Microwave Wattage

[andrewlamberson]

It's really hot here again in Minnesota (something we don't get to say very often...or for very long!)...95 with a heat index of over 100...and my wife had to work late....Soooooo.... I decided to mold some baits in the kitchen (yeh...bad idea I know!) instead of the hot garage.

I quickly noticed that my 1400 watt microwave did a much better job of melting the plastic quickly...and evenly...than my Wally World Kids go to College special I've been using in the garage.

What wattage do you use?

 Is higher wattage better??? Worse? Quicker? Slower? Burns faster? Better or worse temperature control?

(Jason: I'm sorry to whine about 95!)

[BassDetective]

I use a 600 watt from Walmart.  It takes about 5 minutes on medium setting to heat 2 cups.  I prefer the lower wattage as I don't burn as much plastic.

As for the kitchen, I baked my last batch in the kitchen.  Won't do that again. 

[andrewlamberson]

If you use the kitchen microwave...you also need to make sure you buy some really nice flowers to cover up ...the smell........for when the "nose" gets home!

 

[pjmcla]

I use a 1,000 watt Amana Radar-Range.  It does a good reliable job of heating.  Very repeatable.  Higher wattage should heat faster when wide open; but I would think increase the risk of scorching.  When I get close to temp, with a smaller amount of plastic in the cup; I will drop the power back to 60 - 70%  and shorten the cook time as well.  I like to sneak up on the temp.  Seems to allow the plastic to be more consistant.

[Jason]

I'm in the market for a new microwave so I'll be curious what the comments here as well are.

I had to laugh because I remember the "time" I did it in the house as well.  I guess there are a lot of learning experiences in bait making.   

[andrewlamberson]

I'm wondering if a good quality, higher wattage microwave cooks more evenly than a cheap, low voltage microwave that heats in more of a spot??

Any Engineers out there that can explain the physics of microwave and how different microwave emitters could be better at spreading out the energy vs. pin pointing it?

A good example is that it seems cheap, low voltage microwaves will leave part of my gourmet Hungry Man dinner frozen, while scorching other parts. Where the high quality, high wattage unit I have in the kitchen does a much better job of uniformly cooking the meal.

Or...it just may be all in my imagination!!

[kipbass]

I'm in the market for a new microwave so I'll be curious what the comments here as well are.

I had to laugh because I remember the "time" I did it in the house as well.  I guess there are a lot of learning experiences in bait making.   

Jason, look at Lowe's for a good microwave on close out. I saved a lot of money buying a vent hood microwave combo on close out when I built my house. Also, the manufacture will still honor the warranty. The higher price micro tend to have longer warranties too.

[Jason]

That's a good idea. Thanks, Jason

[Dave]

If I may make a suggestion, try a commercial unit that produces an even 1000 watts.  This would be a very good selection if your still looking for a good model. ( http://www.webstaurantstore.com/amana-rcs10ds-1000-watt-commercial-microwave-with-dial-control-stackable-with-air-filter-120v/140RCS10DS.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CPvf8ZiKzqsCFSkBQAod9w1lWw ). Good Luck!

[HawgPours]

I also use a 1400 watt. But it has multiple settings on it. Its a larger microwave so i can get my 4 quart Dishes in it