Anyone ever had to make a cup of tea using a microwave?

Assuming distilled water, what exactly stops it boiling as it hits 100?

You can take liquids some distance below freezing point if there is nothing whatsoever for the material to nucleate on, but as I can't remember exactly why this is the case I can't adapt it to boiling. Anyone?
 
Aod said:
it doesn't need to be distilled water. infact, even milk with chocolate powder can become superheated if the conditions arise.
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I don't get it, that video said that water with impurities would boil normally in the microwave. So what's the difference between tap water and milk that would make it boil differently?
 
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djmc0 said:
Nice edit! :D
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Doesn't change the fact that adding a plastic spoon to super heated water afterwards will still make it boil instantly...


You can however leave a metal spoon in it while microwaving but it will get extremely hot. ;)
 
Tefal said:
Doesn't change the fact that adding a plastic spoon to super heated water afterwards will still make it boil instantly...


You can however leave a metal spoon in it while microwaving but it will get extremely hot. ;)
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Didn't say it would, I was just congratulating you on a nice edit. :D
 
MikeHunt79 said:
At work the kettle is disgusting, full of limescale.

I've asked for it to be replaced but nothing has happened since.

So, lately I've been heating mugs of water in the microwave, then putting the bag in, etc.

Has anyone else had to do this and how long do you give a 1/2pint mug of water? I find around 3 mins is a good time...
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I have very little choice but to make tea using a microwave...
alexhull24 said:
Never do it. Kettles can be had for about a fiver, seriously. Plus, heating water in the microwave can be quite dangerous if it doesn't boil properly, as the second you touch it with anything it can explode in your face.
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Not here they can't ;)
 
Can you not tell whoever deals with the petty cash that the kettle is unhygienic, you're off to buy a cheap replacement and ask that they reimburse you? Doesn't sound unreasonable to me.
 
I always make hot chocolate in the microwave with milk. Mix cocoa powder and sugar with milk and bang it in for around 2 mins. Never had it explode.
 
You're doing it wrong. 'accidentally' break the kettle and then they'll have to get a new one. This technique works with almost all workplace equipment.

As for the best method of 'accidentally' breaking a kettle, perhaps break the switch? mangle the connectors on the base? if it's plastic accidentally smash it into pieces on the floor?
 
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