Deciding between flatbed or turntable microwave is not a simple task! The answer to this will depend on what you plan to use it for and how much you want to spend.
We’ve taken a look at the pros and cons of the flatbed designs below,that helps you to get the clear difference between flatbed or turntable microwave. Hopefully this helps you make up your mind when making your purchase.
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What Are Flatbed Microwaves?
Contents
Let’s start by taking a quick look at what flatbed microwaves are.
Flatbed microwaves are those that do not have a turntable mechanism for cooking and heating your food. Instead they have a flatbed base with microwaves fed through a rotating antenna underneath the floor of the microwave.
See More: How Do Flatbed Microwaves Work?
Which Is Better Flatbed Or Turntable Microwave?
Pros:
Increased Cooking Capacity
As the flatbed microwaves do not have turntables, there is much more cooking space available inside. The extra space also means that you can fit in dishes that would otherwise be difficult in similarly sized turntable microwaves.
More Evenly Cooked Food
An oft stated benefit of the flatbed design over and above the turntable microwaves is that they tend to cook and heat food more evenly. This is often due to the technology used for cooking. For example the excellent Panasonic NN-SN686S counter top (Built-in inverter) microwave uses Inverter Technology to cook food much more evenly than a traditional turntable. This then means you don’t have the annoying hassle of constantly reheating your food to get rid of those cold patches at the bottom of your leftover pasta bake.
Easier To Clean
This is a big one for us. As there is no awkward turntable to work around as you would get in a traditional microwave, cleaning spills and splatters inside the cavity is much easier in a flatbed machine.
Cons:
The Cost
The main drawback for the flatbed design is that because the technology is relatively new, the models tend to be more expensive than the turntable alternatives.
This should improve as more models hit the market however, it can put some people off. The advantages that you get however, in comparison to the turntable models mean it is often worth paying the price if it suits your needs and meets your budget.
Best Solo Flatbed Microwaves: #1- Russell Hobbs RHFM2363S
The Russell Hobbs RHFM2363S is our pick for the best solo flatbed microwave. It combines ultra-sleek design with lots of useful features. Above all else the flatbed design gives you lots of heating and cooking capacity.
Best Solo Flatbed Microwaves: #2 – Hotpoint Extra Space Solo Flatbed Microwave
The Hotpoint Extra Space Solo Flatbed Microwave is our 3rd choice for best flatbed solo microwave and it’s a great choice for a flatbed microwave if you need something slightly larger than the 23L offered by the Russell Hobbs RHFM2363S.
It’s rare to find products as universally highly rated by users as the Hotpoint Extra Space Solo Flatbed Microwave. It receives glowing reports across the board in terms of its performance, value for money, ease of use and style. And it’s easy to see why; it looks stunning and comes from a highly regarded brand.
Best Flatbed Solo Microwaves: #3 – Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B
With the delightfully easy Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B you get a super-easy to use microwave that’s also offers great value for money and with a flatbed design that makes it very straightforward to clean. That’s why its our number #1 pick for best flatbed solo microwave and a major difference between flatbed and turntable microwave.
Best Flatbed Combination Microwave – Panasonic NN-DS596BBPQ
The Panasonic NN-DS596BBPQ delivers a great all-round and versatile appliance that also looks brilliant. It features a microwave – oven – grill – steamer 4 in 1 combination which gives you a lot of flexibility all in the same machine.
Best Turntable Microwaves: #1 – Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Solo Microwave
The Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Solo Microwave looks like it has it all and it tons of very happy users tend to agree that it delivers. Not only does it resemble a cross between cutting-edge technology, design and luxury but it also cooks brilliantly as well according to many highly satisfied buyers. To top it all off it also offers brilliant value for money.
Best Turntable Microwaves: #2 – Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH)
Not content with making excellent TVs and laptops as well as a whole host of other well-loved appliances, Toshiba put their reliable touch on microwaves. The Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) has a lot going for it and makes it onto our list as our #3 pick for the best turntable microwave.
Best Turntable Microwaves: #3 – Daewoo KOR6M17R
By focusing on simplicity with little fuss, Daewoo have produced an absolute winner of a microwave. If you need a microwave that will cook, re-heat and defrost your food effectively, is easy to use and offers excellent value for money then look no further than the Daewoo KOR6M17R.
Best Flatbed Combination Microwave Reviews
Take a look at our full list of the best flatbed combination microwaves after knowing the difference between flatbed or turntable microwave for some more ideas on what to buy and what to look out for when making your choice.
So, these are our well-researched difference between flatbed or turntable microwave in 2023 from our experts.
Tell us what you think in the comments.