oven is our pick for best flatbed microwave for family of 5 and our 3rd pick for best microwave for family of 5.
This excellent model is equipped with Panasonic’s inverter technology giving you evenly cooked food with less power usage than conventional microwave ovens. Your food will come out evenly cooked with no annoying cold spots. The inverter technology allows you to control the power to get the food exactly how you want it
The inverter technology coupled with 1000Watts of power means you can cook your food quickly and evenly.
Quite helpfully the Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ comes equipped with 5 power levels from gentle defrosting through to cooking full on dishes.
It has an incredible 18 auto programmeswhich gives you a wide range of options when it comes to making your food exactly how you like it without any of the guess work.
The control panel is touch operated which makes the unit feel all the more slick alongside the overall neat design. This combined with the stainless steel silver finish gives it a modern feel that would be welcomed in most kitchens.
It also makes cleaning quite straightforwardas you can just wipe down the flat surface. The flatbed base also makes the job of cleaning relatively easy.
This is a solo microwavetake a look here if you’re after thebest flatbed combination microwavesmeaning there’s no grill or oven function. This would suit a household that uses the microwave predominantly for heating and defrosting food rather than cooking complex meals. It would also work well for meals such as rice, pasta, jacket potatoes and the like.
The flatbed design means there is no turntable leaving with you with much for space for large awkward dishes that otherwise would not fit.
This model also features a child lock which is particularly useful if your family includes young children.
You’d have to look hard for drawbacks to this machine and the best you’d come up with is possibly a slightly dim LED light when in operation but this really is scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Overall this is an excellent Panasonic product if you are looking for a flatbed microwave that will cook your food evenly and efficiently, is easy to clean and get to grips with. It is our pick for best flatbed microwave for family of 5.
If you like your food cooked in the future then you’ll love the high grade Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ premium combination microwave oven. The Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ Premium Combination Flatbed Microwave Oven is our 4th pick for the best microwave for family of 5 and our top option for best microwave oven for family of 5.
One of the most advanced combination microwaves oven on the market, the NN-CF873SBPQ is a real high grade option for a family of 5 if you have the budget.
It has a 1000W inverter microwave alongside an excellenct convection oven and a 1300W quartz grill. This machine really does have it all covered when it comes to the cooking needs of your family of 5. With this model you can microwave, roast, bake and grill your way to the perfect dinner.
When you’re trying to make multiple dishes with an oven, the Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ will have you covered. It has a brilliant convection oven allowing you to cook on two levels at the same time letting you get dinner made for the whole family in one go. This is one of many reasons why it’s on our list for the best microwave oven for family of 5. The convection oven works by circulating heated air evenly around the interior of the microwave. Unlike conventional ovens where you need to rely on the air rising, by passing hot air over the food it cooks more evenly across all levels and in a much faster time-frame.
To make the most of the versatility you have with cooking options, the model comes with an enamel shelf, a wire shelf and a glass shelf.
The Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ has a flatbed design which means there is no turntable, unlike the traditional microwaves. Doing away with the turntable leaves you with far more space inside the microwave meaning you can fit larger sized dishes and more awkward shapes into the unit.
In total you are dealing with a 32Litre capacity unit which gives you a good amount of space for catering to your family.
You’ll enjoy the modern feel of the touch operated control panel, even if you may need to read up on the various icons. The touch panel is incoporated to the ultra slick glass front door. The exterior really does look like it has been designed with luxury in mind and the overall feel of the Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ is likely to attract attention in your kitchen for its looks as well as its cooking prowess.
When it comes to easy cleaning, this unit has you covered. The back and top surfaces use ‘Catalytic Self Cleaning Plates’ meaning once you are done cooking, you can simply take a cloth to the grease on these surfaces and wipe them away. The sides of the oven have an easy to clean top coating all of which meaning cleaning the microwave is much easier task than traditional ovens. These features combined with the flatbed design make cleaning a much more straightforward prospect.
Overall the Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ Premium Combination Oven is a fantastic microwave oven and sits well on our list of the best microwave for family of 5. It combines a highly effective convection oven with a grill as well as a flatbed microwave with a sleek and modern design. There are less expensive alternatives on the market that may not do everything quite as well but if you’re budget can stretch this far then this definitely one to look at.
The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B solo microwave combines excellent build quality, lots of useful features, great performance and high user satisfaction to make it on to our list of best microwave for family of 5 as our pick for the best solo microwave for family of 5.
Coming in black and white options, it may not have the glitzy colours of some other models but what you get is powerful and reliable machine from a world-renowned German engineering brand.
This is a solo microwave (meaning there’s no oven or grill) and it does the job perfectly. This model would be best for a large families that need to mostly heat and defrost their food as well as cook items such as rice and potatoes.
With a 25Litre capacity it has a fairly generous capacity whilst a 315mm turntable means you can get large plates and dishes into the microwave. These features make it a great fit for families as well those looking for a solo microwave that’s larger than the average size.
The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B is a powerful unit coming in at 900W which comes in handy when you need to quickly heat your food. It has 5 power levels which are easy to select with 5 clearly labelled corresponding buttons on the control panel (90, 180, 360, 600, 900 Watts). This gives you a great range in cooking flexibility from a low 90W which is recommended for defrosting delicate items to a blistering 900 W best for heating up liquids.
In fact the simplicity of the control panel is one of the best features of the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B. You can tell it has been designed with making life as simple as possible. It comes with a retractable rotary know for making your selections.
It makes it easy if you’re just looking for a quick re-heat option but it also has 7 pre-set automatic programmes. These include options for cooking rice, potatoes and vegetables as well as defrosting meat, poultry and bread.
It is also equipped with a dial that allows you to select the weight of your food and let the machine do the rest.
Quite helpfully it also comes with a timer which can run up to 99 minutes which can be handy for dishes that need to be slow cooked. A nice added bonus for the settings is the fact this model has a memory function that will allow you to create your own program. This is pearticuarly useful if you have one dish you tend to cook or heat up regularly.
The control panel is equipped with an LED display which is clearly visible from meters away. It can also be used as a clock when not in use which can be surprisingly handy in the kitchen.
The great visibility also goes for the internal light which makes it easy for you to keep an eye on your food whilst it is cooking.
Another great benefit with this unit is the fact it comes with ample information and cooking guides to help you find the best ways to make the most of the power you are getting.
Something else you don’t often see is the possibility of changing the duration of the beeping when the timer comes to an end. You can choose a short duration of 3 beeps or a much longer duration of 30 beeps.
One thing to bear in mind for where you place the microwave on your kitchen counter is that it needs a minimum of 30cm clearance above the unit.
Overall the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B is one of the most highly rated solo microwaves on the market and easily makes our list for the best microwave for family of 5 as the best solo option.
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What is an inverter microwave? Are inverter microwaves better?
Are Inverter Microwaves Better?
What is an inverter microwave? Are inverter microwaves better?
If you’re looking for a new microwave you may have asked yourself these questions frequently. The answers could go a long way to helping you decide on the best type of microwave.
What Is An Inverter Microwave?
An inverter microwave works in a different way to traditional microwaves. The classic microwave operates with a magnetron. In a traditional microwave a magnetron is a the device that produces microwave energy.
The microwaves are then fed through a tube and into the main body of the microwave to cook your food.
When regulating the power on a classic microwave, you are actually determining how long the microwave is on. It will always be at 100% power – the power levels work by changing how long the microwave to try mimic are given power level. So rather than the actual power level it is usually more like “percentage of on time”.
Inverter microwaves on the other hand allow you to regulate power more precisely than the magnetron models.
If you set the power to 50%, you are actually limiting power to half rather than having the machine blast at 100% for half the time of your cycle.
Are Inverter Microwaves Better?
As alluded alluded to earlier there are some notable benefits of inverter microwaves.
Precise Power Control
One of the biggest advantages is the ability to precisely control the power during cooking. With conventional microwaves as the power is always at 100%, it can sometimes result in overcooking even in lower settings. Being able to select the precise power level also means you can follow recipes that call for specific power levels with more accuracy.
More Energy Efficient
As the inverter microwaves allow you to control the power output they tend to be more energy efficient than traditional microwaves which are on full power whenever they are on. This should mean lower energy bills as you use power more effectively and only when you actually intend to.
Evenly Cooked Food
Another major advantage of inverter microwaves over traditional models is that your food should be heated and cooked more evenly. As traditional models work by turning the power on and off during a cycle there’s always a chance that some parts of your food do not get the necessary heat, at least on the first try. With the consistent power output you get from an inverter microwave, this issue should be largely avoided with the right setting.
Avoid Overcooking
With traditional microwaves overcooking your food can easily be done as the machine zaps away at full power on-off during a cycle. With inverter models, this issue can be avoided with better control of the power. This should ultimately result in better tasting food as you stick closer to the best method of cooking.
Multiple Applications
Due to the ability to control the power and therefore the temperature of the microwave cavity, inverter microwaves can be used for many different applications. For example with a low temperature some people use them to keep food warm. Others have also made use of the low steady temperature ranges for slow cooking.
Best Inverter Microwaves
#1 – Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ Solo Inverter Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ solo microwave might be best described as simple excellence.
As you would expect from one of the best (and in many estimations the best) microwave manufacturers in the world, the Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ delivers on all fronts. You get a highly effective solo microwave for your cooking and reheating needs, it looks brilliant and is well built.
The Panasonic NN-DF386BBPQ is one of the most impressive combination flatbed microwaves on the market and one of our topic picks. Our Panasonic flatbed combination microwave review will give you everything you need to know about the brilliant Panasonic NN-DF386BBPQ.
The Panasonic NN-DS596BBPQ is a great flatbed combination microwave that packs plenty of features including a unique steam cooking function. Take a look at our complete review of this brilliant Panasonic NN-DS596BBPQ Review model with inverter technology.
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What Power Level Is Defrost On A Microwave? Finding the right answer could dramatically change how you use your handy appliance.
Defrosting food is one of the best things about microwaves. Even if you forgot to take out that frozen soup before you left for work in the morning, you can still enjoy it after a quick defrost in the microwave.
The ideal power range for defrosting food is around 30%. This typically ensures that food is gently thawed.
The percentage (%) power level doesn’t mean you are restricting the power output (wattage) from your machine as that never actually changes. Instead it is the amount of “on time” in a given setting.
If you’re wondering how to get 30% power from your microwave, the handy tables below might help if you have a machine with power levels set from 1 – 10:
Power Level
Equivalent % On-Time
Best For
Level 1
10%
Warming up food
Level 2
20%
Gently defrosting large items around 2kg or less
Level 3
30%
Defrosting food and gently simmering items such as rice. Also good for slow cooking
Level 4
40%
Gentle cooking as well as simmering dishes and baking. Also good for food that contains dairy and gently cooking beef dishes as well as casseroles
Level 5
50%
Reheating leftovers and items that have previously been in the microwave but have come out hot on the outside and cool in the middle.
Level 6
60%
Dense foods such as cuts of meat.
Level 7
70%
Larger dense items.
Level 8
80%
Reheating foods with lots of water e.g. soups and stews.
Level 9
90%
Pasta, minced meat and fish.
Level 10
100%
Jacket potatoes
Best Microwaves For Defrosting
Read our reviews of the best flatbed combination microwaves if you’re looking for awesome microwaves with defrost functions.
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How many times can you safely reheat food in the microwave?
The handy convenience of your microwave can make it tempting to reheat your food whenever you need to.
This is especially the case with leftovers. Leftovers are great way to reduce waste in your home and save money.
Rather than having to spend more money and time preparing a new meal, you get to put yesterday’s work and money to good use today. And with the flavours having had time to settle – it might taste even better!
How many times can you safely reheat food in the microwave?
But how many times can you safely reheat food in the microwave? It is recommended that you do not reheat food in the microwave more than once.
The more times you cool and reheat food, the higher the risk of food poisoning. Treating your food properly is the best way to avoid food poisoning. Almost half of food poisoning cases come from what we consume at home so this is an especially important point to remember.
When it comes to reheating your food, make sure it is warmed up to 70°C for at least 2 minutes.
It should be hot through and through. Sometimes it may work best of you stop the microwave part way through and stir/turnover whatever it is you are reheating to make sure it is heated evenly. This is especially the case with things like soup.
When defrosting your leftovers make sure they are completely defrosted either in the fridge or microwave.
It is also recommended that you do not refreeze leftovers. If you have cooked a lot and would like to freeze it, you are better off splitting it into smaller portions. Then you can take out what you need rather than having to defrost all of it and then trying to refreeze the rest.
Best Microwaves With Defrost
Looking for a microwave with defrost? Take a look at our suggestions for the best microwaves with defrost capability below.
Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B – Best Flatbed Microwave With Defrost
The Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B is an awesome choice if you are looking for a sleek solo flatbed microwave that combines excellent features with style as well as a great defrost function.
The black mirror finish to the front door looks very polished and will have you purring in delight every time you look at it.
With 800 Watts of cooking power, your food gets heated and cooked quickly. The RHFM2363B comes with 5 power levels giving you plenty of flexibility when selecting the appropriate power level for cooking and heating your food. One of these is an excellent defrost function which comes in handy if you store your food in the freezer regularly and ever forget to take it out in good time.
The brilliant Panasonic NN-DF386BBPQ is our pick for the best combination microwave with defrost functionality. It is sleek and precise from the exterior finish to the way it defrosts and cooks your food.
The NN-DF386BBPQ is a 3-in-1 combination microwave giving you a microwave – oven – grill all in one appliance. This offers great flexibility when deciding the best way to cook and heat up your foods.
Key Benefits
Brilliant defrost function
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3 Essential appliances in 1 – microwave, grill & oven
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Flatbed technology for increased cooking capacity and easy cleaning
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Large capacity (23 Litre), perfect for large dishes
There’s nothing as satisfying to the soul as a well roasted cut of lamb. We love this slow cooked oven roasted leg of lamb as it combines patient and rewarding slow cooking with a beautiful and succulent meaty finish.
This is definitely a cooking labour of love but it is well worth the rewards when you get the tender and juicy lamb onto your plate.
3 – Add the pepper, ginger, all purpose seasoning, soy sauce, and oregano.
4 – Squeeze the fresh lemon over the top of the lamb and ingredients.
5 – Mix up all the ingredients with the lamb. I like to put the lid on the slow cooker and lift the cooking pot out of the cooker and shake the ingredients together. You may prefer mixing the ingredients by hand.
6 – Set the slow cooker for 4 hours and get it going.
7 – As the slow cooker is nearing completion, we pre-heat your oven to 180°C.
8 – Place foil into a suitably sized oven pan and position the lamb in the centre. Pour the liquid left over in the slow cooker over the top of the lamb.
9 – Roast in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes** turning it over midway through.
10 – Serve with roast potatoes and sautéed vegetables.
**Cooking times are for general guidance only; appliances vary.
Like all good things, at some point your trusty microwave will come to an end. You may be asking yourself when to get a new microwave? Planning ahead for a new appliance can help you get the best deal possible and give you time to do the necessary research to find what suits you best.
Below we take a look at 7 key indicators that you may need to get a new microwave.
When To Get A New Microwave?
Here are 7 signs that you may need a new microwave.
1 – You Are Hearing Strange Noises
If you are suddenly hearing strange new noises from your microwave it may be time to get a new microwave. Unusual sounds may be a sign that the components are struggling, worn out or damaged. Take a look at the turntable in the first instance to check there are no obvious obstructions. If you can’t see what’s causing the noises it may be time to shop around for a replacement.
2 – Sparks Are Flying
If you see any signs of sparks flying it’s time to shut up shop and move on to a newer model. Sparks are a bad sign and if you see any turn off the microwave immediately, unplug it and stop using it. The same goes for any smoke or burning smells coming from your machine.
3 – Your Food Is Not Being Cooking Properly
Consistently finding that your food is not being cooked or heated like your used to, may be a sign that your microwave is on the way out. It’s worth making sure the turntable is rotating as it should with no obstructions and that you haven’t accidentally changed your default power settings. If after a reset you’re still finding that food is coming out with random cold patches, it may be time to shop around.
4 – The Turntable Stops Spinning
If your machine is on but the turntable is not rotating then you may have a problem. Take a look to make sure the plate is set properly. If it’s still not operating then it may mean the motor that rotates the turntable has failed. This may be reason enough for you to consider your options as it could be costly to replace the motor.
5 – Your Door Won’t Fully Close
Your microwave door should always be completely shut when it is in operation. All the sealing around the door should always be intact. This helps to protect you from any radiation. If you notice damage to the door sealing or the door itself this may need your attention. If the door latch has broken that may be something that can fixed easily. However, if the issue is more severe, it could mean you need to look at a new machine; it’s simply not worth the risk.
6 – The Controls Are No Longer Responsive
The controls on your microwave are the gateway between what you want and getting your machine to comply. If you’ve noticed that your control panel is not as responsive as it used to be or is simply not responding, it may be time to get a replacement.
7 – Your Microwave Is 10 Years or Older
The average lifespan of a microwave is around 9 to 10 years. Once your machine reaches this sort of milestone you’ll probably be thinking about replacing it anyway but if not you should start preparing to get a new one. The likelihood is that if it hasn’t failed already, it is not far off.
Is It Worth Fixing A Microwave?
This may be a question you are asking yourself particularly if you were not planning on getting a new microwave anytime soon. You could look at repairing your microwave but in all probability the cost of the labour alone will probably come up to a good proportion of the cost of a new machine. This is before you take into account any replacement parts that might be needed. For this reason in most cases it makes sense to simply buy a new machine.
What power level is 1000 watts on a microwave? The long answer is it depends on the total wattage of your machine. The short answer is that it could be level 10 if your machine is a 1000 watts or lower if your microwave is a higher wattage model.
Check out the handy table below as a guide to the power level depending on the wattage of your machine. Before you delve into the table it is important to note that although we refer to power levels, the actual wattage of your machine never changes. Your microwave will typically run on and off until it has reached the desired power level.
What Power Level Is 1000 Watts On a Microwave?
Power Level
600 Watts
700 Watts
800 Watts
900 Watts
1000 Watts
1100 Watts
1200 Watts
Level 1
60 W
70 W
80 W
90 W
100 W
110 W
120 W
Level 2
120 W
140 W
160 W
180 W
200 W
220 W
240 W
Level 3
180 W
210 W
240 W
270 W
300 W
330 W
360 W
Level 4
240 W
280 W
320 W
360 W
400 W
440 W
480 W
Level 5
300 W
350 W
400 W
450 W
500 W
550 W
600 W
Level 6
360 W
420W
480 W
540 W
600 W
660 W
720 W
Level 7
420 W
490 W
560 W
640 W
700 W
770 W
840 W
Level 8
480 W
560 W
640 W
720 W
800 W
880 W
960 W
Level 9
540 W
630 W
720 W
810 W
900 W
990 W
1080 W
Level 10
600 W
700 W
800 W
900 W
1000 W
1100 W
1200 W
Table: What Power Level Is 1000 Watts On a Microwave?
Here is how it would work in practice: For example, if you microwave has a wattage of 1000 and you need to cook something at 700 watts then you would to select power level 7 or 70% of the power. 800 watts would be level 8 (80%), 900 watts level 9/90% etc.
Answering this question accurately could be the key to getting the most out of your microwave oven.
Microwaves don’t usually let you choose a specific wattage. Instead they will typically allow you to set a power level, most often between 1 – 10.
But as you can see with the handy table below, it is fairly easy to figure out what each power level equates to in terms of watts or at least get close.
To find the correct watts for a given power level, you can also use the formula below:
W at a Given Power Level = Total W Rating of Machine/Total Power Levels x Given Power Level
To find out what power level is 1000 watts on a microwave, the first thing you’ll need to do is find out the wattage rating for your own microwave.
This should be printed on the inside of the door or on the front of the machine. If that fails, check the instruction manual that came with the model. Most microwaves will range between 600 and 1,200 Watts.
Once you have the number, you can then work out the power levels. Or if, you’re wattage rating is listed on the table below, simply use that as a guide.
Some microwaves have power ranges e.g. High, Medium and Low that correspond to certain specific wattages. These may be detailed in your instruction manual.
What Is 50 Percent Power On Microwave?
Now that we have a general idea of how microwave power levels work it’s easier to address questions like – what is 50 percent power on microwave? 50 percent power on a microwave would correspond to the microwave being on full power for half (50 percent) the time you select. So, for example if you selected a 2 minute cycle on 50 percent power, the microwave would run at full power on and off for 1 minute.
What Power Level Is 1000 Watts On a Microwave?: Tell Us Your Thoughts
In need of a new microwave?
If you think you’re microwave may no longer be giving you what you need, take a look at some of our reviews for the best microwaves.
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4-in-1 combination microwave, oven, grill and steam cooking
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Flatbed design for 29% more space than conventional turntable model
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Very spacious 27 litre capacity giving you plenty of space to cook
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The Panasonic NN-DS596BBPQ is a great flatbed combination microwave that packs plenty of features including a unique steam cooking function.
The NN-DS596BBPQ is a 4-in-1 combination machine with microwave, oven, grill and steam cooking. The addition of the steam cooking function really makes it stand out as it not something you see everyday.
The steam cooking option can be used in the oven mode as well as the grill and microwave settings. This is a great setting as it allows you to keep your food moist whilst also reducing the time it can take to prepare dishes. Steaming is also a very healthy way to cook your food, particularly vegetables.
The flat base also makes it much easier to clean up spills and food splatter compared to conventional turntable models.
This Panasonic model comes with a handy ribbed tray (Pana-crunch pan). This fits the width of the machine and be used for the oven and grill.
The ribbed tray works particularly well in the combi mode. The microwave heat is absorbed by the base and used to cook the underside of the food. The grill cooks it from above resulting in food that is cooked evenly.
As you would expect from a well spec-ed Panasonic model, there are lots of useful auto cooking settings to help you make the most of your machine. In addition the inverter technology means food is cooked precisely without the need for constant re-heating.
Final Verdict: Given the price range (check the latest price on Amazon), this certainly not a budget option. However, if your budget can stretch this far then you will be getting a great machine that combines 4 appliances in 1 in an effective way. If you like the features but are slightly puff off by the price are however, put off by the price the Panasonic NN-DF386BBPQ could be a great alternative. This has most of the same features aside from the steam cooking and should cost you less.
800 Watts of power for quick and convenient cooking with 5 Power Levels
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23 Litre Capacity
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Flatbed technology for increased cooking capacity and easy cleaning
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Excellent defrost function
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Diamond cavity structure provides effective microwave distribution for better cooking
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Dimensions: 51 x 43 x 31 cm
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The Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B is an awesome choice if you are looking for a sleek solo flatbed microwave that combines excellent features with style. It is also our pick for the best solo microwave for the money.
The black mirror finish to the front door looks very polished and will have you purring in delight every time you look at it.
With 800 Watts of cooking power, your food gets heated and cooked quickly. The RHFM2363B comes with 5 power levels giving you plenty of flexibility when selecting the appropriate power level for cooking and heating your food. One of these is an excellent defrost function which comes in handy if you store your food in the freezer regularly and ever forget to take it out in good time.
Whilst the mirror door gives the RHFM2363B a brilliant appearance it does mean that visibility during cooking is reduced. Nonetheless it gives the machine a high grade look that is likely to upgrade most kitchen work-tops.
The model comes with a 23 litre capacity which will work perfectly for everyday cooking and heating needs around the home.
There’s a child lock which very handy if you have kids as it ensures that when its on the controls cannot be changed and the machine activated.
The standout feature though is the flatbed design. If you regularly cook large dishes in the microwave, a flatbed machine can accommodate them where as the old style turntables can’t take them as easily.
The flatbed technology can also mean that your dishes are more evenly heated. This is particularly the case with the Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B model due to its diamond cavity. The diamond cavity structure gives better microwave distribution by improving the reflection of the microwaves inside the machine. This means food is cooked more evenly reducing the chance of those annoying cold spots on your meals! This should save you time as well as energy.
As with any appliance, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. The first is relates to the mirror finish on the door as fingerprint marks are easier to see. This will mean it needs more regular wiping down. Although not a deal-breaker, it is something to keep in mind. In addition, the machine will need to be placed at least 20cm from a wall so keep this in mind when considering where it will need to be placed.
Overall however, the Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B is a fantastic flatbed solo microwave. If you want a machine that combines power with elegance than look no further.
Russell Hobbs RHFM2363B Solo Microwave Review: Let us know your thoughts.
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