Should I Buy a Microwave with or without a Turntable?:(Pros&Cons with our Recommend)

Microwaves have become an essential appliance in most kitchens, offering convenience and efficiency when it comes to cooking and reheating food. When shopping for a microwave, one common question that arises is whether to choose a model with or without a turntable. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both options and help you make an informed decision.

The Role of a Turntable in Microwaves

Before we delve into the pros and cons, let’s understand the purpose of a turntable in microwaves. A turntable is a rotating glass plate that sits at the bottom of the microwave cavity. Its primary function is to ensure even heating by rotating the food during the cooking process. This rotation helps to distribute the microwave’s energy more evenly, resulting in more consistent cooking or reheating.

Microwaves with Turntables

Microwaves with turntables are the most common type available in the market. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a microwave with a turntable:

1. Even Heating: The rotating turntable helps to distribute heat evenly across the food, reducing the chances of hot or cold spots.
2. Faster Cooking: By rotating the food, microwaves with turntables can cook or reheat food more quickly and efficiently.
3. Versatility: A turntable allows you to use various sizes and shapes of cookware, as the rotation ensures that the food is evenly exposed to the microwave’s energy.
4. Ease of Cleaning: Most turntables are removable and dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean and maintain.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Limited Space: The turntable takes up some space in the microwave cavity, reducing the available cooking area. This can be a concern if you need to heat larger or irregularly shaped dishes.
2. Stability: Some users may find that the rotating motion of the turntable makes it difficult to place or remove dishes, especially if they are heavy or unstable.

Microwaves without Turntables

While less common, there are microwaves available in the market that do not feature a turntable. Here are the advantages of choosing a microwave without a turntable:

1. More Space: Without a turntable, microwaves can offer a larger cooking capacity, allowing you to heat or cook larger dishes or multiple items simultaneously.
2. Stability: Without the rotating motion, it may be easier to place and remove dishes, especially those that are heavy or delicate.
3. Flexible Placement: Microwaves without turntables often have a flat and even base, making them suitable for installation in compact spaces or in-built cabinetry.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Uneven Heating: Without a turntable, there is a higher chance of uneven heating, resulting in some areas being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
2. Manual Intervention: To achieve more even heating, you may need to manually rotate the dish during the cooking process.
3. Limited Versatility: Without a turntable, you may need to use specific cookware that fits the microwave’s shape and size, limiting your options.

Our Recommendation

After considering the advantages and disadvantages of both options, our recommendation is to buy a microwave with a turntable. The even heating, faster cooking, versatility, and ease of cleaning offered by a turntable outweigh the potential drawbacks. Microwaves with turntables provide a more consistent cooking experience and allow you to use a variety of cookware, making them suitable for most households.

However, if you have specific requirements, such as the need for a larger cooking capacity or if you have limited space, a microwave without a turntable may be a suitable alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I remove the turntable from a microwave with a turntable?
   Yes, most turntables are removable for easy cleaning or to accommodate larger cookware. However, it’s important to consult the microwave’s user manual for specific instructions.
2. Do microwaves without turntables cook food evenly?
   Microwaves without turntables have a higher chance of uneven heating. Consider manually rotating the dish during cooking to ensure more even results.
3. Can I use any cookware in a microwave with a turntable?
   Yes, the rotating turntable allows you to use various sizes and shapes of cookware. However, ensure that the cookware is microwave-safe.
4. Do microwaves without turntables save energy?
   The energy-saving benefits of microwaves without turntables are minimal. The primary factor affecting energy consumption is the wattage of the microwave, not the presence of a turntable.
5. Are microwaves without turntables more expensive?
   Microwaves without turntables are not necessarily more expensive than those with turntables. The cost depends on various factors such as brand, features, and overall quality of the microwave.

In conclusion, when choosing a microwave, consider your specific needs and preferences. While microwaves with turntables offer more even heating and versatility, microwaves without turntables may be suitable if you require a larger cooking capacity or have limited space. Ultimately, both options can provide reliable cooking and reheating capabilities, so make sure to select the one that best fits your kitchen and cooking requirements.