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Originally posted by Tinkleflower
My.
Cup.
Just.
Exploded.
I cannot believe this.
Originally posted by The Vagabond
Just to clarify- I am aware that rapid temperature variations can shatter a mug- that part is obvious- no argument there.
But are you guys saying that water can be hot enough to generate steam, yet not steam, and only when disturbed will suddenly release a large burst of steam into your face? I have a very hard time believing this. Somebody is going to have to clue me in on exactly how you prevent a liquid which has passed its volatile temperature from becoming gas until you touch it.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers:
This type of phenomenon occurs if water is heated in a clean cup. If foreign materials such as instant coffee or sugar are added before heating, the risk is greatly reduced. If superheating has occurred, a slight disturbance or movement such as picking up the cup, or pouring in a spoon full of instant coffee, may result in a violent eruption with the boiling water exploding out of the cup.