How do I find the wattage?

Look in the Manual

Since most people know how to use a microwave, the manual that came with it often gets easily discarded or tossed in a drawer somewhere. This is a bad idea since this manual contains the wattage information.

If you happened to toss out the manual, the manufacturer's website should have this information listed online. GE also lists the microwave wattages of some of its older models on its website.

Look Inside or Outside the Microwave

If you've ever wondered about that sticker on your microwave, it's the serial plate number. It is where the wattage information should be listed along with the oven's model number, manufacturer information and any safety warnings. 

You can usually find this label in one of three places: on the back, on the side or inside the microwave door.

Test the Wattage Yourself

If your manual is nowhere to be found and the label got scratched off the microwave, you can test the wattage yourself.

What you do is fill a microwave-safe measuring cup with 1 cup of water. Microwave it on high, watch carefully and take note of how long it takes for the water to boil. Use these times to determine the wattage:

• 1 1/2 minutes: 1,200 watts
• 2 minutes: 1,000 watts
• 2 1/2 minutes: 800 watts
• 3 minutes: 700 watts
• 4 minutes: 600 watts