Are Microwave Ovens Dangerous?

4/8 Previous Next

What is exploding water?

Have you ever seen a video of somebody taking a glass of normal looking water out of the microwave, only to have it explode violently in their hands? This exploding water phenomenon is not special effects, but a real risk associated with incorrect microwave oven use.

“Exploding water” can occur when water is heated beyond its boiling temperature, but does not actually boil (no bubbles). This is generally only possible with distilled water, but there are many cases of tap water being super heated in microwaves. When an object like a spoon or even sugar are introduced to the super heated water, it suddenly “boils” all at once, and appears to explode.
This can be very dangerous and lead to burns, so we recommend exercising caution when heating water in a microwave, and boiling water in a kettle or on the stove top instead.