Microwaves do not necessarily need a glass plate or turntable to work, but they are commonly equipped with one for better and more even cooking results. The turntable or glass plate serves a specific purpose in microwave ovens:
Even Heating: The turntable or glass plate helps to rotate the food during cooking. This rotation ensures that the microwaves penetrate the food from different angles, promoting even heating throughout the dish. Without the turntable, certain spots may receive more microwaves than others, leading to uneven cooking and potential hot or cold spots in the food.
Preventing Standing Waves: Microwaves operate on the principle of standing waves, which can create areas of high and low intensity within the oven cavity. The turntable helps to minimize the impact of these standing waves by constantly moving the food through different regions of the microwave field.
Avoiding Burn Spots: When microwaves are concentrated on one spot for an extended period, it can cause overheating and even burn the food. The rotating turntable prevents this by distributing the microwave energy more uniformly.
While microwave ovens are designed to be used with a turntable or glass plate, some models offer the option to disable the turntable function for specific types of cooking or dishes that do not require rotation. However, using a turntable or glass plate is generally recommended for optimal cooking performance and food safety. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions when using a microwave oven.