Why does microwave turntable reverse?

By design, they reverse their direction of rotation if a load greater than their output torque, or twisting force, is present, he said. It takes very little torque to rotate the turntable once it is turning, he said, but it can take several times the running torque to start it.

Do microwaves rotate clockwise?

It doesn’t change, it is just luck or random which way it goes. It is a shaded pole motor usually on the turntable, or a synchronous motor. They don’t have a direction unless there is a circuit like a diode, to kick the motor the same way each time.

Why do microwave trays rotate?

Microwaves interact with the liquid molecules in your uncooked food. In order to distribute the waves evenly throughout the cavity, you must control the movement of the food, hence the rotating plate! The rotation of the plate ensures that microwaves spread evenly and that the food cooks simultaneously and uniformly.

How does a microwave rotate?

Microwave ovens have a turntable because the microwaves themselves form what are known as ‘standing waves’. This means there are essentially static columns of microwave energy inside the cabinet itself.

What direction do microwaves go?

The turntable can turn in either direction when the microwave starts cooking. For example, the tray might rotate clockwise one time and counter-clockwise the next, or turn clockwise twice in a row. Electrical circuitry causes this direction change, and is normal.

How does a microwave turntable motor work?

The motor tends to be a cheap Synchronous AC motor. The design uses the shift in AC polarity (Going from Positive to Negative phases and back) to create a magnetic field in a coil, which interacts with a multi-poled permanent magnet.

What does turntable button mean in microwave?

Turntable microwaves have a glass tray that sits on a plastic support ring, which rotates constantly during any cooking selection, including models with convection cooking. The turntable can turn in either direction when the microwave starts cooking. …

Can you use microwave without turntable?

The microwave can be used without the revolving glass tray if the door glass is undamaged. The food won’t cook as evenly without the revolving tray and will need to be manually rotates during heating.

Is a microwave turntable necessary?

Microwave ovens don’t need a turntable. The ones that can come without turntables are called Flatbed Microwaves. These microwaves can heat up and cook food effectively. They have a rotating motor that drives the stirring blades under the flatbed, which distributes the waves evenly to heat the food.

Why do many microwave ovens have turntables?

One problem with cooking using a microwave oven is they do not heat evenly. Many microwave ovens have turntables inside to help cook the food more evenly. If your microwave does not have one, a turntable accessory can be purchased to help prevent hot spots.

How do I know if my microwave turntable motor is bad?

Microwaves generally make a loud whirring noise when they’re in use. Any other noises are a sign that a problem is developing. If you hear a loud, clunky noise whenever your microwave’s turntable is spinning, check the motor. It may have knocked itself loose or started to malfunction.