Microwave ovens are an essential appliance in the kitchen, making it easier to heat food.
One of the features of microwave ovens is the turntable, which is designed to rotate food items while they are being heated.
In this article, we will explore how microwave turntables work and why they are important.
The Importance of Microwave Turntables
Microwave ovens work by using electromagnetic radiation to heat food.
The microwaves generated by the oven pass through the food, causing the water molecules in the food to vibrate rapidly, generating heat.
However, this heating can be uneven, leading to hot spots in food. This is where the turntable comes in.
The turntable rotates the food while it is being heated, ensuring that the microwaves are distributed evenly throughout the food.
This prevents hot spots from developing and ensures that the food is heated or cooked uniformly.
This is particularly important for larger items, such as whole chickens or roasts, which may not fit on the turntable.
Related: How do you clean the inside of a microwave
How Do Microwave Turntables Work?
The turntable in a microwave oven is usually located on a motor that is located underneath the floor of the microwave.
When the microwave is turned on, the motor is activated, causing the turntable to rotate.
The motor is usually controlled by an electromechanical switch or a microprocessor that regulates the speed and direction of the turntable.
The turntable is usually made of glass or ceramic material that is microwave-safe and easy to clean.
The size and shape of the turntable can vary depending on the size and design of the microwave oven.
Some turntables are rectangular or oval-shaped, while others are circular.
The turntable is designed to rotate at a constant speed, usually between 2-5 revolutions per minute.
This ensures that the food is rotated evenly and does not move around too much, which could cause it to spill or tip over.
The turntable motor is usually connected to the power supply of the microwave oven, so it is always on when the oven is on.
However, some microwaves have the option to turn off the turntable if it is not needed, such as when heating a small plate or cup.
Benefits of Microwave Turntables
Microwave turntables have several benefits, including:
- Even Heating: As mentioned earlier, the turntable ensures that the microwaves are distributed evenly throughout the food, preventing hot spots and cold spots from developing.
- Faster Cooking: The rotating motion of the turntable helps to speed up the cooking process by ensuring that the food is exposed to microwaves from all angles.
- Space Saving: The turntable allows you to cook larger items in the microwave by ensuring that they fit inside the oven and are cooked evenly.
- Easy to Clean: The turntable is usually made of glass or ceramic material, which is easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher.
- Convenience: The turntable allows you to cook multiple items at once by placing them on the turntable and rotating them during the cooking process.
FAQs
What is the turntable made of?
The turntable is usually made of glass or ceramic material that is microwave-safe and easy to clean.
The size and shape of the turntable can vary depending on the size and design of the microwave oven. Some turntables are rectangular or oval-shaped, while others are circular.
Can the turntable be turned off?
Some microwaves have the option to turn off the turntable if it is not needed, such as when heating a small plate or cup.
However, it is generally recommended to leave the turntable on to ensure even heating.
How fast does the turntable rotate?
The turntable is designed to rotate at a constant speed, usually between 2-5 revolutions per minute.
This ensures that the food is rotated evenly and does not move around too much, which could cause it to spill or tip over.
What happens if the turntable doesn’t rotate?
If the turntable is not rotating, it may be due to a problem with the motor or the switch that controls it.
This can result in uneven heating and may cause damage to the microwave.
It is important to have any issues with the turntable or the microwave itself addressed by a professional.
Can the turntable be removed for cleaning?
Yes, the turntable can be removed for cleaning.
It is usually dishwasher-safe or can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before placing it back in the microwave.
Bottom Line
Microwave turntables play an important role in ensuring that food is heated or cooked evenly in a microwave oven.
They are powered by a motor and are usually made of glass or ceramic material.
Turntables rotate at a constant speed, ensuring even heating and preventing hot spots from developing.
They can be removed for cleaning and are generally easy to maintain.
If you have any issues with the turntable or the microwave itself, it is best to seek professional help to ensure that the issue is addressed safely and effectively.