Microwave only has 1000W and 600W options. How to cook things that require other power settings?

Cloth_of_Gold

I have recently bought a Panasonic microwave, model number NN-SD25HBBPQ. The microwave has several different power settings but not 800W, which is a common requirment for many bought foods. The power options are 1000, 600, 440, 300, 270 and 100 Watts. Is there an easy way to calculate the time adjustment of cooking something at 1000 or 600 Watts that the packaging says should be cooked at 800 or 900W or some other power level, or do you just have to use trial and error? 

I don't buy many ready meals but in the short term I'm concerned about overcooking or undercooking our Christmas pudding, but doubtless in the future I will buy the odd ready meal. The pudding gives two options, neither of which I can use: 5 and a half minutes at 750W, with a two minute break half way through, or 4 and a half minutes at 900W with a two minute break.I'm probably fussing over nothing but if there is an easy way to make adjustments it would be good to know.

comeandgo

Are you cooking or just heating up the Christmas Pudding?  If just heating then I always err on less time and you can give it another 30 seconds but if you go over there is nothing you can do to uncook a hard lump of pudding.  I’m totally surprised there is nothing between 600 and 1000.  I would go for 3 mins on 1000 with break between.

MikeJXE

Simple maths 

If it says 5 minutes at 800 and you only have 1000 that means you must cook it for a shorter time right ?

5 minutes (300 seconds) / 1000 * 800 = 4 minutes (240 seconds)

JGB1955

There are online calculators that will work it out for you.
Microwave Wattage Converter

The answer to your specific question appears to be 6 minutes 52.5 seconds at 600W
or
4 minutes 7.5 seconds at 1000W.

Cloth_of_Gold

MikeJXE said:

Simple maths 

If it says 5 minutes at 800 and you only have 1000 that means you must cook it for a shorter time right ?

5 minutes (300 seconds) / 1000 * 800 = 4 minutes (240 seconds)

I did think about that but sometimes there are other factors to take into consideration and I wanted to be sure.

Cloth_of_Gold

JGB1955 said:

There are online calculators that will work it out for you.
Microwave Wattage Converter

The answer to your specific question appears to be 6 minutes 52.5 seconds at 600W
or
4 minutes 7.5 seconds at 1000W.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Albermarle

Cloth_of_Gold said:

MikeJXE said:

Simple maths 

If it says 5 minutes at 800 and you only have 1000 that means you must cook it for a shorter time right ?

5 minutes (300 seconds) / 1000 * 800 = 4 minutes (240 seconds)

I did think about that but sometimes there are other factors to take into consideration and I wanted to be sure.

There is. Also the timings are only guideline as different microwave manufacturers use slightly different technologies.
I have changed from a microwave with max 900 W to one with max 800W ( different brand) and it is at least 15% slower to heat food, maybe even more. 

ic

Cook it at 600W for longer.  Check as you go.

35har1old

Cloth_of_Gold said:

I have recently bought a Panasonic microwave, model number NN-SD25HBBPQ. The microwave has several different power settings but not 800W, which is a common requirment for many bought foods. The power options are 1000, 600, 440, 300, 270 and 100 Watts. Is there an easy way to calculate the time adjustment of cooking something at 1000 or 600 Watts that the packaging says should be cooked at 800 or 900W or some other power level, or do you just have to use trial and error? 

I don't buy many ready meals but in the short term I'm concerned about overcooking or undercooking our Christmas pudding, but doubtless in the future I will buy the odd ready meal. The pudding gives two options, neither of which I can use: 5 and a half minutes at 750W, with a two minute break half way through, or 4 and a half minutes at 900W with a two minute break.I'm probably fussing over nothing but if there is an easy way to make adjustments it would be good to know.

As this appliance has inverter technology standard cooking times may not apply?

twopenny

I have no idea what power mine has. I've had it before the packaged meals had variations.

I;ve probably cooked them before so know how they heat ie need extra for the middle or are stirred.

So I look at the product, decide if it needs a lot or can be a little.........and adjust to the middle.

Most ready meals are already cooked so you're mostly heating.

Cloth_of_Gold

MikeJXE said:

Simple maths 

If it says 5 minutes at 800 and you only have 1000 that means you must cook it for a shorter time right ?

5 minutes (300 seconds) / 1000 * 800 = 4 minutes (240 seconds)

JGB1955 said:

There are online calculators that will work it out for you.
Microwave Wattage Converter

The answer to your specific question appears to be 6 minutes 52.5 seconds at 600W
or
4 minutes 7.5 seconds at 1000W.

Thanks for all the cooments . I cooked it for 4 minw at 1000W but it when I served the first portion it was only warm, not hot. I dished up the other two portions and then put them back in the microwave and gave them another 30 seconds and they were ok then.