Microwave turntables are a convenient feature for cooking and heating up food quickly. But, if you’ve ever experienced a turntable that stops spinning, you know they aren’t the best at heating food evenly without it. Plus, you don’t know if it’s a sign of a bigger problem with the microwave. Before you rush to replace your microwave, it’s important to know that many problems with a turntable can be easily fixed with some basic troubleshooting.

Repair vs. Replace

First, as with any appliance repair, it is always prudent to weight the cost of a repair versus the cost of replacement. You’ll want to include the hassle and expense of disposing of the old appliance and installing a new one in your calculations. Microwaves tend to be the least expensive of the appliances, so it is often prudent to simply replace the microwave rather than seek a repair.

Quick Fixes to Try

Microwave turntable issues are worth a few minutes spent attempting to fix yourself. The most common cause of a turntable not turning is due to the plate being unseated. If your turntable isn’t spinning, it’s important to first check that the plate is properly seated. This can be done by removing the plate and checking to make sure it is aligned correctly. If the plate is not properly seated, you can simply reposition it.Another common cause of a turntable not turning is due to debris and food build-up in the turning mechanism. If you are not regularly cleaning your microwave, it’s easy for spills and other food to accumulate and eventually cause performance issues. It can also be caused by a single piece of food or packaging getting stuck on one of the wheels. To prevent this from happening, it’s a good idea to give your microwave a quick wipe frequently, especially if something has boiled over.

If you’ve noticed the microwave making jerky movements, it’s possible that the drive motor is the problem. The drive motor controls the movement of the turntable, so if it’s not functioning correctly, it can cause the turntable to make jerky movements. Unfortunately, diagnosing a failed motor can be more complicated than performing a few simple checks. If the microwave is making jerky movements, it’s time to call an experienced appliance repair technician to check the motor and other components.
If you aren’t able to solve the problem, it may be time to call an appliance repair professional to diagnose the problem and repair it quickly and efficiently.

Call a Professional

So if your microwave turntable isn’t turning, don’t panic. Many of the common causes of this problem can be easily fixed with some basic troubleshooting. However, if you’re not comfortable with basic repairs or the problem is beyond your skill level, it’s best to call in a professional. An appliance repair professional will be able to diagnose and repair the problem quickly, so you can get back to using your microwave.

For all your appliance repair needs in the Columbia, SC area, call Appliance Professional or schedule a visit online.