that little plastic ring under the glass plate in your microwave (often called the roller ring, turntable support, or less commonly a “ring cover”) does more than you might think.

Below I explain what it does, what happens if you remove it, cleaning/maintenance tips, and whether you should unplug your microwave after use, with clear, practical reasons.

1. What the microwave roller ring is for

• Supports the glass turntable. The roller ring sits between the microwave floor and the glass turntable. It has small wheels (or rollers) that the glass plate rests on so the plate can rotate smoothly.

• Enables even rotation of food. Rotation helps food move through the microwave field so hotspots and cold spots are reduced — that improves heating/cooking uniformity.

• Prevents friction and chipping. The ring lifts the glass slightly off the cavity floor, preventing the glass from rubbing directly on the metal surface and from chipping or cracking.

• Allows airflow and drainage. The clearance created by the ring helps airflow under the plate and gives spilled liquids somewhere to collect (usually on the cavity floor) instead of trapping them under the glass.

• Reduces noise and stress on the drive. The rollers help the turntable motor turn the plate smoothly with less strain and noise than forcing a static plate to slide on metal.

2. What happens if you remove the ring?

• The turntable may not rotate properly. Without the ring the glass plate might sit unevenly and either not turn or turn poorly, which leads to

  uneven heating (hot and cold spots).

• Increased risk of damage. The glass may chip, crack, or scratch the microwave floor. The motor can also wear faster because it must work harder to turn a plate that’s not rolling on rollers.

• More noise and mechanical stress. The motor coupling and roller mechanism are designed to work together; removing the ring can cause noisy operation and premature mechanical failure.

• Spills become harder to clean.

  If the plate is directly on the floor, spilled food can get trapped under the plate or bake onto the cavity floor, making cleaning harder.

• Still works sometimes — but not ideal.

  Technically the microwave will still run with the ring removed (if the plate still sits flat and rotates), but performance, safety margins, and longevity suffer. Manufacturers include the ring for a reason — don’t discard it.

Bottom line: don’t remove or lose the roller ring. Replace it if it’s warped or broken.

3. Cleaning and maintenance

• Remove the ring and glass plate for cleaning regularly. Wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry. The ring can usually go in the top rack of the dishwasher (check your manual).

• Check rollers/wheels. If the rollers are cracked, sticky, or jammed, the turntable may not rotate; replace the ring.

• Replace damaged parts. If the glass is chipped or the ring warped, replace them with the correct model for your microwave — using the wrong size can cause wobble or motor strain.

4. Should you unplug your microwave after each use?

Not necessary every time, but here are the pros and cons — explained in detail so you can choose the option that fits your needs.

Reasons you don’t need to unplug after every use

• Microwaves are designed to be left plugged in. Modern microwaves are intended to stay connected to mains power and to be ready to operate on demand.

• Standby power is small. Most microwaves use a small amount of standby power (clock, electronic controls). For most households the energy saved by unplugging after every single use is minimal compared with the inconvenience.

• Frequent unplugging isn’t harmful to the microwave if done properly, but it’s not required.

Reasons you might unplug occasionally

• Energy saving. If you want to eliminate any standby power draw, unplugging (or using a switched outlet/power strip) will do that.

• Safety in storms or absence. Unplug during severe electrical storms or long absences (vacation) to protect against power surges or electrical faults.

• When cleaning or servicing. Always unplug before cleaning inside the cavity (especially if removing panels) or before any user maintenance to avoid electrical shock.

• If you smell burning or see smoke. Unplug immediately and call a professional.

Important safety note about repairs

• Do not attempt internal repairs while plugged in. Microwaves contain a high-voltage capacitor that can retain a lethal charge even after you unplug it. Only qualified technicians should open and service the internal components.

5. Practical recommendations (quick summary)

• Keep the roller ring and glass plate in place. They’re essential for safe, even cooking and to protect the appliance.

• Replace damaged rings or plates. Use original or compatible replacement parts from the manufacturer.

• Clean ring and plate regularly. Remove, wash, dry, and return — prevents buildup that may jam the rollers.

• Unplug when cleaning, during storms, or if away for long periods. Otherwise, you can leave it plugged in for everyday use.

• Never open the microwave yourself for repair unless you’re trained — dangerous high-voltage parts remain charged.