Microwaves have become an essential appliance in most homes. We depend on them daily to reheat leftovers or cook a quick meal. But have you ever wondered why microwaves have that spinning turntable inside?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science behind microwave rotation, why it’s so important, and how the technology works. Read on to get the full scoop!
Here’s a quick answer: Microwaves spin to distribute microwave energy evenly for uniform heating. A turntable rotates food so all areas get exposed as microwaves bounce around the interior. Spinning prevents cold spots and overcooked edges. Without rotation, microwaves would heat food unevenly, leaving parts frozen while others burnt. Turntables provide consistent results.
How Microwave Cooking Works
To understand why microwaves spin, you first need to know a little about how they cook food.
Microwave ovens produce electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate rapidly. This vibration creates internal friction that heats the food from the inside out.
The microwaves are produced by a component called a magnetron that converts electrical energy into high-powered radio waves. These waves spread out and reflect off the interior surfaces of the microwave, penetrating food items inside.
As the waves pass through, the water molecules rotate back and forth continuously trying to align themselves with the alternating microwave field. All this molecular movement generates heat and cooks the food.
Why Rotation is Critical for Even Heating
Here’s where the spinning turntable comes in. Those microwaves bouncing around don’t distribute perfectly evenly within the appliance. There tend to be hot spots and cold spots.
Without the turntable rotating the food, one section would get cooked much faster than another section. You’d end up with half-frozen and half-burnt food – not very appetizing!
By keeping the contents moving continuously, every part gets exposed to the waves more evenly. This prevents dried out edges and cold centers.
Typical Microwave Rotation Speeds
Most microwave turntables rotate at about 6 revolutions per minute. This speed ensures the contents get moved around enough for even exposure.
Higher speeds would make the rotation more noticeable and could cause spillovers. Slower speeds wouldn’t distribute the energy thoroughly.
So around 6 RPM seems to be the sweet spot, fast enough to work but slow enough to avoid problems.
Some models have a two-speed turntable, offering regular and gentle modes. The gentle setting rotates more slowly to avoid splashing when reheating liquids.
What Makes the Turntable Spin?
A small electric motor drives the spinning action of the turntable. Typically, the motor sits just under the floor of the microwave compartment.
It has a rotating shaft that extends up into the center of the turntable. The shaft engages with the turntable’s roller guide or wheels to drive the rotation.
Power is supplied to the motor whenever the microwave turns on. So as soon as you start cooking, the turntable starts spinning!
Troubleshooting a Non-Rotating Turntable
If your microwave turntable suddenly stops rotating, it likely indicates an issue with the motor or guide system. Here are some things to check:
- Debris or grease buildup – Excess debris or grease on the turntable, guide rollers, or microwave floor can impede rotation. Clean thoroughly.
- Obstruction – An object may be blocking the turntable path. Remove any items or debris from the microwave interior.
- Faulty motor – If the motor is damaged or worn out, it won’t be able to drive the turntable. You’ll need a technician to diagnose and replace the motor.
- Broken turntable parts – Things like cracked turntable plates, bent rollers, or detached rotation assembly components can cause rotation failure. Replace any damaged parts.
If cleaning or minor repairs don’t get your turntable spinning again, the microwave likely requires professional service to replace the motor or other integral components.
Can You Use a Microwave Without the Turntable?
It’s generally not recommended to operate a turntable microwave with the platter removed. Without the spinning function, you’ll end up with very uneven cooking results.
However, in a pinch, you can use the microwave this way if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort. You’ll have to periodically stop cooking to manually rotate the food yourself.
Open the door, give the food a stir or turn it around, then restart the microwave. Repeat this multiple times during the cooking process to expose all areas evenly. It’s more hands-on but can work if the turntable is broken.
For foods with irregular shapes that are harder to rotate manually, this approach won’t be very effective. You’ll likely end up with cold spots and burning. It’s best to get the turntable repaired.
Are There Microwaves Without Turntables?
While most common household microwaves have a spinning turntable, there are some models designed without this feature. These are called “flatbed” or “turntable free” microwaves.
Rather than an internal turntable, flatbed microwaves distribute the microwave energy evenly across the bottom surface of the unit. The waves radiate up from the floor into the cooking chamber.
Food can sit stationary atop a microwave-transparent shelf while the energy patterns around it. This provides uniform cooking without needing to rotate anything.
Flatbed models don’t have rotating parts that can break. However, they are generally more expensive than traditional turntable microwaves. Flatbeds are also larger and take up more counter space.
FAQ About Microwave Spinning
Why do some microwaves spin clockwise vs counterclockwise?
There’s no functional difference between clockwise and counterclockwise spinning. The turntable rotation direction is simply a matter of motor and guide wheel orientation during manufacturing. Both directions distribute microwave energy evenly.
How fast does a microwave turntable spin?
A typical microwave turntable spins at about 6 revolutions per minute or one rotation every 10 seconds. This strikes a good balance between thorough cooking and avoiding spills or splashes.
Do countertop microwaves need to spin?
Yes, countertop microwaves require an internal turntable to function properly, unless they have a flatbed design. The spinning ensures the contents heat evenly. Without it, you would have to stir constantly to prevent uneven cooking.
Can I microwave without the glass turntable?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The glass plate helps distribute heat and catches spills. Without it, heating will be uneven and food/liquids could damage the microwave floor. Only remove the turntable if it’s broken and replace it promptly.
Why has my microwave turntable stopped spinning?
Common reasons for a non-rotating turntable include debris buildup, obstructions in the rotation path, worn motor, and broken turntable components. Try cleaning first. If that doesn’t work, the microwave probably requires service from a technician.
Conclusion
In summary, microwave turntables serve the vital purpose of distributing energy evenly to food for thorough, uniform cooking. The rotating platter moves the contents so that all areas get exposed to the microwaves bouncing around the interior.
Without this spinning function, microwaved food would end up disastrously uneven, with cold spots and dried out edges. So next time you’re nuking a meal, remember the science behind that rotating turntable that makes it all work!
