Drehteller

Drehteller is a German term describing a flat circular platform that rotates around a central axis. The exact device varies by application, but all share the core idea of a surface that turns to distribute motion, heat, or exposure more evenly.

Common uses include, among others, audio equipment, household appliances, and laboratory or industrial gear. In audio equipment, the Drehteller is the platter of a vinyl record player on which records rest and spin beneath the tonearm to produce sound. In microwave ovens, the Drehteller is the rotating glass plate inside the cavity that moves food to promote even heating. In laboratory and industrial settings, rotating plates serve to mix, agitate, or incubate samples; these are often called rotating platforms or turntables and may be motor-driven with adjustable speed, safety features, and leveling mechanisms.

The term is widely used in German manuals and product descriptions; in English, the equivalent term is typically "turntable" or "rotating platform," depending on context. The concept emphasizes a stable base with a top surface that rotates, using bearings, belts, or direct-drive systems to achieve controlled motion.

Maintenance and safety considerations include keeping the surface clean and balanced, ensuring proper leveling, and following manufacturer guidelines for lubrication, speed limits, and safety interlocks, especially in microwave or laboratory equipment.