Yes, I have a 1000W. Depending on the day and the temp of my room I turn it up or down. Mine has 50%, 75%, 100%, and for some reason "Super Lumens". lol. I'm on my first grow so I'm working on seeing where my temps are with certain settings. Not sure what you mean about work your way up, but mine goes at 50% sometimes and other times all the way. Just depends on the temp.