Why is it dangerous to heat water in a microwave?

The microwave is widely used in homes around the world. because it allows food to be heated in just a matter of seconds or minutes. However, not all foods or materials are suitable for heating in the microwave, for example water.

Heating said liquid in the microwave might seem like a very normal thing, however it could cause a serious accident.

In order to understand the phenomenon, it is necessary to remember that water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Therefore, when water molecules are agitated they generate energy that is transformed into heat and the faster the movement, the higher its temperature.

When the liquid is heated directly on fire inside a pot, its temperature will go from bottom to top, due to heat transfer in convection, forming the characteristic bubbles that rise to the surface and break when the water reaches its boiling point. boiling, that is, at 100°.

In such a way that when a container with water is placed in the oven, the microwaves will quickly collide on the surface of the water, agitating the molecules that will generate enough energy to heat the liquid.

Why is it dangerous to heat water in the microwave?

Heating water in a microwave is different from doing it on a conventional stove, “where the liquid is heated from the bottom up, causing the fluid to move and evaporate little by little,” says the doctor in engineering. Patricio Sorichetti to The Nation.

“In the microwave, the boiling process occurs from the top down, so the fluid remains still and does not evaporate as quickly. This requires caution when removing the glass or mug from the microwave, since the sudden movement of the liquid and its abrupt evaporation can cause the container to burst,” adds the expert.

What are the items that are not recommended to be heated in the microwave?

– Aluminum or metal containers: For Sorichetti, both the trays and the aluminum foil that usually wrap frozen foods should not be placed in the microwave because they can cause sparks and electrical problems to the point of overheating the appliance and causing it to stop. to function. Specifically, this type of material is a conductor of electricity so it does not have the ability to absorb electromagnetic waves.

– Plastic: When this material is of poor quality or is not suitable for microwaves, it could end up melted or molten and contaminate the food. “You have to be careful that it does not deform because in this state the particles could pass into the food and it is dangerous,” says Kabbache.

– Wooden utensils: This product is sensitive to heat, therefore it could be highly flammable. However, Sorichetti clarifies that it depends on the thickness and type of wood that it is made of since “not all of them are the same nor do they have the same characteristics.”

– Ceramic or porcelain elements with enamel: These types of utensils are usually coated with enamels that, if exposed to heat, in addition to melting, could generate sparks. This will not only affect the format of the element but the microwave could break down.

– Paper bags: This type of packaging, widely used to freeze food in the freezer even to store supermarket purchases, usually does not resist high temperatures very well and consequently, melts or releases chemicals that are harmful to the body.

– Polystyrene objects: These elements are usually found in supermarkets: they are the trays that come, for example, with fish, meat or fruits and vegetables. A container of these characteristics is not prepared to withstand high temperatures; If exposed to the microwave, it will release chemical additives.