Microwave platter rotation

[scott lipscomb]

So...every morning, right after I make coffee in the automatic dripper, I put my cup into the microwave for 30 seconds, because the dripper doesn't quite get the coffee hot enough, or perhaps the coffee cup sucks some heat out of it. The platter turns exactly one full rotation for every 10 seconds, and this is why I go for 30 seconds, because the heat is roughly correct, and I don't have to reach into the back of the microwave. Because of this process, I have begun to stare through the microwave door as this process unfolds...

What I have noticed, is that some days, the rotary platter in the microwave spins clockwise and other days it spends counter clockwise. That seems really weird.

Just thought I'd share.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

The microwave we have reverses direction after each heating cycle. In other words, if I heat one item it rotates CW and the next time we use it, it rotates CCW.

[mike stenson]

Everyone I've paid attention to reverses on each use.

[scott lipscomb]

Thanks Mike and Ken, you two are clearly much more perceptive than I am.

So...I looked it up. Apparently, the motor will reverse direction when it senses resistance. There is a little bit of play, built in, which allows the motor a little bit of unresisted spin to get going.

[Lee Schierer]

We have a little glass coffee pot that we use to heat water for tea in the microwave. It seems no matter what time I set, the handle ends up in the back where I have to reach around the hot pot to take it out. Our micro wave does rotate in both directions and will auto reverse if it perceives a jam.

[Bob Borzelleri]

After 19 years of use, ours has begun to howl a bit.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Friends microwave tray moves in a rectangular pattern. Never seen another that does that.

[John K Jordan]

We have a little glass coffee pot that we use to heat water for tea in the microwave. It seems no matter what time I set, the handle ends up in the back where I have to reach around the hot pot to take it out. Our micro wave does rotate in both directions and will auto reverse if it perceives a jam.

Lee, FWIW, we ditched the microwave for heating water for tea (and hot chocolate) and now use an electric kettle. We never had one but every family we visited in Italy used them daily. After our last trip we finally broke down and bought one - I hope I'll never have to go back to the microwave!

We got one similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CPK.../dp/B003KYSLNQ
Heats very fast, can optionally keep water hot for that second cup. Our family chef even uses it to preheat water when cooking pasta and such since it's faster than boiling water on the stove top.

Ok, I'm done with the morning feeding around the farm - after thinking about this I'm heading up to the house to brew a mug of Earl Grey!

JKJ

[Bernie Kopfer]

OK guys, someone has to say it, it’s time to get back to the shop!🤣

[John K Jordan]

OK guys, someone has to say it, it’s time to get back to the shop!🤣

Good call. I have a microwave oven, a toaster oven, small fridge, and of course, a hot/cold bottled water dispenser in my shop. Doesn’t everyone?

[Bernie Kopfer]

Out here in the Wild West we use something called an instant hot water dispenser. 190 degree water instantly with the turn of the tap. Great for tea, coffee, heating up stubborn screw caps and much more. Wife says she wouldn’t want to live without one. Can’t afford those fancy Italian products.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Can’t afford those fancy Italian products.

Walmart and Target carry an electric kettle for less than $20. First one we owned came from thrift store ($5.)

[Jason Roehl]

I run hot water into my coffee cup before I fill it. And we have our water heater set to “surface of the sun.”

I, too, have noticed that our microwave turntable reverses direction with each use.

[Brian Elfert]

British kettles are generally 2,800 watts so they heat water very quickly. Brits who come to the USA are disappointed at how slow our 1,500 watt kettles are.

[mike stenson]

Thanks Mike and Ken, you two are clearly much more perceptive than I am.

So...I looked it up. Apparently, the motor will reverse direction when it senses resistance. There is a little bit of play, built in, which allows the motor a little bit of unresisted spin to get going.

Mostly there were some years of having to stand in front of the microwave, and hit the food pellet button (30 second timer) while reheating food in the office. All because engineers can't handle making popcorn.