Reason this is good is because the power setting really only affects how often the magnetron switches on and off (usually easy to hear). Lower power = more time off. Many microwave foods say to let it rest for a few minutes, this integrates that into the process(but they're all different so do experiment)
Except with proper microwaves that actually reduce the power. I'm not sure if it's just Panasonic, but look for microwaves that mention inverter technology. Essentially they convert AC to DC, and then back to AC in a more controlled and adjustable manner.
I've looked and looked over the years, but no microwave I've ever owned as let me adjust the wattage, even though I've often seen this tip. Is this just an EU thing, or a bougie microwave thing?
No microwave I've seen has ever actually varied the wattage. It just essentially does pulse width modulation, so 60% power might be on (at full power) for 6 seconds and off for 4 seconds. It averages out to the desired power, but it's not exactly the same as what it kind of implies.
Look up the manual for your current microwave. It may be able to, or it might have some programs that have varied levels of power. Some just don't have the option, tho, so that might be why.
Thank you, I will definitely check! I don't think I've ever actually bought a microwave, they've kinda just been in whatever house/apartment I've moved into, so that's probably why it never occurred to me that that info was probably in the paperwork that came with the machine