Very important info when boiling water in microwave oven

March 6, 2007

Very important info when boiling water in microwave ovenA 26-year old person decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup ofwater and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he haddone numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timerfor, but he told me he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When thetimer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he lookedinto the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but instantly thewater in the cup "blew up" into his face. The cup remained intact untilhe threw it out of his hand but all the water had flown out into hisface due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and hehas 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring. Healso may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital,the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is fairly commonoccurrence and

water(alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heatedin this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse theenergy such as: a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc. It is however a muchsafer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle.General Electric's response:Thanks for contacting us. I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail thatyou received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do notalways bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually getsuperheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble upout of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or teabag is put into it. To prevent this from happening and causing injury,do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating,let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving itor adding anything into it. If you pass this on ... you could

very well save someone from a lot ofpain and suffering........Now check the attachment!!!!