After 30 years of using a microwave, I finally discovered this “magic button”: It makes food cook evenly and taste irresistible

Although we often don’t get the results we want when using a microwave, one chef has revealed a little-known button that can help you cook food perfectly every time.

I’ve always loved using my microwave. Normally, I use it to reheat leftovers or sometimes to cook simple foods like vegetables. However, I’ve often faced the frustration of food being overheated or still cold, without knowing how to fix it.

Recently, I came across an article in the British Daily Express that shared a brilliant microwave tip for making food taste better. The article quoted chef Shilpa Uskokovic, who said that the “Power” button on the microwave is the secret to achieving the best cooking results.

According to Shilpa, the power level control is something everyone should use. She explained:
“Adjusting the power is like adjusting the heat level on your stovetop. Changing the microwave’s power level doesn’t reduce its output energy — it simply controls how often the microwave turns on and off.”

Explaining further, she said:
“If I set the microwave power to 50% for one minute, the microwave will operate for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds in cycles.”

Shilpa believes that using the power level correctly helps her cook food more evenly and deliciously.

She added: “So if you want to cook more precisely, use the power button. It’s the most forgotten button on the microwave.”

After reading the Daily Express article, I realized that for the past 30 years, I had never even touched the power control on my microwave. So, I decided to research what this button actually does and how to use it properly.

How to Use the Power Level Button on a Microwave

According to the expert site KitchenAid, most microwaves have about 5 to 10 different power levels, and each serves a specific purpose. Choosing the right level can help prevent food from being undercooked or overcooked.

Some microwave recipes will specify the required power level, either in percentages or descriptive terms.

Power settings may vary depending on the microwave model, so it’s best to check your user manual first. Generally, these guidelines apply:

• 100% / High: For quick heating of convenience foods and high-moisture dishes like soups, beverages, and most vegetables. Also ideal for microwave baking.

• 90%: For cooking small, tender cuts of meat, ground meat, poultry pieces, fish fillets, and reheating creamy soups.

• 80%: For reheating rice, pasta, or stirrable casseroles, as well as cooking or reheating whole fish or roasts.

• 70% / Medium-High: For reheating single servings.

• 60%: For delicate dishes such as eggs, puddings, custards, and casseroles that can’t be stirred, like lasagna.

• 50% / Medium: For cooking cured meats, whole chickens, and stews, or for simmering dishes.

• 40%: For melting chocolate and reheating bread, rolls, or pastries.

• 30% / Medium-Low / Defrost: For defrosting bread, fish, meat (including ground beef), and pre-cooked foods.

• 20%: For softening butter or cheese.

• 10% / Low: For reducing the chill in fruits.

How to Change the Microwave Power Level

Microwave control panels vary by model, but generally, you can:

1. Press the COOK TIME button and enter your desired cooking time.

2. Press POWER LEVEL, then select the desired level.

Always refer to your microwave’s instruction manual for exact steps specific to your model.