Lowest power level that you've used on a microwave oven?

[woodstocksez]

I know for sure that I've used power level 3 and I think I may have used power level 2. But I know with certainty that I have never used power level 1, nor have I even contemplated doing so.

I think microwave oven makers would better serve microwave oven users by eliminating power level 1 and adding power level 11.

[mrryde]

I know for sure that I've used power level 3 and I think I may have used power level 2. But I know with certainty that I have never used power level 1, nor have I even contemplated doing so.

I think microwave oven makers would better serve microwave oven users by eliminating power level 1 and adding power level 11.

Theres power levels on a microwave? i just cook everything on the popcorn setting

[woodstocksez]

Theres power levels on a microwave? i just cook everything on the popcorn setting

Well, that's the sensible approach, but I feel compelled to use different power levels because they're there.

I also heat things (usually coffee) for odd amounts of time (39 seconds, 54 seconds, 17 seconds) in order to ensure that all numbers on the keypad receive roughly equal use, thereby prolonging the life of my microwave keypad. I don't tell my wife I do that, though.

Edit to add that, yes, you should kill the bartender.

[nick > jesus]

i have never used mine below 10

[DamRepublican]

i used power level one before for defrosting b/c my microwave is on steroids i think

[rideit]

I just leave my chicken out in the sun on a hot summer day....does that count as a 'setting'?

[bio-smear]

I've experimented with different positions on the lazy susan but I only use the Defrost and Smelt power settings. However, like RideIt, I'm a big fan of sun-brewed mayonnaise.

[rideit]

I also am a big fan of poultyry sushi, at room temperature.

It brings out the....aromas.

[hemas]

Mine goes to 11.

[mcsquared]

I also heat things (usually coffee) for odd amounts of time (39 seconds, 54 seconds, 17 seconds) in order to ensure that all numbers on the keypad receive roughly equal use, thereby prolonging the life of my microwave keypad. I don't tell my wife I do that, though.

I had a roommate who refused to specify any amount of time. So he would just punch a bunch of random numbers and then start. When he felt like it was done he would open the door to stop it. The biggest problem was that he wouldn't clear the timer so that the clock would display. So, being a guy who doesn't have a watch and the microwave being one of 2 clocks in the house. I was constantly getting screwed thinking it was 2:56 or whatever time was left on his hungryman when it really wasn't. Really confusing when you stumble home drunk and you are like "Hey, its only 9:37. I don't have to be at work for 8 hours!!!"

[andyC]

I had a roommate who refused to specify any amount of time. So he would just punch a bunch of random numbers and then start. When he felt like it was done he would open the door to stop it. The biggest problem was that he wouldn't clear the timer so that the clock would display. So, being a guy who doesn't have a watch and the microwave being one of 2 clocks in the house. I was constantly getting screwed thinking it was 2:56 or whatever time was left on his hungryman when it really wasn't. Really confusing when you stumble home drunk and you are like "Hey, its only 9:37. I don't have to be at work for 8 hours!!!"

Made me laugh.

[Elkhound Odin]

30-60 seconds on power level 1 for softening butter right out of the fridge.

Or just leave it sit on the counter all the time

your choice

except in my house the dogs will get it off the counter and eat it. So that's not my option.

[DamRepublican]

dog + a stick of softened butter = nasty mess

edit: not right away but give it some time to percolate

[dipstik]

Excellent thread.

I too type in odd amounts for cooking time.

[col_surfer]

off.....

[Bluebird]

Don't own a microwave

[woodstocksez]

Don't own a microwave

++++++++++ vibes sent. Hang in there.

[Grange]

I've gone down to number two for defrosting. I like the preset buttons.

[buckethead]

like bluebird, i don't own a microwave oven either.

not sure of his reasoning, but me...i LIKE food, i like the nutritional value of food. i make time to cook meals that take minutes not seconds to prepare.

...but most of all i just wanted to be a part of this important thread

happy sunday!

[scarlet begonias]

++++++++++ vibes sent. Hang in there.

Wow, that was fantastic and made me LAUGH!

When I have to use a microwave to reheat leftovers (not cooked in a microwave) at work, if it is meat I cook it on 1 or 2 so I don't overcook the meat - especially if it is left over med rare steak. Otherwise I use 10.

Otherwise imho, microwave = yucky. I'm with bluebird, no micro @ home.

[p-tex]

Not that this is terribly critical to this important discussion....

BUT - I was always had the understanding that microwaves were always FULL power and the power settings that they offer are actually POWER CYCLES. In other words, "high power" is on the entire time you have set on the timer, level 5 or 50% would be about half on/half off but with just the fan blowing. Pretty sure that they are simply on or off with differnt cycles (alot like a thermostat or your electric oven).

[woodstocksez]

Not that this is terribly critical to this important discussion....

BUT - I was always had the understanding that microwaves were always FULL power and the power settings that they offer are actually POWER CYCLES. In other words, "high power" is on the entire time you have set on the timer, level 5 or 50% would be about half on/half off but with just the fan blowing. Pretty sure that they are simply on or off with differnt cycles (alot like a thermostat or your electric oven).

Thank you for the engaging tutorial on microwave oven operation. However, I don't think that it is terribly critical to this important discussion.

[Telemarketeer]

Don't own a microwave

How do you cook your hot pockets then? You do know they make vegi pockets, right hippy?

FULL POWER 10 all the time!

I really hope this doesn't start page two on this thread.

[mtaylor]

my microwave has never been below 100
it is a monster