Why Does The Microwave Spin Inside Oven? Easy Explanation

There are a lot of things in the world of microwaves we don’t know. And whatever we don’t know, tends to keep us awake at 2 in the morning. 

Why can’t we see the microwaves? Is it some sort of sorcery involved? Or is it just that the microwave is too good at hiding its functions? Why does the microwave spin?

Well, from all of those questions, the spinning one sounds a bit more meaningful to answer. The microwave spins or the plate spins because of how the microwaves are generated. They are straight lines that cannot go around the food from all sides. Hence there will be cold spots where it won’t heat. And you will need to turn the food around, which is an inconvenience. So it spins.

Not making any sense? Well, that’s why we are going to explain it more.

Why Microwave Spin Or Microwave Plate Spin | The Reason Explained

Microwave is a box full of science. It works with electromagnetic energy radiations that bounce around to heat up the food. And how does that work?

The electromagnetic radiation travels through the food and vibrates the water molecules. This vibration causes friction and heat. Hence the food is put inside the old CRT TV-shaped box to heat up. 

But electromagnetic energy can travel in a straight line. So your food won’t get heated up in places where the radiation is not reaching. Also, there is the fact that not all foods are of the same shape. So you will need to take the food out, place it back in a different position, and rotate it around to heat it properly.

To make it more convenient, the microwave spins on itself. Or the plate inside it does. This keeps the food rotating and the energy hitting it from different sides. Hence the food gets heated properly and evenly.

And that is why, our microwave spins. There is nothing sinister going on inside it, or a music video shoot out for anyone inside the box. 

You will even find some microwaves that do not spin. And it is totally fine. This is because the energy is projected more from the source than from a spinning microwave. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers)

Why does a microwave turntable spin?

The microwave turntable spins because the food inside needs the same distribution of energy to heat up the food. Otherwise, the straight line of microwaves won’t reach certain points and it won’t heat up properly.

How do I stop my microwave from spinning?

Some microwaves come with an on/off key for the spinning turntable. If you want to turn it off, you can select the turntable off function from the manual settings. 

Why do microwaves not spin?

If the microwave is not spinning, the reason behind it can be the wheels are jammed, the turntable is not placed on the wheels properly or the wheels have been damaged. 

Conclusion

So there you have it, your 2 a.m. question is answered. If your microwave turntables not spinning, you will need to get them fixed. Until then, you will have to turn the food often on different sides to heat it properly.