Methods for drying ceramic materials are provided. In one embodiment, a first power set-point of a first microwave applicator of a drying apparatus is determined Power set-points for at least two additional microwave applicators in the drying apparatus are determined such that a power distribution among the microwave applicators provides an energy per unit of water profile for the additional microwave applicators that is substantially uniform. The microwave applicators may be operated at the determined power set-points as the ceramic material is passed through the drying apparatus.