Boiling water is a critical process in sterilizing or preparing drinks. But can you boil water in the microwave?
Like any other gadget, a microwave can wear and break down once you break its safety usage guidelines.
To be safe, let’s find out what happens when you boil water in the microwave.
Please walk with me through this short article to make an informed, boiling decision.
Is it Safe to Boil Water in a Microwave?
Yes, it is safe to boil water in a microwave. But you must use a microwave-safe container.
What is a microwave-safe container?
Glass and ceramic containers are safe to use in the microwave. You can also microwave plastic and Styrofoam containers with a “microwave-safe” label.
One critical consideration is the quantity of water you need to boil. Microwaves can distribute heat unevenly.
So it’s better to boil small quantities of water quickly. Preferably 1-2 minute intervals.
Safety Measures to Consider When Boiling Water in a Microwave
The generation of heat in a microwave happens through electromagnetic waves that cause friction between water molecules.
That said, the electromagnetic waves in a microwave heat water in spots. Pockets of boiling water may form below a layer of cooler water if the water doesn’t heat long enough.
It’s, therefore, essential to stir the water before boiling. Using microwave-safe cups is also necessary to avoid burning and melting.
For better temperature control, use a stovetop or a thermometer because they’re more accurate.
There’s no health risk with using a microwave. You’re thus safe as long as you use a BPA-free container and avoid overheating.
4 Simple Steps For Boiling Water in a Microwave
You should be well aware of the type of material to boil water safely when planning to boil water in a microwave.
Not all kitchenware containers can go into the microwave and give you the best results. Some like plastics can melt and make your microwave miserable.
The health impacts of containers that are not microwave-safe can be fatal. Melted plastics can cause cancer, or end up burning your hand as you try to get them out of the fridge.
Learning a few hacks about the right materials to place in the microwave is a must-do kitchen safety practice.
The following easy-to-read table highlights various containers and their safety when used in the microwave.
| Material | Microwave-safe? | Details |
| Glass | Yes | |
| Ceramic | Yes | |
| Paper plates | Yes | |
| Wax/parchment paper | Yes | |
| Metals | No | Can produce sparks that can start a fire or damage the microwave |
| Brown paper bags | No | Can catch fire or exhibit toxic gasses |
| Sealed/airtight containers | No | Can burst from a build-up of hot steam |
| One-time use containers (yogurt cups) | No | Can melt, burn, or exhibit toxic fumes |
| Plastic | Not usually | Can leach hazardous chemicals into food. But FDA-certified plastic containers as “microwave-safe” are free to use. |
| Styrofoam | Not usually | The Same as plastics, styrofoam containers labeled as “microwave-safe” are microwavable. |
Having learned what material is safe to use in the microwave, you can now quickly implement the following microwave water boiling procedure.
Implement the following simple steps to safely boil water in your microwave:
- Pour the Water into a Microwave-Safe Container
To start, pour the water into a Microwave-Safe Container from the table above.
Ensure you loosen the lid before putting the container into the microwave. Boiling water from a sealed shut container increases the buildup of steam.
The consequence would be an explosion that can harm you or destroy your microwave.
- Place a clean, microwave-safe object in the water
The second step is to place a clean non-metallic object in the water. Ideal objects to place in the water include:
- A wooden spoon
- A chopstick
- A popsicle stick
Having any of these objects in the water prevents “superheating” by giving the water something to form bubbles on.
Superheating occurs in the following scenario:
- When water in the microwave heats past its boiling point and is unable to form bubbles because there are no essentially rough spots for the bubbles to form on. As soon as the water is disturbed or an essentially rough spot is introduced, the built-up superheated water forms steam very quickly, causing a small explosion of boiling water.
- A container that has a scratch or chip on the interior surface is an ideal alternative to a non-metallic object.
- Put the Water in The Microwave
It’s now time to place the water into the microwave. But heating should take short intervals of about one and a half minutes.
Observe the intervals while stirring the water until it steams up.
Despite following these steps, bubbling may not be obvious because it may happen on the stove.
Using a thermometer is the most accurate way to verify the boiling.
Note: Glass and ceramic containers hold heat well. You should use a potholder or a towel to hold them when getting them out for stirring to avoid burning yourself.
- Keep the Water Boiling to Sterilize it
You should heat the water long enough to kill microorganisms if sterilizing is your main objective.
According to The Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency, you should boil the water for at least one minute or 3 minutes at altitudes above 6,562 feet (>2000 m).
Tips to Avoid Superheating Hazards
You’re aware that superheating can cause explosions and even burning.
But there are tips to consider to avoid superheating hazards. They include:
- Don’t Heat the Water for Excessively Long Stretches.
You might be worried about the likelihood of a superheating incident after going through the advice in the above section. But you don’t have to worry because there is more you can do to keep yourself safe.
For instance, the easiest and possible safety measure to take is avoiding prolonged heating of the water. Your water can’t get superheated as long as it doesn’t reach the boiling point.
Note: The amount of time you’ll need to limit your heating sessions can vary based on the strengths of different microwaves. To be on the safe side, limit your heating to a single-minute segment.
You can adjust the time based on the hotness of your container after the initial segment.
- Avoid Extremely Smooth Containers
As much as you’re using a microwave-safe container, it is not a good idea to use an extremely smooth container.
Avoid using the following new containers:
- Pristine glass
- Ceramic bowls.
Instead of these new containers, microwave your water in an older, more worn container. Containers with visible scratches at the bottom are excellent microwave water boiling containers.
The scratched containers will easily have rough surfaces for bubbles to form.
- Carefully Tap The Side of the Container After Heating
Check for superheating by tapping the side of the container when you believe you’ve heated your water long enough to get it hot. Please use a long tool to protect your hands from burning.
Tapping the container can cause the container to burst over the top of the container and be superheated. As a result, water may spill in the microwave.
- Stir the Water With a Long Object When it’s Still in the Microwave
Are you still wondering whether the water is superheated or not? Stir it with a long rod to be sure.
Introducing an object and disturbing the water gives it nucleation sites to form bubbles.
The water will rapidly burst if it’s superheated. If it doesn’t, your water isn’t superheated.
- Keep Your Face Away from the Container Until You’re Certain You’re Safe
It is important to put your face far from the water you think may have even the slightest risk of it being superheated.
Most injuries from superheated water happen after a person removes water from the microwave and looks into the container. A sudden burst of superheated water at this point can cause serious burns on the face and even permanent vision damage in the worst scenarios.
Wrapping Up
You can boil water in a microwave for preparations of beverages or sterilizing.
But you must boil the water within short time limits to prevent the build-up of pressure that can cause an explosion.
Buy a thermometer to aid in checking the boiling temperatures. Boiling beyond the normal boiling temperatures can cause an explosion.
Using a microwave-safe container is another critical consideration to make. Purchase glass or ceramic containers.
You can also buy a plastic container with a “microwave-safe” label.