When it comes to familiar household appliances in modern homes, one cannot ignore the name of microwave ovens. This device is used to quickly heat food for users using microwave radiation, especially useful in the winter.
However, with the functionality of microwave ovens, many users wonder if the device can replace the electric kettle, or in other words, should people use microwave ovens to boil water?
There are various conflicting opinions regarding this question. Some believe that boiling water with a microwave oven is completely reasonable because the device can heat up food, rice, and soup, so boiling water is also possible, as long as the temperature and operating time of the device are adjusted properly. On the other hand, others believe that using a microwave oven to boil water is using the device for the wrong purpose, which poses potential dangers to users.
Do microwave ovens boil water? This is a concern for many people (Illustration)
So, how do experts answer the question of boiling water with a microwave oven?
Experts provide an answer
According to experts at the University of Texas – Austin, USA, boiling water with a microwave oven is completely allowed. However, it does carry risks for humans. To better understand these risks, users need to understand how microwave ovens work.
Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat food inside the device. When the user presses the start button, it usually takes only 2 seconds for the device to generate a heat stream that blows into the cooking chamber. In addition, the microwave radiation can also be absorbed by many substances, including water, resulting in friction between molecules and generating a large amount of heat.
Therefore, when boiling water with a microwave oven for too long and at a very high temperature, overheating can easily occur. When the user takes the bowl/cup of water out of the device, it might accidentally splash onto their body, causing burns. The situation can be even more dangerous if the boiling water splashes onto the face or into the eyes.
Boiling water in a microwave oven can cause the water to reach a very high temperature, which can be a burn risk for humans (Illustration)
If families want to boil water in a microwave oven, they need to remember certain precautions. This information is also confirmed by the Times Of India. “Although boiling water in a microwave oven is easy and convenient, you should take precautionary measures because hot water can be dangerous, cause burns or damage the device,” the Times Of India article mentioned.
Precautions when boiling water in a microwave oven:
The first tip for users who want to boil water in a microwave oven is the operating time. It should not be too short or too long. The University of Texas – Austin explains that typically, if at a high temperature, only 2 minutes each time is enough. When opening the device, use a thermometer to check if the water has reached the desired boiling temperature. If not, continue boiling, but only for a maximum of 2 minutes each time.
When boiling water in a microwave oven, users should also use safe cups, bottles, or containers, which can be made of safe plastics, porcelain cups, or ceramic bowls. To avoid water overheating in the microwave oven and to reduce the risk of burns, users can place a wooden spoon or stick in the cup or bowl.
Placing a wooden spoon or stick in the bowl or cup of water being boiled in the microwave oven can help control the temperature (Illustration)
Finally, when the water has finished boiling, users should carefully remove it from the microwave oven. It’s best to use a pot holder or oven mitts to handle it and avoid keeping the face close to the water’s surface.
Although boiling water with a microwave oven does not fundamentally affect the quality of the water, users should not overuse it. If it is necessary to boil a large amount of water, it is better to use an electric kettle as it will ensure safety, quickness, and efficiency.
According to Đời sống và Pháp luật
Is it Good to Use a Home Oxygen Generator? Safety Precautions to Consider
Oxygen generators are commonly used tools in healthcare facilities to aid in the treatment of illnesses. However, many households are unsure whether using an oxygen generator at home is beneficial. To find the answer, read our article on the effectiveness of using an oxygen generator at home. We also provide safety guidelines for proper usage.