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[Solved] Microwave Oven with/without Rotating Plates: Owners' Reviews, Advice & Heating Uniformity

12pawel 35130 19
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How does a microwave oven without a rotating plate heat food evenly?

A microwave without a turntable can still heat food well enough, and owners report no noticeable difference compared with a standard plate model [#17668493][#17671131] One explanation given is that the microwaves are distributed by rotating antennas or source movement rather than by spinning the food [#17671131] If you are actually looking at a combined oven with microwave function, some of those omit the turntable because a bottom heater is used, but users warn that the hybrid can be awkward to operate and is often less convenient than separate appliances [#17668687][#17668937]
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  • #1 17668308
    12pawel
    Level 34  
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    I am asking for advice, opinions from owners of a microwave oven. The question is leaning towards the microwave, how does it heat without these rotating plates? Is the food uniformly warmed up? Or maybe there are some patents with a rotating plate?
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    #2 17668493
    tomjed
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1065
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    I have had a Samsung for 5 years. We are very pleased with my wife. I don't see any difference to the usual one with a plate ...
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    #3 17668687
    misiek1111
    Level 37  
    Posts: 3969
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    It should be distinguished:
    - an oven with a microwave function, and
    - microwave with oven function.

    The former does not have a turntable, because this is where the bottom heater is.
    The latter has a plate, but only a top heater and may possibly have a hot-air heater.

    If you want 2 in 1, you should buy an oven with a microwave function. And here, despite many models, it is not so rosy anymore.
    Microwaves are used more often to heat or defrost something. Before buying, check whether the microwave can be easily turned on (preferably directly with one button) and just as easy to program.
    Unfortunately, most ovens with a microwave function are designed under the oven.
    For example, in Bosh you have to go through half the menu to turn on the microwave - nonsense, which makes you not want to use this device (but it looks nice and has a nice inscription. :| ).

    Another thing is the lack of automatic weight defrosting ovens in most of these ovens. Normally, in better microwaves, we can quickly program what and how much to defrost, and the microwave itself selects the power and time of defrosting.

    In most ovens with a microwave, this function does not exist and you have to manually type in the data from the table, from the manual - it is nonsense.
    I found only a few devices that have automatic defrosting: Whirlpool, Smeg, Samsung, and, attention, our national Solgaz.
    Solgaz is interesting at all, because it is 3 in 1: oven, steam oven and microwave.
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    #4 17668716
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #5 17668779
    misiek1111
    Level 37  
    Posts: 3969
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    All better microwaves have an electric top heater (necessary for the CRISP function).
    If you set the microwave power correctly to the food being heated, nothing will splash. And since it was splashing, the power was too great.
    Microwave operation is not only the start button.
  • #6 17668814
    cal
    Level 10  
    Posts: 26
    Rate: 4
    misiek1111 wrote:
    It should be distinguished:
    - an oven with a microwave function, and
    - microwave with oven function.

    The former does not have a turntable, because this is where the bottom heater is.
    The latter has a plate, but only a top heater and may possibly have a hot-air heater.


    I have the latter and I have 2 heaters and a plate.
    The Life brand is someone's license, I don't remember the details anymore because it was bought 6 years ago.

    Added after 18 [minutes]:

    eurotips wrote:
    In life, do not buy anything that has a heater and a microwave in one housing.
    It cannot be used in a meaningful way,
    the heater is still covered with microwave splinters, even quartz tubes instead of heaters do not contribute much because it smokes and smells mercilessly. Pure hydrocephalus from the designers who invented it.


    While heating the soup, I never managed to knead the microwave oven, it sizzled and sprinkled when we baked the whole "cziken", which, incidentally, lasted 20 minutes, no offense, but if you splash it, you have to wash it, it will not clean itself and it will not be too stink.

    In the oven, the upper heater will also get the meat when baking, such discussions are a way to nowhere.

    I have such equipment, it has advantages and disadvantages, you can bake a whole hen, supported by microwaves, it lasts quickly, for 2 casseroles
    It's a pity to fire up the oven before it heats up, the casseroles are already browned, after all, they only need to be baked, not baked.
    However, you have to forget about "more ambitious" baking, there are also ovens.
  • #7 17668937
    ^ToM^
    Level 42  
    Posts: 9048
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    It is better to buy two separate devices - as long as there is space in the kitchen. It may happen that after the warranty expires, the common part of the device - the driver - is damaged and we have the device to replace. With two independent devices, the chances that both will die at the same time are slim. I think, however, I would buy two separate items.
  • #8 17668976
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #9 17669126
    cal
    Level 10  
    Posts: 26
    Rate: 4
    eurotips wrote:
    cal wrote:
    ....

    eurotips wrote:
    In life, do not buy anything that has a heater and a microwave in one housing.
    It cannot be used in a meaningful way,
    the heater is still covered with microwave splinters, even quartz tubes instead of heaters do not contribute much because it smokes and smells mercilessly. Pure hydrocephalus from the designers who invented it.


    While heating the soup, I never managed to knead the microwave oven, it sizzled and sprinkled when we baked the whole "cziken", which, incidentally, lasted 20 minutes, no offense, but if you splash it, you have to wash it, it will not clean itself and it will not be too stink.

    In the oven, the upper heater will also get the meat when baking, such discussions are a way to nowhere.

    I have such equipment, it has advantages and disadvantages, you can bake a whole hen, supported by microwaves, it lasts quickly, for 2 casseroles
    It's a pity to fire up the oven before it heats up, the casseroles are already browned, after all, they only need to be baked, not baked.
    However, you have to forget about "more ambitious" baking, there are also ovens.


    You can see that you are taking money for this surreptitious advertising ...
    Yes, you can wash the heater ... by disassembling the entire microwave oven by removing not only the housing but also the entire housing of the upper heater. Somehow you "forgot" to mention it and you are trying to put a dirty label on me. Not nice.
    I had such a thing and that's why I am writing here to warn others: such sh ... it's just warming up to red and stick it in the ... clown who made it up.


    Surreptitious advertising of what? Noname microwave ovens that I bought 5 or 6 years ago?
    If you are accusing it, continue with the substantive argument. I am waiting.

    You do not need to disassemble anything, at least in the device I have and based on it I wrote my opinion as the owner, but you see better, although you probably do not even know what it looks like. Does someone else's opinion hurt so badly?
    Not nice?
    No, embarrassing. It smelled like junior high.
    They say how you care, yes you have, earlier opinion, nothing stank to me, because it didn't matter, not because nothing was done.
  • #10 17669140
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #11 17669169
    ^ToM^
    Level 42  
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    Kraniec_Internetów wrote:
    Such an oven can be a great option, mainly because it can be used as a giant microwave oven.


    This is an important argument FOR! Although, there seem to be separate built-in microwaves, and they are just as large, but they are separate lumber without an oven.
    Anyway, apparently eating out of a regular oven is healthier ;)
  • #12 17669179
    teskot
    Rest in Peace
    Posts: 2969
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    An oven with a microwave option will be an impaired microwave. A microwave oven with an oven option will be a handicapped oven. There are no miracles. I used both, stayed with a hot-air microwave and grill (because of the space). What I have to do is bake cakes except for some simple biscuits and other Negroes. In an oven with microwaves it was not quick and economical to heat the dishes. Yes, in the case of cooking (baking) the process was faster, I did not notice other advantages.
  • #13 17669189
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #14 17670614
    12pawel
    Level 34  
    Posts: 2355
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    I can see that I will try to sort out a lot of answers a lot.

    I saw for the first time that such a hybrid exists only at the weekend in the store, and it interested me very much because it saves space in the kitchen, which I do not have much.
    I quickly saw only one problem that there is no rotating plate, and it may affect the uneven heating of the dishes, but thanks to you I can see that there are still a few quetias that need attention.

    1) Menu - here I actually have to go over what functions of microwaves such ovens have and how easy it is to control them.
    2) Technical problems - failures. I am not afraid here, these devices are now a lottery, whether it is together or separately, everything can break down, I do not see any mega increased risk here.
    3) And the topic that raises your most controversy - cleanliness. When I am in the store, I will take a closer look at such maintenance and what elements are exposed to "splashing, for example, fat in the microwave"
    From my point of view, until I have looked at such a hybrid yet, I do not think it was a problem. I believe that it is set up (I do not know enclosed / secured) that after using the microwave I drive in with a sponge and have the oven clean.
    I do not know why in the oven where I have hot air and other noises, I should have a protruding heater on which fat can spray directly.
    So far I had gas tubes, so I don't know, but I don't think there is such a lime in electric ovens. I will check in the store for days and let me know.
    In addition, a colleague who has been using such an oven for 5 years does not see any problems.
    tomjed wrote:
    I have had a Samsung for 5 years. We are very pleased with my wife. I don't see any difference to the usual one with a plate ...

    As for the outlook on such combines I have always been on them, I always had a scanner and a printer separately, until finally something broke in me and I became convinced of some such "inventions".
  • #15 17671120
    tomjed
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1065
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    12pawel wrote:
    maybe it will add what it looks like to maintain cleanliness.


    He will add, add ...
    As is the case with a frequently used oven ... Drama ... Generally, the wife cares about cleanliness ... But it messes up like an oven.
    And reading comments from colleagues, I feel stupid for contacting ... I did not know that you can write a doctorate on this topic ... Do you really have such problems ..? We use the oven every weekend. If I have to heat something in a week, I don't see a problem with it. I leave the appropriate tray, turn it on and heat it up ... The biggest muck and that's what you get when baking ...
    Seriously, I don't see a problem with heating a dish, or a difference to a microwave with a plate ...

    kisses
  • #16 17671131
    teskot
    Rest in Peace
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    You certainly don't have to worry about uneven heating of the food. The microwaves are reflected by the rotating antennas and the source moves, as it were, while the heated object does not. Contrary to the classic cooker, although there are also models without a rotating plate.
  • #17 17671389
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #18 17671455
    freebsd
    Level 42  
    Posts: 6790
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    misiek1111 wrote:
    For example, in Bosh you have to go through half the menu to turn on the microwave - nonsense, which makes you not want to use this device (but it looks nice and has a nice inscription. You can boast to your friends).
    It is actually massacre and it heats up unevenly :-(
  • #19 17671578
    ^ToM^
    Level 42  
    Posts: 9048
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    Rate: 2929
    We also thought about the microwave, but now, in retrospect, I do not need this device for anything. I have a solid oven with 101 functions and it takes care of everything. It heats up quickly and you can defrost, reheat, bake and grill in it. It just doesn't do ice cream :P But it's hard. You can not have everything.
  • #20 18256393
    12pawel
    Level 34  
    Posts: 2355
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    Rate: 696
    Ultimately, I chose a separate microwave and I am satisfied
    Thank you for opinion.
    best regards

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of microwave ovens with and without rotating plates. Users share their experiences with various models, highlighting that microwaves without turntables can still heat food uniformly due to advanced technology, such as rotating antennas. Some participants recommend separate devices for better reliability and performance, while others express satisfaction with hybrid models that combine microwave and oven functions. Concerns about cleanliness and maintenance of these devices are also raised, particularly regarding the difficulty of cleaning hidden heaters. Overall, the consensus leans towards the practicality of separate units for optimal performance and ease of use.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 20 minutes for a whole chicken in a combo microwave—"you can bake a whole hen… it lasts quickly." Combos save space and reheat fast, but expect trade‑offs in cleaning and ambitious baking. This FAQ helps buyers weigh flatbed/turntable and combo/separate choices. [Elektroda, cal, post #17668814]

Why it matters: Picking the right microwave setup impacts heating uniformity, speed, cleaning effort, and long‑term reliability in tight kitchens.

Quick Facts

Do flatbed microwaves (no turntable) heat food evenly?

Yes. Many use a mode stirrer or rotating antenna to distribute energy. The source effectively moves, so waves hit from changing directions. This reduces cold spots without spinning a plate. Uniformity still depends on food shape, container, and power. Stir or pause to rearrange for best results. “The source moves, as it were.” [Elektroda, teskot, post #17671131]

What’s the difference between an oven with microwave function and a microwave with oven/grill?

An oven with microwave function usually lacks a turntable because a bottom heater occupies that space. It bakes like a standard oven and adds microwaves when needed. A microwave with oven/grill keeps a turntable and adds a top heater, sometimes with convection. Choose the first for baking capacity, the second for quick reheating and grilling. [Elektroda, misiek1111, post #17668687]

Combo or two separate appliances—which is smarter?

If space allows, choose two separate appliances. A shared controller can fail and disable both functions at once. With two independent units, one can keep working if the other breaks. “I would buy two separate items.” Consider a combo only when space is tight and you accept the trade‑off. [Elektroda, ^ToM^, post #17668937]

Which brands include auto defrost by weight, and why care?

Automatic weight‑based defrost adjusts time and power for you. It improves thawing and reduces guesswork. Select units from Whirlpool, Smeg, Samsung, and Solgaz include this feature. If you defrost often, prioritize this in‑store. Manual table lookups slow daily use and add errors. [Elektroda, misiek1111, post #17668687]

Does a combo really speed up cooking?

Yes for many dishes. One owner cooked a whole chicken in about 20 minutes using microwave assist. Combos reheat casseroles fast without preheating a large oven. They are not ideal for “more ambitious” baking projects. Use a full oven for artisan breads or delicate cakes. “It lasts quickly.” [Elektroda, cal, post #17668814]

Is cleaning the grill/heater in a combo troublesome?

It can be. Some units hide the top heater behind perforated shields that collect grease you can’t easily reach. After weeks of only microwaving, turning the heater on may cause heavy smoke and smell. Use covers and wipe after each use to reduce buildup. “The upper heater is hidden behind a perforation.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17671389]

How can I reduce splatter and smells when microwaving?

Match power to the food and cover it. Excess power causes splatter and burnt odors. Use a vented cover and shorter bursts with stirring. Avoid superheating fats unattended. “If you set the microwave power correctly, nothing will splash.” Many combos also include a CRISP top heater for browning. [Elektroda, misiek1111, post #17668779]

Are built‑in combos annoying to operate as a microwave?

They can be if the interface buries microwave mode in menus. Test for a one‑button start and quick programming. Some users report too many steps to start microwaving on certain built‑ins. Clunky controls discourage everyday reheating. Favor models that make microwave access immediate. [Elektroda, misiek1111, post #17668687]

Are microwaves safe for health and home use?

Yes, when used properly. Regulators limit leakage to 5 mW/cm² measured 5 cm from the oven surface. Follow the manual and keep doors and seals clean. Microwaves heat water molecules; they do not make food radioactive. “Microwave ovens do not make food radioactive.” Use microwave‑safe containers. [FDA, 2023]

What if my plates are big and block a turntable?

Consider a larger cavity or a flatbed design. Owners use combo ovens as a “giant microwave” when a small turntable would jam. Bigger interiors let you heat one full plate instead of two rounds. Check that your dinnerware fits and rotates freely before buying. [Elektroda, Kraniec_Internetów, post #17669140]

Quick showroom test: how do I check microwave usability before buying?

Do this three‑step check:
  1. Confirm a dedicated one‑button microwave start.
  2. Find and try automatic weight defrost.
  3. Program a simple reheat without deep menus. If these take too many steps, daily use will suffer. [Elektroda, misiek1111, post #17668687]

Do some models heat unevenly?

Yes, experiences vary. One owner reported uneven heating on a specific built‑in. Always test with water or a simple meal. Stir and allow rest time to smooth temperatures. Exchange the unit if uniformity disappoints your use case. [Elektroda, freebsd, post #17671455]

Any owner reviews on plate vs no‑plate models?

One Samsung owner using a flatbed for five years reported no difference versus a plate model. They were pleased with reheating and overall performance. Results depend on model design and controls, not only the turntable. Test your typical meals before committing. [Elektroda, tomjed, post #17668493]

What did the original poster finally choose?

They selected a separate microwave instead of a combo and were satisfied. This reflects a preference for independent functions. Space, reliability, and habits drive that decision. Consider your layout and maintenance comfort before choosing. [Elektroda, 12pawel, post #18256393]
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