Microwave Plate Not Spinning? 4 Reasons Why

1. The Turntable Isn’t Mounted Properly

A frequent cause of a microwave turntable not rotating is that the plate isn’t correctly positioned on the central support. This support, often shaped like a small gear, connects to the bottom of the glass tray. If the plate was taken out for cleaning, there’s a good chance it wasn’t placed back properly.

The Solution

To fix this issue, just remove the glass tray and place it back carefully, ensuring the notches underneath align properly with the rotating mechanism below.

2. The Roller Wheels are Dirty

If the turntable hasn’t been cleaned recently, the problem might not be how it’s placed, but rather a food debris buildup. Dirt, dried spills, or stuck-on residue near the rotating parts—like the wheels or center piece—can interfere with movement and stop the plate from spinning properly.

The Solution

Take out the glass tray and give the inside of the microwave a deep clean. Focus on the wheels and the central rotating part, making sure to remove any stuck-on grime. Once everything is dry, put the components back in place and check if the rotation works properly.

3. You Turned the Function Off

Some microwaves include a setting that disables the turntable, which can come in handy when warming up bulky containers that don’t fit well while spinning. If your microwave suddenly stops rotating, it’s possible this feature was turned on—either by mistake or by someone who needed the extra space.

The Solution

Look through your microwave’s instruction guide to find out how to switch the turntable rotation on or off. Confirm that the rotation feature is currently turned on.

4. A Mechanical or Electrical Issue

If none of the earlier steps solve the problem and your microwave is getting old, the issue might be more serious, such as a worn-out motor or a malfunctioning control board. These kinds of internal faults are harder to fix and could mean it’s time for a replacement.

The Solution

It’s a good idea to reach out to a local appliance repair service to inspect the microwave and figure out what’s wrong. If it turns out the unit is outdated or replacement parts are no longer available, the SD Appliance Repair technician might suggest getting a new one instead.

When to Call a Pro

Fortunately, many of the typical causes for a microwave plate not spinning can be fixed on your own without any repair costs. However, if you’ve tried all the easy fixes and the problem persists, it’s best to contact an SD Appliance Repair professional. You may be dealing with a more complicated mechanical or electrical issue that’s unsafe to tackle by yourself.