Ever have Soup Explode in the Microwave?

I was heating up a bowl of clam chowder in the micro, covered with a paper plate, like I've done more times than I can count. Suddenly it goes *POOF* popping off the plate and spewing clam chowder all over the inside of the microwave. After cleaning up the mess I heated what was left in a kettle on the stove. WTF?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

pdqsailor1 · 61-69, M

Generally lower heat settings for longer periods of time prevent super heating in localized areas causing the "explosion" you describe.. Soups with variable weight materials in them - non homogenous are the most susceptible to super heating...

BrewCityBarfly · M

@pdqsailor1 I was under the impression micros don't have a heat setting. When you go from, let's say power level 10 to power level 5, all it does is have the microwaves going half the time as on full. Thus if you set it for 60 seconds full power, it would be on constantly for the 60 seconds. Power level 5 is something like 10 seconds on, off 10 seconds, on 10 seconds, etc.

Not saying it can't prevent the situation as described by letting a hot spot "readjust" during the off period.

pdqsailor1 · 61-69, M

@BrewCityBarfly Yes it is a period of pulse thing and yes shorter pulses less frequently reduce the super heating phenomiina it is the same control system used for induction cook tops - period and duration.