A microwave drying system, which can automatically and continuously adjust microwave power, control sample temperature and measure sample mass, was developed and used in apple drying. At three drying temperatures, i.e., 75, 65, 55 degrees C, applied microwave power was recorded and analyzed, and a relationship of the power with respect to drying rates was built. With this relationship, apples were further dried at the same three temperatures but using variable power during drying process based on the online obtained drying rates. A better temperature control was achieved and less energy was consumed with this method. Depending on the resulted power profiles, a linear and a three-step power control methods were further developed to simplify the control system. With the developed methods, mass measurements were no longer required and power control could be easily implemented, while temperature control and energy consumption were still acceptable. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.