Everyone’s a new microwave owner at some point. If you’re just finding your feet it can be hard to know how to handle some common handy tasks.
I thought it would be helpful to share a chart which outlines the various settings I use in my own kitchen for some every day microwaving jobs.
Keep in mind a few things before using this chart:
- The power rating of my own microwave is almost certainly different to yours. My 50% will not be the same as your 50%. You can use these a rough guide to get started, but do pay close attention to the results you’re getting in your own kitchen.
- Always make sure that anything you cook in the microwave is piping hot throughout – including the middle of the food!
- These are guidelines for reheating food in the microwave – not cooking from scratch.
Anyway, with that out of the way, here’s your handy microwave reheating chart!
| Food / Drink | Power Level | Time | Notes |
| Beverages | 50-70% | 30-60 seconds per 8 ounces | Stir halfway through for even heating |
| Bread, rolls and pastries | 50% | 10-20 seconds per slice or piece | Wrap in a microwave-safe paper towel to retain moisture |
| Cooked vegetables | 70-80% | 1-2 minutes per cup | Stir halfway through for even heating |
| Cooked pasta | 70-80% | 1-2 minutes per cup | Add a few tablespoons of water or sauce, and stir halfway through for even heating |
| Cooked rice | 70-80% | 1-2 minutes per cup | Add a few tablespoons of water, and stir halfway through for even heating |
| Cooked meat and poultry | 70-80% | 1-2 minutes per 3-4 ounces | Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture |
| Casseroles | 70-80% | 4-6 minutes per quart | Stir halfway through for even heating |
| Pizza | 70-80% | 30-60 seconds per slice | Place on a microwave-safe plate and use a microwave-safe cover to prevent drying out |
| Soup | 70-80% | 2-3 minutes per cup | Stir halfway through for even heating |
I’ll finish up with a final note on frozen meals.
I always follow the instructions on the packet to the letter, which usually means the highest power setting and following very specific stirring instructions.
My advice is to always follow these instructions!
Mark’s a lifelong food fanatic and spent ten years working as an entertainment journalist. He now combines his love of food, drink and writing as the founder and editor of Viva Flavor. Read more