Microwaves are indispensable small appliances almost everyone has. They can help you heat food, defrost meats and veggies fast, and even cook simple meals. However, if the microwave glass plate breaks, the microwave becomes useless. Without it, your appliance won’t be able to cook food properly.
If you’re on the market after a replacement microwave turntable plate, you might wonder whether they are all universal or which model to get.
Long story short, there is no such thing as a universal microwave glass turntable plate. Depending on the microwave size, you may have to use a different type of turntable. They all look similar, though, so as long as the new tray is the right size, chances are it will fit in your oven.
With this in mind, let’s find out which is the best microwave turntable plate you can get for your microwave oven.
Why do you need a turntable plate in your microwave?
Microwave glass plates serve a functional role in the microwave. In those units that come with a turntable from the factory, the magnetron – which is the device that emits microwaves – doesn’t emit the waves uniformly inside the oven’s cavity.
As the turntable rotates, it ensures that the food is heated evenly. The turning plate also prevents the formation of hot spots.
Higher-end microwaves with a turntable may have magnetrons that emit microwaves uniformly. These units don’t necessarily need a turntable. You can figure out whether your microwave oven needs one for sure or whether it’s optional by checking the control panel. If the unit has a turntable off button, you can use it without a turntable as long as the button is enabled.
Then, there are microwaves without a turntable. They don’t have a turntable ring, so even if you buy one for them, it won’t do any good because it won’t spin. However, these microwave ovens are the most advanced; they heat evenly without the need for a turntable.
Is it a necessity?
A spinning plate is a necessity if your microwave comes with one and it doesn’t have a turntable off button. In this case, you can’t turn off the carousel. Without turning it off, a regular plate or microwave dish without bushing couplers can restrict the carousel movement, breaking the microwave turntable motor.
If the microwave has a button to turn off the turntable, it doesn’t necessarily need one. However, you should remember that it might heat food better with a turntable.
Can you use a microwave without a turntable plate?
Yes. As mentioned above, you can use the microwave without a turntable plate if you can turn off the carousel or if you have a flatbed microwave. Otherwise, you can’t and will have to invest in a replacement glass plate.
Next Read: Best microwave without rotating plate (Review)
Failing to replace the turntable in a microwave designed to have one could result in broken parts or even a broken microwave oven.
These ovens have a motor shaft for the plate that would continue to turn whether there is a turntable plate in the microwave or not. Without the turntable, your microwave dish or tray could stop the mechanism from spinning properly, and this could burn the motor.
Not only would the spinning mechanism be broken, but the overload on the system could also burn the magnetron and other electrical components of your microwave.
What does a spinning glass plate do in a microwave?
The spinning plate is an essential part of most microwave ovens. Its role is to spin the food as your microwave oven is cooking it, ensuring even cooking without hotspots.
While you could technically heat food without spinning it, the cooking quality would be questionable at best (unless you have a flatbed microwave or one with a turntable-off function).
For this reason, you should buy a replacement plate as soon as possible if the original one breaks.
What should you look at before purchasing a turntable plate?
Replacement plates are easy to find, but there are a few things to keep in mind before buying:
Compatibility
Some manufacturers advertise their turntables as universal. However, there is no such thing as a universal microwave glass turntable. Some models may be compatible with more than one brand, however.
In fact, most brands use the same turntable model. The only thing to consider is the plate diameter – match it with the original one.
Capacity
The capacity and diameter go hand in hand. Once you figure out the correct diameter for your microwave oven, buy a plate of the same size.
Size
I covered the size already, but there is a thing to keep in mind – in some cases, you may be able to use a smaller diameter plate. If your microwave oven uses an unusual plate size and you can’t find the right diameter, get a smaller one.
However, you should check the position of the bushing couplers first and make sure they match the ones your microwave carousel has.
Food-grade
All microwave turntables should be made of food-grade materials, isn’t it? Well, don’t take it for granted. Check the product’s manual and make sure it’s made of microwave-safe, lead-free glass.
Once you’re at it, also check the part’s other characteristics. See if you can wash it in the dishwasher or if you can only clean it by hand.
Installation
Installing a microwave turntable plate is as easy as it gets as long as you make sure the bushing couplers fit your microwave model. Simply place the plate in the microwave, and you’re ready to go.
However, don’t assume that all microwave turntable replacements have bushing couplers. Some are glass trays that simply sit on top of the carousel. The lack of couplers increases compatibility, as you can technically use the tray with any microwave oven of the right size.
Yet, you should keep in mind that the absence of couplers also means that the plate might slide out when you’re opening the microwave door. If you don’t pay attention, you could break the new plate faster than you have broken the original one.
With this in mind, let’s check out the best microwave turntable plates on the market.
Replacement Microwave Turntable Plate
1. Impresa WB49X10097 11.25″ GE and Samsung -Compatible Microwave Glass Plate
Compatible with a Y-tape base, this 11.25-inch microwave glass turntable is designed for GE and Samsung microwaves.
Nevertheless, you can use it with any other compatible unit. The three bushing couplers fit perfectly the WB49X10097 microwave oven from GE Appliance, as well as an array of other models.
This plate is also compatible with all microwaves with an 11.25-inch microwave turntable from Samsung. It goes without saying that it could also be the perfect fit for other makes and models, including Magic Chef and Kenmore. This glass plate can also be used with larger microwave ovens with a Y-tape bushing coupler base.
2. LONGADS W10337247 12″ Microwave Plate Replacement
Do you need a larger plate and a Whirlpool microwave? The W10337247 model from LONGADS could fit the bill.
This microwave plate is compatible with 12-inch microwave ovens. It is designed for Whirlpool microwave ovens, but it is also compatible with KitchenAid, Amana, and Maytag. As you’d expect, it suits over-the-range, built-in, and countertop microwave ovens.
This microwave rotating plate resists high heat and is easy to clean. It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, either. No doubt, an excellent choice if you want a cost-friendly part to replace a broken original plate.
3. 16.5’’ Panasonic Compatible Microwave Glass Plate
If you have a family-sized microwave oven and need a bigger replacement plate, this model from Impresa Products might suit you.
This glass turntable is more expensive than other options from the brand; however, it has a larger diameter of 16.5 inches. It is compatible with large-size Panasonic ovens, but you can also use it with other brands, including Kenmore and Sears. The plate is easy to clean and maintain.
The only real downside is its expensive price tag, considering that it’s not an original replacement part.
4. Samsung Microwave Glass Cooking Tray
If you have a 12-inch microwave oven from Samsung and want an original replacement turntable, the DE7420102D could be right for you. This turntable has a diameter of 11.33 inches and is suitable for 12-inch or 11.5-inch microwaves.
The capacity is large enough for a smaller family, while the 3-coupler design ensures compatibility with a wide range of microwave ovens. Although an original Samsung part, you can also use it with similar size microwaves from other brands.
The 0.7-inch thickness provides resistance, while cleaning the turntable is a cinch. Another highlight is its price tag. This genuine Samsung turntable is affordable and a great choice for people on a budget.
5. LG 3390W1G006B Tray
Moving on with the best microwave turntable plates, the last one on our list comes from LG. It goes without saying that it’s compatible with LG microwave ovens, but you can also use it with units from other brands. It has a 16-inch diameter and no couplers for seamless compatibility.
However, it’s this lack of couplers that can also be a drawback – the plate may not sit perfectly on the carousel, and it will be easier to slide out of the oven when you open the door.
That said, if you’re not too bothered about that, this microwave glass tray is an excellent choice.
Microwave Rotating Plate Comparison Table
| Impresa Products WB49X10097 | LONGADS W10337247 | Impresa Products F06014M00AP | Samsung DE7420102D | LG 3390W1G006B | |
| Material | Glass | Glass | Glass | Glass | Glass |
| Diameter | 11.25” | 12” | 16.5” | 11.33” | 16” |
| Bushing couplers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Compatibility | GE, Samsung | Whirlpool | Panasonic | Samsung | LG |
| Dimensions | 11.25” x 11.25” x 0.7” | 12” x 12” x 0.7” | 16” x 16” x 0.7” | 11.33” x 11.33” x 0.7” | 16” x 16” x 0.7” |
Final Thoughts
Finding a replacement microwave rotating plate isn’t hard. Whether you want an original replacement or a compatible turntable, I hope this guide can help you find the right one.
