Abstract: A system for adaptive preheating of a magnetron within a microwave oven is disclosed. In embodiments, the system includes temperature sensors for sensing a magnetron temperature. The system includes a power supply controller in communication with the microwave's power supply and the temperature sensors and including control processors. The power supply controller receives a requested power setting associated with a cooking cycle, e.g., selected by a user via a human-machine interface of the microwave oven. Before the cooking cycle commences, the power supply controller calculates a preheat time based on the sensed magnetron temperature. After starting a timer corresponding to the determined preheat time, the power supply controller preheats the filament by applying sufficient current to render the filament incandescent and so the resonant cavities may be stimulated. By preheating the filament, the system reduces operational fatigue on the filament due to cold starts.