The heating of containerized liquid using microwave radiation is investigated numerically. The numerical model is validated with an earlier experimental study. Unlike previous studies, the turntable rotation is taken into account. The effects of turntable rotation, natural convection, power sources, and aspect ratio of container on the temperature profiles are studied. Detailed results of temperature profiles, stream functions and time evolution of flow field are presented. An attempt is made to physically explain the complex flow pattern due to the effects of rotational and gravitational forces and spatially non-uniform internal heat generation typical in microwave heating. A correlation, for the transient changes of temperature is arrived at. Current studies indicate that turntable rotation does not aid in achieving uniform heating in case of asymmetric heat source. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.