Flatbed Microwave Vs Turntable – which is better?

If you’re undecided on whether to add a microwave to your kitchen or not, this article might just help you to decide. There’s much talk about microwaves, and whether they’re healthy and cost effective. The reality is, there is an argument for using a microwave in the kitchen.

Microwave technology is such that it uses less power than a conventional oven, and is perfectly safe to use as long as it’s being used correctly. One of the main criticisms of the microwave is it produces uneven heat even with a turntable. The latest type of microwave doesn’t even have a turntable, they’re known as flatbed microwaves and they do produce an even heat across the whole dish.

What Is A Flatbed Microwave?

At first glance, the flatbed microwave looks exactly like a regular microwave, it’s not until you open the door that the difference becomes apparent. Flatbed microwaves don’t have a turntable to distribute the heat throughout the food being cooked (or heated). The rotating turntable is gone, the heat is distributed evenly through the foods via the ceramic base of the microwave which has a rotating antenna underneath it.

What Are The Pros Of A Flatbed Microwave?

The main benefits of a flatbed microwave are;

Extra Cooking Space

As there is no turntable that your food has to fit onto, the whole base of the inside of the microwave can be utilised for heating food. This allows you to use larger and different shaped dishes in the microwave.

Even Heat Distribution

One of the main marketing factors of the flatbed microwave is that they are reported to cook food more evenly than turntable microwaves. This eliminates the hassle of having to keep reheating the food to remove all of those cold pockets in the middle or bottom of your dishes.

Easy Clean Space

With no turntable to work around or remove when it’s time to clean up, the flatbed microwave is far easier to clean. No awkward spots, just a clear open space which is easy to wipe over and remove any spills or stains.

What Are The Cons Of A Flatbed Microwave?

The only real problem we can find with the flatbed microwave is the price. As the technology is new, and not as common as turntable microwaves that have been around for years, the cost tends to be quite a bit more expensive. 

The benefits as stated above, are more than worth the extra cost incurred but that of course depends on your budget. However, the cost should get better relatively quickly as more models are introduced to the market.

Great Flatbed Microwave Deals

What Are The Main Issues With Turntable Microwaves?

Standard microwaves which use a turntable have been around for many years now and many kitchens benefit from the use of microwave technology. However there have been some gripes and complaints on user forums concerning the microwave from a usability view point. Problems like;

The Turntable Getting Stuck

This is a regular complaint and one that although often easily solved is still a nuisance. We’ve all done it, placed a plate or bowl on the turntable too far to one side and then shut the door and turned the microwave on. Only to find the uneven distribution of weight has prevented the turntable from rotating, leaving our food cold in some places and too hot in others.

Hard To Clean

Due to that turntable again, any spillages are difficult to clean up unless we remove the turntable plate and circular runner (both of which will also need cleaning). 

It’s Fiddly To Reposition The Turntable Correctly

After cleaning the microwave’s interior, we have to reassemble the turntable runner, and then position the plate in exactly the correct position for use next time. Along with all of the other chores that also need doing around the kitchen.

Can Only Cook Small Amounts At A Time

Considering the overall size of the microwave, the interior space that can be used to heat food is relatively small. This is because the turntable takes up most of the space, and any food cooked has to fit on that turntable.

Damaged Turntable Plate (After Dropping)

This is a serious problem, if you actually break the turntable plate the microwave is rendered useless until you can get a replacement.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Turntable Microwaves?

Compared to a flatbed microwave, the only real benefit is the lower purchase price. Apart from that, flatbed microwaves are far better in every way; More cooking space, easier to clean, more evenly cooked food and no breakable parts (like the turntable plate).

Frequently Asked Questions