Having a little debate with my Mom about microwave turntables

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Happy Monkey

A bit of movement can help prevent boiling-water-explosions as well.

Boiling water won't explode. Water that has had all the oxygen, which allows it to make bubbles (boil), usually by heating, forgetting and reheating, can be superheated. That's the stuff that can erupt when you add something, stick a spoon in it, or sometimes just moving it. Superheated water, is more like hot oil... very dangerous.

[Drax]

Originally Posted by Cloud

just do your best. I don't think you'll find an attached one, because it would be too hard to clean.

First, sorry for the sarcasm. Second, what about a replacement turntable for mine? It's a GE; part #: 3850W3W081A. I can't find one.

[monster]

Did you throw the turntable away? could you have it adapted so it's easier to put back on the track?

I imagine your mum's worried about you consuming too many microwaves if your food has hotspots, or some such. I remember when microwave ovens came out in the UK, people were convinced that if the food wasn't properly rotated, the radiation would kill them. She would be of the right age to remember all of those scares, and such things can stay at the back of your mind like superstitions.

She loves you, she's just trying to look out for you.

[monster]

A quick google shows that you can get turntable-free designs, but they are expensive and the consumer guides seem suspicious of the design -it's done to increase capacity.

http://products.howstuffworks.com/sh...ven-review.htm

Which would imply that turntables are probably needed to heat the food properly in the cheaper models.

That said, I can't see that what you are doing is dangerous, so if you're happy with the quality of the heating of the food, there shouldn't be a problem.

[Drax]

Originally Posted by monster

Did you throw the turntable away?

Yep.

Originally Posted by Montrosity

could you have it adapted so it's easier to put back on the track?

Never thought about it.

Originally Posted by Monstro

I imagine your mum's worried about you consuming too many microwaves if your food has hotspots, or some such.

Not really. Most things I heat up are only for 2 minutes. Never had a problem without the turntable. The center of the triangular in mine is circular, so it's kinda like a turntable. If I had a digital camera, I'd take a picture, and show yous guys.

Originally Posted by Monster Magnet

I remember when microwave ovens came out in the UK, people were convinced that if the food wasn't properly rotated, the radiation would kill them.

Total bullshit. I feel fine.

Originally Posted by Monster Of Marvelous Madness

She would be of the right age to remember all of those scares, and such things can stay at the back of your mind like superstitions.

I try to keep her updated. She's "with it."

Originally Posted by Monstar

She loves you, she's just trying to look out for you.

I know.

[monster]

I know it's BS, you know it's BS, she knows it's BS, but somewhere hidden at the back of her mind there may be a teeny tiny nagging whatifitsreallytruethatyoucandiefromeatingtoomanymicrowaves nugget of superstition.

That's just one of the mom superpowers.

[monster]

.

[Drax]

Originally Posted by monster

I know it's BS, you know it's BS, she knows it's BS, but somewhere hidden at the back of her mind there may be a teeny tiny nagging whatifitsreallytruethatyoucandiefromeatingtoomanymicrowaves nugget of superstition.

That's just one of the mom superpowers.

I dunno. Maybe, but I ain't askin'.

[Sundae]

I've always scrambled eggs in the microwave using the turntable (full, half and then at the very end quarter turns). It gives me an easy indication of when to stop and stir. But saying that, I've cooked plenty of food when the turntable has been off whack (ie not turning) and not noticed any difference.

I'd say if you're not using it with any real precision (just heating up) it makes no difference.