Microwave Plate Not Spinning? 4 Reasons Why

It’s easy to take microwave functionality for granted until you go to heat up food and find that the microwave plate isn’t spinning. This could lead to unevenly cooked food, which is a nuisance, but it could also indicate a larger issue with your appliance. Let’s take a look at some reasons why your microwave plate isn’t spinning to avoid a half-baked solution.

1. The Turntable Isn’t Mounted Properly

The most common reason for a microwave plate not spinning is improper seating on the coupler. The coupler is the gear-like piece at the bottom of the microwave that fits into the bottom of your turntable. If you recently removed the plate to clean it, this is likely your problem.

The Solution

The solution here is simple: take out the plate and reinstall it, making sure to seat the coupler in the grooves on the underside of the turntable.

2. The Roller Wheels are Dirty

If you haven’t cleaned your turntable, then not only is improper mounting not the issue, but the buildup of food inside the microwave could be causing the problem. If it’s been a while since you gave your appliance a good cleaning or you can see caked-on food and spills around the roller wheels or coupler, this could be your problem.

The Solution

Remove the turntable and clean the inside of the microwave thoroughly. Pay close attention to the roller wheels and the coupler, and be sure to scrape off any caked-on debris. Reinstall everything after it dries and test it.

3. You Turned the Function Off

Most microwaves give you the option to turn the spinning function off, which can be helpful if you’re heating up large dishes that would bump against each other or the sides of your microwave. If you think someone in your home may have shut off the spinning functionality on purpose or by accident, this could be the culprit.

The Solution

Check your microwave’s user manual to see how to enable and disable the function. Make sure the spinning is enabled.

4. A Mechanical or Electrical Issue

The worst-case scenario would be either a mechanical issue, like a burnt-out motor, or an electrical issue, like a failing control panel. If none of the above solutions fix your issue or your microwave is nearing the end of its life, this is likely your problem.

The Solution

You should contact a small appliance repair company near you to come take a look at your microwave and repair the issue. If the microwave is nearing the end of its life, or if it’s an old model and replacement microwave parts are no longer available, your pro may recommend a full replacement.

When to Call a Pro

Luckily, most of the issues and all of the most common ones that cause your microwave plate not to spin have DIY solutions and won’t cost you anything in repairs. With that being said, if you try all of the simple solutions and none of them work, you should call a professional for help, as you’re likely dealing with a mechanical or electrical issue that would be challenging and dangerous to repair on your own.