If you own a convection microwave oven, you may be wondering whether to leave the turntable in or take it out when cooking.
The answer depends on what you’re cooking and how you want it to cook.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of leaving the turntable in your convection oven and provide some tips for using it effectively.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, read on to learn more about this essential kitchen appliance.
Do You Leave Turntable In Convection Oven
When it comes to using a convection microwave oven, the turntable is an important component that helps to evenly distribute heat and ensure that your food cooks thoroughly.
So, do you leave the turntable in or take it out when cooking?
The answer is that it depends on what you’re cooking. If you’re cooking something that is large or bulky, such as a whole chicken or a casserole dish, you may need to remove the turntable to accommodate the size of your dish.
However, if you’re cooking something smaller, such as a pizza or a plate of cookies, leaving the turntable in can help to ensure that your food cooks evenly and thoroughly.
It’s important to note that if you do remove the turntable, you should still use a rack or some other type of support to elevate your dish and allow for proper airflow. This is especially important when using convection cooking, as it relies on hot air circulating around the food to cook it evenly.
What Is A Convection Microwave Oven?
A convection microwave oven is a versatile appliance that combines the quickness of microwaving with the browning ability of a convection oven. These ovens are capable of cooking by microwave, convection or a combination of the two. In a convection microwave oven, a fan in the rear of the microwave blows air across a heater and directs it into the oven. The turntable will turn when convection cooking with turntable models, including with convection roast. Since this heated air is constantly in motion, it creates even more browning and a higher temperature than a regular thermal oven. Convection temperatures can range from 225 – 450 degrees (check owner’s manual for specific model information).
Conventional recipes are easily converted by reducing the temperature 25-50 degrees F. The same cookware and utensils normally used when conventionally baking can be used when convection cooking in the microwave. For best baking results, use shiny, aluminum cookware. The use of foil, heat-resistant paper and plastic containers/utensils (up to temperatures of 400 degrees F) used in conventional ovens can be used in convection ovens. Before using heat-resistant paper or plastic cookware, always check the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Double wall ovens that feature a convection microwave as the upper oven will have a disclaimer imprinted on the glass microwave tray that says: “For use in microwave mode only.” If the owner’s manual indicates that the microwave glass tray should remain in place during some non-microwave cooking functions, follow the directions in the manual. The statement on the glass tray applies to other oven models with different cooking modes where the glass should not be used.
When using a convection microwave oven, it’s important to remember that the turntable should not be restricted so that it cannot rotate. You may remove the turntable when preheating the oven and when preparing food to be cooked directly on the turntable. However, if you do remove the turntable, you should still use a rack or some other type of support to elevate your dish and allow for proper airflow.
Knowing how to use a convection microwave can help make mealtime easy as you bake or roast in your microwave. You can make everything from muffins and pies to casseroles and roasts, but the process of convection microwave baking looks a little different than simply reheating. Convection microwaves typically come with a convection rack to place dishes on that allows air to circulate for even baking. Once the rack is on the turntable, selecting the convect option on your microwave walks you through the process of preheating the microwave. Then, just like an oven, you can place your food in the preheated microwave and set a timer for your bake or roast.
The Purpose Of The Turntable
The turntable in a convection microwave oven serves a crucial purpose in ensuring that your food cooks evenly. By rotating the dish, the turntable helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the food, preventing hot spots and ensuring that all parts of the dish are cooked to perfection.
In addition to helping with even cooking, the turntable also helps to prevent spills and messes. As the dish rotates, any liquids or sauces inside are less likely to spill over the sides and make a mess inside the oven.
It’s important to note that the turntable should never be restricted or prevented from rotating. Doing so can cause uneven cooking and may even damage the oven itself. Additionally, thick oven gloves should always be used when removing food or the turntable from the oven, as all parts of the oven can become extremely hot during use.
When To Leave The Turntable In
If you’re cooking something that is small or flat, such as a plate of cookies or a pizza, it’s best to leave the turntable in. This will help to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the food and that it cooks thoroughly. The turntable helps to rotate the food, so it cooks evenly on all sides.
Additionally, leaving the turntable in can also help to prevent your food from sticking to the bottom of the oven. The turntable ensures that there is enough space between your food and the bottom of the oven, which helps to prevent burning and sticking.
It’s important to note that even when leaving the turntable in, you should still use cookware that allows for proper airflow. This means using shiny aluminum cookware or microwave-safe dishes that are designed for convection cooking. Avoid using metal cookware or containers that are not designed for use in a convection oven, as they can cause damage to your oven.
When To Take The Turntable Out
If you’re unsure whether to take the turntable out or leave it in, consider the size and shape of your dish. If it’s too large to fit comfortably on the turntable, or if it’s an irregular shape that won’t rotate properly, then you’ll need to remove the turntable.
Additionally, if you’re using a metal pan or dish, you may want to remove the turntable to prevent any arcing or sparking that could occur if the metal comes into contact with the turntable.
When removing the turntable, be sure to use thick oven gloves to avoid burns, as the oven cabinet and cavity will become hot. You can remove the turntable when preheating the oven and when preparing food to be cooked directly on the turntable.
It’s important to note that if you do remove the turntable, you should not restrict the oven so that it cannot rotate. This could cause uneven cooking and potentially damage your oven.
Tips For Using The Turntable Effectively
Here are some tips for using the turntable effectively in your convection microwave oven:
1. Always make sure the turntable is in place before using the oven. The turntable helps to distribute heat evenly, and without it, your food may not cook properly.
2. If you need to remove the turntable to accommodate a larger dish, use a rack or other support to elevate your dish and allow for proper airflow. This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly.
3. When using the turntable, make sure that your dish is centered on it. This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly and that it doesn’t spill or tip over during cooking.
4. If you’re cooking something that is particularly messy or has a lot of liquid, consider placing a tray or sheet of aluminum foil underneath your dish to catch any spills or drips.
5. Always use thick oven gloves when removing the food or turntable from the oven to prevent burns.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your convection microwave oven with turntable works effectively and that your food cooks evenly and thoroughly every time.
