Food frequently explodes or splatters inside the microwave

Symptoms

• Eggs, potatoes, or sausages occasionally burst with a loud pop
• Splatter coats the interior walls after certain foods
• Happens with specific food types more than others
• Microwave otherwise heats and functions normally

Likely causes

• CommonSteam building up inside food with an intact skin or membraneEggs, whole potatoes, and similar foods trap steam that can build pressure until it releases suddenly.
• CommonReheating covered liquids without ventingA tightly sealed container can trap pressure that releases forcefully when opened or when it fails.
• PossibleSuperheated liquid suddenly boiling when disturbedVery smooth liquids like water can sometimes heat past their boiling point without visibly bubbling, then erupt when moved or when something is added.

What to do

1. Never microwave a whole egg in its shell, and pierce egg yolks before microwaving out of the shell to let steam escape.
2. Pierce the skin of potatoes, sausages, and similar foods several times before microwaving.
3. Use a microwave-safe cover that vents steam rather than a fully sealed lid or tightly wrapped plastic.
4. When reheating plain water or similar liquids, add something like a wooden stir stick or avoid overheating in perfectly smooth containers to reduce the small risk of superheating.
5. Let liquids sit for a moment before moving or stirring them right after microwaving.
6. This is a food-preparation issue rather than a microwave fault and doesn't need any repair or technician involvement.

When to call a pro

This is a food-safety and technique issue, not a microwave malfunction, and doesn't require a technician.

Safety