exactly.. :D
just don't heat it too much and nothing will happen.

there were a couple of misconceptions that occurred within this thread, so i edited my post in an attempt to have the post accurately reflect what i was trying to say. however, if you cannot tell which section of my post was edited, here is it again:

as i stated before, my friend put microwavable soup in the microwave, not pure water. (specifically campbells microwave soup if anyone was interested)

second, i already did mention the fact that this event occurring was rare, however, i felt that didn't mean that people shouldn't be informed. while rare, it is potentially hazardous, and i felt people should be informed that they need to show caution when handling liquids in the microwave.

also while this sort of event of superheating is rare to occur, people choosing to heat liquids in the microwave is not a rare occurrence. while rare, placing liquid in the microwave frequently does increase the probability of an event like this occurring, especially if certain factors are involved such as a smooth, new surface, liquid being heated for too long, etc. there are precautions you can take in regards to handling liquid and the microwave that can possibly prevent injury, or minimize even a rare event like this from occurring. however, the safest way to prevent an event like this from occurring is obviously not putting liquid in the microwave. if liquid is not put in the microwave, and an alternative source of heat is used like an oven or a stove, then there is no chance of this type of event from occurring. whether one wishes to avoid putting liquids in the microwave altogether, or given the rarity of these occurrences, feels safe and only wants to take precaution then that is up to whatever comfort level a person feel in regards to liquids and the microwave. however, while rare, this a real, and potentially harmful occurrence, especially in regards to a personal experience of mine, and i felt it extremely important to let people know that when handling liquid in the microwave, one needs to take caution and be aware of this potential danger.

Sagitar has it about right in a nutshell, I'd say. "Just don't heat it too much and nothing will happen."

I didn't have the time or the patience to read that and I doubt anyone will read this but, it's only when you touch the liquid with a metal like a fork or a spoon after it has reached a certain temp. It needs to be in the microwave for a long time not just like a min or 2.

oh i forgot to mention in the following post that i included other videos in regards to superheating:

the mythbusters story:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1_OXM4mr_i0

and another video that explores what happens with superheating:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=SC_NtH8vWSc

Do not microwave eggs and then cut it open with a knife. My mom did that when I was a baby, and apparently eggs hit the wall, my mother, my highchair, EVERYTHING. Know what's weird? Not even a little bit hit me. My mother was covered in severe burns.

Ouch.

We haven't had a microwave in our kitchen in months and months. We bought a toaster oven and replaced the microwave with that. Microwaves radiate your food. Isn't that a good enough reason not to use one?

Interesting...but I think I will stick to heating things in the microwave.
Thanks for the warning

Uhm... Alcohol, it's a TOTALLY different kind of radiation than you are thinking. There is no possible way that microwaving your food will hurt you in that sense. It's just not physically possible.

Sweet, your're going into engineering too? Always good to meet more of us!

With a good pot and a good stove, it's actually faster in a lot of cases to boil it on the stove, Naiyo. Especially if you have a gas range instead of electric.

thanks for the info alcoholic. apparently cooking eggs can be hazardous in given situations as well. i did find this news story about dangers in regards to eggs. i'll be sure to put that also in my post. and for those of you that continue to criticize the legitimacy of whether to inform people, note that the article does state that when the microwave is used correctly, it is one of the safest appliances in the kitchen (emphasis on correctly) however, in my opinion the safest way to avoid a situation like this is to not use the microwave to cook liquids at all. no liquids in the microwave means absolutely no chance this will occur. however, if people choose to continue to put liquids in the microwave, they still need to know and be aware of the correct ways to handle products, which essentially was what that whole post was about.

here's the article about harmful effects with eggs and microwaves, as well as superheating in general:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=127846&page=1

Well, if you want to be really careful, you can get rid of your microwave and your stove and any other heating apparatuses. Therefore, your problem is solved!

I never had that happen to me but then again I use a little common sense and use a towel to pick up a bowl.

They did that on MythBusters once. They made it happen; they put tap water in the microwave and dropped a sugar cube in it with a robotic arm and it completely blew up. It was a cool show, but damn, that would be an unfortunate thing to happen.

Distilled water doesn't do it, though. Distilled water will always boil.
Or was it tap water that would always boil, because of its impurities...?
I think that would make a huge difference. o.o;

Tap water always boils, it's the distilled water that is prone to superheating.

sorry, but i'd rather use a stove to cook liquid. you know, something cooked naturally. mainly it's far easier to tell when something has gone wrong with a stove then when something has gone wrong with superheating in the microwave. also, i find that whatever issues that can happen with a stove easier to deal with than water exploding in a person's face, and i have yet to hear of an instance when superheating has happened on a stove.

i also don't think that because it's a rare occurence means that it shouldn't be taken seriously, especially since it can have drastic consequences. since the microwave is a relatively safe appliance, some people don't realize there could be any possible harm, and don't take any concern when handling liquid in the microwave. if somebody is really concerned about superheating the best way to avoid a scenario of this nature is to avoid using liquid in the microwave entirely, therefore i'm not going to remove that statement. however, if people still want to use a microwave when preparing liquid they need to be aware of the proper way of handling foods and products, in order to be sure that they remain safe. when used properly, like any appliance, the microwave is one of the safest appliances you can use. however, when used improperly, it can be potentially dangerous, and people need to be aware about potential hazards in order to make an informed decision about the appliances they use. whatever you decide to do with this information is ultimately up to you.

I usually don't have problems with things blowing up in the microwave. This is good though, seeing as how I accidentally microwaved a fork once. >.>;;;
Luckily I noticed it and stopped the microwave before it exploded. The fork did start shooting out sparks though. <.<;;
I've had problems, heating liquid up for too long, and having it burn my fingers, but never anything really serious other then it making a mess on the inside of the microwave.